Today started with 25mph gusts from the south-west, it was raining heavily overnight, but this had subsided by around 0700. 

The view from the North End this morning

Unfortunately, there wasn't much in the way of migrants, but a Red-throated Diver on the west coast and two Black Redstarts at the farm brightened up the morning. Solfach had seen a small influx of waders since yesterday, with the largest flock of Turnstones seen so far this year and the first small flock of Purple Sandpipers.

Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers on Solfach

Black Redstarts at the farm today

The Glaucous hybrid was once again present on Henllwyn, where Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls had also picked up in numbers. Small Starling flocks were seen around the lighthouse and the Wetlands and a Merlin was seen on the tip of the South End, a regular spot for the species. 

Merlin on the South End

Starlings in the lighthouse compound

Yet another Chough flock was seen over the mountain today, 20 individuals were counted in this flock, but it was impossible to see any colour rings. The South End pair was collecting nest material on the Narrows. 

The afternoon was spent re-meshing and adding baffles to the Heligoland trap, always a faffy job but progress is being made, plus, several Siskins had dropped into the garden during. The afternoon soon gave way to another Bardsey sunset.

Birds today: one Red-throated Diver, one Teal, one Merlin, eight Purple Sandpipers, two Snipes, one Whimbrel, seven Curlews, four Redshanks, 33 Turnstones, one Glaucous Gull, 43 Meadow Pipits, two Black Redstarts, two Chiffchaffs, two Goldcrests, 72 Starlings, two Goldfinches and three Siskins.