Bardsey Wildlife

30th January to 1st February

2012-02-01T19:33:00.000Z

Despite the overcast skies and brisk south-eastrely winds, the 30th was a much better day than the 29th. A Woodcock was flushed from the mountainside above Cristin midday, where the two Woodpigeons were also seen; two Common Scoters flew past the Narrows in the morning and a Whimbrel was present on the South-west side of the Narrows. The calm weather continued into the last day of January, and saw a few more noteworthy birds arriving. Five Common Scoters and a Red-throated Diver were seen off the Narrows in the morning; seven Teals and three Ringed Plovers were seen in Solfach, whilst inland, a Song Thrush and a Linnet were the only notable species. The 1st February saw temperatures below freezing for the majority of the night, and with the ground frozen hard, many birds struggled to find softer ground to feed. A flock of calidrid waders flew around the Narrows in the morning, and after several new birds arrived to join the flock during the day, the final number amounted to 13 Dunlins, six Knots and three Sanderlings, and the three Ringed Plovers were again in Henllwyn. Six Shelducks were seen in Henllwyn, whilst as seems to be the case on calm February days, a pair of Red-throated Divers were feeding off the west coast; two Common Scoters flew past the Narrows. Three Song Thrushes were the only noteworthy passerines around, whilst a Grey Heron flew over Pencristin in the late afternoon.

Teals

One of the Ringed Plovers bore a ring on its right leg, suggesting that it is possibly one of the breeding pairs returning to its nesting site

Dunlin (upper), Knot (middle two) and Sanderling (lower)

27th to 29th January

2012-01-29T16:29:00.000Z

The 27th was another very quiet day with a persistent North westerly keeping temperatures down. Highlights of the day included a Gannet off the coast, a Song Thrush in the wetlands and two Whimbrels in Henllwyn. The 28th was a lovely calm day, making a welcome change from the last week or so of continual windy weather. The calm weather also brought a few new birds to the island: a Woodpigeon seen in the plantation, 26 Linnets were in the North-west fields, a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel were along the mountainside, 400 Starlings and a Raven flew high over the Narrows and a Red-throated Diver was seen off the Narrows. The 29th was an extremely miserable and cold day with heavy downpours persisting throughout. Two Woodpigeons at Nant, a Little Owl heard at dawn and a Purple Sandpiper on Solfach were the most noteworthy species seen.

Shags are returning to the East in pairs

Redshanks

Meadow Pipit

24th to 26th January

2012-01-26T18:19:00.000Z

The female Sparrowhawk at Nant, a Common Gull in solfach and two Whimbrels in Henllwyn were just about as exciting as it got on the 24^th. The 25th was another dreary, quiet day: three Purple Sandpipers and 14 Black-headed Gulls were seen in Henllwyn. A Little Owl on the Abbey was the only different species seen on the 26^th- other birds around included two Common Gulls, a Song Thrush, two Gannets and a Kestrel.

Chough

Whimbrel

Shag

21st to 23rd January

2012-01-23T18:32:00.000Z

The 21^st was, on the whole, a fairly birdless day: seven Gannets passed the North end along with two Fulmars and a trickle of auks in the morning, a Kestrel was seen above Nant and two Whimbrels were in Henllwyn. The strong North-westerly wind continued to keep avian action to a minimum on the 22^nd, with very few noteworthy birds seen. Three Gannets and five Fulmars flew past the Narrows in the morning, a Ringed Plover bearing a ring arrived in Solfach, where eight Black-headed Gulls and two Common Gulls were also seen; a Snipe was seen on the South end. The 23^rd was a slightly calmer day all in all, although the Ringed Plover in Solfach was just about the only notable species seen.

Ringed Plover

three Shelducks were yet again present around the Narrows during this period

a flock of around 20 Starlings continue to feed on Solfach

18th to 20th January

2012-01-20T17:54:00.001Z

New arrivals on the 18^th included a Golden Plover that joined the Lapwing on the North End, six Teals around the Narrows and a dead Woodcock above Nant. The 19th was a breezy day with temperatures a touch on the chilly side. Six Song Thrushes in the lowlands was a reasonable increase to recently, a Kestrel hunted along the mountainside and two Whimbrels were amongst the flock of Curlews in Henllwyn. Nothing besides the Kestrel and three Song Thrushes were seen on the 20th. During this very quiet period, the three Shelducks remained around the Narrows most days.

The unfortunate Woodcock met its end by means of the female Sparrowhawk

the flock of five Teals in Henllwyn-another single bird was with the Mallards in Solfach

Stonechat

The male Pied Wagtail continues to feed amongst the Rock Pipits in Solfach

15th to 17th January

2012-01-17T18:39:00.000Z

The highlgiths of the 15^th came in the form of a Short-eared Owl above Ty Pellaf and a Stock Dove in the Plantation. A couple Gannets glided past at sea and a Snipe was seen on the mountain. The 16^th saw two Woodcocks and the same Short-eared Owl on the mountain, a Snipe in the wetlands and a Buzzard over Ty Pellaf. A Woodcock on the mountain and a Lapwing in Henllwyn were the only notable species seen on the 17^th. The three Shelducks around the Narrows were present once again during this period, as were two Song Thrushes in the lowlands and a Sparrowhawk around the gardens.

The usual flock of Starlings continue to feed on Solfach

a small flock of Meadow Pipits is seen on the mountain most days

Turnstone

Robin

12th to 14th January

2012-01-14T17:53:00.000Z

The 12th was another day with brisk winds and saw the majority of attention turned to sea, where a good movement of Guillemots was once again present. Amongst the 2600 Guillemots that passed by, three Common Scoters, an adult Mediterranean Gull and 18 Common Gulls were also noted. The 13th was a beautifully calm and mild day and was much better bird-wise. A good selection of passerines had arrived during the calm conditions: a Fieldfare, a Mistle Thrush and two Song Thrushes were around the lowlands and the Nant area, 45 Meadow Pipits was a large increase in comparison to recently, 26 Linnets flew over Ty Pellaf and 876 Starlings fed in noisy flocks around the coast. A Buzzard flew over the west side, a Jack Snipe was flushed from the Ty-Pellaf Wetlands and a female Common Scoter flew past the North End. A fresh South-easterly wind picked up on the 14^th, although there was still the odd noteworthy bird present: six Common Scoters and a Gannet were seen off the North end in the morning, a female Teal stopped off briefly in Solfach midday, a Woodcock was flushed from the mountain and two Linnets were seen at Nant. A Snipe was seen in the wetlands on the former two days, whilst the usual three Shelducks remained around the Narrows for the period and a Sparrowhawk was seen around the Nant area.

Around 25 Choughs continue to feed on the rotting kelp piles in Solfach

Song Thrush (upper) and Mistle Thrush (lower)

A few pairs of Oystercatchers split away from the wintering flock on the 13th and settled in locations around the coast

876 Starlings were seen on the 13th

Dunnock

9th to 11th January

2012-01-11T18:22:00.001Z

The 9^th was a very calm and pleasant day, although there were few birds on the island. A good number (at least in island-terms) of Red-throated Divers did, however, pass through the sound in ones and twos in the morning; a total of 12 were counted. A Song Thrush was seen in the wetlands, three Whimbrels were amongst the Curlew flock in Henllwyn and a Buzzard flew over the West Side. A Mistle Thrush at Ty Pellaf and a Snow Bunting over the Plantation were the highlights of the 10th. During an hours' seawatch off the north end on the 11th, a total of 2540 auks were logged as they flew southward in long strings of birds; the majority of these birds were Guillemots. Four Common Gulls and 32 Black-headed Gulls also flew past. Three Shelducks were again present during this period, whilst the usual Sparrowhawk hunted birds around the gardens.

Black-headed Gulls

Rock Pipits-the lower bird has a deformed upper mandible and has been present for many weeks

Flocks of Guillemots flew past the North end on the 11th

6th to 8th January

2012-01-08T18:53:00.001Z

The 6th was a changeable day weather-wise, with calm winds early on developing into stronger winds and drizzly weather in the afternoon. A Glaucous Gull was seen briefly midday as it flew west over the Narrows and continued Southward; this is only the 21st record for the island, although there have been 10 records since 2000. Other noteworthy birds on the island included a flock of 36 Ravens over Ty Pellaf, three Shelducks in Henllwyn and a single Linnet and Siskin at Ty Pellaf. After a brisk North-westerly wind picked up once again during the night of the 7th, most birds of interest were located out to sea: six Great Northern Divers, three Red-throated Divers, an adult Mediterranean Gull, 57 Black-headed Gulls, 18 Common Gulls and a Bar-tailed Godwit were the highlights. The 8^th was a much calmer day, giving a brief respite after the weeks of strong winds. Two Great Northern Divers and three Common Scoters flew through the sound in the morning, whilst 43 Starlings flew around inland. Raptors present during this period included a Merlin, a Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk, and the three Shelducks that arrived on the 6th were seen on the latter two days of the period too. Singles of Redwing, Song Thrush and Snipe were also noted around the lowlands on each day.

One of the Red-throated Divers on the 7th landed on the sea in front of the North hide

40 Fulmars were seen on the East side on the 8th

3rd to 5th January

2012-01-05T18:45:00.000Z

The 3^rd was another quiet winter’s day with gale-force westerly winds blowing throughout the day. A female Sparrowhawk in the Withies and two Song Thrushes along the track were the only notable birds seen. A Kestrel joined the usual Sparrowhawk on the 4^th, whilst only a single Song Thrush was in the wetlands. Despite the continuing onslaught of extremely strong winds from the North-west, the 5^th was a little better bird-wise. Two Great Northern Divers and a Red-throated Diver were seen off the North end of the island during a brief sea-watching session midday; two Golden Plovers flew over the North end, a single Snipe was among the rushes near the Lighthouse and three Whimbrels were seen in Henllwyn.

The strong winds built up a considerable swell

During this period, a feeding flock of around 300 Kittiwakes fed in scattered flocks around the island's coast

Whereas in December 2010, a cold spell pushed flocks and flocks of Golden Plovers onto the island, the two on the 5th were the first for 2 months

Red-throated Diver

31st December to 2nd January

2012-01-02T18:06:00.000Z

The 31st was quiet on the bird-front, although still much calmer than the last few weeks have been. Four Great Northern Divers flew past the North end in the morning, three Song Thrushes were seen in the lowlands and 46 Starlings flew around the island. 2012 started with hardly any noteworthy birds on the island: two Snipes were seen on the South End in the afternoon, 80 Starlings flew overhead and a Sparrowhawk was seen around the Nant area. Despite the brisk westerly wind, the 2^nd was a much brighter day. However, the only species worth mentioning on this day were three Fulmars on the East Side and two Song Thrushes in the wetlands.

