12th July

A pleasantly warm morning heated up through the day leaving a afternoon fit for little more than trying to keep out of the sun. The first signs of wader movements finally reached the isle, culminating the highlight of the day of a Wood Sandpiper at Ferrybridge, accompanied by three Common Sandpipers. The Bill was (as ever in terms of waders) the poor relation with just four Dunlin and singles of Whimbrel and Lapwing to add to the day's tally. Passerine migration was limited to 22 Sand Martins and a Willow Warbler at the Bill and another Willow Warbler at Sweethill. The sea was exceptionally quiet compared to recent days with just four Balearic Shearwaters, two Manx Shearwaters and a steady trickle of Common Scoter and Mediterranean Gulls. 


Wood Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper at Ferrybridge © Pete Saunders: