2nd April 2026 – bright and sunny/calm
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 10 Sandwich Tern, 7 Common Scoter, 6 Shag, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Kittiwake and 4 Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 350 Pink-footed Geese flew through along with 5 Sand Martin, 2 Siskin and a Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 405 light-bellied birds and waders included 300 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 22 Twite was seen
1st April 2026 – overcast SW1/3
Offshore
A scan of the sea produced 69 Common Scoter, 15 Red-throated Diver, 13 Sandwich Tern, 8 Shag, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A single Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff was amongst 6 Goldcrest and a single Fieldfare was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 110 Pink-footed Geese flew in off the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 800 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Red-legged Partridge was seen!
Ringing
Two recent Goldfinch controls involve Mossdale, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland (122km NNW) and Orell, Greater Manchester (67km SSE).
Butterflies and Moths
The Herald was new for the year.
31 March 2026 – over/calm then SW1/2
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 9 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Common Scoter, 5 Shag, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A sprinkling of sightings included 2 Chiffchaff and single Ring Ouzel, Mistle Thrush and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
The first Swallow flew through amongst a trickle of Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Golden Plover and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and additional sightings included 2 Sparrowhawk and a Water Rail.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted the first Dark Swordgrass of the year.
28th March 2026 – bright and sunny/rain later W5/7
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 83 Kittiwake, 37 Gannet, 23 Sandwich Tern, 22 Common Scoter, 7 Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 20 Meadow Pipit flew in off the sea.
Ringing
A Greenfinch ringed in the observatory garden on 8th October 2025 was recaught on 21st March 2026 at Sharperton, Northumberland (160km NNE).
27th March 2026 – overcast/rain/drizzle WNW3/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed just 4 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included single Redwing, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 20 Twite were the best of the rest.
23rd March 2026 – sunny spells V1/2
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 16 Shag, 10 Sandwich Tern, 8 Red-throated Diver, 8 Common Scoter, 6 Guillemot and single Razorbill and Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 21 Pied Wagtail, 4 Goldcrest and a Great Tit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 400 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and single Merlin, Peregrine and Short-eared Owl were the best of the rest.
22nd March 2026 – early fog then murk ESE1
Grounded Migrants
Just 6 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 4 Siskin and a Brambling flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 400 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and additional sightings included a Merlin.
21st March 2026 – early mist then hazy sun V1
Grounded Migrants
Just 4 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 5 Whooper Swan and 2 Siskin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Gadwall and Black-tailed Godwit remain.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and additional sightings included 2 Water Pipit.
Butterflies and Moths
Red Swordgrass and Early Thorn were the first of the year.
20th March 2026 – hazy sun SE1
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed the first Arctic Skua of the year along with 41 Common Scoter, 8 Shag and 6 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Goldcrest and a White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 7 Whooper Swan flew through along with 2 Fieldfare and single Grey Wagtail and Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 800 Golden Plover, 10 Purple Sandpiper and single Black-tailed Godwit and Jack Snipe. A Gadwall was also logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Merlin was the best of the rest.
Ringing
The first Lesser Redpoll of the year was found to be already ringed and had been previously marked at Lindow Moss, Cheshire on 16th November 2025 (102 km SE).
19th March 2026 – bright and sunny V1
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 24 Common Scoter, 14 Shag and 6 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 18 Goldcrest, 3 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Long-tailed Tit and a Fieldfare were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 165 Whooper Swan, 78 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Siskin and a Sand Martin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 394 light-bellied birds and additional wildfowl included 202 Teal, 156 Shelduck, 127 Wigeon, 34 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Goldeneye and 3 Shoveler. Waders included 1423 Oystercatcher, 850 Golden Plover, 560 Redshank, 263 Curlew and 11 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and additional sightings included 35 Twite, 2 Water Pipit and a Marsh Harrier while the island’s “woodland” held 65 Coal Tit, 8 Goldcrest and 7 Chiffchaff.
Butterflies and Moths
Red Swordgrass and Early Thorn were the first of the year.
18th March 2026 – warm and sunny after cloudy start ESE1/2
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 10,000 Eider, 11 Common Scoter, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Shag and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 21 Goldcrest was logged, along with 4 Stonechat, 4 Robin, 2 Wheatear and a Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 42 Woodpigeon flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 800 Golden Plover and 4 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and additional sightings included 4 Water Pipit, 40 Twite and a Merlin. The island’s “woodland” added 8 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest and 3 Coal Tit.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held a Dotted Border, Mottled Grey, Common Quaker and Red Chestnut while the first Brimstone, Peacock and Comma were on the wing.
