Monday 11 July 2022

Today turned out to be one of the best birding days for the past few weeks by far! The morning had  produced ten Redshanks, a Common Sandpiper and five Swifts. A mid-morning seawatch produced prolonged views of around eight Risso's Dolphins and three Harbour Porpoises off the West Coast.

However, it was during the afternoon when the birding really started to pick up when a juvenile Marsh Harrier flew low south; this represented the first record of the year! The bird then spent the rest of the day touring the Island and was even seen whilst swimming in Cafn! The swim also produced a fly-over adult Mediterranean Gull with six Black-headed Gulls and 14 Curlews. The day ended watching the Harrier courting the Island where it flushed a Lapwing and a Kestrel! The day ended with a guest reporting a Little Egret flying through the Island, this was also new for the year!

Marsh Harrier © Ed Betteridge
Marsh Harrier © Ed Betteridge

The moth trap last night produced 35 species; however, the standout highlight was an impressive 38 Garden Tigers. Also caught was the first Shuttle-shaped Dart of the year (quite scarce on the Island), a Dark Spectacled, Dusky Brocade and a Meadow Brown Butterfly!

Just some of the 38 Garden Tigers © Ed Betteridge

Dark Spectacled © Ed Betteridge

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