Turnstone (upper) and Purple Sandpiper (lower)

28th to 30th December

2011-12-30T17:10:00.004Z

The 28^th was a slightly better day than of late, with a strong Westerly wind provoking a movement of seabirds out to sea. A Red-throated Diver, five Gannets, 16 Fulmars, 14 Common Gulls and three Black-headed Gulls were seen off the North End in the morning, whilst the first Jack Snipe for at least a month was seen in the wetlands. A large movement of auks on the morning of the 29^th saw well over 3000 Guillemots and a few Razorbills passing the North end in the space of an hour; a Knot, a Red-throated Diver, 12 Gannets and two Fulmars also passed by. A Mistle Thrush in the lowlands was the only species worth mentioning inland. Despite the considerable drop in the wind, the 30^th was a very wet day with few birds around. The highlights came in the form of a Siskin over Ty Pellaf and a Woodcock in Ty Nesaf garden. 78 Starlings flew overhead and three Song Thrushes were seen in the island's gardens. The Brent Goose was present for the first two days of this period, but was not seen on the 30^th; the usual female Sparrowhawk continued to harass small birds inland.

Great black-backed Gull and Gannet passing the North Hide

25th to 27th December

2011-12-27T17:13:00.000Z

This period was extremely quiet bird-wise, and on each day a persistent wind blew from the South-west. Two Gannets off the South End and a Snipe in the wetlands were just about the highlights of Christmas Day. On the 26^th, nine Common Gulls fed with over 200 Herring Gulls in Solfach at high tide; a Song Thrush was seen at Ty Pellaf and a Sparrowhawk flew over Cristin. The 27^th was yet again another very quiet day: a single Gannet, 16 Common Gulls and nine Black-headed Gulls were seen off the Narrows in the morning, two Snipes were flushed up from the wetlands, a Song Thrush was at Ty Pellaf again and 116 Starlings flew over the Donogoch fields. The Brent Goose remained on the Narrows throughout the period.

22nd to 24th December

2011-12-24T16:43:00.000Z

The highlight of the 22^nd came in the form of a Snow Bunting discovered on the seaweed in Solfach in the early afternoon. It spent the rest of the afternoon feeding along the banks and amongst the Choughs and Rock Pipits. A Lapwing was another new arrival, whilst six Song Thrushes were dotted around the lowlands and the island’s gardens. Torrential rain on the 23rd covered the island in over 15mm of rain, and so made for a rather unpleasant day. It was also very quiet bird-wise: a Snipe was flushed from the wetlands; three Song Thrushes were again seen inland. Christmas Eve was another dull and windy day, although a small passage of seabirds off the North end of the island in the afternoon included two Red-throated Divers, 14 Fulmars, four Common Scoters, seven Common Gulls and over 700 auks. The Brent Goose remained in Henllwyn for this period, and a Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk made appearances inland.

Snow Bunting

Brent Goose

19th to 21st December

2011-12-21T18:25:00.001Z

A pale-bellied Brent Goose and a Ringed Plover in Henllwyn were the highlights of what started off as an extremely miserable day on the 19th. A Goldfinch was seen near Ty Pellaf and two Song Thrushes were at either ends of the island. The 20th was a dull but calm day and was again quiet on the bird front: the Brent Goose from yesterday was seen in Henllwyn and 17 Starlings were seen inland. Three Song Thrushes, three Greenfinches and a Goldfinch in the island’s gardens were the most noteworthy arrivals on the 21^st. The Brent Goose was again in Henllwyn and a Snipe was seen in the wetlands. Two Sparrowhawks were seen on the 20th, and a Kestrel was seen on the 21st.

Brent Goose

Ringed Plover

16th to 18th December

2011-12-18T19:13:00.000Z

The 16^th was a breezy and chilly day with occasional hail storms and very few birds on the island. The highlights of the day included two Common Scoters flying past the Narrows in the morning, a Redwing and a Song Thrush in the Withies and at Nant respectively, and a Merlin in Traeth Ffynnon. The 17^th saw clear skies and a strong North-westerly wind, and was a much better day bird-wise. A brief seawatch from the North hide in the morning saw three Great Northern Divers, two Red-throated Divers, a Grey Plover and four small distant waders most likely to be Dunlin passing by. Three Teals were seen in Henllwyn in the afternoon, 21 Common Gulls were in a feeding flock off the Narrows and a Skylark was seen in the North-west fields. Fewer birds were seen on the 18^th, with the most noteworthy species including a single Great Northern Diver and Red-throated Diver passing by with 28 Common Gulls, two Snipe in the wetlands and 90 Starlings over the North end.

Teals

Good numbers of Common Gull have been seen out at sea in the last few day

Kittiwake

the usual flock of 15 Mallards were in Solfach on the 18th

13th to 15th December

2011-12-15T19:46:00.002Z

With gale-force Westerly winds on the 13^th making it very hard to stand up, let alone bird the island, it was a quiet day bird-wise. Four Gannets passed by out at sea in the morning, whilst a single Common Gull and 14 Black-headed Gulls were with a flock of Herring Gulls in Solfach. The male Blackcap was seen at Ty Nesaf with three Blue Tits and a Great Tit. A slight drop in the wind overnight on the 14^th made for a more pleasant day’s birding. Nevertheless, it was still extremely quiet: six Fulmars, a Gannet and a Common Gull flew past at sea and the Blackcap remained at Ty Nesaf. A Song Thrush at Nant was the only different species seen on the 15th. A Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk continued to hunt small prey along the mountainside and in the gardens, whilst a pair of Peregrine Falcons harassed waders and other prey around the Narrows.

The continual westerly winds on the 13th built up a considerable swell, which caught one or two of the usual Herring Gulls by surprise as they fed in the waves

Black-headed Gull

Purple Sandpipers continue to feed on the coastal rocks

Only a handful of Meadow Pipits are around the island at the moment

10th to 12th December

2011-12-12T18:54:00.000Z

The weekend started on a quiet note on 10^th, with very few notable species seen. A passage of 3700 Starlings in the early hours saw large flocks heading southward out at sea and over land; two Snipe were flushed from the wetlands and a Goldfinch flew over Traeth Ffynnon. After a bought of heavy downpours overnight, the 11th turned out to be quite a bright day with calm winds. A Great Northern Diver flew south with the usual Kittiwakes and auks in the morning, a Lesser Redpoll flew over the North end and a male Blackcap was seen at Ty Nesaf. Three Goldcrests, five Blue Tits and three Great Tits were also in the island’s gardens. A Fulmar flying South on the 12^th was literally the only notable sighting of an extremely quiet day. A single Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Merlin were again present during this period, as was a Song Thrush in the lowlands.

Three Whimbrels have been seen on and off around the island's coast over the last month or so, and look set to winter here

the Turnstone flock is up to around 48 individuals

a small Starling flock has been feeding on Solfach every day, and a single Pied Wagtail has taken up residence here too

7th to 9th December

2011-12-09T19:01:00.002Z

The 7^th was an extremely quiet day, with very little to report: two Gannets flew South with a gale-force North-westerly wind, and two Whimbrels were with the Curlew flock. A couple of birds had arrived by the 8^th, despite strong winds persisting from the West all day. A single Woodcock was seen on the mountain at dawn, and presumably the same bird was seen on the track at night; the first Ringed Plover for some time was seen in Henllwyn, a Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest at Nant were that of birds present in previous weeks, and a Redwing was seen in Traeth Ffynnon. A Fieldfare, two Song Thrushes and a Snipe were the only different species seen on the 9^th, although two Common Scoters flew past at sea with two Gannets and a Fulmar. The usual Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were seen on virtually every day of this period, and a Merlin flew over Solfach on the 9th.

Stonechat-at least three pairs have been present recently

Rock Pipit

Redshank

4th to 6th December

2011-12-06T19:03:00.001Z

The 4^th was a rather quiet day with increasingly strong North-westerly winds bringing temperatures down a notch. A Great Northern Diver, four Common Scoters and a Teal were seen out to sea during the day, whilst in the afternoon the juvenile Sabine’s Gull made a brief appearance around the Donogoch Fields. Three Fieldfares and a Redwing were also seen in the Donogoch Fields in the afternoon, and were still present on the 5th. The only other noteworthy species seen on the 5th were three Whimbrels in Henllwyn, two Chiffchaffs at Cristin and Cristin Withy and a Snipe in the wetlands. A Goldfinch at Ty Pellaf on the 6th was a new arrival, whilst a Song Thrush was seen in the Ty Nesaf pines. The usual Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were seen on the latter two days of this period.

A few of the commoner species seen in the last few days: Fieldfare (top), Purple Sandpipers (middle two) and Starling (bottom)

1st-3rd December

2011-12-03T18:14:00.001Z

December started on a high note on the 1st, with the juvenile Sabine’s Gull and the Pallas’s Warbler both back in their usual positions, and both breaking the latest records for these species. A juvenile Pomarine Skua off the narrows in the morning also broke the latest island record, whilst a Great Northern Diver and a Common Scoter also passed by. A small arrival of thrushes overnight on the 2^nd saw three Redwings and four Song Thrushes in the island’s gardens, whilst 600 Starlings passing over land was a large increase to previous days. A Snow/Lapland Bunting called once or twice above Ty Pellaf before disappearing, and the Sabine’s Gull was present on the narrows briefly in the morning. A very late Balearic Shearwater glided past the West Coast in the morning of the 3rd, setting a new latest record for this species; a Red-throated Diver and a Common Scoter also flew South. A Little Egret found in Henllwyn midday was only the third record for the year, and the bird spent most of the early afternoon stalking fish around the edge of Henllwyn. A Short-eared Owl was flushed from the wetlands near Ty Pellaf and a Barn Owl was seen near Ty Pellaf during the night. The only raptors seen during this period were a Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk and a Merlin; a Chiffchaff and a Blackcap were seen at Nant on the 1st and 2nd respectively.

The Pallas's Warbler was trapped and ringed at Cristin on the 1st

Little Egret

Redwing

2011-11-30T18:03:00.000Z

Another blustery day with frequent torrential downpours saw the main focus of the day settling on the juvenile Sabine's Gull. After flying past the narrows in the morning, the bird landed on the Narrows, where is it was present for the majority of the day. In the early afternoon, it was trapped in Henllwyn and ringed. This represents the third Sabine's Gull to ever have been ringed in the UK, and one of the two previous records was of an adult on here in October 2004!

