Sunday 1 October 2017

There was limited evidence of changeover of birds on the first day of October, perhaps unsurprising given the strong wind and persistent drizzle until early afternoon. 126 Goldcrests was a noticeable increase, with three Firecrests present too. 27 Chiffchaffs and Robins were the only other migrants in any number, but a small selection of other chats and warblers was to be seen; eight Blackcaps, two Willow Warblers, six Stonechats, two Wheatears, one Song Thrush and one Spotted Flycatcher were noted. The Great Spotted Woodpecker remained in the Withies, and a Blue Tit was at Ty Nesaf. The Barn Owl also reappeared at the Plantation, with two Water Rails in the Withies and two Skylarks also present. 50 Swallows moved through overhead, and four Sparrowhawks were present on the island today.

Seawatching in the morning featured a few Skuas, but very little else. Nine Arctic and seven Great Skuas were seen, alongside 28 Common Scoters, 23 Razorbills, 22 Gannets and 451 Kittiwakes. It's a sign of how late it is that just two Manx Shearwaters were seen on the sea all day!

Around the coast a single Ruff amongst the 42 roosting Oystercatchers was the most interesting sighting. Singles of Teal and Wigeon joined the 17 Mallards on Solfach, and two Grey Herons included one heading south over Ty Pellaf. Other regular waders included an increase to 66 Curlews, plus 25 Turnstones, seven Redshanks and a single Whimbrel.

The best moth trap for some time saw the first Autumn Green Carpet of the year, amongst a small selection of typical autumnal fare like Black Rustics, Setaceous Hebrew Characters and Lunar Underwings.


Autumn Green Carpet and Black Rustic, Tom Grose

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