Blackbird influx

31st October 2008 - bright and sunny N1/2
Diurnal Migration
Variety if not quantity was provided by 310 Jackdaw, 170 Starling, 58 Woodpigeon, 55 Pink-footed Goose, 24 Meadow Pipit, 12 Carrion Crow, 6 Greylag Goose, 6 Skylark, 4 alba Wagtail, 3 Rock Pipit, 2 Siskin, 2 Twite, 2 Raven and a Brambling.
Grounded Migrants
Large numbers of Blackbird arrived on the island overnight with 205 birds logged. Also seen were 30 Song Thrush, 30 Wren, 25 Greenfinch, 22 Chaffinch, 17 Long-tailed Tit, 8 Redwing, 3 Mistle Thrush, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit and single Fieldfare, Chiffchaff and Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 30 pale-bellied Brent Geese were recorded.
Miscellaneous
At least 9 Little Egret remain and 5 Sparrowhawk, 4 Kestrel, 3 Short-eared Owl and single Merlin, Peregrine and Little Owl hunted the island. Single Water Rail and Great Spotted Woodpecker were logged.

Thrushes finally arrive

30th October 2008 - overcast NE4/5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0830) produced 68 Common Scoter, 24 Razorbill, 5 Red-throated Diver and single Shag and Gannet.
Diurnal Migration
A few species were on the move with 920 Starling, 220 Jackdaw, 40 Redwing, 8 Meadow Pipit, 5 Whooper Swan, 5 Skylark and 3 alba Wagtail logged.
Grounded Migrants
Although the Treecreeper remained for a third day, newly arrived birds included 36 Greenfinch, 21 Blackbird, 13 Long-tailed Tit, 8 Song Thrush, 6 Chaffinch, 5 Redwing, 3 Brambling and single Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Fieldfare and Tree Sparrow.
Miscellaneous
Just 4 Little Egret were recorded.

Migration window quickly closed

29th October 2008 - overcast then showers W3/4
Offshore
Although no coordinated observations were undertaken 20 Common Scoter, 5 Shag and a Razorbill were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Much reduced on yesterday with just 200 Jackdaw, 50 Starling, 35 Pink-footed Goose, 30 Greenfinch, 14 Meadow Pipit, 7 alba Wagtail and single Siskin and Lesser Redpoll logged.
Grounded Migrants
Little evidence of any new arrivals with 4 Song Thrush, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird and single Treecreeper, Chiffchaff and Fieldfare left over from yesterday.
Miscellaneous
At least 15 Little Egret and 2 Short-eared Owl remain on the island. A Water Rail was heard.

Birds on the move as weather finally relents

28th October 2008 - early frost then sunny spells NE1/2/3
Offshore
A quick glance over the sea early morning provided a group of 5 Whooper Swan and a single Shag.
Diurnal Migration
Observations (0800-0900) produced a wide variety of species with 380 Pink-footed Goose, 200 Starling, 185 Meadow Pipit, 130 Jackdaw, 30 Woodpigeon, 17 Lesser Redpoll, 16 Siskin, 11 Skylark, 10 Tree Sparrow, 7 Twite, 6 Swallow, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Raven, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Mistle Thrush and single Peregrine, Whooper Swan and Brambling logged.
Grounded Migrants
Again variety was the theme of the day with 40 Greenfinch, 22 Long-tailed Tit, 16 Chaffinch, 10 Stonechat, 9 Song Thrush, 6 Blackbird, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Redwing and single Treecreeper, Chiffchaff, Mistle Thrush and Fieldfare recorded.
Miscellaneous
A single Short-eared Owl was seen and at least 20 Little Egret remain.

More White-fronts

27th October 2008 - persistent heavy wintry showers N4/5
Offshore
Very quiet over the sea with just 6 Common Scoter logged.
Diurnal Migration
Slightly more movement than of late with 26 Meadow Pipit, 14 Whooper Swan, 12 Siskin, 12 Chaffinch, 10 Greenfinch, 3 White-fronted Geese, 2 Tree Sparrow and 2 alba Wagtail recorded between the showers.
Grounded Migrants
A scattering of birds included 4 Redwing, 3 Fieldfare - the first of the autumn, 3 Goldcrest and single Swallow, Chiffchaff and Grey Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
The Shag still remained along the eastern shore and at least 4 Short-eared Owls and a Barn Owl hunted over the island.