On the rest of the bird front, three Gannets flew by out at sea, a Kestrel was seen above Ty Pellaf and a Goldcrest sought shelter in the plantation.

Sabine's Gull

2011-11-29T16:24:00.003Z

The morning started very windy and wet and whilst on the phone Steve saw a striped gem from his office window! (see below). Ben went off to the Narrows and came across then next good bird in the form of this smart ocean-loving gull.

Pallas's Warbler and Sabines Gull - both breaking the latest records for the island

27-28th November

2011-11-28T18:30:00.001Z

With gale-force North-westerlies persisting throughout the morning on the 27th, most attention was turned out to sea. An excellent array of species was seen during the day: six Great-northern Divers, three Red-throated Divers, two 'diver sp.', three Common Scoters, two adult Pomarine Skuas, a Great Skua and an adult Mediterranean Gull were recorded. Commoner species included four Fulmars, two Manx Shearwaters, 13 Gannets and 2539 Razorbills. On the 28th, the strong winds had swung around to the South, and saw fewer birds on the island. A Red-throated Diver, three Brent Geese, eight Common Scoters and a Great Skua were the most noteworthy sightings passing by at sea in the morning, whilst a Snipe was seen in the Wetlands.

Great-northern Diver (upper) and Red-throated Diver (lower)

Purple Sandpiper

2011-11-26T17:19:00.000Z

Continuing the quiet and windy spell experienced recently, the most notable sightings of the day were two Great Skuas heading West into a gale-force South-westerly wind, along with six Gannets, eight Fulmars and a Manx Shearwater. A Snipe was seen near Ty-Pellaf Withy, and the two Brent Geese were on the narrows.

Kittiwake

2011-11-25T16:53:00.001Z

Nothing of any consequence whatsoever was seen during another blustery day. Six Fulmars and seven Gannets passed by at sea in the morning, the two Brent Geese were on the Narrows, and a couple of Common Gulls and Black-headed Gulls fed in Solfach at high tide. A Snipe and a Sparrowhawk were seen in the wetlands, whilst 14 Blackbirds, a Chiffchaff, five Goldcrests and two Goldifinches were in the island’s gardens,

2011-11-24T19:06:00.001Z

A Great Skua flying south past the Narrows in the morning provided the majority of the excitement on what was otherwise another dull day. Inland, a Song Thrush, 11 Blackbirds, a Blackcap and three Goldcrests sheltered away from the gale-force wind, whilst the two Brent Geese were again on the Narrows.

2011-11-23T18:36:00.001Z

On a day of overcast skies and an increasingly strong South-westerly wind, very little of any consequence was seen. In the early morning, four Common Scoters flew past with a trickle of Kittiwakes, Black-headed Gulls and Razorbills, the two Brent Geese were in their usual position on the Narrows, and three Woodcocks were flushed along the mountainside. 12 Blackbirds, a Song Thrush, a Redwing, a Blackcap, a Chiffchaff and a couple of Goldfinches were the only passerines worth mentioning inland.

2011-11-22T19:36:00.001Z

During a night of torrential rain, a small attraction at the Lighthouse included a Storm Petrel, this time alive, eight Snipe (one of which was trapped), a Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl, 12 Redwings, three Blackbirds and three Song Thrushes.

After the sun had risen in the morning, a fresh northerly wind brought a few oddities past at sea, the best of which was a juvenile Sabine’s Gull in amongst a flock of Kittiwakes and Black-headed Gulls. This far exceeds the former latest record on the island, which was on 8th November 1996. A juvenile Little Gull was also among this flock, and a Great-northern Diver and two Common Scoters flew by. A Snow Bunting spent most of the day on the narrows, a Woodcock was seen in the wetlands, and two Siskins, five Goldfinches, four Linnets and two Brambling flew overhead with 45 Chaffinches.

Two Scarce Umbers were also attracted to the Lighthouse during the night, and are the first records of this species for the island.

The downpours during the night created several large pools on the narrows, and species such as Rock Pipits (top) and Starlings (middle) made use of them. The Brent Geese (bottom) also fed along the edges of the pools.

2011-11-21T18:48:00.002Z

A Storm Petrel was fatally attracted to the Lighthouse during some rainy conditions in the night, along with a couple of Redwings and Blackbirds. A Snow Bunting flew over the South end in the morning, a Short-eared Owl was seen on the North end, the male Bullfinch was again at Cristin and a Little Owl made an appearance at Ty Capel. A scattering of thrushes, warblers and finches from the last few days included 15 Blackbirds, three Redwings, three Song Thrushes, a Blackcap, three Chiffchaffs, three Goldcrests, 1100 Starlings, 35 Chaffinches, two Greenfinches, 25 Goldfinches, 12 Linnets and a Lesser Redpoll.

At least three Blue Tits continue to frequent the island's gardens

2011-11-20T18:24:00.000Z

In contrast to yesterday, very few birds were seen on a dull and chilly day. A Short-eared Owl and a Black Redstart were seen around the coast, whilst a decent movement of finches inland amounted to: 55 Chaffinches, two Bramblings, two Siskins, 31 Goldfinches, 74 Linnets, a Lesser Redpoll and the same male Bullfinch. 22 Blackbirds, four Song Thrushes, nine Redwings and three Chiffchaffs were in the island's gardens, whilst the usual pair of Brent Geese and a Lapwing were joined by a Dunlin on the narrows.

2011-11-19T17:01:00.000Z

A day of warm temperatures, brisk South-easterly winds and clear blue skies saw many more noteworthy birds on and off the island. The first Little Auk since November 2009 was seen briefly off the north end in the morning, along with an Great Skua, a Great Northern Diver, an adult Little Gull, seven Common Scoters and a handful of Gannets and Fulmars. A Snow Bunting was seen on the South end early on, a Short-eared Owl flushed off the track, and the usual scattering of passerines around the island included 15 Meadow Pipits, 17 Blackbirds, a Redwing, two Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, four Goldcrests, 1280 Starlings, 34 Chaffinches, 10 Goldfinches, 28 Linnets and a male Bullfinch at Cristin. A Shelduck flew along the West Side in the morning, the Brent Geese remained on the narrows and a male Sparrowhawk was trapped at Cristin, adding another species to the year ringing list.

Stonechat

Brent Goose

2011-11-18T18:09:00.001Z

A probable Water Pipit and an adult Little Gull on the Narrows were the most notable sightings of another blustery and showery day. A Woodcock and a Snipe were seen in the Wetlands, whilst a Redwing, a Blackcap, a Chiffchaff and two Goldcrests, 29 Chaffinches and a Goldfinch sheltered away from the wind in the gardens and withies. The usual suspects around the narrows included the Lapwing and two Brent Geese.

2011-11-17T18:04:00.001Z

A Common Goldeneye (26^thisland record) was seen off the Narrows early morning as it battled southward into a gale force South-westerly wind. Apart from this, very little else was seen on the bird front: the male Bullfinch was seen at Cristin, a couple of Blackcaps remained from earlier in the week, the two Brent Geese remained on the narrows and two Common Scoters flew past at sea.
In other news, a Satellite moth was trapped at Cristin overnight. This is the second record for the island, the first was caught earlier this year in March.

2011-11-16T19:06:00.001Z

Today was, all in all, a fairly uneventful day, with moderate Easterlies and a dark, overcast sky. A Short-eared Owl was flushed from the trackside, three Woodcocks were seen in the island’s gardens, and two Snipe and a Water Rail were seen in the Wetlands. Numbers of passerines inland remained much the same as in previous days, with totals today amounting to: two Skylarks, 10 Meadow Pipits, 46 Blackbirds, two Song Thrushes, three Redwings, three Blackcaps, two Chiffchaffs, eight Goldcrests, three Blue Tits, three Great Tits, 900 Starlings, 48 Chaffinches, four Goldfinches, 22 Linnets, two Lesser Redpolls and a Bullfinch. The two Brent Geese remained on the narrows with three Lapwings, and a Mediterranean Gull flew past at sea.

2011-11-15T18:23:00.001Z

Despite a gloriously calm and clear day, there were very few new arrivals on the island. A male Black Redstart and Bullfinch at Cristin were the most noteworthy migrants seen, although a Fieldfare flew past at sea and 34 Chaffinches, four Greenfinches, 36 Goldfinches and five Lesser Redpolls flew overhead. The two Brent Geese were still on the Narrows with a single Lapwing, three Snipe and two Woodcocks were seen in the Wetlands and at Cristin and a lone Jackdaw visited the Plantation. The only birds of any consequence out to sea were three Common Scoters and a Mediterranean Gull.

Chiffchaff and Starling. 3600 of the latter passed over the island during the morning

2011-11-14T19:17:00.000Z

Despite a slight movement of finches and seabirds during the morning, there was very little to report today. Two Greylag Geese flew over the Narrows in the morning, which is surprisingly the first autumn record; the two Brent Geese and a Lapwing remained on the narrows and a Mediterranean Gull flew past at sea with two Manx Shearwaters. 4300 Starlings, 67 Chaffinhces, three Greenfinches, two Siskins, two Goldfinches, 10 Linnets and two Lesser Redpolls flew overhead during the course of the day, whilst three Sparrowhawks circled above Nant in the morning.

2011-11-13T18:34:00.000Z

The most noteworthy sightings of another bright day with gusty easterlies include three Whooper Swans over the narrows, a Great Skua, a Teal and a Red-breasted Merganser out at sea, a Woodcock at Cristin and a late Ring Ouzel above Nant. A total of 3200 Starlings swept over the island in flocks, whilst thrushes in the island's gardens and withies included 30 Blackbirds, a Fieldfare, five Song Thrushes, four Redwings and a Mistle Thrush.

2011-11-12T18:15:00.001Z

Despite the calm winds and clear blue skies, it was an extremely uneventful day on the whole. Three Mediterranean Gulls and 28 Common Gulls were among a feeding flock gulls in Solfach in the morning, whilst the two dark-bellied Brent Geese remained on the Narrows. A Garden Warbler in Ty Pellaf garden was two Blackcaps and three Chiffchaffs were in the island’s gardens; 39 Chaffinches, two Greenfinches, 10 Goldfinches, three Linnets and two Lesser Redpolls flew around the island.

