First Manx Shearwater and Arctic Skua appear offshore

4th April 2009 - sunny spells WSW4
Offshore
The weather conditions conspired to produce the most productive seawatching of the year so far. Early morning observations on the falling tide (0745-0845) provided 265 Razorbill, 190 Sandwich Tern, 105 Gannet, 95 Common Scoter, 22 Guillemot, 20 Kittiwake, 14 Red-throated Diver, 5 Shoveler, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Manx Shearwateer and a Fulmar. A second watch (1245-1345) added 11 Arctic Skua (flocks of 4 and 7), 6 Kittiwake, 5 Gannet, 5 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Scoter and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Again meagre fare with just single Wheatear, Fieldfare and Coal Tit recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five pale-bellied Brent Geese were seen.
Miscellaneous
Four Little Egret remain scattered along the eastern shore.