Hudsonian Whimbrel back where it all began

31st July 2007 - bright and sunny SW2/3
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was again present, the bird was located on the salt marsh in front of the old tip gates over the high tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 500 Redshank, 12 Greenshank, 10 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper and a single Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Little Egret stalked the tidal pools at low tide.
Butterflies
A transect count produced 35 Small White, 28 Peacock, 27 Meadow Brown, 22 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Green-veined White, 3 Red Admiral, 2 Large White, 2 Wall Brown and single Gatekeeper, Common Blue and Small Copper.

First Red-throated Diver and Robin of the autumn

30th July 2007 - bright and sunny NW4
Rarities
No news again on the Hudsonian Whimbrel.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) produced 120 Manx Shearwater, 80 Sandwich Tern, 40 Common Scoter, 30 Gannet and small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Arctic Tern and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
The first autumnal Robin and Song Thrush appeared with Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler also logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Collared Dove flew through along with small numbers of Swift and House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Large numbers of Curlew are now present and 14 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Whimbrel were logged.
Butterflies
The Gatekeeper is now on the wing.

A quiet day

29th July 2007 - bright and sunny NW4/5
Rarities
There were no confirmed sightings of the Hudsonian Whimbrel today.
Offshore
An early morning watch (0800-0900) provided just 120 Sandwich Tern, 20 Gannet and small numbers of Common Scoter and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
What were perhaps yesterdays 2 Willow Warbler remained.
Miscellaneous
At least one Little Egret continues to tour the island.

Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to attract admirers

28th July 2007 - sunny spells W4/5
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was again present at Snab Point over the morning tide.
Offshore
Totals in two hours of observation (0715-0815 & 1715-1815) included 155 Manx Shearwater, 60 Common Scoter, 40 Sandwich Tern, 35 Gannet and 2 Storm Petrel.
Grounded Migrants
Evidenced by the presence of 2 Willow Warblers.

An early Leach's Petrel headlines offshore observations

27th July 2007 - overcast W4
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was again at Snab Point on the morning tide, though proving elusive in the tidal creeks as the low tides fail to cover the saltings.
Offshore
A quieter morning (0615-0715) produced 100 Gannet, 75 Manx Shearwater, 60 Common Scoter, 30 Sandwich Tern, 10 Kittiwake and single Common Tern and Guillemot. Later observations (1320-1450 & 1530-1600) were highlighted by a Leach's Petrel moving north and at least 5 lingering Storm Petrels along with 70 Manx Shearwater, 20 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern, 15 Gannet and a single Shag and Common Tern.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Little Egrets frequented the channelside tidal pools.

Seawatching conditions prevail

26th July 2007 - overcast/showers SW5
Offshore
Morning and evening observations (0615-0715 & 1630-1730) produced totals of 725 Manx Shearwater, 280 Gannet, 210 Sandwich Tern, 120 Common Scoter, 30 Kittiwake and 3 dark phase Arctic Skua along with small numbers of Fulmar, Guillemot and Razorbill.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Little Egrets have now returned to stalk the island's tidal pools.

Exceptional numbers of Little Tern

25th July 2007 - sunny periods SW4/5
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was reportedly seen briefly at Snab Point.
Offshore
The flock of terns feeding in the mouth of Morecambe Bay on the evening flood tide contained 80 Little Tern, 10 Arctic Tern, 10 Sandwich Tern and 2 Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 20 Pied Wagtail and a single Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 440 Redshank, 14 Bar-tailed Godwit, 14 Greenshank and single Whimbrel and Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine caused consternation amongst the wader flocks.
Moths
Antler Moth and Straw Underwing were new additions for the year.

A further harbinger of autumn

24th July 2007 - bright and sunny W3
Rarities
There was again no sign of the Hudsonian Whimbrel over the evening tide.
Grounded Migrants
The second Yellow Wagtail of the autumn was logged, along with 3 Willow Warbler and 10 Pied Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders on the evening tide included 17 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Greenshank and single Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper.

Another hint of autumn as Hudsonian Whimbrel reappears

23rd July 2007 - sunshine and thundery showers NE2/3
Rarities
After an absence of several days the Hudsonian Whimbrel was present on the saltings at Snab Point this evening.
Offshore
A flock of 150 Sandwich Tern, 30 Little Tern, 25 Arctic Tern and 3 Common Tern fed at the mouth of Morecambe Bay on the evening tide.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were highlighted by a juvenile Redstart and also included 5 Willow Warbler and 15 Pied Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swift continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders on the evening tide included 400 Redshank, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Greenshank, 4 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 35 Dunlin, 10 Turnstone and 3 Knot.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.

The Hudsonian Whimbrel fails to show again

22nd July 2007 - heavy rain then sunny SW2
Rarities
There was no sign of the Hudsonian Whimbrel for the third successive day.
Offshore
Early morning (0800-0900) provided 80 Common Scoter, 85 Sandwich Tern, 25 Gannet and small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Red-breasted Merganser, Razorbill and Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Evidence of movement was limited to 3 Willow Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swift, Swallow and Sand Martin flew through.
Moths
The MV trap held Rosy Rustic, Small Wainscot and Cloaked Minor - all new for the year.
Mammals
Weasel, Hare and Grey Seal were all logged.

