The day had distinct autumnal feel being overcast with a brisk north-easterly, frequent rain till midday and temperatures struggling to reach 12C.
The sea was watched nearly all day revealing single Long-tailed and Pomarine Skuas heading north while totals for both Arctic and Great Skuas were in the teens. Sooty and Manx Shearwaters were also seen heading north with 23 and 205 respectively. Wildfowl were also a feature; a Mute Swan, an unexpected species here, flew south as did 69 Barnacle Geese. Numbers of Common Scoter reached 98N and 14 S. Razorbills were passing in huge numbers with an estimated 24,500 while other auks were less well represented by 58 Puffins and 11 Guillemots – all flying north.
Birding on the land was curtailed by the poor weather. Nevertheless, those observers that did venture out managed to find a Yellow-browed Warbler at South Landing where the Cetti’s Warbler remained. Other birds seen included 19 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, 3 Goldcrests, 5 Redwing and a Grey Wagtail.
