4th May 2012 – overcast E2/3 occasional showers
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0845) provided a first-summer Mediterranean Gull and 10 Arctic Tern along with 14 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Gannet and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear numbers continue to fall with just 25 birds logged along with 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler and single Fieldfare and Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
Just a few Swallow were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wader sightings included 350 Knot, 24 Whimbrel and 2 Purple Sandpiper.
Ringing
A mixed flock of Sanderling and Dunlin roosting over the tide held the third colour-ringed Sanderling of the spring, it had originally been ringed at Sandgeroi, ICELAND on 22nd May 2011 (1240km NW). In addition a colour-ringed Dunlin was also found – initial enquires suggest that this had been ringed on the Tagus Estuary, PORTUGAL.
Mammals
Two Bottle-nosed Dolphins were seen in Piel Channel before they headed back out into Morecambe Bay under the accompaniment of a large flock of gulls.
Moths
White Ermine, Cinnabar and Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet were newly emerged.
