24th April 2024 – bright and sunny NNE1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced just 35 Sandwich Tern, 20 Guillemot, 12 Gannet, 10 Shag, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Common Scoter, 4 Little Tern, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 7 Wheatear, 4 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Two Lesser Redpoll and a Tree Sparrow flew through – the latter the first of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 361 light-bellied birds and waders included 42 Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Brimstone is now on the wing.
23rd April 2024 – bright and sunny N1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced just 144 Common Scoter, 38 Sandwich Tern, 13 Gannet, 2 Little Tern and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst 32 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Four Whooper Swan headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 140 light-bellied birds and waders included 60 Sanderling and 2 Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
Vulnerable ground nesting birds on the island are now incubating eggs.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
22nd April 2024 – early showers the sunny spells WNW2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 485 Common Scoter, 50 Sandwich Tern, 12 Red-throated Diver, 8 Gannet, 8 Guillemot and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 10 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 3 Wheatear and single White Wagtail and Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 45 light-bellied birds and waders included 8 Black-tailed Godwit and 5 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and single Short-eared Owl and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Green-veined White was on the wing.
21st April 2024 – overcast E1/2
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 7 Wheatear, 3 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler and single Fieldfare and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A further 220 Pink-footed headed north and a few Sand Martin and a Stock Dove also trickled through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and a Merlin was the best of the rest.
20th April 2024 –sunny spells ESE1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) revealed 100 Common Scoter, 40 Sandwich Tern, 7 Gannet, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Guillemot and 5 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
The first Cuckoo and Whinchat of the year were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A further 1540 Pink-footed Geese and 30 Whooper Swan headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Whimbrel and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
Breeding Birds
A singing Cetti’s Warbler was the first to hold territory on the island.
19th April 2024 – overcast/showers then sunny spells NW4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-0900) provided 83 Sandwich Tern, 18 Common Scoter, 15 Gannet, 12 Kittiwake, 10 Guillemot, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Fulmar, 2 Goosander and a Little Tern – the latter the first of the year.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 42 light-bellied Brent Goose.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains.
18th April 2024 – bright start/rain later SE1/2 then WSW3/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) produced 71 Sandwich Tern, 23 Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver, 8 Guillemot, 4 Gannet and an Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 11 Wheatear, 3 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler and 2 White Wagtail
Diurnal Migration
Early morning Pink-footed Goose passage was spectacular with a total of 10095 birds recorded as they took advantage of the break in the weather and headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 19 Whimbrel and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and two additional birds were seen.
Breeding Birds
Skylark and Lapwing were displaying in the early morning sunshine.
17th April 2024 – bright and sunny NW3/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 24 Sandwich Tern, 12 Red-throated Diver, 12 Guillemot, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Shag, 4 Gannet and a Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Light movement provided 10 Blackcap, 8 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 White Wagtail and single Grasshopper Warbler, Goldcrest and Redstart – the latter the first of the year
Diurnal Migration
Single Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Tree Pipit flew through – the latter the first of the year
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 55 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and a second bird was seen.
Breeding Birds
Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat have returned to breeding habitat.
16th April 2024 – bright and sunny/showers NW3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 75 Sandwich Tern, 34 Common Scoter, 21 Red-throated Diver, 6 Kittiwake, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Gannet and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 6 Willow Warbler, 5 Wheatear, 4 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest and 2 Chiffchaff
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Breeding Birds
The first ground-nesting birds are now sitting on eggs.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Orange Tip and Large White was on the wing.
15th April 2024 – sun and heavy showers WNW5/8
Offshore
Observations over a wild sea (0700-0900) produced 76 Common Scoter, 26 Kittiwake, 5 Sandwich Tern, 4 Gannet, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Arctic Skua – the latter the first of the year.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and after 40 consecutive days of rain even the House Sparrows have resorted to wearing ponchos!