Again no news on Hudsonian Whimbrel

21st July 2007 - overcast rain at times N1/2
Rarities
There were no reported sighting of the Hudsonian Whimbrel
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0930) provided just small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter and Sandwich Tern. Birds feeding in the mouth of Morecambe Bay on the rising tide included 15 Arctic Tern and 5 Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
A single Grey Wagtail flew through along with 10 Pied Wagtail, 10 Sand Martin and 5 Swift.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 600 Redshank, 16 Greenshank, 12 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Golden Plover, 2 Whimbrel and a single Spotted Redshank.
Butterflies
The first two Gatekeeper were on the wing.

First Little Egret of the autumn

20th July 2007 - overcast/rain soon SE4
Rarities
There were no reported sightings of the Hudsonian Whimbrel
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Willow Warbler and the first Wren of the autumn were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 50 Swift fed over the island as they fled in front of the rain band.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and the first Little Egret of the autumn appeared.

Hudsonian Whimbrel proves elusive

19th July 2007 - overcast then sunny S1/2
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was again present early and late but proved elusive.
Grounded Migrants
The first juvenile Willow Warbler of the autumn was the only definite new bird logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swift continue to move through
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Great Spotted Woodpecker on the centre of the island was new for the year.

No news on Hudsonian Whimbrel

18th July 2007 - overcast/sunny later W3
Rarities
There were no reported sightings of the Hudsonian Whimbrel today, however, the adult Yellow-legged Gull was again on the western shore near Hare Hill.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 10 Stonechat and a single Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler were perhaps lingering birds but 26 Pied Wagtail were new in.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 14 Greenshank and 2 Common Sandpiper roosted amongst 540 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow was again present.

Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to loiter

17th July 2007 - sunshine and showers SSW2/3
Rarities
Although elusive at times the Hudsonian Whimbrel was again on the saltings off Snab Point.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0930) were highlighted by a Black Guillemot flying into Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 20 Gannet, 20 Sandwich Tern and small numbers of Common Scoter and Manx Shearwater. A flock of 200 Sandwich Tern roosted along the western shore on the rising tide.
Grounded Migrants
Single Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler were logged.
Diurnal Migration
At least 30 Swift moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Spotted Redshank remains and 5 Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel were logged.
Miscellaneous
What was presumably the long-staying Hooded Crow from earlier in the year reappeared - it was seen to fly in from the mainland.

Hudsonian Whimbrel still present

16th July 2007 - overcast then sunny S3/4
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was again on the salt marsh at Snab Point on the rising tide with Curlew and Whimbrel alongside for comparison.
Offshore
Just small numbers of Sandwich Tern, Gannet and Common Scoter were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swift continue to head south.
Wildfowl and Waders
Additional waders included 2040 Curlew, 135 Redshank, 45 Dunlin, 35 Turnstone, 20 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Whimbrel and small numbers of Grey Plover, Knot, Sanderling, Greenshank and Common Sandpiper.
Moths
The pyralids Udea prunalis and Udea lutealis were new for the year.

A second sniff of autumn

15th July 2007 - overcast SE2
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was reportedly still present and roosted on Sheep Island over the tide.
Grounded Migrants
A Yellow Wagtail was the first of the year and a supporting cast included a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Wheatear, 10 Blue Tit and 6 Stonechat.
Diurnal Migration
A Peregrine flew through and additional sightings included 22 Swallow, 10 Swift, 10 Sand Martin and a House Martin.
Miscellaneous
Two Barn Owl and a Little Owl hunted the island early morning.

Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to attract observers

14th July 2007 - overcast, sunny later SW6/5/4
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to show on and off on Wylock Marsh.
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) produced 120 Manx Shearwater, 100 Gannet, 50 Sandwich Tern, 25 Common Scoter, 10 Kittiwake and single Great Skua and Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
The first Merlin of the autumn flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Other waders included 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel and single Spotted Redshank and Common Sandpiper.

Hudsonian Whimbrel remains

13th July 2007 - rain SW3
Rarities
The long-staying Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to haunt Wylock Marsh.
Offshore
A total of 45 Common Scoter were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Additional waders included 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Whimbrel, 6 Greenshank and single Spotted Redshank and Common Sandpiper.
Moths
Both Small Fan-footed Wave and Olive were new for the year.

Waders brighten a damp day

12th July 2007 - rain W2
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was again present on Wylock Marsh through the day.
Wildfowl and Waders
Also logged were 3 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel and a Spotted Redshank.

Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to attract observers

11th July 2007 - overcast, sunny later W4/3
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to perform on Wylock Marsh for its 28th day.
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0615-0715) included 120 Common Scoter, 110 Sandwich Tern, 90 Manx Shearwater, 30 Gannet and 10 Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
Additional waders included 4 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Spotted Redshank.