Mediterranean Gull

Garden Warbler-the latest ever record for the island was on the 21st of November in 1969

2011-11-11T18:00:00.001Z

A juvenile Glaucous Gull (new for the year) was seen flying over the Narrows in the morning, although there was very few other birds around on an otherwise wet and windy day. A Woodcock and a Short-eared Owl were seen in the coastal bracken and gorse, whilst four Lapwings and the two Brent Geese were seen on the narrows. A slight rise in thrush-numbers saw 33 Blackbirds, a Fieldfare and 19 Redwings scattered around, whilst six Snipe were flushed from the wetlands.

Brent Goose

2011-11-10T19:41:00.002Z

After a considerable drop in the wind overnight, the clouds blew away early on and the day turned out to be a very pleasant one. Four Mediterranean Gulls and 29 Common Scoters passed by out to sea with over a thousand Razorbills and hundreds of Black-headed Gulls and Kittiwakes in the morning. Two dark-bellied Brent Geese remained on the Narrows, and a Lapwing and a Short-eared Owl were seen on the South end; a Snipe and two Water Rails were in the Withies and wetlands and two Woodcocks were on the mountain. Four Lapland Buntings were the most noteworthy passerines around, although a small passage of finches, pipits and Skylarks overhead amounted to seven Skylarks, 68 Meadow Pipits, 50 Chaffinches, two Greenfinches, 17 Goldfinches, eight Linnets and two Lesser Redpolls.

The most frustrating bird of the day went to a small, Dunlin-sized wader that was scared off Pwll Cain by a female Sparrowhawk late in the afternoon; after this it flew rapidly along the West side, before circling the North end a few times and then disappearing. As it flew away, it called continually with a fluty ‘tsreet’. The bird looked to be grey-brown in colour and had a whitish wing bar, although any other features were hard to see as it flew against a dull sky.

2011-11-09T18:26:00.002Z

Despite the heavy showers and strong south-easterly winds that buffeted the island throughout the day, one or two oddities found there way to the island. Six Pink-footed Geese (only the sixth record for the island) flying East over Nant in the afternoon were the highlights of the day, although other notable sightings included five Pomarine Skuas and three Mediterranean Gulls off the narrows in the morning, the five Brent Geese, four Woodcocks and a Mistle Thrush. Two Snipe were flushed from the wetlands, whilst residue from previous days included two Song Thrushes, a Fieldfare, a Blackcap, four Chiffchaffs, five Goldcrests, 34 Chaffinches, four Goldfinches and a Lesser Redpoll.

2011-11-08T19:35:00.002Z

Five Brent Geese, a Pomarine Skua, three Short-eared Owls and nine Woodcocks were the highlights of a rather dull, overcast day. Fewer thrushes were present in comparison to yesterday, with counts including 26 Blackbirds, seven Fieldfares, six Song Thrushes and eight Redwings. A Jack Snipe and two Snipe were seen in the wetlands during the day, whilst two Lapwings and a Merlin were around the coast; two Blackcaps and six Chiffchaffs were in the island's gardens.

Brent Goose

Lapwing

2011-11-07T18:55:00.003Z

Very few passerines passed overhead during the morning, although flocks of Fieldfares heading North in the late afternoon amounted to 235 birds: the highest day-count of the year. 81 Blackbirds, 12 Song Thrushes, 34 Redwings and a Mistle Thrush fed in the fields and gardens, whilst visible migration comprised of 15 Skylarks, 26 Meadow Pipits, 1600 Starlings, 81 Chaffinches, two Bramblings, nine Greenfinches, 24 Goldfinches and 21 Linnets. A Sparrowhawk, four Buzzards and a Merlin were the only raptors seen, whilst three Snipe, a Woodcock and four Water Rails were seen in the wetlands and six Lapwings flew along the West coast. A Great Skua, two Mediterranean Gulls, a Teal and 12 Common Scoters passed by at sea in the morning, and a dark-bellied Brent Goose was seen in Solfach.

Greenfinch and Blackbird

2011-11-06T20:31:00.002Z

With the calm spell of weather continuing, the skies were once again clear, and the winds were calm from the North-east. Plenty of passerines arrived and passed overhead during the day, the most notable species from visible migration including a Tree Pipit, a Rook, a Brambling, two Bullfinches and a Lapland Bunting; a late Wheatear on the South end was also a new arrival. Thrushes were present in greater numbers than previous days too: 50 Blackbirds, four Song Thrushes, 17 Redwings, four Mistle Thrushes and three Fieldfares were recorded. A Short-eared Owl, a Woodcock and three Snipe were seen at various locations, two Water Rails were seen in the Withies and a Black Redstart was on the South end. Five Lapwings over the Narrows were the most noteworthy waders present, whilst seven Mediterranean Gulls passed by with the usual stream of Black-headed Gulls and Kittiwakes.

2011-11-05T19:44:00.003Z

Another beautiful day saw slightly fewer migrants flying overhead, although a good scattering of scarcities was recorded. Highlights from the day included a smart male Hen Harrier (second for the year), a Stock Dove, a Short-eared Owl, a Black Redstart, two Mistle Thrushes, the Red-breasted Flycatcher, two House Sparrows, two Bullfinches, a Lapland Bunting and a Snow Bunting. 21 Mediterranean Gulls and five Common Scoters passed by at sea with over five hundred each of Black-headed Gulls and Kittiwakes in the morning, whilst a Lapwing and a Knot were seen around the Narrows. A slight passage of corvids in the morning comprised of 247 Jackdaws, a Rook, 13 Carrion Crows, a Hooded Crow and 34 Ravens.

Black Redstart

2011-11-04T18:37:00.002Z

The first Red-breasted Flycatcher since Spring 2007 was discovered at the Plantation mid-morning, and shortly after being found was trapped and ringed; the bird then remained in the Plantation for the rest of the day.

Things livened up a bit on the rest of the bird front too: a Lapland Bunting flew over Cafn, a Short-eared Owl was seen on the mountain, three Bullfinches were seen at Nant, five Reed Buntings were in the wetlands and a Mediterranean Gull flew past the narrows with 15 Common Scoters. Three Willow Warblers in Plas Withy and at Cristin are only a day earlier than the latest ever departure date; other warblers present included three Blackcaps, three Chiffchaffs and 14 Goldcrests. Three Water Rails were calling in the withies, whilst thrush and finch-counts amounted to: 32 Blackbirds, six Song Thrushes, three Redwings, 90 Chaffinches, a Brambling, 13 Greenfinches, three Siskins, 17 Goldfinches, 45 Linnets and 14 Lesser Redpolls.

Red-breasted Flycatcher- a new species for the year

2011-11-03T19:54:00.001Z

A Black Redstart, two Woodcocks, a Snipe and a Water Rail in Cristin Withy were the highlights, if they can be called such, of another blustery and showery day. A total of 4500 Starlings passed over the island throughout the day, whilst the odd migrant sheltering from the wind further inland included a Fieldfare, four Song Thrushes, seven Blackcaps, six Chiffchaffs, 13 Goldcrests, 64 Chaffinches, a Siskin, two Goldfinches and a Reed Bunting.

2011-11-02T17:53:00.002Z

After the calm winds yesterday, it was back to gale force South-easterly winds today, making it difficult to find any migrants at all. Two Black Redstarts, one at the Lighthouse and another at the Abbey, were the most noteworthy birds around, whilst an impressive 3540 Starlings flew over the island in the morning. The only passerine-migrants inland were those from previous days seekig shelter in dense vegetation: seven Blackbirds, four Song Thrushes, a Redwing, two Blackcaps, two Chiffchaffs, five Goldcrests, two Blue Tits, two Great Tits and 34 Chaffinches were recorded.

2011-11-01T20:11:00.002Z

November started on a good note today, with dawn breaking to clear skies and calm winds, ideal conditions for visible migration. The Pallas's Warbler remained for its third day at Ty Pellaf, and was trapped midday, adding another species to the year's ringing list. A Hooded Crow joined a Rook and 14 Carrion Crows in the North West Fields, whilst passerine-migrant counts from a mornings passage amounted to: 59 Skylarks, 34 Meadow Pipits, 2800 Starlings, 220 Chaffinches, seven Bramblings, 57 Greenfinches, two Siskins, eight Goldfnches, 33 Linnets, seven Lesser Redpolls, a Bullfinch and three Reed Buntings. A male House Sparrow stopped off at Ty Pellaf briefly mid morning, whilst seven Chiffchaffs, six Blackcaps, three Blue Tits and three Great Tits were elsewhere in the island's gardens; 11 Blackbirds, 13 Song Thrushes, a Fieldfare and nine Redwings fed in the fields. A Manx Shearwater, 12 Common Scoters and a Great Skua were the only noteworthy species seen at sea, whilst two Water Rails were again in Cristin Withy.

Pallas's Warbler

Chiffchaff

2011-10-31T18:21:00.001Z

Very few birds were yet again present on another windy, overcast day. The Pallas’s Warbler was again seen in Ty Pellaf garden, feeding in the lee of bushes and walls. Two Wigeons and six Common Scoters flew by at sea, whilst a Water Rail was in Cristin Withy. Three Song Thrushes and 25 Redwings joined a Bullfinch and a Blackcap and five Chiffchaffs in the island’s gardens and withies.

2011-10-30T15:58:00.002Z

A Pallas's Warbler in Ty Pellaf garden mid-morning brightened up a rather dull day immensely. In contrast to the bird at Nant on Wednesday, this bird showed extremely well as it fed almost hyper-actively around the apple trees for most of the day.
Very few birds were seen elsewhere: a Pomarine Skua and five Mediterranean Gulls were seen at sea during the morning, whilst a few passerines passing through included five Skylarks, 25 Meadow Pipits, two Song Thrushes, two Redwings, two Blackcaps, six Chiffchaffs, 50 Chaffinches, two Siskins, 11 Goldfinches, two Lesser Redpolls and a Bullfinch.

2011-10-29T19:11:00.000+01:00

An extremely wet and windy day saw a very small selection of noteworthy birds around. Three Pomarine Skuas, an Arctic Skua, two Common Scoters and a Golden Plover headed South out to sea in the morning, whilst four Mediterranean Gulls and a juvenile Little Gull fed closer in with the usual gull flock. A Merlin, a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel hunted prey inland.

Mediterranean Gull

2011-10-28T19:42:00.001+01:00

The most noteworthy birds seen during another cold, crisp autumnal day included two Snow Buntings and a Jack Snipe on the mountain, two Bullfinches in the island's gardens, a Ring Ouzel near Cristin, the first House Sparrow of the autumn at Ty Pellaf, and a Crossbill overhead. A Water Rail was heard in Cristin Withy in the morning, whilst a Little Owl was seen in the Ty Pellaf fields and the usual selection of raptors included a Merlin, a Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk and two Peregrine Falcons.