14th April 2024 – sun and showers W3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0830) produced 357 Common Scoter, 152 Kittiwake, 52 Sandwich Tern, 17 Gannet, 9 Red-throated Diver and single Arctic Tern, Common Tern, Shag and Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Slightly more birds were in evidence with 26 Wheatear, 4 White Wagtail, 5 Willow Warbler and 4 Blackcap seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Whimbrel was logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Breeding Birds
Warblers are now beginning to return to breeding habitat in reasonable numbers with 32 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 3 Grasshopper Warbler and 2 Sedge Warbler recorded – the latter two the first of the year.
Mammals
A Roe Deer was seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Speckled Wood was on the wing.
12th April 2024 – overcast/mizzle clearing SW3/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) were dominated by 1050 Common Scoter while 5 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet and a Sandwich Tern were also logged.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a Chiffchaff.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
11th April 2024 – hazy sun/rain later SW3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 750 Common Scoter, 150 Kittiwake, 62 Gannet, 17 Red-throated Diver, 11 Shag, 3 Sandwich Tern and a Manx Sheareater.
Grounded Migrants
Although 23 Wheatear were logged passage remained slow with additional sightings limited to 4 Willow Warbler and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallows continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 545 light-bellied birds and waders included 1845 Oystercatcher, 960 Redshank, 680 Golden Plover, 542 Dunlin, 339 Curlew, 256 Turnstone, 165 Knot, 130 Sanderling, 102 Grey Plover, 90 Ringed Plover, 72 Bar-tailed Godwit, 11 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank and a Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and two Water Pipit appeared on the rising tide.
10th April 2024 – overcast/rain soon SSE3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 530 Common Scoter, 16 Red-throated Diver, 9 Kittiwake, 8 Razorbill, 6 Guillemot and 3 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Remaining slow with sightings limited to 5 Wheatear and single Fieldfare and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 1190 Pink-footed Geese and 9 Whooper Swan headed north.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
8th April 2024 – showers SE1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 820 Common Scoter along with 10 Kittiwake, 9 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Remaining slow with sightings limited to 3 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 320 Pink-footed Geese headed north and a few Swallows continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 531 light-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Small White and Red Admiral were on the wing and the moth trap attracted a Clouded Drab.
7th April 2024 –showers S4/8
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) revealed 315 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Sandwich Tern and 2 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear and single White Wagtail and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Three Swallow and 2 House Martin flew through – the latter the first of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 500 light-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
6th April 2024 – sun and showers SE5/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 206 Common Scoter, 33 Teal, 13 Sandwich Tern, 10 Wigeon, 7 Red-throated Diver, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Gannet, 3 Guillemot and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 10 White Wagtail, 5 Wheatear, 3 Redwing, 2 Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Four Swallow flew through – the first of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 508 light-bellied birds and waders included 4 Jack Snipe, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and single Whimbrel and Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 8 Water Pipit reappeared on the latest round of high tides, all of which are now attaining summer plumage. The Hooded Crow and Cetti’s Warbler both remain.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Peacock of the year was on the wing.
5th April 2024 – overcast/mizzle/murk S3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced 78 Common Scoter, 48 Sandwich Tern, 22 Gannet, 7 Guillemot, 5 Red-throated Diver, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Shoveler and a Shag.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 16 Twite and a Merlin were logged and the Hooded Crow remains.
Breeding Birds
Blackcap and Willow Warbler are now on territory in breeding areas.
4th April 2024 – overcast NE1/2
Offshore
A check of the relatively calm sea (0700-0800) produced 82 Common Scoter, 70 Sandwich Tern, 17 Razorbill, 17 Red-throated Diver, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Guillemot, 7 Gannet, 3 Shag and 2 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Redwing, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 60 Twite was logged and the Hooded Crow remains.
2nd April 2024 – early rain clearing/calm
Offshore
A check of the calm sea (0715-0815) produced 115 Common Scoter, 32 Sandwich Tern, 30 Red-throated Diver, 12 Shag, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Guillemot and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Totals involved 11 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Wheatear and single Redwing and Fieldfare.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 45 Twite was logged and the Hooded Crow remains.