Leach's Petrels headline

26th October 2008 - sun and showers W4/5/6
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0800-0900) were led by 2 Leach's Petrel with a supporting cast of 61 Kittiwake, 38 Razorbill, 29 Common Scoter and single Shag and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A flock of 5 Long-tailed Tit contained 2 Coal Tit and single Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 Greenland White-fronted Geese and 21 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain. Shelduck numbers begin to build with 385 birds logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 14 Little Egret remain and other sightings included 10 Twite and 2 Merlin.

White-fronted Geese brighten the gloom

25th October 2008 - overcast/heavy rain soon SW6/7/8
Offshore
Morning observations (0815-0915) produced 23 Common Scoter, 19 Razorbill, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Guillemot and a first-winter Little Gull.
Wildfowl and Waders
A couple of adult Greenland White-fronted Geese were attracted to the island's flooded fields and 20 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 16 Little Egret remain and a Merlin was seen.

Yellow-browed Warbler breaks the doldrums

24th October 2008 - sunny spells SW4/5
Rarities
A Yellow-browed Warbler fed amongst a flock of five Long-tailed Tit, 2 Coal Tit and a Goldcrest in sycamores at the bottom of Teasdale Road.
Offshore
Remaining quiet over the sea (0800-0900) with just 8 Razorbill, 5 Common Scoter, 2 Guillemot and a Kittiwake seen.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 6 southbound Whooper Swan and 2 Pink-footed Geese heading north were the only notable sightings.
Grounded Migrants
Two additional flocks of Long-tailed Tit totalling 17 birds held 4 Coal Tit and a Goldcrest but no further siberian surprises.
Miscellaneous
A total of 25 Little Egret were logged, a juvenile Shag continues to linger in the sheltered waters of Walney Channel and a Short-eared Owl hunted throughout the afternoon.

Brent Geese arrive in record numbers

23rd October 2008 - overcast/rain SW8
Wildfowl and Waders
Atrocious conditions prevailed throughout the day and the only sighting of note involved a flock of 74 pale-bellied Brent Geese - the largest ever recorded on the island.

Very little activity

22nd October 2008 - sunny spells W4/5
Offshore
Remaining extremely quiet over the sea with just 2 Gannet, 2 Common Scoter and a Razorbill recorded.
Diurnal Migration
The changing of the seasons was typified by today's sightings which involved 7 Whooper Swan and 2 Swallow.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Goldcrest was logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 11 Little Egret remain and 2 Raven were seen.

First Redwing of the autumn finally arrives

21st October 2008 - sunny spells W5/6
Offshore
Little of note over the sea with just 5 Common Scoter and a Razorbill logged.
Diurnal Migration
A family party of 5 Whooper Swan flew through.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 8 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit and the first Redwing of the autumn.
Miscellaneous
At least 10 Little Egret remain and a juvenile Shag sheltered from the wind along the eastern shore.

First Purple Sandpiper returns

20th October 2008 - overcast/showers SW8/7
Offshore
Morning observations over rough seas (0845-1045) produced 18 Kittiwake, 15 Gannet, 9 Razorbill, 7 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Guillemot and single Shag, Manx Shearwater, Little Gull, Great Crested Grebe and Merlin.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 2 Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 57 Red-breasted Merganser sheltered from the teeth of the gale and 17 Pintail and 7 dark-bellied Brent Geese were seen. Waders included 2 Purple Sandpiper and 150 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
At least 18 Little Egret remain.

Typical WeBS weather

19th October 2008 - overcast/rain SW6/7/8
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
The island WeBS count produced totals of 6400 Oystercatcher, 2195 Redshank, 695 Curlew, 560 Golden Plover, 470 Lapwing, 195 Turnstone, 190 Teal, 170 Grey Plover, 130 Sanderling, 28 Red-breasted Merganser, 21 Br-tailed Godwit, 17 Greenshank, 9 Shoveler and 6 Shag amongst a varied selection of wildfowl and waders.
Mammals
A Stoat stalked the flocks of roosting Redshank to no avail.

Spoonbill provides highlight

18th October 2008 - showers SW6/5/4
Rarities
A juvenile Spoonbill circled over the island before appearing to head off in a westerly direction.
Offshore
A quiet day over the sea (0830-0930) with just 40 Common Scoter, 27 Common Gull, 8 Razorbill and 2 Red-throated Diver logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Goldeneye was the first of the autumn and several Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 18 Little Egret remain and a group of 10 Twite were new in.

Further limited coverage

16th October 2008
Miscellaneous
Singles of Short-eared Owl, Merlin and Sparrowhawk were the only sightings logged.

Skies again provide the main focus

15th October 2008 - overcast NW2/3/4
Offshore
Morning observations (0915-1100) produced 22 Common Scoter, 9 Razorbill, 3 Shag, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
Further small-scale movement produced totals of 186 Meadow Pipit, 100 Greenfinch, 83 Linnet, 80 Starling, 62 Skylark, 39 alba Wagtail, 11 Swallow, 10 Snipe, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Siskin, and a Pink-footed Goose, Grey Wagtail and Lesser Redpoll.
Grounded Migrants
Again only a limited evidence of movement with 6 Blackbird, 6 Goldcrest, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Chaffinch and single Chiffchaff, Wheatear and Coal Tit.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 14 Greenshank and 5 Shoveler were present and a flock of 37 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included 3 Merlin and 3 Peregrine, a Little Owl was at its favoured haunt and at least 11 Little Egret remain.

Low key coverage

14th October 2008
Diurnal Migration
Little activity with totals of 11 alba Wagtail and 7 Swallow the only sightings logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was the only record of note.

A damp and dreary day

13th October 2008 - rain
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 20 Greenfinch, 5 Goldcresst and single Blackcap and Coal Tit.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Merlin continue to hunt the island.
Moths
Sightings included 2 Red-line Quaker and a Vestal.

Hooded Crow moves through

12th October 2008 - early mist then overcast/calm
Diurnal Migration
Early morning movement included 380 Meadow Pipit, 230 Pink-footed Geese, 80 Skylark, 20 alba Wagtail, 7 Whooper Swan and single Hooded Crow, Grey Wagtail, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning mist provided a little more interest than of late with 50 Greenfinch, 12 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Song Thrush, 5 Goldcrest, 3 Coal Tit, 2 Blackcap and a Chiffchaff logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 3 Gadwall were newly arrived and at least 7 Greenshank remain.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret were seen and Red-legged Partridge continue to hold a tentative foothold on the island with 3 birds recorded.
Moths
A couple of Figure of Eight were trapped overnight.

Further Coal Tit influx

11th October 2008 - overcast W3/2
Offshore
Morning observations (0745-0845) produced 185 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Razorbill and 2 Shag.
Diurnal Migration
Further small-scale movement with 80 Meadow Pipit, 30 alba Wagtail, 30 Greenfinch, 15 Linnet, 5 Skylark, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch and a Lesser Redpoll logged.
Grounded Migrants
Coal Tits continue to move through with a further 9 birds logged, other sightings were limited to 2 Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 10 Greenshank remain.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included 2 Merlin and a Peregrine and at least one Water Rail remains.

Rubbish Seawatching

10th October 2008 - overcast SW6/7
Offshore
Despite the seemingly good conditions the sea proved to be especially quiet with morning observations (0800-0930) producing just 17 Common Scoter, 4 Kittiwake and 2 Razorbill.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the only other bird of note logged.

Looking to the skies

9th October 2008 - bright and sunny/rain by evening S2/3/4
Offshore
Very little movement was noted offshore with just 7 Razorbill, 6 Common Scoter and 2 Gannet logged.
Diurnal Migration
The skies provided the main action for the day with 270 Linnet, 230 Meadow Pipit, 210 Starling, 115 Skylark, 65 Greenfinch, 60 Chaffinch, 54 Pink-footed Geese, 45 alba Wagtail, 7 Jackdaw, 6 Grey Wagtail, 4 House Martin, 3 Siskin, 2 Swallow, 2 Lesser Redpoll and a Rock Pipit logged.
Grounded Migrants
Again led by a second wave of Coal Tit with a further 11 birds logged, also seen were 9 Goldcrest and 3 Song Thrush.
Miscellaneous
At least 25 Little Egret remain and raptors included 2 Merlin, Peregrine and Little Owl. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was logged.

Coal Tit influx

8th October 2008 - bright and sunny W3
Offshore
Morning sightings (0745-0845) included 430 Razorbill, 200 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver, 3 Gannet, 2 Kittiwake and a Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
Movement through the course of the morning included 170 Meadow Pipit, 100 Skylark, 45 Pink-footed Geese, 25 Greenfinch, 21 alba Wagtail, 5 Swallow, 3 Siskin and single Grey Wagtail and Lesser Redpoll.
Grounded Migrants
A Coal Tit influx was evident with 11 birds logged, also seen were 10 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and 2 Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 12 Greenshank remain.

Razorbills on the move

7th October 2008 - overcast/rain soon S3/4
Offshore
Morning observations (0745-0915) produced 410 Razorbill, 118 Common Scoter, 52 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Guillemot and Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
The first 2 Whooper Swan of the autumn flew south.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest although the first 2 Rock Pipit of the autumn were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.

Normal service resumed

6th October 2008 - bright and sunny S3/4
Diurnal Migration
Morning observations produced 500 Pink-footed Geese, 60 Meadow Pipit, 30 Greenfinch, 25 Swallow, 10 Skylark, 3 alba Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch and a Lesser Redpoll.
Grounded Migrants
Still little to show for the effort put in with just 4 Goldcrest, 3 Wheatear and a Song Thrush providing evidence of grounded migrants.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of pale-bellied Brent Geese increased to 38 individuals.

Grey Phalarope continues to linger

5th October 2008 - bright and sunny NE1
Rarities
The Grey Phalarope continues to attract admirers.
Offshore
Remaining quiet over the sea with just 9 Common Scoter, 6 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Shag and 3 Razorbill logged.
Diurnal Migration
Observations produced totals of 100 Skylark, 90 Pink-footed Goose, 50 Meadow Pipit, 10 alba Wagtail, 5 Swallow, 4 Barnacle Goose and single Lesser Redpoll and Siskin.
Grounded Migrants
Still thin on the ground with just 12 Goldcrest, 5 Wheatear, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Coal Tit and single Blackcap and Whinchat recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 35 pale-bellied Brent Geese were seen and waders included 3000 Oystercatcher, 400 Sanderling and 21 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 6 Little Egret and a Water Rail remain. Raptors included 3 Merlin, 2 Peregrine and a Sparrowhawk while 3 Short-eared Owl and single Barn Owl and Little Owl were logged.

Grey Phalarope still in residence

4th October 2008 - wet and windy S3/4/5/6/7
Rarities
The Grey Phalarope remains in residence though proving elusive at times in the strong winds.
Offshore
Very quiet offshore (0800-0900) with just 5 Common Scoter and single Gannet and Razorbill logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 6 pale-bellied Brent Geese were new in and waders included Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Ruff.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was seen and 4 Little Egret was probably a poor reflection on the numbers actually present around the island.
Images
A rather poor record shot of the Grey Phalarope

Grey Phalarope remains

3rd October 2008 - bright and sunny N3/4
Rarities
There were no reported sightings of the Rustic Bunting today, however, the Grey Phalarope remains.
Offshore
Morning observations (0815-0915) produced 62 Barnacle Geese heading north and other sightings included 15 Razorbill, 3 Common Scoter, 3 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Shag and Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
Some further small-scale movement with 100 Meadow Pipit, 10 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Skylark, 3 Siskin and a Grey Wagtail logged.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 10 Chaffinch, 4 Wheatear, 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 20 Greenshank and single Black-tailed Godwit and Ruff continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
At least 10 Little Egret and a Water Rail remain.

Rustic Bunting and Grey Phalarope remain

2nd October 2008 - sunshine and heavy showers NW1/2/3
Rarities
Both the Rustic Bunting and Grey Phalarope remain in residence.
Offshore
A total of 33 Barnacle Geese flew north in five skeins (0745-0945) and other sightings included 29 Common Scoter, 21 Shag, 15 Red-throated Diver, 12 Razorbill, 10 Gannet, 6 Kittiwake, 2 Guillemot, 2 Scaup, 2 Pintail and single Fulmar and pale-bellied Brent Goose.
Diurnal Migration
A lull in the weather early morning saw a few birds taking advantage with 50 Meadow Pipit, 20 Skylark, 10 Swallow and single Grey Wagtail and Lesser Redpoll logged.
Grounded Migrants
Remaining thin on the ground with 4 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and single Wheatear and White Wagtail recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Little Stint was new in and other waders included 500 Golden Plover, 22 Greenshank and a Ruff.
Miscellaneous
At least 14 Little Egret remain and both Merlin and Little Owl were logged.

Rustic Bunting and Grey Phalarope

1st October 2008 - sunshine and heavy showers NW4/5/6
Rarities
The Rustic Bunting continues to attract a few admirers and was seen on and off through the day up to dusk. A Grey Phalarope was found sheltering on the pools late in the day.
Offshore
Morning observations (0745-0945) proved particularly unrewarding with just 12 Razorbill, 6 Gannet, 5 Common Scoter, 2 Guillemot and 2 Kittiwake logged.
Diurnal Migration
A small skein of 25 Pink-footed Geese hurtled south.
Grounded Migrants
Perhaps not surprisingly considering the weather just 3 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff and Blackcap were recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
In addition to the Grey Phalarope, 4 Greenshank and a Ruff were seen.
Miscellaneous
A Great Spotted Woodpecker was unusual, at least 7 Little Egret remain and both Peregrine and Merlin continue to hunt the island.