Large Shearwaters (Great and Cory's)

An incredible sea watch, certainly by local standards anyway, unfolded at SCP on 13th. For context, there's only ever been a couple of accepted local records of single Great Shearwater thus far, one of which (one of the Island's first) I happened to be a part of with Dean back in July of 2018 - so these totals five years on abruptly took it to another level - to put it mildly. Also, Cory's may well be a relatively annual bird passing by here in small numbers, but double-figure counts are unheard of too. Fortunately big numbers (100s) were also seen not far away from us along the coast in Dorset (Durlston and Portland especially) - otherwise I think most local birders would have understandably questioned our sightings?! The question now: is it going to be the new normal? Presumably, a consequence of warmer sea temperatures etc, driving more of these sea birds northwards and then eventually even up channel into our waters...

I joined George around 09:15 near the eastern wall of the lighthouse, just after he'd already had quite a few Greats/Cory's past, and we soon picked up more of both species consistently heading by west. And Mark joined us too. [Squally showers to begin with, sunshine, ending with showers; F7 SW]. Totals compiled by George:

Durlston seawatch 6.45-15-15. Simply phenomenal with 350+ Great, 50+ Cory’s, 9 Balearics, 7 Sooty’s, 2 Manx, 1 Bonxie & 5Arctic Skuas. A day I’ll never forget. @DorsetBirdClub pic.twitter.com/E8r9XJm7ug

— OTBT birder (@BirderOtbt) October 13, 2023