Two Arctic Skuas were seen in a flock of gulls off the south tip, and two Mediterranean Gulls passed the coast with a stream of Kittiwakes and Black-headed Gulls.

The first Bullfinch to be trapped and ringed this year was caught yesterday

House Sparrow-quite a scarce species on Bardsey

Reed Buntings also flew overhead with the flocks of finches

2011-10-27T19:19:00.000+01:00

Despite a large drop in the South-easterly wind, there were not as many migrants around as yesterday. A Lapland Bunting, four Bullfinches and two Bramblings were the most notable species passing through, whilst two Sabine's Gulls, five Mediterranean Gulls and an Arctic Tern were seen off the North end of the island in a feeding flock midday.

2011-10-26T19:41:00.006+01:00

In the dwindling light of late afternoon, a stunning Pallas's Warbler was discovered in Ty Capel garden. Despite the heavy downpours that frequently passed over, the bird fed happily in the bracken on the hillside above Nant Withy, often hovering by leaves to reveal its small, square lemon-coloured rump.

With clear skies present in between heavy showers for most of the morning, there was a good passage of migrants overhead, the highlights of which were two Snow Buntings over the South end, and a Mistle Thrush by Ty Nesaf; other passerine-migrants on the island included 47 Skylarks, 16 Swallows, 32 Meadow Pipits, a Grey Wagtail, a Wheatear, 15 Blackbirds, five Song Thrushes, five Redwings, two Blackcaps, 10 Chiffchaffs, 20 Goldcrests, 860 Starlings, 134 Chaffinches, a Brambling, seven Greenfinches, 23 Greenfinches, two Lesser Redpolls and a Reed Bunting. Three Short-eared Owls were seen on the South end and above Nant, and a Woodcock was also seen above Nant.

A Great Northern Diver, two Pomarine Skuas, two Arctic Skuas, four Great Skuas and two Golden Plovers were the highlights of sea passage, whilst eight Mediterranean Gulls and an Arctic Tern fed in Solfach with the usual gulls.

Pallas's Warbler

A Great Skua (top) harassed a few of the gulls in Solfach on its way South, and six Mediterranean Gulls (bottom) were feeding among the Black-headed Gulls.

2011-10-25T18:18:00.002+01:00

A Spoonbill flew in over Pen Cristin this morning, and after briefly settling with a few gulls on the Narrows, took off and headed back East towards the mainland. This rather unexpected addition to the year list is only the second for the island, with the last island record being almost 60 years ago in 1953.

A great improvement in the weather also saw many more migrants gracing the island's shores. Most notably, the first Long-eared Owl of the year was seen at Nant midday, and a Wigeon flew past the Narrows along with an adult Arctic Skua, a Great Skua, 10 Golden Plovers and two Lapwings. Two Short-eared Owls and two Woodcocks were also seen in the burnt gorse above Nant, whilst a few of the passerine-migrants on the island included two Skyalrks, 42 Meadow Pipits, a Grey Wagtail, three Fieldfares, nine Song Thrushes, 18 Redwings, three Blackcaps, nine Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, 18 Goldcrests, 450 Starlings, 57 Chaffinches, 35 Greenfinches, 24 Goldfinches, six Lesser Redpolls and a Reed Bunting.

Spoonbill

Willow Warbler

Fieldfare

2011-10-24T17:50:00.000+01:00

A Woodock on the mountainside above Ty Pellaf and a Brambling among a flock of 78 Chaffinches on Pencristin were the most noteworthy species seen on another wet and windy day. Singles of Whimbrel and Dunlin were feeding with the Turnstones in Solfach, whilst a flock of 1000 Starlings swept over the island in the morning.

2011-10-23T17:28:00.000+01:00

In extremely wet conditions, and with a breezy south-easterly wind continuing, a Storm Petrel trapped and ringed at the Lighthouse during the light, the adult Arctic Skua in Henllwyn and a Water Rail in Ty Pellaf withy were the most notable species seen. 27 Goldcrests and five Chiffchaffs remained among the vegetation, whilst a Wheatear and five Song Thrushes sheltered from the rain; passerine-migrants overhead included six Meadow Pipits, 13 Redwings, 28 Starlings and 217 Chaffinches.

Arctic Skua

2011-10-22T17:31:00.001+01:00

Yet another quiet day was brightened slightly by a very approachable adult Arctic Skua in Henllwyn in the afternoon. The first Black Redstart of the autumn was seen above Nant, where a Short-eared Owl was also flushed from the bracken.

Arctic Skua

2011-10-21T20:11:00.000+01:00

A rather miserable and extremely quiet day saw very few notable birds around. A Black Guillemot off the North end of the island in the afternoon by far the most interesting bird seen; a Mediterranean Gull, five Common Gulls and 'Commic' Terns were also seen at sea. A single Swallow headed South in the morning, whilst a Redwing was seen in the Ty Nesaf pines and 15 Goldcrests were in the island's gardens.

2011-10-20T18:54:00.001+01:00

A reasonable drop in the wind overnight saw more in the way of migrants around during the day. Two Lapland Buntings were seen on the maritime heath in the afternoon, a Mediterranean Gull was in Solfach, a Water Rail was seen in the Ty Pellaf Wetlands, and the first Jackdaw flock of the autumn were seen, with 250 flying over the north end of the island. 53 Goldcrests were scattered throughout the coastal gorse and gardens, whilst a Blackcap and four Chiffchaffs were were seen elsewhere; totals of passerine-migrants for the day amounted to: 23 Skylarks, 58 Meadow Pipits, a Grey Wagtail, six Redwings, eight Song Thrushes, three Great Tits, 105 Chaffinches, four Bramblings, 11 Greenfinches, eight Siskins, 13 Goldfinches and a Lesser Redpoll.

Goldfinch and Chaffinch

Goldcrests

2011-10-19T20:00:00.002+01:00

Fewer birds were seen out to sea today, although a decent selection of species was logged in the brisk north-westerly wind during the day: a Great Northern Diver, two Leach’s Petrels, 12 Pomarine Skuas, seven Arctic Skuas, three Great Skuas and three Mediterranean Gulls were the highlights from out to sea. A few more migrants were also around inland: three Song Thrushes and four Redwings fed on the ground, four Chiffchaffs and three Goldcrests sheltered in the gardens, whilst 17 Chaffinches, four Greenfinches, two Siskins, four Goldfinches and five Lesser Redpolls passed overhead.

Pomarine Skua

Leach's Petrel

2011-10-18T18:23:00.001+01:00

The wind veered around to the North-west during the night, which brought the temperatures down by a few degrees. The highlights from out to sea throughout the whole day amounted to: two Great Northern Divers, 15 Brent Geese, a Common Scoter, six Golden Plovers, six Dunlins, a Grey Phalarope, 11 Pomarine Skuas, 12 Arctic Skuas, a Long-tailed Skua, seven Great Skuas, three Mediterranean Gulls, two Little Gulls, nine Arctic Terns and a Puffin. Very little of any note was seen passerine-wise, although a Wheatear was seen along the coast, and a Fiedfare and a Great Tit sought shelter in the island’s gardens.

Kittiwake

Arctic Skuas

2011-10-17T20:40:00.001+01:00

The weather finally broke today, with frequent heavy showers and strong South-westerly winds persisting throughout the day. A Pomarine Skua, an Arctic Skua and an Arctic Tern passed by out to sea with a trickle of Gannets and Razorbills in the morning. A Golden Plover and a Whimbrel were the only different waders around, whilst a Short-eared Owl remained on the South end.

Razorbills

Kittiwake

2011-10-16T20:41:00.002+01:00

Despite a breezy Westerly persisting throughout the day, a few bits and pieces were seen on the island. At least 24 Short-eared Owls were seen on the mountain and South end during the day, whilst four Sparrowhawks, five Buzzards, two Kestrels and three Merlins were also hunting prey all over the island. Two Bullfinches were seen at Nant (first of the year), three Woodcocks were on the mountainside, a Water Rail and a Greater-spotted Woodpecker were seen in Ty Pellaf Withy, a Stock Dove was on the West side of the narrows, a Yellowhammer and a Snow Bunting flew overhead, and two Wrynecks were at Cristin and the Schoolhouse. A good passage of migrants passed overhead during the morning, and small numbers of thrushes and warblers were noted around the vegetated areas: 39 Skylarks, a Tree Pipit, 87 Meadow Pipits, three Grey Wagtails, six Wheatears, a Ring Ouzel, 28 Blackbirds, 13 Song Thrushes, 24 Redwings, 10 Blackcaps, 11 Chiffchaffs, 15 Goldcrests, two Coal Tits, four Great Tits, 137 Chaffinches, a Brambling, 49 Greenfinches, four Siskins, 29 Goldfinches and 24 Lesser Redpolls were seen.

A Pomarine Skua, three Arctic Skuas and a Mediterranean Gull were among the gull flocks off the island in the afternoon.

As the rest of the country is crawling with mega eastern vagrants, we must remember that there are some stunning birds that breed here on Bardsey. Magpie for example!

Still, we had a minimum of 24 Short-eared Owls on the island today!

2011-10-15T20:26:00.002+01:00

Two Little Grebes in Henllwyn in the morning were, in island terms, the rarest sighting of the day; this being the second record in 15 years. Two Great Skuas, 12 Mediterranean Gulls, a Little Gull and two Sabine's Gulls were seen among the gull flocks off the island during the day, whilst other birds at sea included 39 Wigeons, nine Common Scoters and a Red-breasted Merganser. The first Woodock and Jack Snipe of the autumn were seen in the wetlands, the Barn Owl was seen by Ty Pellaf and four Short-eared Owls were scatterd along the mountainside. The most noteworthy passerines seen included two Grey Wagtails, a Tree Pipit, a White Wagtail, two Ring Ouzels, a Fieldfare, seven Song Thrushes, 16 Redwings, two Coal Tits at Nant (first of the year), a Great Tit at Cristin, two Bramblings and four Crossbills. Four Merlins, four Kestrels, two Sparrowhawks and a Buzzard were also present.

Coal Tit

Little Grebe

A Large Wainscot (above) was trapped at Ty Pellaf, whilst two Rusty Dot Pearls and a Rush Veneer were seen during the day.

