17th August

The days when we used to get established easterly airflows during August seem so long ago as to be from a bygone age of birding - one when there used to be falls of migrants and regular rarities at this time of year. Sadly, blustery westerlies do precious little for us, as evidenced by today's dismal showing of just 3 birds ringed at the Obs; a lone Marsh Harrier was the only sighting of any consequence amongst the low single figure totals of grounded and visible migrants at the Bill. The sea was hardly more compelling, with the feeding flocks of gulls that had been attracting Balearic Shearwaters in recent weeks not a feature in the much rougher seas off the Bill; a total of 13 passing Balearics were logged, along with 47 Common Scoter and 6 Manx Shearwaters.

In windy and wet conditions overnight the immigrant moth totals at the Obs consisted of just 3 each of Rusty-dot Pearl and Silver Y, and singles of Rush Veneer, Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Pearly Underwing and Scarce Bordered Straw.

This morning's Marsh Harrier over the Bill © Martin Cade: