Monday 20 October 2014


Despite the fresh wind, and a brief spell of rain in the morning, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day on Ynys Enlli. Once again eyes were to the sea where a reasonable passage of birds occurred along the West Coast. Just before midday the first three Sooty Shearwaters of the year were watched heading south, and by the end of the day three Balearic Shearwaters and 31 Manx Shearwaters were also seen.



The second Black-throated Diver of the year headed north into the Sound whilst Skuas were also in evidence today; a total of one Pomarine Skua, three Arctic Skuas, and three Great Skuas were logged. Some of the most numerous species heading past the island were 585 Razorbills, 352 Gannets, 359 Black-headed Gulls, and 490 Kittiwakes, along with five Mediterranean Gulls, four Common Gulls, one Puffin, and seven Common Scoters.

The highlight of the day though went to an inland find surprisingly. A brief appearance by a male Goshawk in the Lowlands was a much needed break from the sea-watching. The status of this impressive raptor has changed dramatically over the years from an annual occurrence to quite the rarity. This is the first record for the island for several years.

Other interesting sightings include a Tree Pipit that headed south over Cristin calling, four Skylarks along the West Coast, one Wheatear still on Pen Cristin, a Water Rail in Cristin Withy, one Song Thrush at Cristin, and the Ring Ouzel was found to still be present at Cristin. In addition, there were three Blackcaps, seven Chiffchaff, 14 Goldcrests76 Starlings, three Greenfinches, one Siskin, three Reed Buntingsthough there was no sign of the recent Yellow-browed Warbler. The Narrows and the South End held most of the waders with a total of 49 Oystercatchers, 32 Curlews, 12 Turnstones, one Purple Sandpiper, and one Redshank.

 
 Sooty Shearwaters
and to compare- a Manx Shearwater

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