2011-10-14T19:17:00.002+01:00

Another relatively calm, albeit drizzly day saw a good passage of pipits, finches and thrushes overhead, and a few oddities on land. A Wryneck was again present by the Limekiln, two Snow Buntings flew over the narrows, seven Ring Ouzels were scattered throughout the island's gardens, 21 Fieldfares were seen around Cristin, and the first Short-eared Owl and Barn Owl of the Autumn were seen in the lowlands. Passerine-migrant numbers gradually tallied up during the day too: nine Skylarks, nine House Martins, 203 Meadow Pipits, a Grey Wagtails, 11 Pied Wagtails, two Wheatears, 16 Blackbirds, five Song Thrushes, 84 Redwings, 230 Starlings, 231 Chaffinches, a Greenfinch, three Siskins, 58 Goldfinches and four Lesser Redpolls were seen. Three Wigeons made a brief respite in Solfach on the their way Southward in the afternoon, whilst a Grey Plover, a Golden Plover, four Lapwings and three Dunlins around the Narrows were also new arrivals.

The first Fieldfares of the Autumn were seen today

Goldcrest

The Delicate; only the fourth record of this immigrant. The first Yellow-line Quakers of the year were also trapped.

2011-10-13T21:02:00.002+01:00

The morning broke to overcast skies and hardly a breath of wind, and had obviously grounded a few migrants. The best bird of the day came in the form of a juvenile Barred Warbler that was trapped and ringed at Nant. The bird then remained in Ty Capel for the rest of the day, happily feeding on the blackberries and elderberries. Three Wrynecks were seen in different locations all over the island, whilst the first Whooper Swan of the year flew down the centre of the island in the afternoon. The first Redwings of the autumn arrived rather belatedly today, with three seen at Nant; two Song Thrushes were also seen, with other noteworthy birds present included two Water Rails, a Whinchat and four Reed Buntings. A Pomarine Skua, 16 Mediterranean Gulls and three Little Gulls were seen off the North end in the afternoon, whilst seven Golden Plovers, a Dunlin, a Snipe and two Whimbrels flew over the West side.

The first Barred Warbler since September 2009 was seen in Ty Capel garden today

Whooper Swan

Several Hummingbird Hawk Moths have been seen over the past few weeks

2011-10-12T20:43:00.002+01:00

The second day of calm weather for many weeks saw plenty of visible migration taken place, and a few oddities were also among them. Highlights of the day included a Common Redpoll in Ty Pellaf reed bed, a Wryneck at Nant and a Lapland Bunting on the south end. A good number of migrants flew overhead during the day, with totals amounting to: 31 Skylarks, eight Swallows, 78 Meadow Pipits, two Grey Wagtails, 72 Chaffinches, four Greenfinches, 17 Siskins, 140 Goldfinches, 24 Lesser Redpolls and a Reed Bunting. A Common Scoter, an Arctic Skua, three Great Skuas and three Mediterranean Gulls passed by at sea, whilst a Golden Plover and two Merlins were around the South end.

Common Redpoll

Lesser Redpoll

2011-10-11T18:09:00.000+01:00

Despite a day of windy and rather cloudy weather, the odd scarcity was seen on land and out to sea. Three Wrynecks were seen during the day: one at the Limekiln, one near Plas and one around Nant. A small scattering of passerine-migrants included eight Skylarks, a Swallow, seven Blackcaps, three Chiffchaffs, 19 Goldcrests, 39 Chaffinches, three Siskins, 17 Goldfinches and 15 Lesser Redpolls. Two Golden Plovers, six Purple Sandpipers, a Dunlin and a Snipe were seen around the narrows and South end; four Pomarine Skuas, three Arctic Skuas, two Great Skuas, three Mediterranean Gulls and a Sabine's Gull were the highlight of sea passage. Two Sparrowhawks, a Kestrel and a Merlin were the only raptors present.

2011-10-10T19:15:00.001+01:00

With no new arrivals passerine-wise, attention was again largely focused out to sea. The most noteworthy seabirds that struggled southward into the South-westerly during the day included a Leach’s Petrel, a Golden Plover, four Grey Plovers, 10 Bar-tailed Godwits, four Sabine’s Gulls, five Pomarine Skuas, eight Arctic Skuas, six Great Skuas and a Little Gull. A Kestrel and Sparrowhawk hunted prey around the mountain, whilst a Siskin was in Cristin garden.

2011-10-09T18:04:00.002+01:00

With the wind fixed firmly in the South-west, very few migrants were seen on the island today, with most noteworthy birds feeding with the gull flocks off the island’s coasts. A Sabine’s Gull, a Leach’s Petrel, two Great Skuas, two Pomarine Skuas, three Arctic Skuas, two Great Skuas, a Mediterranean Gull and a Black Tern were seen out to sea during the day; a Snipe, three Purple Sandpipers andtwo Dunlins were the only waders of note. Another Wryneck, presumed to be different to the Limekiln bird, was found along the banks at the bottom of Nant Vallley in the morning, whilst a Blackcap, two Chiffchaffs and eight Goldcrests were the only warblers around; 10 Skylarks, a Swallow, a Wheatear and two Song Thrushes were also seen.

2011-10-08T20:21:00.002+01:00

Despite the arrival of a few migrants during the night, it was, on the whole, an extremely uneventful day. A Sedge Warbler, four Blackcaps, four Chiffchaffs and 41 Goldcrests were seen in the island’s gardens, withies and coastal gorse, whilst fly-overs for the day included two Swallows, a House Martin, 452 Meadow Pipits, six Grey Wagtails, two Starlings, 38 Chaffinches, six Greenfinches, 11 Siskins, 40 Goldfinches and 14 Lesser Redpolls. A Great Skua was the only noteworthy bird at sea, whilst a Snipe and 11 Dunlins were seen by Ty Pellaf Withy and a Greater Spotted Woodpecker flew around the island.

Blackcap

2011-10-07T21:18:00.004+01:00

Another day of brisk northerlies continued to push many seabirds close to the island's coasts: two Red-throated Divers, 10 Leach’s Petrels, eight Brent Geese, a Red-breasted Merganser, 28 Golden Plovers, a Lapwing, two Grey Phalaropes, six Pomarine Skuas, 14 Arctic Skuas, six Great Skuas, 10 Mediterranean Gulls, a Little Gull and four Sabine’s Gulls were the most notable species seen. A Wryneck was found by the limekiln, and showed very well at intervals during the morning.

Sabine's Gull

Pomarine Skua

Arctic Skua

Leach's Petrels

2011-10-06T21:26:00.000+01:00

A fantastic array of species battled their way headlong into the gale force Westerly wind that persisted throughout the day. As well as the hundreds of seabirds, a Wryneck discovered around Nant Valley was seen once or twice during the afternoon too. The most noteworthy birds to be recorded out at sea during the day amounted to: seven Balearic Shearwaters, two Common Scoters, nine Ringed Plovers, 22 Golden Plovers, a Knot, seven Dunlins, a Snipe, a Grey Phalarope, four Pomarine Skuas, 16 Arctic Skuas, a Long-tailed Skua, 18 Great Skuas, a Mediterranean Gull, two Little Gulls, two Sabine's Gulls, two Common Terns, five Arctic Terns and two 'Commic' Terns.

Wryneck

Gannet and Lesser Black-backed Gull

Pomarine Skua and Arctic Skua

2011-10-05T19:40:00.000+01:00

An extremely dull, and altogether uneventful day saw very few birds neither on land nor at sea. A small gathering of waders around the narrows at high tide included seven Purple Sandpipers, two Bar-tailed Godwits and a Whimbrel, whilst four Golden Plovers flew past out to sea. An Arctic Skua, a Bonxie, a Mediterranean Gull, five Common Terns and 60 Arctic Terns accompanied the usual Gannets, Kittiwakes and Razorbills heading southward out to sea. Hardly any birds were inland: five House Martins flew overhead, nine Wheatears were around the coast and three Blackcaps, seven Chiffchaffs and seven Goldcrests were around the vegetated areas. A Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard and a Kestrel hunted prey around the mountain.

2011-10-04T19:15:00.000+01:00

A brisk wind persisted from the South-west throughout the day, pushing a few noteworthy seabirds closer to the island's coasts. Four Balearic Shearwaters, a Leach's Petrel, an Arctic Skua, 11 Mediterranean Gulls, nine Common Gulls, two Sabine’s Gulls, 26 Arctic Terns, two Black Terns and a Puffin were all seen during the day, most of which were among the large feeding flocks of Black-headed Gulls and Kittiwakes. A Lapland Bunting was seen on the West coast in the afternoon, a Reed Warbler remained in Cristin garden and a Reed Bunting was in Ty-Pellaf Withy.

A Clouded Yellow was seen around the Hay fields in the afternoon, this being the first record on the island for several years; a Vestal was trapped in Cristin garden.

2011-10-03T18:47:00.004+01:00

A Crimson Speckled was found on Pencristin this morning. This stunning addition to the island's lepidoptera list is an immigrant that occurs naturally around the Mediterranean and North Africa. There have been around 100 records of this moth in the UK since 1900.

A small number of warblers were grounded on the island in the poor conditions during the night: a Whitethroat, five Blackcaps, 50 Chiffchaffs and 12 Goldcrests were the totals; other passerine-migrants seen included a Whinchat on the Narrows, a Grey Wagtail overhead and a Spotted Flycatcher in the plantation. Five Arctic Skuas, two Long-tailed Skuas, four Mediterranean Gulls, three Common Terns and an Arctic Tern passed by at sea, whilst a Dunlin and 12 Snipe were seen in Solfach and in the Wetlands. The Greater Spotted Woodpecker remained near Cristin Withy, and a Water Rail was also heard inside the withy.

Other noteworthy species of lepidoptera on the island included a Vestal (following on from a small arrival of at least four over the last few days), a Painted Lady and at least two Hummingbird Hawkmoths.

2011-10-02T20:30:00.001+01:00

A rather dull day saw much less visible migration taking place, and fewer birds on land. Six Wigeons and a Teal were new on the wildfowl-front, whilst the six Brent Geese also made an appearance in the morning. Three Mediterranean Gulls and a Sandwich Tern were seen off the south end in the gull flock, and a Dunlin and Bar-tailed Godwit were seen around the narrows. Five Water Rails in the wetlands and Withies had arrived overnight, at least one Greater Spotted Woodpecker was seen in Cristin Withy, three Grey Wagtails flew overhead and a Lapland Bunting was seen on the South end. One of the Whinchats from yesterday remained by Carreg Reed bed, whilst a Blackcap, a Whitethroat, 13 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler and nine Goldcrests were in the island's gardens and withies.

