Stars of the month for elegance and style were once again the returning Wheatears. Dramatic interest though was added by a family of Great Black-backed Gulls, with four adults showing great consternation over two youngsters at the beginning of the month. Even on the last day of the month one of the young birds alighted on the same patch of sea alongside an adult, only to be greeted with a loud honking noise which it was tempting to translate as 'you are big enough to find your own food now'!

A Grey Wagtail was spotted amongst a thriving group of Pied Wagtails - the first since February.

The Sandmartins were around until late in the month, but seem to have gone now, so Autumn migration is well and truly underway.

TJH.
September 2004