Excellent ringing month

31st October 2016 – sunny spells SE2
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 25 Blackbird, 9 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing and 2 Mistle Thrush. Also seen were 3 Wheatear and single Goldcrest and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were busier than of late with 580 Pink-footed Geese, 230 Skylark, 100 Meadow Pipit, 15 Twite, 6 Whooper Swan, 5 Tree Sparrow, 2 Lesser Redpoll and single Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail and Great Spotted Woodpecker logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Sightings included 17 Pintail, 7 dark-bellied Bent Goose and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Merlin remain.
Ringing
An excellent ringing total, 936 birds of 28 species handled, was due to the weather conditions and the regular early morning availability of ringers for the first time this year. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps/controls in brackets): Meadow Pipit 239 (1), Goldfinch 144 (55), Goldcrest 115 (4), Chaffinch 66 (2), Tree Sparrow 62 (1), Blackbird 40 (4), Wren 32 (2), Robin 26 (6), Greenfinch 26 (4), Song Thrush 17, Dunnock 16 (3), House Sparrow 12, Chiffchaff 10, Lesser Redpoll 8, Redwing 7, Blue Tit 7 (6), Great Tit 4 (1), Sparrowhawk 2, Isabelline Shrike 1, Treecreeper 1, Merlin 1, Skylark 1, Stonechat 1, Willow Warbler 1, Yellow-browed Warbler 1, Brambling 1, Reed Bunting 1 (3), Kestrel (2).

Great White Egret reappears

30th October 2016 – overcast S1
Rarities
The Great White Egret was again on the pools at the north end of the island.
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes included 95 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing and 8 Song Thrush. Additional sightings involved 8 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and a single Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A small scale movement included 8 Whooper Swan, 4 Raven, 2 Brambling and single Tree Sparrow and Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female/immature Long-tailed Duck was again along the eastern shore at hightide.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Merlin hunted the island.

Fogbound winter thrushes

29th October 2016 – overcast Mist/drizzle S1
Offshore
Just small numbers of Razorbill and Common Scoter were noted offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes included 230 Redwing, 150 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush. Additional sightings involved 10 Goldcrest, 9 Stonechat and single Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Conditions limited visible migration which involved 11 Whooper Swan, 4 Tree Sparrow and a Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female/immature Long-tailed Duck was again along the eastern shore at hightide. Also seen were 22 pale-bellied Brent Goose.
Miscellaneous
Merlin, Peregrine and Water Rail were the best of the rest.

Isabelline Shrike

28th October 2016 – overcast N1
Rarities
Cumbria's first Isabelline Shrike remained in the vicinity of the observatory garden throughout the day. Note South Walney Nature Reserve opens at 1000hrs.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 24 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush. Otherwise sightings were limited to 12 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration included 18 Twite, 10 Tree Sparrow, 6 Whooper Swan, 2 Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll.
Images
Isabelline Shrike.

Long-tailed Duck and Great Skua

27th October 2016 – overcast SW4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-1000) were led by a Great Skua along with 185 Common Scoter, 18 Gannet, 14 Razorbill, 7 Kittiwake and a Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female/immature Long-tailed Duck fed along the eastern shore at high tide and additional wildfowl included 7 pale-bellied and 5 dark-bellied Brent Goose.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Mediterranean Gull

26th October 2016 – overcast SW3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) were led by an adult Mediterranean Gull amongst 216 Common Scoter, 12 Razorbill, 2 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Just 3 Goldcrest were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Single Grey Wagtail and 2 Tree Sparrow were the only birds of note recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Sightings included 10 Shoveler and 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Tawny Owl was probably the escapee logged previously.

Quiet again

25th October 2016 – sunny spells SE2
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Goldcrest and single Wheatear and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Jackdaw dominated sightings with 335 birds logged, otherwise just 5 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Siskin, 4 Tree Sparrow and a Lesser Redpoll were logged.

