Record numbers of Little Egret

30th November 2007 - overcast/rain later SW4/5
Wildfowl and Waders
Amongst the large numbers of Wigeon, Shelduck and Teal present were 85 Pintail, 33 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 7 dark-bellied Brent Geese.
Miscellaneous
The number of Little Egret present off the east side of the island increased to a record 13 individuals. Also seen were 65 Twite and a Rock Pipit.

Hooded Crow remains

29th November 2007 - bright and sunny W3/4
Miscellaneous
The only notable sightings involved some long staying regulars, a total of 12 Little Egret were among the tidal pools while single Hooded Crow and Chiffchaff were also logged.

A dismal day

28th November 2007 - rain SW4/5/6
Miscellaneous
A dank and dreary day limited observations and the only notable sightings involved the continued presence of a total of 11 Little Egrets feeding among the salt marsh pools on the eastern side of the island.

Cormorant origins revealed

27th November 2007 - overcast/drizzle at times SW2
Ringing
Nationally important numbers of Cormorant arrive on the island in the autumn during post-breeding dispersal. The origins of some of these birds is now clearer with the details of a darvic ringed bird recently received. Recorded on 21st October 2007, the bird had been ringed as a nestling on Puffin Island, North Wales on 23rd June 2007.
Miscellaneous
A total of 11 Little Egret remain scattered among the tidal pools on the eastern side of the island.

Little Coverage

26th November 2007 - overcast W1
Miscellaneous
A total of 11 Little Egrets remain scattered along the eastern side of the island.
Image
The Black Guillemot recently found residing in Walney Channel.

Iceland Gull takes star billing

25th November 2007 - overcast/rain at times NW4/5
Rarities
An adult Iceland Gull drifted slowly north along the western shore.
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0830-0930) involved 19 Kittiwake, 14 Razorbill, 10 Common Scoter and 5 Red-throated Diver. Observations later in the day on the ebbing tide (1415-1515) produced an additional 40 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill, 4 Shag, 4 Kittiwake and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by a single Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
Flocks of 1300 Wigeon and 500 Teal were spectacular while waders included 2500 Dunlin, 500 Knot, 10 Greenshank and single Spotted Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 9 Little Egret and 55 Twite remain. Both Peregrine and Merlin attended the large wader flocks.

Black Guillemot still in residence

24th November 2007 - rain then showers SW8/7/6
Offshore
Early morning observations on the western shore proved fruitless with rain and wild seas hampering viewing. Later observations as the wind and tide dropped (1330-1430) provided slightly more interest with 16 Razorbill, 10 Kittiwake, 2 Common Scoter and 2 Red-throated Diver logged. The Black Guillemot remained in the calmer sheltered waters on the east side of the island and was joined by a Red-throated Diver.
Miscellaneous
Even the Little Egrets were hiding with just 2 birds seen while a total of 7 Rock Pipit were flushed from the salt marsh by the high tide.

Goosander surprise

23rd November 2007 - bright and frosty N2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0815-0915) produced 100 Razorbill, 17 Common Scoter, 10 Kittiwake, 5 Red-throated Diver and 2 Goosander. The Black Guillemot continues to linger in Walney Channel.
Grounded Migrants
At least one Chiffchaff remains and is perhaps a candidate for overwintering.
Diurnal Migration
Still a few birds on the move with 2 Whooper Swan and single Tree Sparrow, Redpoll and Grey Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Pintail numbers continue to build with 140 birds present - perhaps a reflection on the cold weather.
Miscellaneous
At least 5 Little Egret and a single Hooded Crow remain.

Still some movement evident

22nd November 2007 - overcast N3/4/5
Offshore
Little of note with just 3 Razorbill and 3 Kittiwake logged.
Diurnal Migration
Again some relatively late movement was evident with 4 Whooper Swan, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Brambling and single Lesser Redpoll, Raven and Woodpigeon recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Pick of the waders were 6 Greenshank and a single Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Foraging finch flocks included 70 Twite, 65 Goldfinch, 50 Greenfinch and 35 Linnet. Only 3 Little Egret could be found.

