Water Rail breeding confirmed

12th July 2014 – overcast SE1
Offshore
There was little evidence of movement early morning (0645-0745) with just 10 Common Scoter, 5 Gannet and single Sandwich Tern and Kittiwake logged.
Grounded Migrants
A few Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler are beginning to head south.
Diurnal Migration
Again a trickle of birds were in evidence with 12 Swift, 7 Sand Martin and a Grey Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Pintail is now moulting into eclipse plumage and waders included 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Whimbrel, 5 Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper.
Breeding Birds
Two juvenile Water Rails provided evidence of breeding – a rare event on the island.
Miscellaneous
Several Barn Owls were about early morning and a Stock Dove was an uncommon island sighting.
Moths
A total of 450 moths of 75 species were attracted to the light trap overnight, however only Feathered Ranunculus was new for the year.