Migration continues to fade

24th October 2016 – bright and sunny NE3/2/1
Offshore
Only 12 Razorbill and 9 Gannet were recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes included 33 Redwing 3 Fieldfare and a Song Thrush, otherwise sightings were limited to 4 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
The skies added 210 Pink-footed Geese, 12 Whooper Swan, 6 Tree Sparrow and single Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Rock Pipit.

Migration dries up

23rd October 2016 – bright and sunny ENE4/5
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 131 Razorbill, 31 Common Scoter, 4 Gannet, 2 Guillemot and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Two Wheatear were the best on offer.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 350 Jackdaw, 105 Pink-footed Goose and a Lesser Redpoll.

Jack Snipe

22nd October 2016 –sunny spells ENE2/3
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 68 Redwing, 7 Blackbird and 3 Fieldfare. Additional sightings were limited to 7 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Passage was dominated by 1000 Pink-footed Geese, also seen were 320 Jackdaw, 60 Skylark, 2 Whooper Swan, 2 Mistle Thrush and single Rock Pipit and Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Jack Snipe was amongst a handful of Snipe.
Miscellaneous
A group of 5 Twite and a flock of 10 Long-tailed Tit were the best of the rest.
News
It is with great sadness that we learn of the sudden death of Trish Chadwick. Trish was the dedicated warden at South Walney Nature Reserve for many years and was the friendly face that many visitors first met upon their arrival at the reserve. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Richard’s Pipit

21st October 2016 –sunny spells ENE1
Rarities
A Richard’s Pipit flew over at 0830hrs and appeared to land in the cattle fields. However, a search failed to relocate the bird.
Offshore
A group of 10 Shag fed offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 18 Blackbird, 3 Redwing and 3 Song Thrush. Also seen were 6 Goldcrest and a single Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Passage included 270 Jackdaw, 210 Pink-footed Geese, 37 Skylark, 32 Meadow Pipit, 16 Tree Sparrow, 6 Swallow, 2 Lesser Redpoll and single Grey Wagtail and Rock Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail and Great Spotted Woodpecker were the best of the rest.

Another Yellow-browed Warbler

20th October 2016 – early showers then sunny spells N1
Rarities
The fifth Yellow-browed Warbler spent the day in the observatory garden.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 23 Blackbird, 15 Redwing, 13 Song Thrush, 2 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush. Also seen were 14 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Another steady passage through the morning produced 1335 Pink-footed Geese, 45 Chaffinch, 27 Tree Sparrow, 11 Whooper Swan, 7 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 2 Brambling and single Lesser Redpoll, Siskin and Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders again included 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A group of 10 Twite and single Short-eared Owl, Merlin, Peregrine and Water Rail were the best of the rest.

Passage continues

19th October 2016 – bright and sunny N2/3
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 11 Redwing, 11 Blackbird, 5 Song Thrush and 2 Mistle Thrush. Also seen were 15 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Treecreeper.
Diurnal Migration
A steady passage through the morning produced 520 Pink-footed Geese, 330 Meadow Pipit, 35 Chaffinch, 34 Jackdaw, 25 Tree Sparrow, 12 Lesser Redpoll, 7 Brambling and single Siskin, Grey Wagtail and Rock Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Goldeneye of the autumn appeared and waders included 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Single Water Rail and Merlin were the best of the rest.

Whooper Swans and Brent Geese

18th October 2016 – overcast/rain later W4/5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) provided 84 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 6 Red-throated Diver and 3 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Just single Wheatear, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A single Swallow was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 7 Whooper Swan, 7 dark-bellied Brent Geese and 76 pale-bellied Brent Geese amongst 3000 Wigeon.
Miscellaneous
At least 8 Rock Pipit were flushed from the saltmarshes.