2011-10-01T19:49:00.000+01:00

With the calm spell of weather continuing, October started with blue skies and plenty of migrants on the island's shores. The first Yellow-browed Warbler of the year was seen briefly at Ty Pellaf in the morning; four Whinchats were seen all over the island, a Reed Warbler was trapped at Cristin, a Lapland Bunting was on the top of the mountain and six pale-bellied Brent Geese flew into Henllwyn in the afternoon. Fewer birds were seen overhead, although seven Skylarks, 23 Swallows, 603 Meadow Pipits, two 'flava' Wagtails, a Grey Wagtails, 297 Chaffinches, three Greenfinches, 12 Siskins, 11 Goldfinches and eight Lesser Redpolls were recorded. The Greater Spotted Woodpecker was seen in the Withies again and three Spotted Flycatchers were at Nant.

2011-09-30T21:15:00.001+01:00

A fantastic day to finish off September: hundreds of passerines flew overhead during the morning and afternoon, whilst some scarcities were seen on land and out at sea. The highlights in terms of land-birds included the first Greater Spotted Woodpecker of the year trapped and ringed at the observatory, the second Wryneck of the year near Plas, a Pied Flycatcher at Nant, seven Crossbills overhead and a Lapland Bunting on the South end. A Balearic Shearwater, a Long-tailed Skua, three Arctic Skuas, a Great Skua, a Little Gull, five Mediterranean Gulls, 21 Common Gulls, seven Common Terns and six Arctic Terns were seen off the coast among the feeding flocks of Black-headed Gulls and Kittiwakes during the day; a Dunlin and two Grey Herons were seen around the narrows.

Two Spotted Flycatchers and a Whinchat were new arrivals, whilst totals of other passerine-migrants both overhead and on the island amounted to: 19 Skylarks, 16 Sand Marins, 2234 Swallows, 472 House Martins, 501 Meadow Pipits, a 'flava' Wagtail, five Grey Wagtails, 24 White Wagtails, 43 alba Wagtails, 96 Chaffinches, two Siskins, 67 Goldfinches, 255 Linnets and two Lesser Redpolls. Two Sparrowhawks, two Kestrels and a Merlin were the only raptors of note seen.

Common Gull

Black-headed Gull

Mediterranean Gulls

Wheatear

White Wagtail

Meadow Pipit

Common Crossbill

Linnet

Grey Heron

2011-09-29T18:32:00.000+01:00

Another beautiful day saw decent numbers of migrants all over the island, and the odd bird out to sea. An adult Mediterranean Gull, two Arctic Skuas, six Common Gulls, two Common Terns and a Black Tern were among 200 Black-headed Gulls and 2000 Kittiwakes off the island's coast. The usual two Bar-tailed Godwits were in Solfach with a Ringed Plover and four Dunlins, and two Snipe were seen on the South end. The only new passerines around were a Pied Flycatcher, three Blackcaps and two Willow Warblers around Nant and Cristin, a Tree Pipit, five Grey Wagtails and four Starlings overhead, and 101 Wheatears around the coast; the Whichat was again near the Schoolhouse and a Song Thrush was seen at Nant.

2011-09-28T20:54:00.002+01:00

The weather today was that of a typical Indian summer, with sweltering temperatures and light winds present throughout the day. Two Richard’s Pipits were seen around the narrows in the morning, and 17 Crossbills flew over the plantation and Ty Pellaf. The Corncrake was re-located in the New Plantation in the morning, although was not seen again during the day. A Whinchat remained by the schoolhouse, whilst 37 Wheatears were around the coast. Plenty of birds were also passing overhead: eight Skylarks, 84 Swallows, six House Martins, 401 Meadow Pipits, a Yellow Wagtail, five Grey Wagtails, a Siskin ans 20 Goldfinches, . At high tide, five Mediterranean Gulls and nine Common Gulls were feeding among a flock of 356 Black-headed Gulls around the narrows, whilst three Lapwings, two Bar-tailed Godwits, 14 Purple Sandpipers and a Dunlin were also here. Singles of Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Merlin were recorded during the day.

Wheatear

A Green-brindled Crescent was among the usual Lunar Underwings and Red-line Quakers (above) at Cristin

2011-09-27T18:37:00.000+01:00

A Corncrake in the Plantation was the highlight of an otherwise rather quiet day. Found at around 9:00 in the morning, the bird preceded to remain characteristically shy throughout the day.

The second Ruff of the year was seen around the narrows in the early morning, and two Bar-tailed Godwits, two Ringed Plovers, 16 Purple Sandpipers, five Dunlins, a Snipe and four Whimbrels were also seen around the narrows and South end. 12 Common Scoters and six Arctic Skuas were the only birds passing by out to sea, whilst five Grey Herons joined the usual bird in Henllwyn. The first Richard's Pipit of the year was the most notable passerine seen, although a trickle of birds overhead included a Skylark, 178 Swallows, five House Martins, a Tree Pipit, 239 Meadow Pipits, 10 Grey Wagtails, 60 alba Wagtails, two Siskins, two Goldfinches and a Lesser Redpoll. 21 White Wagtails and 37 Wheatears were feeding around the coast, the Whinchat was again by the Schoolhouse and a Whitethroat, a Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaffs and 16 Goldcrests were in the island's gardens and withies.

2011-09-26T21:00:00.003+01:00

A cool, sunny autumn's day saw plenty of migrants flying overhead, although nothing rare was among them (yet again). A Whinchat near the Schoolhouse and a Reed Warbler trapped in Cristin were the most noteworthy passerines around, although a slight increase in the number of warblers around saw a Whitethroat in Ty Pellaf garden, five Blackcaps at nant, four Willow Warblers in the withies and at Cristin, and 11 Chiffchaffs and 16 Goldcrests scattered all over the island. Other passerine-migrants around included 25 Skylarks, a Sand Martins, 139 Swallows, a House Martins, 291 Meadow Pipits, a 'flava' Wagtail, eight Grey Wagtails, 28 Pied Wagtails, 24 White Wagtails, 120 'alba' Wagtails, 28 Wheatears, three Starlings, 73 Chaffinches, six Siskins, eight Goldfinches and 11 Lesser Redpolls and Goldfinches. An incredible 52 Ravens circled the mountain in the morning, whilst raptors seen during the day included two Sparrowhawks, two Buzzards, a Kestrel and a Merlin.

A first winter Mediterranean Gull was among a small flock of gulls in Henllwyn; three Purple Sandpipers, a Dunlin, three Bar-tailed Godwits and three Whimbrels were also around the narrows. A Leach's Petrel was trapped and ringed at the lighthouse overnight as the weather conditions were...atrocious!.

Reed Warbler at Cristin

Meadow Pipit at Ty Pellaf

Leach's Petrel attracted to the lighthouse is the 76th species to be ringed this year after the Bonelli's warbler was no 75, a whole 26 long days ago!

Several of the Wheatears arrived and many of them including the two birds above were rather approachable

Whinchat

Merlin

2011-09-25T19:19:00.000+01:00

A very changeable day weather-wise saw patchy cloud and light winds in the morning, and then strong winds and heavy rains coming in from the South later on. Visible migration took place throughout the day, although the only slightly scarcer species among them were two Whinchats at Nant and by the Schoolhouse, two Yellow Wagtails at either ends of the island and a Reed Warbler at Cristin. Fly-overs for the day included 11 Skylarks, six Sand Martins, 782 Swallows, nine House Martins, 170 Meadow Pipits, four Grey Wagtails, 37 Pied Wagtails, 20 White Wagtails, 57 'alba' Wagtails, 58 Chaffinches, five Siskins, seven Goldfiches and two Lesser Redpolls, whilst three Blackcaps, 11 Chiffchaffs and nine Goldcrests were the only warblers around.

Despite the calm conditions, a decent passage of seabirds took place out to sea; highlights included a Pomarine Skua, two Great Skuas, two Little Gulls and 22 Common Scoters. Two Ringed Plovers, six Purple Sandpipers, two Dunlins, a Snipe, a couple of Bar-tailed Godwits and three Whimbrels were the most noteworthy waders around.

Black-headed Gulls

The first Brick of the year was trapped in Cristin Withy

2011-09-24T20:36:00.000+01:00

A few migrants were grounded in the drizzly weather in the early hours, although it was still very quiet for a calm autumn's day. Five Bar-tailed Godwits were seen in Solfach in the morning, and two Purple Sandpipers and three Whimbrels were also seen at high tide. Two Reed Warblers were seen in Ty Capel and Cristin garden, a Yellow Wagtail was seen in the North-west fields and two Spotted Flycatchers, a Song Thrush and a Whinchat were also present. Flocks of Swallows passed overhead during the day, with smaller numbers of pipits and wagtail seen; totals of passerine-migrants included three Skylarks, 246 Swallows, six House Martins, 31 Meadow Pipits, a 'flava' Wagtail, six White Wagtails, 26 Pied Wagtails, 12 Wheatears, a Whitethroat, nine Blackcaps, a Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaffs, 13 Goldcrests, 49 Chaffinches, five Siskins and seven Lesser Redpolls.

Kestrel

Reed Warbler

2011-09-23T20:06:00.001+01:00

With the wind firmly set in the South-west, very few birds were present on the island. An Arctic Skua, 29 Dunlins, nine Common Scoters and a 'Commic' Tern during the morning were the highlights from out to sea, whilst two Grey Herons were around the narrows. Eight Skylarks, 130 Meadow Pipits, 14 Pied Wagtails, 16 White Wagtails and 28 Wheatears were scattered around the coastal fields, whilst four Blackcap, 11 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, 19 Goldcrests and a Spotted Flycatcher sought shelter in the island’s gardens and Withies. A Merlin was seen around the coast again, whilst the usual two Kestrels and a Sparrowhawk were inland.

Goldcrest

The first Autumnal Rustic (upper) of the year was trapped in Ty Pellaf garden, whilst other usual autumnal suspects included a Feathered Ranunculus (lower), Lunar Underwings and a couple of Black Rustics

2011-09-22T18:55:00.001+01:00

Another quiet day saw very few migrants or seabirds around the island. A seawatching session in the morning produced a Red-throated Diver, a Great-northern Diver, three Dunlins, two Arctic Skuas, a Little Gull, 11 Sandwich Terns and two ‘Commic’ Terns; four Golden Plovers flew overhead. A slight increase in the number of Goldcrests inland saw 20 individuals dotted around, and 17 Blackcaps and 14 Chiffchaffs were also recorded. Other passerine-migrants around included 81 Meadow Pipits, a Grey Wagtail, six White Wagtails, 18 Wheatears, 38 Chaffinches, 20 Siskins, two Goldfinches and five Lesser Redpolls. Singles of Sparrowhawk, Merlin and Kestrel were also seen.

