24th March 2020 – hazy sun SSE2/3
Notice
Please note that in line with the advice on essential travel Walney Bird Observatory has closed until further notice.
Offshore
An early morning socially isolated check of the sea (0630-0830) produced 95 Common Scoter, 22 Red-throated Diver, 10 Guillemot, 6 Razorbill, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Kittiwake 2 Gannet and 2 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Five Goldcrest and a Wheatear were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Seabirds on the move
23rd March 2020 – hazy sun SSE3
Notice
Please note that in line with recent advice on essential travel South Walney Nature Reserve is now unfortunately closed to vehicles until further notice.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0630-0830) produced 135 Common Scoter, 27 Red-throated Diver, 18 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Guillemot, 2 Pintail and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Goldcrest was logged.
Diurnal Migration
An early morning trickle of Meadow Pipit were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 107 light-bellied birds and waders included 30 Grey Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Notice
Please note that in line with recent advice on essential travel South Walney Nature Reserve is now unfortunately closed to vehicles until further notice.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0630-0830) produced 135 Common Scoter, 27 Red-throated Diver, 18 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Guillemot, 2 Pintail and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Goldcrest was logged.
Diurnal Migration
An early morning trickle of Meadow Pipit were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 107 light-bellied birds and waders included 30 Grey Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
More hints of migration
22nd March 2020 – hazy sun SE3
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 46 Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Wheatear and 2 Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Siskin was amongst a trickle of Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain (2 males + female) and the Brent Goose flock held 323 light-bellied birds. Waders included 25 Golden Plover.
Ringing
Two colour-ringed Eider were noted.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 46 Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Wheatear and 2 Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Siskin was amongst a trickle of Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain (2 males + female) and the Brent Goose flock held 323 light-bellied birds. Waders included 25 Golden Plover.
Ringing
Two colour-ringed Eider were noted.
Further hints of migration
21st March 2020 – overcast E5/6
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 23 Common Scoter, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Shag and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Two Wheatear and 2 Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Despite the wind a few species were still on the move with 160 Meadow Pipit and 20 Whooper Swan moving through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain (2 males + female).
Ringing
A colour-ringed Cormorant and Eider were noted.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 23 Common Scoter, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Shag and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Two Wheatear and 2 Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Despite the wind a few species were still on the move with 160 Meadow Pipit and 20 Whooper Swan moving through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain (2 males + female).
Ringing
A colour-ringed Cormorant and Eider were noted.
Whooper Swans on the move
20th March 2020 – bright and sunny NE2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 9 Red-throated Diver, 6 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Single Redwing and Goldcrest were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Wildfowl were on the move with 125 Pink-footed Geese and 106 Whooper Swan logged, also seen were 60 Meadow Pipit, 16 Jackdaw, 6 Pied Wagtail and a Rook.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain (2 males + female).
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 9 Red-throated Diver, 6 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Single Redwing and Goldcrest were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Wildfowl were on the move with 125 Pink-footed Geese and 106 Whooper Swan logged, also seen were 60 Meadow Pipit, 16 Jackdaw, 6 Pied Wagtail and a Rook.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain (2 males + female).
More signs of spring
19th March 2020 – sunny spells/calm
Offshore
Early morning observations produced 26 Red-breasted Merganser, 25 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 7 Shag and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Two Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Passage included 20 Meadow Pipit, 18 Jackdaw, 8 Greylag Goose and a Pink-footed Goose.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain (2 males + female).
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow made another appearance.
Butterflies and Moths
A Small Tortoiseshell was on the wing in the sunshine and Early Thorn and Dark Sword-grass were the first moths to be attracted to the moth trap this year.
Offshore
Early morning observations produced 26 Red-breasted Merganser, 25 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 7 Shag and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Two Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Passage included 20 Meadow Pipit, 18 Jackdaw, 8 Greylag Goose and a Pink-footed Goose.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain (2 males + female).
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow made another appearance.
Butterflies and Moths
A Small Tortoiseshell was on the wing in the sunshine and Early Thorn and Dark Sword-grass were the first moths to be attracted to the moth trap this year.
Changing of the seasons
18th March 2020 – overcast SW2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations produced 12 Red-throated Diver, 12 Common Scoter, 6 Shag, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Two Fieldfare and single Wheatear, Redwing and Chiffchaff were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Shoveler were seen (3 males + 2 females) and 3 Scaup remain (2 males + female).
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Offshore
Early morning observations produced 12 Red-throated Diver, 12 Common Scoter, 6 Shag, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Two Fieldfare and single Wheatear, Redwing and Chiffchaff were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Shoveler were seen (3 males + 2 females) and 3 Scaup remain (2 males + female).
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Rubbish seawatch
17th March 2020 – mist/fog/drizzle/rain SW3/4/5/6
Offshore
A morning check of the sea in steadily deteriorating conditions produced just 8 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Offshore
A morning check of the sea in steadily deteriorating conditions produced just 8 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Short-eared Owl and Hooded Crow
16th March 2020 – sunny spells/rain later SW3/4/5
Offshore
A morning check of the sea produced 11 Red-throated Diver, 8 Common Scoter and 5 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A single Goldcrest was logged.