Firecrest headlines

17th October 2016 – overcast/rain clearing to showers S4/5
Rarities
A Firecrest was found in roadside bushes adjacent to the old refuse tip.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-1000) were highlighted by 11 Scaup, 5 Gadwall and a Great Skua. Also seen were 205 Common Scoter, 48 Gannet, 22 Razorbill, 7 Kittiwake and 6 Red-throated Diver The high tide period added a Great Northern Diver.
Grounded Migrants
An influx of Goldcrest produced 16 birds admixed amongst which were 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 4 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Lesser Redpoll and a Rock Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 21 Greenshank.

Glaucous Gull

16th October 2016 – overcast/rain soon, brighter later SE3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) were highlighted by and adult Glaucous Gull and a Black Guillemot. Additional sightings included 110 Common Scoter, 70 Razorbill, 41 Gannet, 2 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest and a Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
A solitary Pock Pipit was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 5 Shoveler.

Another Yellow-browed Warbler

15th October 2016 – overcast/rain soon, brighter later E3
Rarities
The fourth Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn appeared in the observatory garden as the rain set in.
Grounded Migrants
Other grounded birds were limited to 6 Goldcrest and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A Rock Pipit was amongst 60 Meadow Pipit and 2 Grey Wagtail amongst 20 alba Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 2710 Wigeon and 32 pale-bellied Brent Goose while 10 Greenshank was also logged.
Miscellaneous
Two Water Rail were the best of the rest.

Short-eared Owl

14th October 2016 – overcast E3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea again provided small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
The lack of grounded birds continued with just a handful of Redwing, Goldcrest and Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few more birds than of late with 145 Meadow Pipit, 100 Pink-footed Goose, 20 alba Wagtail, 17 Linnet, 5 Reed Bunting, 4 Tree Sparrow and 2 Brambling recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 2650 Wigeon and 80 pale-bellied Brent Goose.
Miscellaneous
A Short-eared Owl was flushed from the saltmarsh by the rising tide.

Velvet Scoter

13th October 2016 – sunny spells NE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea on the rising tide (0745-0845) was highlighted by a female/immature Velvet Scoter amongst 190 Common Scoter along with 22 Razorbill, 11 Gannet and 4 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Remaining quiet with only 4 Rdwing, 4 Chiffchaff and 3 Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
Again little evidence of movement with just 50 Jackdaw, 20 Meadow Pipit, 10 Linnet and 6 Skylark logged.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret remain prominent.

Yellow-browed Warbler remains

12th October 2016 –sunny spells then showers NE1/2/3
Rarities
The Yellow-browed Warbler remained in scrub between the bowling green and pumping station in Vickerstown Park.
Grounded Migrants
Quiet again with just 10 Redwing, 10 Goldcrest, 5 Chiffchaff and 2 Fieldfare logged. However a Treecreeper was unusual.
Diurnal Migration
Again little evidence of movement with 7 Brambling, 2 Rock Pipit and single Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Grey Wagtail the highlights of a meagre passage.
Miscellaneous
The first Twite have returned with 9 birds recorded and a Water Rail was the best of the rest.

Another day, another Yellow-browed Warbler

11th October 2016 –sunny spells NE1/2/3
Rarities
Third Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn quickly followed the second when a bird was found in scrub between the bowling green and pumping station in Vickerstown Park.
Grounded Migrants
Noticeably quieter then yesterday with just 25 Redwing, 10 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap logged.
Diurnal Migration
Less activity was evident in the skies with just 460 Jackdaw, 35 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Tree Sparrow, 4 Grey Wagtail, 3 Brambling, 3 Lesser Redpoll and single Siskin and Mistle Thrush logged – the latter remarkably the first of the year.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was the best of the rest.
Butterflies
Red Admiral, Small White, Large White and Speckled Wood remain on the wing.
Mammals
A pod of 7 Bottle-nosed Dolphins were offshore.

