3rd June – Rose-coloured Starlings, shearwater and gull surveys

Two adult Rose-coloured Starlings (presumed m & f, as one a distinctly brighter, sharper bird) were seen at Quarter Wall gate by Tim Jones at 06.15 hrs. At 08.30 they were flying down St John's Valley and then perched on the Church before dropping down into the Tent Field, where they were still present 09.40–10.00, though by 10.00 the two birds appeared to have split up, with only the (presumed) female seen later in the day (e.g. Tilllage Field pig sty at 18.30).

Other sightings included further light northbound passage of Swallows, House Martins, a Sand Martin and five Swifts. 1 Reed Warbler was along the Terrace and one Turtle Dove in Millcombe.

Teams from RSPB and Natural England began all-island censuses of Manx Shearwater burrows and large gulls – Herring, Lesser Black-back, Great Black-back.

Record shot of one of the Rose-coloured Starlings on the Church, with Common Starling © Tim Jones