Status

Many records.

Almost annual visitor in small numbers, with larger numbers very rarely, in association with wrecks. Usually recorded between September and April, either as wandering immatures, or during hard weather in winter. An exceptional pair of birds in 1991 remained until June, which mirrored one in 1969 which also resided until mid June.

Recent birds have not associated with local Cormorants and have usually been seen on their own. They sometimes roost on the rocky breakwaters or the water tower off Hill Farm. Interestingly, one of the immatures present in October 1998 had been ringed on the Isle of May. A bird found dead at Meadow Lane GPs in 1969 was also ringed on the Isle of May.

Records

Please note the following list is still incomplete:

• 28 January - 1 February 2005 (1)
• 31 August 2004 (1)
• 23 December 2003 (1)
• 18 November 2000 (6)
• 2 - 12 November 1998 (2)
• 20 - 28 October 1998 (6-7)
• 29 March 1993 (1)
• 7 & 15 January 1991 (3) (2 from 17th until 7 June and one until 15 June!)
• 24 - 30 December 1990 (1)
• 7 - 11 February 1990 (1)
• 15 November 1989 (1)
• 10 October 1989 (1)
• 20 August - 16 October (2, although 3 present following release of a bird from Sandy)
• 7 March (1) 1988
• 1 - 3 January 1988 (1)
• 28 December 1987 (1)
• 5 - 12 December 1987 (1)
• 23 November - 15 December 1986(1-2)
• January 1985 (1)
• 29 September - 20 October 1984 (1-2)
• 20 August 1979 (1, found dead with a broken neck on 30 August)
• 20 January 1976 (1)
• 11 May 1973 (1)
• December 1969 (1 on three dates)
• 28 March - 6 May 1969 (25, decreasing subsequently, last bird seen on 15 June!)
• November 1968 (10, some remaining until December)
• 24 September 1967 (1)
• 14 September 1967 (5)

Highest count

25, Spring 1969

Photos

• Click Here - 29 January 2005. Photo by Jono Leadley.
• Click Here - 31 August 2004. Photo by Jono Leadley.
• Click Here - 31 August 2004. Perched on steps on the bottom left of the water tower. Photo by Jono Leadley.