A stiff onshore breeze kept the temperature down as I arrived on the castle for my usual Saturday morning seawatch, from 7:15 to 8:15.
Not a lot passing, just the usual Manxies and a very occasional Gannet until the last few minutes, when a couple of Common Terns were followed by a dark morph Arctic Skua.
Totals were: Manx Shearwater 49, Gannet 4, Kittiwake 2, Common Scoter 6, Common Tern 2 and Arctic Skua 1, with a Guillemot on the sea.
Then it was a short drive to Llandre to join the monthly field trip led by Lis.
Just five of us (later six) set off on a pleasant, relaxed walk up through the wooded valley behind the church, to the motte and bailey and back down via an alternative route.
The aim was to beat last years total of 31 species. It was touch and go until a flurry of new birds almost at the end, including Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch and a gorgeous male Redstart, brought us to a grand total of 35.
Also, back near the church, we enjoyed a good passage of Swallows, House Martins and Swifts in the newly emerged sunshine.
Cast, in order of appearance:- Jackdaw, Magpie, Wren, Red Kite, Swallow, Blackbird, Blackcap, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Rook, Swift, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Herring Gull, Robin, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Goldfinch, Jay, Willow Warbler, Meadow Pipit, Grey Heron, Pheasant, Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, House Martin, Collared Dove, Long-tailed Tit, Redstart, Nuthatch.
Many thanks to Lis for leading such an enjoyable outing
Harry Pepper