20th April

A totally different kind of fall today with fewer Phylloscs but fields full of Wheatears - conservatively estimated at 300 - across the Bill and up the west side of the island; joining the hoards of Wheatears on fence posts and fields were, amongst others, 10 Whinchats and eight Yellow Wagtails. The Bill is really starting to come alive with the sounds of migrants singing on their way to the breeding grounds as multiple Whitethroats, Grasshopper Warblers and a lone Corn Bunting were tempted into stringing a few notes together. All of this was accompanied by a constant stream of Sand Martins and Swallows up the West Cliffs. At the north end of the island, three Ring Ouzels appeared at the Verne moat to add to the lingering bird at Barleycrates Lane. The sea ticked over all day, with 6 Arctic Skuas and an Avocet the pick of the quality amongst the routine fare.

 Just a small selection of the stunning spring migrants we are treated to at this time of year © Debby Saunders (Whinchat and Yellow Wagtail) and Joe Stockwell (Whitethroat and Redpoll): 





Sometimes it's difficult to avoid distraction with birds on the land but also on the sea. The constant acrobatics of breeding Fulmars complemented by a fly-by Arctic Skuas © Joe Stockwell: