We're starting to get a few of the classic early autumn migrants building up to a little bit more than a trickle now. Most abundant of them today were 51 Curlews around the coast, while four Redshanks, two Whimbrels and two Common Sandpipers were also on the Narrows. Grey Herons had increased to a total of four in Henllwyn, with three Black-headed Gulls here early in the morning.

Like this one photographed last week, all our Grey Herons today were in first-summer plumage- photo by Eliot Monteith

15 Starlings were in the North West Fields, while overhead two Sand Martins and a single Swift were noted. Meanwhile, the only sightings of note out to sea were a strong evening passage of Manx Shearwaters, at about 29 per minute from a short sample count, and seven Common Scoters passing south in the afternoon.

It's seeminly been a poor year for many passerines for productivity, but a handful more juvenile Wheatears and Rock Pipits on the South End today offered some hope. The wetness of June has undoubtedly played a part for many species (as evidenced by several Swallow broods found dead in nests in the last couple of days), as perhaps has a good year for Magpies, with 14 pairs rearing at least 22 young. If the mostly warm weather that has heralded the start of July continues, perhaps some pairs will manage a late brood to make up for their poor success so far?