Strumbling on in September

The "spearhead" occurrences of the month have already been well covered, thanks mainly to Richard Stonier. Straight forward lists though do not entirely convey events. For instance, the hitherto moulting and fledging Razorbills and Guillemots gained the power of flight during the month and by the close were passing to the south in lines, their rapid flight conveying the impression of urgency.

The rough weather at the beginning of the month resulted in some enjoyable views of the sought after skuas, shearwaters and a fine crop of Sabine's Gulls. Thereafter the progression to calmer anticyclonic weather put a stop to such "goodies". Nonetheless, there were still interesting events to witness for the patient observer, like a Little Egret flying along the same track as the ferry takes, suggested it also was making for Rosslare. A relentless day of rain with an appropriate wind produced a record passage of Common and Arctic Terns passing inshore. Calmer weather released a steady passage of Common Scoters, may be an indication of good numbers reaching Carmarthen Bay. Among them a striking male Velvet Scoter and a Garganey.

Passing waders included a line of Black-tailed Godwits heading southwards and two Spotted Redshanks that cut across the headland on their migration. Three Brent Geese passing in the early morning may well have been the same birds that Richard Crossen saw arrive at Angle Bay later on.

The accumulations of Linnets, Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits on the headland varied in volume day by day, and on two occasions small groups of Ravens headed out to sea towards the north-east, speculatively bound for the well known large winter roost of immatures on Anglesey?

Seawatching for various reasons is not to everyone's taste but is it significant that 66% of the observers visiting the head during the month were from outside the county?