Black Guillemot remains

21st November 2007 - misty and damp S2
Offshore
The Black Guillemot remained in the sheltered waters of Walney Channel.
Grounded Migrants
A few new birds were in evidence with 15 Blackbird, 7 Song Thrush, 2 Chiffchaff and singles of Goldcrest and Redwing logged.
Diurnal Migration
Some late movement included 26 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Siskin, 4 Grey Wagtail and a Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single Purple Sandpiper was the pick of the waders logged.
Miscellaneous
A varied selection included a number of long-stayers with 50 Twite, 5 Little Egret and 2 Hooded Crow logged along with single Water Rail and Coal Tit - the later perhaps surprisingly still an island scarcity.

Yet another Black Guillemot

20th November 2007 - overcast E3/4
Offshore
At least 9 Shag remain however other sightings were limited to just 8 Kittiwake and 8 Razorbill. Another Black Guillemot sheltered on the eastern side of the island.
Diurnal Migration
A small late movement included 6 Chaffinch and singles of both Grey Wagtail and Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 15 Purple Sandpiper roosted over the early morning tide.
Miscellaneous
The Little Egrets proved generally elusive with just 3 birds logged. A Merlin and 60 Twite were also seen.

A very quiet day

19th November 2007 - overcast/drizzle at times E6/5/4
Offshore
Little movement was noted with observations (0815-0915) providing just 10 Common Scoter, 4 Razorbill, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Pintail.
Diurnal Migration
Several small groups of Starling comprising a total of 44 birds headed north over the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 9 Shoveler and a single Purple Sandpiper were logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret remain.

Canadian regular reappears

18th November 2007 - overcast/drizzle at times SE5
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) were highlighted by a Black Guillemot flying into Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 6 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 20 pale-bellied and 33 dark-bellied Brent Geese included the Canadian ringed individual returning for its seventh winter.
Miscellaneous
The 12 Little Egret remain scattered along the eastern shore.

Another late Chiffchaff

17th November 2007 - increasingly windy with rain at times SW4/5/6/7
Offshore
Observations (0830-1030 & 1300-1400) produced 50 Common Scoter, 15 Razorbill, 11 Kittiwake, 9 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a single Goldeneye. A Black Guillemot preferred the calmer waters to be found on the east side of the island.
Grounded Migrants
Although a Chiffchaff was new in, there was little evidence of further movement with just 4 Blackbird and single Redwing and Song Thrush seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
A recent influx saw a total of 620 Teal logged while waders included 10 Greenshank, the generally elusive wintering Spotted Redshank and a Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Several Little Egrets and 5 Long-tailed Tit remain.

Predictable November fare

16th November 2007 - overcast SE1/2
Offshore
A quick look over the sea on the falling tide produced 20 Kittiwake, 3 Shag and single Razorbill and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
The day dawned under misty conditions which produced a few thrushes with 5 Blackbird, 5 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush and a Fieldfare logged along with 2 Tree Sparrow.
Miscellaneous
At least 11 Little Egret, 50 Twite and 5 Long-tailed Tit remain.

Late Chiffchaff

15th November 2007 - early frost/rain by evening SE1
Grounded Migrants
A late Chiffchaff was new in.
Miscellaneous
At least 9 Little Egret and 4 Long-tailed Tit remain.

Hooded Crow and Little Egrets

14th November 2007 - overcast N1
Offshore
A flock of 10 Common Scoter were seen.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 2 Song Thrush as autumn migration peters out.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow, at least 11 Little Egret and 2 Merlin remain. The itinerant flock of Twite put in another appearance with 60 birds logged. Two small flocks of Long-tailed Tit comprising 10 birds were recorded and a Barn Owl appeared through the early morning mist.

Little Egrets increase

13th November 2007 - overcast/rain at times NW5/6
Miscellaneous
The only notable sighting involved an increase in the wintering Little Egret population with at least 12 individuals seen.

