23rd May

Some of the late spring specialities made their appearance in another sunny day with plenty of migrants, a high proportion of which were scarce species. Top of the bill, although waiting right until late afternoon to be found, was a male Rustic Bunting near the lighthouse. A Red-breasted Flycatcher seen briefly on the west coast was a good find by a visiting tour group, and the first record for more than a year. The first 3 Icterine Warblers of the year also turned up in the afternoon, 1 of which was trapped at Holland House, and at least 5 Red-backed Shrikes were in the northern half of the island. Another new Dotterel was seen and a Marsh Harrier flew south early in the morning.

Additionally, a fair selection of common migrants were picked out from among all the scarcities, including 21 Spotted Flycatchers, 7 Lesser Whitethroats, 9 Blackcaps, 3 Garden Warblers, 8 Chiffchaffs, 6 Willow Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Redstart, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Tree Sparrow, 2 Chaffinches, 2 Redpolls and a Siskin. A Curlew Sandpiper and a Black-tailed Godwit remained, and 2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Woodpigeons, 5 Collared Doves and 19 Carrion Crows were also logged.

Today's Rustic Bunting was roughly the 20th record for the observatory, and the first since May 2007.

Red-backed Shrike