Diurnal Migration
Evidence of movement was provided by 50 Meadow Pipit, 20 Carrion Crow, 10 Pied Wagtail, 4 Jackdaw, 3 Siskin and 3 Rook.
Wildfowl and Waders
Six Shoveler were seen (3 males + 3 females).
Miscellaneous
A Short-eared Owl and the long-staying Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A morning check of the sea produced 11 Red-throated Diver, 8 Common Scoter and 5 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A single Goldcrest was logged.
Diurnal Migration
Evidence of movement was provided by 50 Meadow Pipit, 20 Carrion Crow, 10 Pied Wagtail, 4 Jackdaw, 3 Siskin and 3 Rook.
Wildfowl and Waders
Six Shoveler were seen (3 males + 3 females).
Miscellaneous
A Short-eared Owl and the long-staying Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.
Seawatch
15th March 2020 – overcast/showers SW4
Offshore
A morning check of the sea (0830-0930) revealed 11 Common Scoter, 10 Gannet, 7 Kittiwake and single Fulmar and Red-throated Diver.
Offshore
A morning check of the sea (0830-0930) revealed 11 Common Scoter, 10 Gannet, 7 Kittiwake and single Fulmar and Red-throated Diver.
First Chiffchaff and Goldcrest arrive
14th March 2020 – sun and showers/rain later SSE3
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0730-0830) revealed just 6 Common Scoter and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
The first 3 Goldcrest and 2 Chiffchaff arrived and early morning thrushes involved a Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Wildfowl were on the move early morning with 600 Pink-footed Geese and 14 Whooper Swan logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The group of Scaup decreased to 3 birds (2 males + female).
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0730-0830) revealed just 6 Common Scoter and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
The first 3 Goldcrest and 2 Chiffchaff arrived and early morning thrushes involved a Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Wildfowl were on the move early morning with 600 Pink-footed Geese and 14 Whooper Swan logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The group of Scaup decreased to 3 birds (2 males + female).
Black Redstart
13th March 2020 – bright and sunny V1
Rarities
At least 2 Water Pipit were again amongst 20 Rock Pipit feeding in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar Bank over the high tide.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0730-0830) revealed 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Shag and 2 Gannet. The Great Northern Diver remained in its favoured sheltered haunt.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Fieldfare and a Redwing, however, a Black Redstart was the pick of a few newly arrived birds.
Diurnal Migration
Corvid passage included 4 Raven and 2 Rook. Also seen were 15 Pied Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit and 6 Pink-footed Goose.
Wildfowl and Waders
The group of Scaup has increased to 7 birds (2 males + 5 females).
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Rarities
At least 2 Water Pipit were again amongst 20 Rock Pipit feeding in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar Bank over the high tide.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0730-0830) revealed 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Shag and 2 Gannet. The Great Northern Diver remained in its favoured sheltered haunt.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Fieldfare and a Redwing, however, a Black Redstart was the pick of a few newly arrived birds.
Diurnal Migration
Corvid passage included 4 Raven and 2 Rook. Also seen were 15 Pied Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit and 6 Pink-footed Goose.
Wildfowl and Waders
The group of Scaup has increased to 7 birds (2 males + 5 females).
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Little Gull
12th March 2020 – overcast/showers SW5/6, gusting to 54 mph
Rarities
At least 2 Water Pipit were again amongst 20 Rock Pipit feeding in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar Bank over the high tide.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0730-0830) revealed 6 Common Scoter, and single adult Little Gull and Red-throated Diver. The Great Northern Diver remained in its favoured sheltered haunt.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 5 Scaup remain.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Rarities
At least 2 Water Pipit were again amongst 20 Rock Pipit feeding in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar Bank over the high tide.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0730-0830) revealed 6 Common Scoter, and single adult Little Gull and Red-throated Diver. The Great Northern Diver remained in its favoured sheltered haunt.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 5 Scaup remain.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Water Pipits reappear
11th March 2020 – overcast then showers SW4/5/6
Rarities
At least 2 Water Pipit were amongst 20 Rock Pipit feeding in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar Bank over the high tide.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea revealed 5 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Gannet. The Great Northern Diver remained in its favoured sheltered haunt.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Scaup and 405 pale-bellied Brent Geese and waders included 8000 Knot and 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A group of 12 Twite and single Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Rarities
At least 2 Water Pipit were amongst 20 Rock Pipit feeding in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar Bank over the high tide.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea revealed 5 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Gannet. The Great Northern Diver remained in its favoured sheltered haunt.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Scaup and 405 pale-bellied Brent Geese and waders included 8000 Knot and 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A group of 12 Twite and single Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Same again!
10th March 2020 – early rain then showers SW4/5/6
Offshore
. The Great Northern Diver remained in its favoured sheltered haunt.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Scaup and 330 pale-bellied Brent Geese and waders included 3000 Knot.
Offshore
. The Great Northern Diver remained in its favoured sheltered haunt.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Scaup and 330 pale-bellied Brent Geese and waders included 3000 Knot.