Another Yellow-browed Warbler

10th October 2016 – overcast then sunny NE1/2/3
Rarities
Perhaps not surprising considering the huge influx of Yellow-browed Warbler into Britain a second bird of the autumn was found on the island.
Grounded Migrants
An influx of Goldcrest was evident with 60 birds logged along with 10 Chiffchaff, 5 Redwing and 3 Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration included 630 Pink-footed Geese, 310 Jackdaw, 300 Meadow Pipit, 220 Starling, 42 Skylark, 40 Linnet, 12 alba Wagtail, 6 Tree Sparrow, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 2 Brambling and a Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included several Greenshank and a Ruff.
Miscellaneous
At least one Merlin continues in residence.

Goldfinch longevity record

9th October 2016 – bright and sunny NE3/4
Grounded Migrants
Remaining sparse with just 9 Goldcrest, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Redwing and a Blackcap logged.
Diurnal Migration
Migration continues to be prominent with 1290 Meadow Pipit, 1100 Pink-footed Goose, 270 Jackdaw, 225 Skylark, 115 Linnet, 70 Swallow, 30 alba Wagtail, 20 Tree Sparrow, 2 Siskin, 2 Lesser Redpoll and single Redwing, Grey Wagtail and Brambling logged.
Moths
A Red-green Carpet was new for the year.
Ringing
A Goldfinch retapped 8 years, 11 months and 1 day after ringing would appear to be a new longevity record for the BTO ringing scheme.

Marsh Harrier flies through

8th October 2016 – sunny spells NE3/2/1
Offshore
There was little evidence of movement over the sea early morning excepting for 35 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 15 Goldcrest, 5 Chiffchaff and a Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Migration continued apace with 2200 Meadow Pipit, 2070 Pink-footed Geese, 760 Linnet, 168 Skylark, 164 alba Wagtail, 112 Swallow, 15 Tree Sparrow, 3 Rock Pipit and single Siskin and Grey Wagtail logged through the morning. In addition a tardy Marsh Harrier headed south at 1515hrs.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Greenshank and a Ruff.
Miscellaneous
Two Peregrine and a Water Rail were the best of the rest.

First Fieldfare of the autumn

7th October 2016 –overcast E3/4
Rarities
The Great White Egret was again at the north end of the island.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes included the first Fieldfare of the autumn amongst 7 Blackbird and 5 Redwing. Otherwise sightings were limited to single Wheatear, Goldcrest and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A reduced passage produced just 510 Pink-footed Geese, 500 Meadow Pipit, 40 Linnet, 20 alba Wagtail, 2 Tree Sparrow, and single Grey Wagtail, Rock Pipit and Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 600 Golden Plover, 12 Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Several Merlin continued to hunt the Meadow Pipits and 2 Barn Owl hunted at dawn.

Great White Egret reappears

6th October 2016 –sunny spells E3/4
Rarities
The Great White Egret was again at the north end of the island.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 52 Redwing, 18 Blackbird and 10 Song Thrush. Otherwise sightings were limited to 10 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and a Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A slight change in the wind direction produced an increased passage with 2200 Meadow Pipit, 630 Linnet, 215 Swallow, 210 alba Wagtail, 190 Pink-footed Geese, 185 Skylark, 45 Jackdaw, 32 House Martin, 28 Siskin, 12 Chaffinch, 8 Tree Sparrow, 6 Reed Bunting, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Brambling logged through the course of the morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 2 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
At least one Merlin continues to hunt the Meadow Pipits and a Water Rail was recorded. The less frequently visited more wooded areas of the island produced 4 Jay, 3 Coal Tit, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Long-tailed Tit.
Late Butterflies and Moths
Red Admiral, Speckled Wood Large White and Small White remain on the wing while the moth trap produced several Silver Y.

Great White Egret

5th October 2016 – overcast then sunny spells SE4/5
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea produced 280 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet, 7 Red-throated Diver, 6 Razorbill and 2 drake Scaup. Later 2 Arctic Skua were over the eastern shore..
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Passage continues to wane as the wind increases today’s totals included 200 Meadow Pipit, 80 Linnet, 80 Pink-footed Geese, 30 alba Wagtail and 6 Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Geese flock held 70 pale-bellied birds while waders included 8000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin continues to hunt the Meadow Pipits.
Late News
A Great White Egret was photographed feeding on the pools at North Walney on 1st October.