Hooded Crow remains

12th November 2007 - early frost then sunny N1/2
Offshore
Just 20 Razorbill and 4 Red-throated Diver were recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Again limited to a handful of Blackbird, Song Thrush and Chaffinch.
Diurnal Migration
Early morning movement produced 70 Starling, 6 Tree Sparrow, 3 Brambling, 2 Fieldfare and 2 Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 16 pale-bellied Brent Geese headlined while totals from the monthly WeBS count included 1015 Shelduck, 1375 Wigeon, 255 Teal, 230 Mallard, 137 Eider, 47 Red-breasted Merganser, 3465 Oystercatcher, 320 Golden Plover, 246 Grey Plover, 355 Lapwing, 1035 Knot, 200 Sanderling, 4160 Dunlin, 80 Bar-tailed Godwit, 595 Curlew, 1180 Redshank and 165 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and small flock of 4 Long-tailed Tit remain, albeit elusively. A total of 7 Little Egret were logged and at least 3 Merlin were seen.

Traditional November fare

11th November 2007 - overcast then suuny NE4/3/2/1
Offshore
A quick scan over the sea on the rising tide produced 21 Common Scoter, 14 Kittiwake, 14 Razorbill and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Totals of 8 Blackbird, 7 Song Thrush and a few Chaffinch included at least some new birds.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of birds remain on the move with 10 Jackdaw, 8 Whooper Swan, 6 Mute Swan and 2 Tree Sparrow logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 15 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret and 35 Twite remain and single Merlin and Peregrine were seen.

Slavonian Grebe takes the plaudits

10th November 2007 - sunshine and showers NW5/6
Offshore
There was little of note over the sea (0800-0900) with just 11 Razorbill, 2 Common Scoter and 2 Kittiwake logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Slavonian Grebe favoured the sheltered waters between the mainland and the island. Also seen were totals of 2370 Oystercatcher, 2240 Dunlin, 1000 Knot, 865 Wigeon, 745 Shelduck, 630 Redshank, 565 Curlew, 320 Golden Plover, 14 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 4 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret remain and 2 Merlin were seen.

Typical November assortment

9th November 2007 - bright and sunny N5
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0830-0930) comprised 30 Razorbill, 16 Common Scoter, 4 Shag and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 3 Blackbird and 3 Song Thrush although 26 Greenfinch and 4 Chaffinch were likely to involve some migrants.
Diurnal Migration
A small movement early morning included 11 Jackdaw, 7 Fieldfare, 5 Carrion Crow, 2 Siskin and a Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
Totals of 50 Pintail, 15 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 9 Shoveler were recorded and an influx saw 11 Goldeneye logged. A single Purple Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A group of 35 Twite were seen along with single Merlin, Peregrine and Little Egret.

A late Leach's Petrel

8th November 2007 - sunny spells and squally showers W6/7/8
Offshore
Conditions were only really suitable for a seawatch and observations (0930-1130) were enlivened by a late Leach's Petrel moving out of Morecambe Bay after a particularly heavy squall. Other sightings involved 14 Razorbill, 6 Kittiwake, 6 Common Scoter, 4 Shag and 2 Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2500 Knot, 1000 Dunlin, 175 Sanderling and a Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The wintering flock of Twite increased to 50 individuals and single Merlin and Little Egret were logged.

Offshore sightings to the fore

7th November 2007 - overcast/rain at times W5
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) provided 155 Razorbill, 24 Kittiwake, 15 Common Scoter, 15 Guillemot and a single Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Grey Wagtail was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Pintail numbers begin to build with 56 birds logged and 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese were seen.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 35 Twite were logged and single Little Egret and Peregrine were seen. A Rock Pipit was flushed from the salt marsh by the rising tide.

Autumn draws to a close?