2011-09-21T18:32:00.000+01:00

The South-westerly wind picked up considerably during the night, and brought much of the visible migration to a standstill. A Sabine’s Gull, four Little Gulls, a Balearic Shearwater and two Black Terns were feeding with a flock of Kittiwakes off the North end of the island in the morning, whilst other birds passing by at sea included a Red-throated Diver, two Arctic Skuas and a Great Skua. Very few passerines were seen inland, although a Blackcap, five Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler and four Goldcrests sheltered in the increasingly leafless vegetation, whilst a couple of Skylarks were on the North end, and 26 Wheatears around the coast comprised mostly of Greenland-race birds. Three Siskins were seen in the plantation, a House Martin passed through and a Sparrowhawk and Kestrel remained as the only birds of prey around.

2011-09-20T19:22:00.000+01:00

An Eider Duck off the west and a Balearic Shearwater off the south tip were the highlights of another rather quiet day. The flock of around 1000 Kittiwakes was still off the south tip, and 45 Black-headed Gulls, five Arctic Skuas, two Great Skuas, a juvenile Little Gull, 36 Common Terns, eight Arctic Terns, 36 'Commic' Terns and three Black Terns were also among them. A small passage of hirundines, finches, wagtails and pipits overhead during the morning amounted to: two Skylarks, 49 Swallows, 6 House Martins, 118 Meadow Pipits, four Grey Wagtails, 21 ‘alba’ Wagtails, 35 White Wagtails, 21 Chaffinches, five Siskins, six Goldfinches, 235 Linnets and four Lesser Redpolls. Good numbers of Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests were also present, with 16, 31 and 21 seen respectively; a Willow Warbler was also among these and 22 Wheatears were around the coast. A Water Rail was seen in Ty Pellaf Withy, whilst the usual Sparrowhawk and Kestrel harassed small prey around the mountain.

Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Blackcap

2011-09-19T18:33:00.001+01:00

A few migrants arrived on the island during the brief respite in the weather overnight, although nothing rare was among them. Warbler numbers had increased quite significantly, with totals amounting to: a Whitethroat, five Blackcaps, 22 Chiffchaffs and 36 Goldcrests. Two Grey Wagtails flew overhead, whilst other passerine-migrants flying south and around the coast included a Skylark, 30 ‘alba’ Wagtails, two White Wagtails, five Wheatears, 46 Chaffinches, a Siskin and three Goldfinches. A Sooty Shearwater glided past out to sea, whilst four Common Scoters, two Arctic Skua, two Great Skuas, a Common Gull and six ‘Commic’ Terns also passed by; a Golden Plover flew over Cristin.

2011-09-18T20:53:00.001+01:00

A blustery morning with frequent shower storms set the scene for the remainder of the day. The best bird of the day (in island terms) was a Ruff on the narrows with three Golden Plovers in the morning; two Ringed Plovers were with these later on, whilst a total of eight Golden Plovers were seen around the coast. A Leach's Petrel, three Eider Ducks, a Red-breasted Merganser (first for the year) two Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, an adult Sabine's Gull and five Black Terns were the highlights of sea-passage, with the more common species amounting to: 17 Common Scoters, four Arctic Skuas, two Great Skuas, 20 Black-headed Gulls, three Common Gulls, 20 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern and 13 'Commic' Terns.
Much was the same as yesterday inland: a Whinchat was present by Ty Pellaf, a Grey Wagtail flew over the track, a Spotted Flycatcher was in Ty Pellaf garden and a Lesser Redpoll sheltered in Cristin Withy. A Garden Warbler and two Blackcaps were seen at Nant, whilst other warblers around included four Chiffchaffs and 11 Goldcrests. A Merlin was the only new raptor about, although the usual Kestrel and two Sparrowhawks were seen.

Ruff (upper) and Golden Plovers

Whinchat

2011-09-17T19:54:00.000+01:00

The majority of birds were seen out to sea today, as a nagging westerly wind persisted throughout the day. A Red-throated Diver, two Leach’s Petrels, two Balearic Shearwaters, 10 Common Scoters, two Great Skuas, five Arctic Skuas, two Mediterranean Gulls, a Little Gull, a juvenile Sabines Gull, five Common Gulls, 42 Sandwich Terns, four Common Terns, 19 'Commic Terns' and eight Black Terns were totals from out to sea. Waders also passed by in good numbers during the day: four Grey Plovers (first of the autumn), two Ringed Plovers, two Purple Sandpipers, 56 Dunlins, a Snipe and four Whimbrels were the highlights.

Passerines inland were, if anything, a little thin on the ground: a Whinchat was seen with a few Stonechats by Ty Pellaf, three Skylarks, three White Wagtails and 12 Wheatears were dotted around the coast and a Spotted Flycatcher and Song Thrush were at Nant.

Arctic Skua (top) and Common Tern (bottom)

2011-09-16T20:54:00.000+01:00

A day of mixed weather conditions ranged from calm sunny intervals to torrential rain storms and strong South-easterlies. The conditions did, however, result in a few scarcities turning up, the highlights being a Tufted Duck (23rd island record) off the west side in the morning, and the first Curlew Sandpiper of the year off the north end of the island in the afternoon. The flock of gulls and terns off the south tip was still there, containing around 1086 individuals today, whilst other birds passing by out to sea included 19 Common Scoters, four Great Skuas, seven Arctic Skuas, a Common Gull, eight Black-headed Gulls and seven Sandwich Terns. On the wader font, 17 Dunlins passed by out to sea, four Ringed Plovers were around the narrows and a Snipe had arrived and was seen in the north-west fields.

Despite the stronger winds, visible migration was again present, with flocks of birds flying in from the sea, and also overhead; totals of passerine-migrants amounted to: 11 Skylarks, 678 Swallows, two House Martins, a Tree Pipit, 301 Meadow Pipits, six Grey Wagtails, 57 ‘alba’ Wagtails, 12 Pied Wagtails, 117 White Wagtails, 12 Wheatears, a Grasshopper Warbler, five Whitethroats, a Blackcap, four Chiffchaffs, 11 Goldcrests, a Spotted Flycatcher, 87 Chaffinches, four Goldfinches, 288 Linnets and two Lesser Redpolls.

Curlew Sandpiper (2nd from the right) with 6 Dunlins (note the clean white rump and slightly larger size)

Common Gull

2011-09-15T18:54:00.001+01:00

Many migrants arrived in the calm conditions in the night, and passerines continued to pass overhead in small flocks throughout the day. A Whinchat was seen on the rocks in Henllwyn, a Ring Ouzel was in the burnt gorse above nant and a Yellow Wagtail flew over the lowlands. Other fly-overs included 17 Skylarks, 28 Swallows, a House Martins, four Tree Pipits, 181 Meadow Pipits, seven Grey Wagtails, 29 Pied Wagtails, 22 White Wagtails, 71 ‘alba’ Wagtails, a Lesser Redpoll, 218 Linnets and 71 Chaffinches. 33 Wheatears were scattered around the coast, and good numbers of warblers were in the coastal gorse, Withies and island’s gardens: a Grasshopper Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, nine Whitethroats, five Blackcaps, 17 Chiffchaffs, four Willow Warblers and 13 Goldcrests were seen. A Song Thrush and a Spotted Flycatcher were also at Nant, whilst a Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk were pick of raptors; 18 Ravens over the narrows was the largest count for some time.

Two Leach's Storm-petrels were seen off the South end in the morning, whilst a Sabines Gull was among a mixed flock of 300 Kittiwakes, 21 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern and 15 'Commic' Terns a couple of miles south of the south tip. 76 Common Scoters and two Arctic Skuas also passed by, whilst a Golden Plover, four Purple Sandpipers, two Dunlins and five Whimbrels were the most noteworthy waders around.

The calm seas also allowed for the first Risso's Dolphin monitoring trip of the year to take place. Several pods amounting to around 26 individuals were seen and photographed as part of the ongoing project run by WDCS.

Just a few of the migrants around today: Whinchat (top), Chiffchaff (middle) and Whitethroat (bottom)

2011-09-14T20:39:00.001+01:00

The wind swung around to the North during the night, and also decreased in strength significantly, bringing the temperatures down a few degrees. A Water Rail in Ty Pellaf Withy and a Lapland Bunting over Cristin were new additions to the autumn, whilst four Grey Wagtails, three Skylarks and a couple of House Martins flew overhead with the first few flocks of Chaffinches. A couple of Sparrowhawks chased the small passerines around the island, whilst a slight increase in the number of warblers resulted in totals amounting to: a Sedge Warbler, three Whitethroats, two Garden Warblers, nine Blackcaps, 19 Chiffchaffs, two Willow Warblers and five Goldcrests.

Very little was seen out to sea in the morning, although a Balearic Shearwater, three Great Skuas and a Common Scoter did pass by with a trickle of Manx Shearwaters, Gannets and Razorbills.

Chiffchaff

2011-09-13T19:44:00.000+01:00

With the wind persisting from the West, an excellent array of species passed by out to sea during the course of the day. The most noteworthy species seen included the first Grey Phalarope of the year, a Leach’s Storm-petrel, seven Sooty Shearwaters, two Balearic Shearwaters, three Long-tailed Skuas, 24 Great Skuas, 16 Arctic Skuas, a Sabine’s gull and the third Black Guillemot of the year. Three Bar-tailed Godwits, a Whimbrel, four Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin also passed by, and Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Gannet and Kittiwake numbers were all into triple figure counts.

Most of the passerines inland were skulking in the vegetation, although a couple of Grey Wagtails flew overhead, and a Whitethroat, two Blackcaps, seven Chiffchaffs and four Goldcrests were in the island’s gardens and Withies.

Manx Shearwater

2011-09-12T20:33:00.003+01:00

Force ten winds from the South ensured that most action was situated out to sea today, with impressive totals of seabirds tallying up during the day. The first Leach's Storm-petrels of the year were seen in the afternoon, with two off the North end; other noteworthy birds included eight Sooty Shearwaters, six Balearic Shearwaters, nine Great Skuas, five Arctic Skuas, two Pomarine Skuas and singles of Long-tailed Skua, Sabine’s Gull and Little Gull. Fulmars, Manx Shearwaters and Gannets also passed by in good numbers, with 47, 15736 and 850 seen respectively; four Bar-tailed Godwits, 275 Sandwich Terns, 188 Common Terns and 18 Arctic Terns were also seen.

Adult Arctic Skua and Sooty Shearwater