Hudsonian Whimbrel still present

10th July 2007 - overcast/sunny spells W2/3/4
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was again at Wylock Marsh early morning at least.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) produced 200 Common Scoter, 120 Sandwich Tern, 40 Manx Shearwater, 10 Gannet and 2 Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
Passage today included 50 Swallow, 20 Swift, 10 House Martin and 6 Pied Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 3 Whimbrel remain, 2 Greenshank were logged amongst 120 Redshank and Dunlin numbers continue to rise slowly.
Moths
Mother of Pearl and Ghost Moth were new additions for the year.

An early hint of autumn and Spoonbill reappears

9th July 2007 - bright and sunny W2
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was again on Wylock Marsh on both the morning and evening tides.
Grounded Migrants
A Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Whinchat 2 Willow Warbler and a Robin were all logged early morning while post-breeding flocks of finches included 20 Greenfinch.
Diurnal Migration
At least 10 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Along with the Hudsonian Whimbrel there were 5 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit and a single Common Sandpiper.

Hudsonian Whimbrel remains and the Yellow-legged Gull reappears

8th July 2007 - bright and sunny W3
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was again present morning and evening and the Yellow-legged Gull reappeared on the western shoreline near Hare Hill.
Diurnal Migration
A single House Martin and 2 Swift were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Several Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel were seen.
Moths
Notable island records from the moth trap included a Double Dart - the first island record, Light Emerald - the second island record and Barred Rivulet.
Image
Double Dart

Hudsonian Whimbrel still draws the crowds

7th July 2007 - bright and sunny W4
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel again showed well early and late at low tide on Wylock Marsh.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 2 Whimbrel remain for comparison with the Hudsonian Whimbrel and the first Golden Plover and Knot of the autumn were logged. Waders on this evening tide included 125 Readshank, 5 Greenshank and a single Spotted Redshank.
Breeding Birds
The island's Swift population has already departed, presumably an indication of poor breeding season.
Moths
A Marbled Beauty was new for the year.

Hudsonian Whimbrel proves elusive in poor weather

6th July 2007 - overcast/showers NW4/5
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was reportedly still present but proving elusive throughout the low tide period.
Offshore
Three periods of observation (0800-1000, 1115-1300 & 1300-1500) were highlighted by 4 Storm Petrel and provided totals of 1150 Manx Shearwater, 285 Gannet, 42 Common Scoter, 30 Sandwich Tern, 7 Arctic Skua (4 dark, 3 pale), 5 Fulmar and small numbers of Guillemot, Kittiwake and Arctic Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 2 Whimbrel remain to cause consternation and confusion.

Hudsonian Whimbrel still here

5th July 2007 - overcast/showers, rain later W3/4
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel again showed well this morning at low tide.
Offshore
Observations late morning (1000-1200) were highlighted by 7 Storm Petrel and 2 Arctic Skua (1 dark, 1 pale), also seen were 125 Sandwich Tern, 75 Manx Shearwater, 40 Gannet and 3 Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
Apart from the Hudsonian Whimbrel at least 3 Whimbrel were available to provide comparison and confusion.

Hudsonian Whimbrel remains

4th July 2007 - overcast/showers SW4
Rarities
After giving late comers the runaround yesterday the Hudsonian Whimbrel conspired to show very well at low tide this morning.
Offshore
Although quieter than yesterday observations on the rising tide (1100-1300) were highlighted by 2 Storm Petrel and a Puffin. Also seen were 420 Manx Shearwater, 200 Sandwich Tern, 40 Gannet, 30 Common Scoter, 20 Kittiwake and a pale phase Arctic Skua, along with small numbers of Fulmar, Arctic Tern and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
An early returning Whinchat was among at least 10 Stonechat.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 3 Swift flew south.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel and the first returning Dunlin were in evidence.

Hudsonian Whimbrel reportedly still present though elusive

3rd July 2007 - overcast/showers W3/4
Rarities
There was no sign of the Hudsonian Whimbrel at Wylock Marsh over the high tide, however the bird was reportedly still present this evening at low tide.
Offshore
Morning and afternoon observations (0730-1030 & 1445-1545) produced good numbers of seabirds totals included: 2020 Manx Shearwater, 460 Sandwich Tern, 150 Gannet, 55 Common Scoter, 25 Guillemot, 25 Kittiwake, 2 Little Tern and a dark phase Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 4 Whimbrel and 11 Bar-tailed Godwit roosted over the tide.
Moths
The Drinker was new for the year.
Image
Drinker

Day 19 and its still here!

2nd July 2007 - overcast/showers W3
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to perform to small audiences over the high tide period at Wylock Marsh.
Offshore
Quiet today, just 30 Sandwich Tern, 5 Manx Shearwater and a dark phase Arctic Skua were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Spotted Redshank, still in resplendent summer plumage was new in while other sightings included 4 Whimbrel, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Greenshank.

Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to perform

1st July 2007 - overcast/heavy showers SE3
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel showed well over the high tide period, again roosting on the sea washed turf in front of the old tip gates.
Offshore
A quiet day, just 30 Sandwich Tern, 25 Common Scoter, 10 Manx Shearwater and 10 Gannet were logged during morning observations (0830-0930). A brief evening watch provided 2 dark-phase Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 12 Black-tailed Godwit flew through.
Moths
Both Barred Yellow and Map-winged Swift were new additions for the year.
Image
The striking Barred Yellow.