6th November 2007 - bright and sunny NW3/4
Grounded Migrants
New arrivals remain sparse and were limited to single Woodpigeon, Fieldfare and Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds are still on the move with 150 Jackdaw, 30 Greenfinch, 26 Chaffinch, 3 Carrion Crow, 2 alba Wagtail and a late Swallow logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A family party of 5 Whooper Swans made landfall on the salt marsh and 17 pale-bellied Brent Geese were also logged.
Miscellaneous
Just a single Little Egret and Water Rail were logged.

Velvet Scoter leads offshore sightings

5th November 2007 - overcast/rain at times W5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations (0745-0845) were led by a female Velvet Scoter with a supporting cast of 200 Razorbill, 40 Common Scoter, 13 Kittiwake, 6 Red-throated Diver, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Gannet and a Guillemot. At least 4 Shag remain.
Grounded Migrants
Although the Black Redstart remained the only other evidence of grounded migrants in the unfavourable conditions involved 3 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush and a Redwing.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret remain

White-fronted Geese take star billing

4th November 2007 - overcast/murky E1
Grounded Migrants
A select showing was headed by a Black Redstart but also included 16 Blackbird, 8 Song Thrush, 2 Brambling and single Grey Wagtail and Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A few species are still on the move, sightings included 335 Jackdaw, 300 Starling, 180 Pink-footed Goose, 23 Fieldfare, 19 Whooper Swan, 13 Redpoll, 6 Siskin, 4 Redwing and 2 alba Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 4 adult Greenland White-fronted Geese headlined with a supporting cast of 6 pale-bellied Brent Geese and a handful of Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 8 Little Egret and 4 Water Rail were scattered across the island. Both Hooded Crow put in an appearance and a flock of 40 Twite were logged.

Mediterranean Gull new in

3rd November 2007 - overcast WNW3
Offshore
Early morning observations prior to 0830hrs produced 105 Razorbill, 87 Common Scoter, 5 Kittiwake and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
New birds were sparse but 3 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush and single Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail and Goldcrest were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Birds are still on the move and totals included 750 Jackdaw, 260 Fieldfare, 230 Starling, 65 Redwing, 65 Greenfinch, 15 Whooper Swan, 12 Carrion Crow, 12 Rook, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Siskin and single Brambling, Redpoll, Rock Pipit and Mistle Thrush seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The wintering specialities are now to the fore with 28 dark-bellied Brent Goose, 21 pale-bellied Brent Goose and 11 Greenshank logged.
Miscellaneous
A second-winter Mediterranean Gull was new for the year. At least 7 Little Egret fed amongst the tidal pools at low tide and the flock of 4 Long-tailed Tit are still in residence. A group of 40 Twite were seen.

Typical early November selection

2nd November 2007 - overcast then sunny W1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0830) produced 15 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Razorbill. The early evening tide provided a group of 8 Shag but little else of note.
Grounded Migrants
Small numbers of thrushes continue to appear with 6 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing and single Blackbird and Fieldfare logged. At least 2 Goldcrest were seen and a Rock Pipit flitted amongst the coastal revetments.
Diurnal Migration
Early morning movement involved 20 Chaffinch, 18 Redwing, 8 Fieldfare and 2 Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
The numbers of Wigeon, Shelduck and Teal continue to build and waders included 2000 Dunlin, 17 Greenshank and 12 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A group of 9 Little Egret roosted over the tide. The small flock of 4 Long-tailed Tit and single Hooded Crow and Water Rail remain. Both Barn Owl and Little Owl remain active during the twilight hours.

Hooded Crow remains

1st November 2007 - overcast SW3/4
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow and 8 Little Egret were the only sightings of note.

A quieter day

31st October 2007 - overcast SW3/4
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes continue to dominate with 15 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush and a Fieldfare logged.
Diurnal Migration
Early morning observations produced 50 Meadow Pipit, 16 Whooper Swan, 10 Rook, 6 Carrion Crow and single Raven and Grey Wagtail.
Waders
At least 8 Black-tailed Godwit remain.
Miscellaneous
The group of 4 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Merlin and a Little Egret remain.