Migrants continued to trickle through the island today, following last week’s exodus. The South-westerly winds increased, with impressive strength ontop of the Mountain.

The winds produced a reasonable count of 949 Manx Shearwaters, along with 33 Gannets. The only waders noted today were two Whimbrels and a Curlew. Black-headed Gulls have been few and far between so far this year, so five was a notable arrival, as were five Collared Doves. Overhead passage consisted of eight Swifts, two Sand Martins, 43 Swallows and 14 House Martins.

The highlight of the day however, was a 2cy male Black Redstart which was unexpectedly found in one of the nets around Cristin.

The subtle pale panel in the wing makes this a male Black Redstart

Six Wheatears were still around, as were four Sedge Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, three Whitethroats, a Blackcap and two Chiffchaffs.

Other migrants included two Spotted Flycatchers, two Siskins, seven Lesser Redpolls and finally two Crossbills.