Mammals
Two Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
1st April 2024 – overcast/rain ENE3/5
Offshore
A check of the sea (0730-0830) produced 184 Common Scoter, 13 Sandwich Tern, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Guillemot, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Little Gull.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Siskin.
31st March 2024 –sunny spells E3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0730-0830) produced 220 Common Scoter, 120 Sandwich Tern, 10 Red-throated Diver, 5 Gannet, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and single Shag and Great Skua – the latter the first of the year.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 5 Wheatear, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 White Wagtail and a Willow Warbler with Blackcap new for the year.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 170 Meadow Pipit, 14 Whooper Swan, 3 Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll flew through – again the latter was the first of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Single Stock Dove, Raven and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
30th March 2024 – bright and sunny SSE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 142 Common Scoter, 17 Sandwich Tern, 7 Red-breasted Merganser 6 Kittiwake, 5 Red-throated Diver and 3 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Three Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 120 Pink-footed Geese, 43 Whooper Swan and a Siskin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
29th March 2024 – sunny spells SSE3/4
Rarities
The surprise of the day involved 2 Cattle Egret heading into Morecambe Bay early morning. This is the first island record for 60 years when a single was seen on 26th July 1964.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0700-0800) revealed 170 Common Scoter, 13 Kittiwake, 8 Sandwich Tern, 3 Gannet and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear and single Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 22 Whooper Swan headed north and 3 Siskin were amongst a trickle of Meadow Pipit.
Breeding Birds
The first Sand Martin are now back at nest sites and 12 Chiffchaff and 4 Jay were in breeding habitat.
Miscellaneous
The group of 12 Water Pipit were again present and the Hooded Crow and Cetti’s Warbler both remain.
28th March 2024 – early rain then showers ESE4/5
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed just 12 Common Scoter, 5 Sandwich Tern, 3 Red-throated Diver and single Red-breasted Merganser and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Two Wheatear and 3 White Wagtail were logged.
Miscellaneous
A group of 12 Water Pipit were seen over the tide and single Hooded Crow and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap produced Early Thorn and Common Quaker.
27th March 2024 – early rain then showers ESE3/5
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed just 7 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Three Chiffchaff were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Single Hooded Crow, Water Rail and Raven were the best of the rest.
26th March 2024 – overcast E2/3
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 16 Shag, 4 Red-throated Diver and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 12 Chiffchaff, 7 Goldcrest, 4 Wheatear and a Redwing were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Totals through the morning included 350 Meadow Pipit, 200 Pink-footed Goose, 117 Whooper Swan and 4 Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 445 light-bellied birds and waders included 11 Jack Snipe, 6 Greenshank and a Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A total of 13 Water Pipit were seen and 30 Twite, Hooded Crow and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap produced Early Grey and Common Quaker.
22nd March 2024 – sunny spells W3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea on the rising tide (0700-0900) produced 116 Kittiwake, 62 Common Scoter, 35 Sandwich Tern, 16 Red-throated Diver, 14 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Gannet, 7 Razorbill, 6 Guillemot and 2 Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A Siskin was amongst a trickle of Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 425 light-bellied birds and 800 Golden Plover were logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 30 Twite were logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap produced Early Grey and Early Thorn.
20th March 2024 – early rain WNW2/3
Grounded Migrants
A total of 18 Chiffchaff and 9 Goldcrest were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 50 Pink-footed Geese and 3 Siskin flew through.
Miscellaneous
Single Hooded Crow and Raven were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted a Hebrew Character.
19th March 2024 – sunny spells WSW3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea on the falling tide (0700-0900) revealed an increase in activity than of late with 127 Common Scoter, 100 Kittiwake, 39 Gannet, 36 Red-throated Diver, 23 Razorbill, 21 Guillemot, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Little Gull, 5 Sandwich Tern, 5 Shelduck and 2 Scaup recorded.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 6 Wheatear and a single Redwing were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Meadow Pipit continue to trickle through.
Miscellaneous
Single Hooded Crow and Merlin were again the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Comma was on the wing.
