25th to 30th March

As already posted the highlight was the two Red Kites over Ackland's Moor (26th).

Red Kites

A total of 39 Manx Shearwaters moved north off the east side on the evening of 25th and, although there were no more sightings, a number of birds were heard around the south end on following nights. Up to six Teal were noted at Pondsbury and nine breeding-plumage Cormorants flew north (26th). As well as the usual Peregrine sightings, a single female Sparrowhawk and male Kestrel were also noted. A Ringed Plover was present most days (with two on 30th) and a Curlew remained around the south of the island, often on St. Helen's Field. Single Golden Plover and Snipe were also present on 26th.

Curlew

Large numbers of auks were present at the breeding sites. I counted 166 Puffins in Jenny's Cove (26th) with 140 there on 28th plus another six just north of St.Philips Stone. Although not counted, there were some large rafts of Razorbills close inshore on the east side. A Stock Dove was in St.Helen's Field (25th). Sand Martins moved north each day with a maximum of 55 on 26th. Up to seven Swallows were noted with a single House Martin on two dates. Chiffchaffs peaked at 30 or more on 26th with just one or two Willow Warblers and up to five Blackcaps noted most days. A Firecrest was in Millcombe (26th), but much more unexpected was a Treecreeper flitting between rocks in Jenny's Cove the same day. Thrushes included a Ring Ouzel in Millcombe and St.Helens Field (30th), a Mistle Thrush by Quarry Pond (25th) and three Redwings in Millcombe (29th). A female-type Black Redstart was at the Terrace and a first-summer male was around Stoneycroft and Old Light (27th). Two female Stonechats were between Quaterwall and Pondsbury (26th-27th) and two White Wagtails were often present around the village. Two Siskins paused briefly (27th) and a Brambling flew over just after sunrise on 28th. A female Reed Bunting was at 'Pigs Paradise" (25th) and by the Rocket Pole (27th).