Another good day to be out, with glorious weather and a decent array of birds. Most notable was another good wader day, helped by census coinciding with a very high tide. 68 Curlews was the highest count since Obs staff arrived back for the year in March, with Whimbrels also reaching an impressive ten. Nine Redshanks, seven Common Sandpipers, four Dunlins and three Ringed Plovers completed another good selection.

Offshore there was quite a lot on the move, by recent standards. Manx Shearwaters numbered 1038, with a total of 89 Common Scoters one of the highest totals of the year, compromising several flocks heading south during the morning. There were also two each of Sandwich and Arctic Tern, but the biggest crowd-pleasers were undoubtedly 12 Risso's Dolphins, nine early in the morning and three showy ones later on that delighted staff and guests alike from the Obs front garden.

An impressive 89 Swallows included a reasonable amount of movement, with a single Sand Martin heading up the West Coast late morning and a Grey Wagtail going south through the Wetlands. 17 Willow Warblers made up the numbers on land, a decent arrival, with single of Blackcap and Song Thrush trapped at the Obs, the latter particularly peculiar. A Starling on the South End was the first seen for several days too.

Little of note was to be seen amongst insects, though an Emperor Dragonfly was on Pwll Cain and an impressive eight Peacocks was the highest count of their second generation so far. A Small Dotted Buff trapped at Nant Withy was the fifth island record, but nothing so interesting could be found in the Trap at Cristin, single Garden Rose Tortrix and Rosy Minor being the highlights.

Willow Warbler feeding in the Plantation (www.mybirdblog.blogspot.co.uk)