17th March 2026 – sunny spells S3/5
Offshore
Observations (0715-0815) produced 26 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and single Shag and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtail were on the move along with 40 Whooper Swan.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Water Pipit, a Scandinavian Rock Pipit, 12 Twite and single Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A Red Chestnut was the first of the year.
16th March 2026 – overcast/rain later SW3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) revealed 32 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Kittiwake and a Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 300 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
A Scandinavian Rock Pipit, 40 Twite and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
14th March 2026 – bright and sunny W2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) revealed 13 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Shag and a Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Just a solitary Goldcrest was logged.
Diurnal Migration
Single Redpoll and Siskin were amongst 50 Meadow Pipit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and the island’s “woodland” held 16 Coal Tit, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and single Tawny Owl and Jay.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Small Tortoiseshell are now on the wing.
11th March 2026 – bright and sunny W4/6
Offshore
Observations (0700-0900) produced 152 Kittiwake, 69 Common Scoter, 20 Red-throated Diver, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Gannet, 3 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot, 2 Sandwich Tern and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A White Wagtail was amongst 8 Pied Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
10th March 2026 – overcast S3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) revealed 53 Common Scoter, 9 Kittiwake, 9 Red-throated Diver, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Gannet and single Mediterranean Gull and Sandwich Tern – the latter the first of the year.
Grounded Migrants
Just a solitary Goldcrest was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 380 Golden Plover and 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
9th March 2026 – mist/murk/mizzle SSE1/2
Offshore
Just 10 Shag and 2 Red-throated Diver appeared out of the gloom.
Diurnal Migration
A few Pied Wagtail and Meadow Pipit moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and 55 Twite were the best of the rest.
8th March 2026 – dense fog then murk/mizzle E1/2
Grounded Migrants
Dense fog at dawn grounded 2 Crossbill and a Ring-necked Parakeet, however there was little else of note.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 21 Pink-footed Goose flew through.
Miscellaneous
The island’s “woodland” held 6 Coal Tit and single Great Spotted Woodpecker and Treecreeper. Barn Owl and Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A Badger revealed its presence through a trail of footprints.
7th March 2026 – early fog then sunny spells E1/2
Grounded Migrants
Four Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Siskin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Water Rail and 25 Twite were the best of the rest.
6th March 2026 – sunny spells/calm
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) produced 101 Common Scoter, 60 Red-throated Diver 50 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Gannet and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Five Goldcrest, 4 Stonechat and a Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Sand Martin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1,000 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and additional sightings included 2 Water Rail and 12 Twite.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held a Dotted Border.
5th March 2026 – sunny spells SE1/2
Grounded Migrants
Four Stonechat, 3Goldcrest and single Wheatear and Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 19 Woodpigeon flew through along with 6 Pink-footed Geese and a Woodcock.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a Woodcock.
Miscellaneous
At least one Water Pipit remains and a Water Rail was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held a Mottled Grey.
4th March 2026 – sunny spells SE32
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 17 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver and 5 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
The first Chiffchaff of the year was logged along with 3 Stonechat.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 160 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 441 light-bellied birds and waders included 600 Golden Plover, 350 Redshank, 300 Dunlin, 300 Knot – the latter species has been unusually scarce this winter and 11 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Three Water Pipit and 40 Twite were logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held a Common Quaker – the first of the year.
1st March 2026 – overcast/showers later SSE3/5
Notices
The 2025 WBO Report has now been published and is now available for £8.00 including postage and packing.
28th February 2026 – overcast/rain soon/calm
Offshore
A check of the sea (0800-0900) produced 130 Common Scoter, 15 Red-throated Diver, 12 Red-breasted Merganser and a Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 82 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 40 Twite were logged.
Moths
The light trap held single Mottled Grey and Dotted Border.
27th February 2026 – sunny spells NW1
Offshore
A check of the sea (0730-0830) produced 43 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
An impressive total of 67 Stonechat was logged as the island’s wintering birds were bolstered by a large influx of passage birds.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 6 Stock Dove flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Tufted Ducks of the year were logged and waders included 3 Greenshank and 2 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains while 2 Water Rail and a Short-eared Owl were the best of the rest.
