Monday 31 August 2015

A stunning day of clear blue skies and light northerly winds saw a nice selection of migrants present around the island, with a mix of species giving a very autumnal feel. There was a good passage of raptors over the island during the day: a minimum of four Sparrowhawks, one Buzzard and three Kestrels were recorded, along with a single Peregrine. In addition, hirundines were also on the move, comprising 61 Sand Martins, 454 Swallows and 41 House Martins.  There were some other decent passerine counts, including 81 Meadow Pipits, a Grey Wagtail, five White Wagtails, two Whinchats, 19 Stonechats, 18 Wheatears, one Grasshopper Warbler, one Sedge Warbler, four Whitethroats, one Garden Warbler, five Blackcaps, seven Chiffchaffs, 12 Willow Warblers, six Goldcrests, five Spotted Flycatchers and a Pied Flycatcher. A single Water Rail was heard calling in Cristin Withy, and a selection of waders around The Narrows included five Ringed Plovers, three Dunlins, 23 Curlews, 10 Redshanks, five Common Sandpipers and 31 Turnstones; out to sea, a single Golden Plover, two Bar-tailed Godwits, two Whimbrels flew past and a Mediterranean Gull flew past. A hirundine passage

the view over to the south end of the island, with ling and bell heather flowering in the foreground

No comments:

Post a Comment