18th March 2024 – overcast/murk/mizzle at times S2/3
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 21 Common Scoter, 6 Little Gull, 6 Shag and 6 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Two Chiffchaff were amongst 20 Goldcrest and early morning thrushes involved single Redwing, Fieldfare and Mistle Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 20 Meadow Pipit, 6 Pied Wagtail and a Siskin were logged.
Miscellaneous
Single Hooded Crow and Merlin were again the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held Dotted Border and Common Quaker. The first Small Tortoiseshell was on the wing.
17th March 2024 – overcast/murk/mizzle at times SSE2
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 70 Common Scoter, 10 Shag and 5 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 185 Redwing and 49 Fieldfare. Additional sightings included 8 Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Woodcock was new in.
Miscellaneous
Single Hooded Crow and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held Early Grey and Dark Swordgrass.
16th March 2024 – fog clearing then rain later SE1/3
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 16 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare and single Song Thrush and Redwing. Additional sightings included 11 Goldcrest, 8 Stonechat, 5 Chiffchaff and a Wheatear – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
Totals included 60 Meadow Pipit, 19 Whooper Swan, 12 Pied Wagtail, 8 Pink-footed Goose and a Sand Martin.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and Water Rail and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held a Dotted Border.
15th March 2024 – overcast/rain at times WSW3/6
Offshore
A check of the sea (0800-0900) revealed 147 Common Scoter, 18 Kittiwake, 17 Red-throated Diver, 7 Shag, 3 Gannet, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and single Sandwich Tern, Mediterranean Gull and Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 7 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 50 Pink-footed Goose and 14 Meadow Pipit flew through.
Miscellaneous
The resident Hooded Crow was seen while Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held three Dark Swordgrass.
12th March 2024 – overcast/rain, clearing later V1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 21 Common Scoter, 16 Shag, 10 Red-throated Diver and 2 Goosander.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 17 Redwing and 8 Fieldfare and additional sightings included 5 Stonechat, 3 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 592 light-bellied birds – a new record high and 536 Wigeon, 466 Teal, 130 Shelduck and 62 Red-breasted Merganser were seen. Waders included 2238 Oystercatcher, 2061 Dunlin, 1290 Redshank, 988 Golden Plover, 452 Knot, 189 Turnstone, 176 Gey Plover, 148 Sanderling and 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 8 Water Pipit were amongst 8 Rock Pipit and the resident Hooded Crow was seen, while a Water Rail was the best of the rest.
11th March 2024 – overcast/calm
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 4800 Eider, 7 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe and 2 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Redwing and additional sightings included 5 Stonechat, 2 Goldcrest and 2 Chiffchaff – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were quiet with just 12 Pink-footed Geese, 10 Meadow Pipit, 6 Pied Wagtail and 2 Whooper Swan logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 513 light-bellied birds and 8 Barnacle Geese and a Goosander were seen. Waders included 21 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Greenshank and 3 Woodcock.
Miscellaneous
At least 10 Water Pipit were amongst 10 Rock Pipit and raptors included Buzzard and Merlin. The resident Hooded Crow was seen while 50 Twite and a Water Rail were the best of the rest.
10th March 2024 – overcast/rain at times ENE4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0845-0945) revealed 65 Common Scoter, 17 Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Red-throated Diver, 4 Goosander, 3 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot and a Shag.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 23 Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.
9th March 2024 – overcast/murky/showers ENE4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) revealed 43 Common Scoter, 15 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Red-throated Diver and a Pintail.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 167 Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and single Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
8th March 2024 – hazy sun E4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 134 Common Scoter, 20 Red-throated Diver, 13 Red-breasted Merganser and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Four Goldcrest and a Stonechat were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 20 Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 300 Dunlin, 50 Grey Plover and 4 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail remains.
7th March 2024 – hazy sun E3/5
Offshore
Just 6 Common Scoter were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Two early Sand Martin flew through along with 50 Pink-footed Goose.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three Greenshank were seen.
