We're not quite sure why certain folk think the very clear guidelines issued by the government in relation to the Covid-19 outbreak don't apply to them but from the steady number of day-visitors that are calling in or parking at the Obs that seems to be the case. We'd like to reiterate that the Obs - including all our facilities and car park - is closed until further notice; this is for your good as well as ours. We're very keen to receive news of sightings from around the island but please forward these via social media or email rather than report them in person.
A joyous occurrence today as the first pair of shorts were sighted on the patio (some immediate regret was experienced by the wearer when the clouds rolled in, but isn't that always the case on the first shorts day of the year?). Some more positive signs of movement included 34 Wheatears across the Bill recording area, a single Swallow up the West Cliffs and a new Willow Warbler in the garden. The sea was also busier than in recent days with 26 Red-throated Divers, 58 Common Scoter, five Manx Shearwaters and three Eiders. Elsewhere on the island, there were another 18 Wheatears at Ferrybridge (within a daily exercise cycle of one of our regulars), a Merlin at Chesil Cove and two Great Northern Divers in the Harbour.
With the sudden disappearance of our regular birders around the Bill, we have been neglecting to photograph the commoner migrants, and that's real shame when the male Wheatears are looking this resplendent © Erin Taylor:
