21st April 2011 – hazy sun E1
Offshore
There was little on view over the sea in very hazy conditions with a solitary Shag the only record of note.
Grounded Migrants
With no change in the weather there was little change in the birds, Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat continue to increase steadily at breeding localities otherwise it was again disappointingly quiet with only 5 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and single Grasshopper Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff providing further evidence of newly arrived passage birds.
Diurnal Migration
A further trickle of Swallow and Meadow Pipit contained 2 Sand Martin and single House Martin and Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
The wintering flocks of Barnacle Goose and pale-bellied Brent Goose appear to have departed, however small numbers of Wigeon and Teal continue to linger
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was harassed by Swallows early morning.
Ringing
Details for a couple of Greenfinch have recently come to light. A first-year male ringed on spring passage at South Walney on 7th April 2007 was killed by a cat at Blackrock, Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway (123km NW) on 4th September 2010 and a female trapped at Ponteland, Northumberland on 5th September 2010 was controlled at South Walney (145km SW) on 31st October 2010.
Moths
The moth traps attracted Schreckensteinia festaliella and Dogs Tooth both new additions for the year.