Miscellaneous
A total of 39 Little Egret were seen. The long-staying Hooded Crow and single Barn Owl, Water Rail and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
6th March 2024 – hazy sun E2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 20 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A Long-tailed Tit was amongst 7 Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 11 Whooper Swan were grounded.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow and single Water Rail and Peregrine were again the best of the rest.
Breeding Birds
Little Grebe are now back on territory.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held single Dark Swordgrass and Common Quaker.
4th March 2024 – sunny spells SE2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 58 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Single Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest and Redwing were seen while two new male Stonechat were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 42 Whooper Swan headed north.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Breeding Birds
Displaying Skylark and Lapwing are now back on territory.
3rd March 2024 – sunny spells SSE2/3
Offshore
The Great Northern Diver remains and additional sightings included 10 Shag and 6 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A group of 9 Stonechats were likely to involve at least some migrants and a Redwing was seen.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 72 Woodpigeon were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 15 Pink-footed Geese and 2 Barnacle Geese and waders included 6 Woodcock and a Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow and single Water Rail, Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
2nd March 2024 – early rain then sun and showers NE2
Diurnal Migration
Three Pied Wagtail flew north.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 150 light-bellied Brent Geese and 3 Greenshank were the best of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The ‘woodland’ habitat – a scarce feature on Walney – produced 30 Siskin, 11 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Jay, 3 Coal Tit, 2 Goldcrest and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
1st March 2024 – overcast/rain soon E4/6
Offshore
A check of the sea (0715-0815) produced 45 Common Scoter, 6 Red-breasted Merganser and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 16 Pink-footed Goose and 4 Whooper Swan flew north.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 300 Dunlin, 200 Knot and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Raven was the best of the rest.
29th February 2024 – overcast/showers WSW3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0715-0815) produced 28 Common Scoter, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A group of 3 male Stonechat were potential migrants.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 13 Jack Snipe were located.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Water Rail was logged.
Butterflies and Moths
A Mottled Grey and Dotted Border were attracted to the light trap.
25th February 2024 – bright and sunny E3/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea produced 6 Shag, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Common Scoter.
Diurnal Migration
A Spoonbill was reported heading north and a Stock Dove was amongst 44 Woodpigeon.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Goosander was the pick of the wildfowl.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
A Mottled Grey was attracted to the light trap.
24th February 2024 – overcast/rain then showers V1
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 20 Common Scoter, 17 Shag, 11 Red-breasted Merganser and single Great Northern Diver and Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 445 Pink-footed Geese moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Goosander was the pick of the wildfowl while waders included 1,000 Golden Plover and 12 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A total of 73 species were logged with at least 12 Water Pipit amongst 20 Rock Pipit the highlights while the long-staying Hooded Crow and 60 Twite were also seen. Raptors involved Buzzard, Merlin, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Barn Owl.
19th February 2024 – sunny spells W4
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 28 Common Scoter, 14 Red-breasted Merganser and 5 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Several male Stonechat moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Greenshank and a Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 40 Twite were logged.
Butterflies and Moths
A Rush Veneer and Dotted Border were attracted to the light trap.
Ringing
A colour ringed Knot seen recently had been marked at Terrington, Norfolk on 4th September 2023.
18th February 2024 – overcast/sunny spells WNW1/3
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 20 Shag, 4 Red-throated Diver and 2 Common Scoter.
Diurnal Migration
A Grey Wagtail was amongst 5 Pied Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Knot and 5 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Water Rail squealed. One of the first signs of spring, Lesser Black-backed Gull numbers reached double-figures for the first time since November.
16th February 2024 – overcast/rain/mizzle/murk SW2
Offshore
Conditions limited visibility over the sea although 4 Shag were off the eastern shore.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Water Rail squealed.
Butterflies and Moths
A Dark Swordgrass was the fourth species of moth attracted to the light trap in 2024.
13th February 2024 – overcast SW2
Offshore
Sightings over the sea (0800-0900) involved 21 Shag, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Common Scoter and single Red-breasted Merganser, Great Crested Grebe and Mediterranean Gull.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
A Red Swordgrass was the third species of moth attracted to the light trap in 2024.