Yellow-browed Warbler

4th October 2016 – sunny spells SE3/4
Rarities
A Yellow-browed Warbler spent the day in the observatory garden.
Offshore
Small numbers of Gannet were again offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Few other birds were in evidence with just 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
The continued SE wind subdued diurnal migration with just 370 Linnet, 350 Meadow Pipit, 80 Starling, 54 alba Wagtail, 48 Pink-footed Geese, 45 Skylark, 34 Jackdaw, 6 Swallow, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Siskin, 2 House Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Rock Pipit logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least one Curlew Sandpiper continues in residence and the Brent Goose flock held 13 dark-bellied and 34 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin continues to harass the migrating Meadow Pipits.

Brent Geese begin to build

3rd October 2016 – bright and sunny SE3/4
Offshore
Small numbers of Gannet, Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter were offshore.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds were in evidence with 10 Robin, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Wheatear, 2 Song Thrush and single Chiffchaff and Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
Birds were again on the move through the morning with 1050 Meadow Pipit, 350 Linnet, 285 Pink-footed Geese, 200 alba Wgtail, 34 Swallow, 34 Skylark, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Siskin and a Rock Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 67 pale-bellied and 7 dark-bellied birds while waders included 6000 Knot and a Ruff.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin continues to harass the migrating Meadow Pipits.
Moths
A Dark Chestnut would appear to be the first island record.

Early Redwings flood in

2nd October 2016 – bright and sunny NE1/2/3
Offshore
Small numbers of Common Scoter were offshore.
Grounded Migrants
A reasonable selection at last with 104 Redwing, 27 Robin, 7 Chiffchaff, 6 Song Thrush, 5 Goldcrest and single Wheatear, Blackcap, Grasshopper Warbler, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
Still plenty of activity overhead with 4100 Meadow Pipit, 1825 Pink-footed Geese, 520 Swallow, 390 Linnet, 215 Skylark, 140 alba Wagtail, 16 Siskin, 12 Tree Sparrow, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Sand Martin, 2 House Martin, 2 Lesser Redpoll and a Buzzard recorded through the morning.
Miscellaneous
Corvids were well represented with 3 Raven and single Hooded Crow and Jay logged amongst the usual suspects. Raptors included 3 Merlin and a Peregrine whilst 34 Little Egret were logged.

The skies finally come alive

1st October 2016 – overcast NE3/2
Grounded Migrants
A few more grounded birds than of late with 21 Robin, 10 Goldcrest, 3 Wheatear and single Chiffchaff and Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Birds flooded through with the first respite for many days from the generally southerly wind direction. Totals through the morning included 11400 Meadow Pipit, 6780 Pink-footed Geese, 1525 Linnet, 880 Skylark, 440 Starling, 165 alba Wagtail, 61 Swallow, 34 Chaffinch, 19 Grey Wagtail, 18 Tree Sparrow, 17 Reed Bunting, 4 Whooper Swan and a Siskin.
Miscellaneous
Both Barn Owl and Little Owl were about at dawn and a Merlin was logged.

First Brent Geese of the autumn

30th September 2016 – sunny spells SW5/4/3
Grounded Migrants
The theme of the month continued with little evidence of grounded birds with just 4 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap logged.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Swallow and Grey Wagtail were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 7 pale-bellied Brent Geese returned.
Miscellaneous
A total of 45 Little Egret were recorded.
Ringing
It proved to be a frustrating month for the ringers with just 92 birds of 17 species handled. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets). Meadow Pipit 21, Robin 14 (2), Goldfinch 11 (2), Goldcrest 8, House Sparrow 7 (1), Wren 5 (1), Blackcap 3, Chiffchaff 3, Great Tit 3, Dunnock 2, Greenfinch 1 (2), Chaffinch 1, Blue Tit 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Willow Warbler 1, Whitethroat 1 and Blackbird 1.