2008 - JULY SIGHTINGS

2006 Report now out
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22^nd – 31^st July The highlight of the month appeared on 25^th when a female Two-barred Crossbill was seen very briefly at Easter Lother. It couldn’t be found the next day but was relocated on 27^th when it was in the company of another on the Skaden. Although occasionally elusive they were seen until the months end, favouring the base of Malcolms Head. The last week of the month saw birds starting to slowly move through. The first Knot (27^th) and Ruff (29^th) of the year appeared and there were good numbers of other waders seen including Sanderling (8), Dunlin (14)  and Whimbrel (10). A few warblers arrived with a Reed Warbler (29^th – 30^th), as well as Willow Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler. The Marsh Warbler was still present in the Obs garden until at least 23^rd. Other birds seen during the week included Fieldfare (26^th), Cuckoo (29^th), Pied Flycatcher (31^st) and two more Common Rosefinch (29^th & 31^st). Leach’s Petrels were seen a couple of times during Stormie sessions but unfortunately evaded capture.

15^th – 21^st July A very quiet week with the only notable species being a Common Rosefinch (21^st ) and another Leach’s Petrel trapped and ringed (18^th). Waders were passing through in small numbers with the first returning Purple Sandpipers seen on 19^th. Small numbers of Common Crossbills were still present around the isle.

8^th – 14^th July Highlights of the week went to a Honey Buzzard seen flying north on 13^th, a Wood Sandpiper on Da Water on 11^th which was heard flying over the following day and  a Leach’s Petrel caught during a Stormie session on the night of 12^th. Other wise the Hobby was putting in brief appearances throughout and the Marsh Warbler was last seen on 12^th. Other bits and pieces seen include a couple of Manx Shearwaters (11^th & 12^th), up to 2 Green Sandpipers, Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and occasional Crossbills flying around.

1^st – 7^th July: There were still a few birds being seen in the first week of July. Highlights were a Hobby past the Obs (7^th) and a Marsh Warbler trapped and ringed on 1^st and staying in the Obs garden since. Also present during the week was a Tufted Duck (6^th), a Red-throated Diver south (6^th), up to 4 Collared Dove, Swift and a male Blackcap. After the arrivals in June, Crossbills reached a peak of 42 (3^rd). Waders have begun arriving with a Golden Plover (1^st), a Bar-tailed Godwit (2^nd) which was joined by a second the next day and a Common Sandpiper (4^th). There were also Redshank, Whimbrel and Green Sandpiper throughout. Probably the most significant news of the week is the successful fledging of the two Peregrine chicks – the first to fledge since 1969!!

Non-avian sightings included a Minke Whale on 4^th and 2 Porpoise on 7^th. The 4^th was a good day for Butterflies with double figures of Red admiral as well as Painted Ladies and a single Small Tortoiseshell