Great Northern Diver
9th March 2020 – overcast/rain later W4
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0730-0830) provided just 6 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Red-breasted Merganser. The Great Northern Diver remained in its favoured sheltered haunt.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Scaup remain amongst 45 Red-breasted Merganser and waders included 11 Greenshank amongst 550 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was the best of the rest.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0730-0830) provided just 6 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Red-breasted Merganser. The Great Northern Diver remained in its favoured sheltered haunt.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Scaup remain amongst 45 Red-breasted Merganser and waders included 11 Greenshank amongst 550 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was the best of the rest.
Great Northern Diver reappears
8th March 2020 – sunny spells SW3/4
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0730-0830) provided 42 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 8 Gannet, 4 Razorbill and a Red-breasted Merganser. The Great Northern Diver reappeared in its favoured sheltered haunt.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Scaup remain and the Brent Goose flock held 302 pale-bellied. Waders included 3000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0730-0830) provided 42 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 8 Gannet, 4 Razorbill and a Red-breasted Merganser. The Great Northern Diver reappeared in its favoured sheltered haunt.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Scaup remain and the Brent Goose flock held 302 pale-bellied. Waders included 3000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Hooded Crow and Scaup
7th March 2020 – overcast/showers S3/4
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0730-0830) revealed 26 Razorbill, 17 Common Scoter, 15 Red-throated Diver and 14 Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup remain and the Brent Goose flock held 174 pale-bellied and 40 dark-bellied birds. Waders included 3000 Knot and a Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0730-0830) revealed 26 Razorbill, 17 Common Scoter, 15 Red-throated Diver and 14 Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup remain and the Brent Goose flock held 174 pale-bellied and 40 dark-bellied birds. Waders included 3000 Knot and a Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Migration continues
6th March 2020 – sunny spells/calm
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea revealed 10 Common Scoter, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver, 2 Razorbill and single Kittiwake and Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes included 3 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush and a Redwing. In addition, a few tits and finches were again newly arrived – including 12 Greenfinch.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 110 Pink-footed Geese headed north along with 10 Pied Wagtail and a Collared Dove.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup remain and waders included 3000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin were the best of the rest.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea revealed 10 Common Scoter, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver, 2 Razorbill and single Kittiwake and Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes included 3 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush and a Redwing. In addition, a few tits and finches were again newly arrived – including 12 Greenfinch.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 110 Pink-footed Geese headed north along with 10 Pied Wagtail and a Collared Dove.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup remain and waders included 3000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin were the best of the rest.
Spring migration begins
5th March 2020 – sunny spells/calm
Offshore
A quick check of the sea provided 6 Shag and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes included 3 Fieldfare. In addition, a few tits and finches were newly arrived – including 12 Long-tailed Tit and 20 Goldfinch.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 560 Pink-footed Geese headed north along with 7 Pied Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup remain.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Offshore
A quick check of the sea provided 6 Shag and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes included 3 Fieldfare. In addition, a few tits and finches were newly arrived – including 12 Long-tailed Tit and 20 Goldfinch.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 560 Pink-footed Geese headed north along with 7 Pied Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup remain.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Pink-footed Geese on the move
4th March 2020 – sunny spells/calm
Diurnal Migration
A total of 230 Pink-footed Geese headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup and 4 Barnacle Geese remain.
Miscellaneous
A Coal Tit was the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 230 Pink-footed Geese headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup and 4 Barnacle Geese remain.
Miscellaneous
A Coal Tit was the first of the year.
Little change
3rd March 2020 – early rain/drizzle/murk WSW2/3
Offshore
The juvenile Great Northern Diver continues to seek shelter.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved two Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (9 females + 3 males) and 4 Barnacle Geese remain.
Offshore
The juvenile Great Northern Diver continues to seek shelter.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved two Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (9 females + 3 males) and 4 Barnacle Geese remain.
Another Little Gull
2nd March 2020 – bright and sunny W3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0730-0830) produced 26 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver and an adult Little Gull. The juvenile Great Northern Diver continued to seek shelter.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved single Redwing and Fieldfare. A total of 10 Stonechat was suggestive of some movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (9 females + 3 males) and 4 Barnacle Geese remain. Waders included 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 12 Twite were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0730-0830) produced 26 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver and an adult Little Gull. The juvenile Great Northern Diver continued to seek shelter.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved single Redwing and Fieldfare. A total of 10 Stonechat was suggestive of some movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (9 females + 3 males) and 4 Barnacle Geese remain. Waders included 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 12 Twite were the best of the rest.
Little Gulls
1st March 2020 – bright and sunny WSW6/7/8
Offshore
A check of the sea (0900-1000) produced 21 Kittiwake and 5 Little Gulls (adults). The juvenile Great Northern Diver continued to seek shelter.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (9 females + 3 males) and 4 Barnacle Geese remain. Waders included 4 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Two Tree Sparrow were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0900-1000) produced 21 Kittiwake and 5 Little Gulls (adults). The juvenile Great Northern Diver continued to seek shelter.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (9 females + 3 males) and 4 Barnacle Geese remain. Waders included 4 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Two Tree Sparrow were the best of the rest.
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