25th February 2026 – overcast/mizzle at times SSE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0730-0830) produced 30 Common Scoter, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver and single Pochard, Great Northern Diver and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Further hints of spring were provided by 4 Stonechat and 2 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 35 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
21st February 2026 – overcast/murky/rain later SW2/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 18 Shag, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and the first Gannet of the year.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 21 Woodpigeon and 4 Pied Wagtail suggested that the first hints of spring are underway.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 2 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
Three Water Pipit were amongst 15 Rock Pipit and single Merlin and Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Curlew had previously been ringed at Ynyshir on the Dyfi Estuary in Wales on 8th October 2021.
17th February 2026 – bright and frosty N1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 23 Shag, 9 Red-throated Diver and 3 Common Scoter.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 109 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Counts included 2,450 Oystercatcher, 1,237 Dunlin, 1,096 Redshank, 807 Curlew, 717 Wigeon, 654 Teal, 195 Shelduck, 165 Grey Plover, 140 Lapwing, 100 Golden Plover, 97 Turnstone, 96 Ringed Plover, 82 Pintail, 46 Snipe, 34 Red-breasted Merganser, 13 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was the best of the rest.
14th February 2026 – bright and frosty/calm
Offshore
An adult Mediterranean Gull was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 100 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 200 Bar-tailed Godwit and 4 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Single Marsh Harrier and Merlin were the best of the rest.
7th February 2026 – sunny spells E2/3
Wildfowl and Waders
Geese included 81 light-bellied Brent Goose, 64 Pink-footed Goose, 35 Russian White-fronted Goose, 44 Canada Goose, 10 Barnacle Goose, 2 Greylag Goose and a dark-bellied Brent Goose.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow and 2 Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Mammals
An Otter was seen.
1st February 2026 – overcast/mizzle/murk/calm
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 240 light-bellied Brent Goose, 150 Pintail and a Goosander.
Miscellaneous
A wintering Grey Wagtail was unusual while Merlin and the long-staying Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A Chestnut was the first moth to be attracted to the light trap this year.
31st January 2026 – overcast/rain at times ESE3/5
Offshore
The Great Northern Diver remains and additional sightings involved 17 Common Scoter, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Little Gull, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 200 light-bellied Brent Goose, 32 Canada Goose, 10 Barnacle Goose – including 6 colour-ringed birds, 5 Pink-footed Goose and 3 Greylag Goose. While 2 Shoveler were the best of the rest.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains while finch flocks included 40 Linnet, 40 Goldfinch and 35 Twite.
27th January 2026 – overcast/rain then showers E6/8
Offshore
The sea provided 112 light-bellied Brent Geese, 15 Shag, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill and a Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 3 Shoveler and 2 Gadwall, a Black-tailed Godwit was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains while 2 Raven and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Ringing
The pair of Brent Geese ringed at Stang Bay on the northern end of Axel Heiburg Island, Canada on 2nd August 2014 have returned for another winter.
19th January 2026 – overcast SE1/2
Offshore
The sea provided 10 Red-throated Diver, 10 Shag, 7 Red-breasted Merganser and 6 Common Scoter.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 530 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and the island “woodland” held 10 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Jay and single Treecreeper and Goldcrest.
17th January 2026 – overcast ESE2/4
Offshore
The Great Northern Diver remains and additional sightings included 58 Common Scoter, 31 Red-throated Diver, 7 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Shag.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 28 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 5 Barnacle Geese and 2 Goosander while 5 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank and a Jack Snipe were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least three Water Rail remain.
15th January 2026 – sunny spells S1/3
Offshore
The Great Northern Diver remains.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 5 Barnacle Geese and 9 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least two Water Rail remain.
14th January 2026 – sunny spells SSE3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 27 Shag, 8 Kittiwake, 6 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Scaup.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Shoveler were seen.
Miscellaneous
At least one Water Rail remains and finch flocks included 40 Linnet and 30 Greenfinch.
12th January 2026 – overcast/mist/murk/rain later S2/3
Offshore
The Great Northern Diver remains and 10 Common Scoter, 9 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Red-throated Diver, 4 Kittiwake and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A Redwing was seen.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 345 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 35 Twite were logged and at least 2 Water Rail remain.
10th January 2026 – early frost/sunny spells SE1/2
Offshore
A check of a calm sea at dawn revealed a congregation of 50 Shag along with 7,000 Eider, 25 Common Scoter and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A Fieldfare was seen.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 345 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 4 Shoveler and 12 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Water Rail remain.
8th January 2026 – overcast/mist/murk E2
Offshore
Four Shag were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Five Redwing and 4 Fieldfare were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 10 Barnacle Geese remain and 3 Shoveler and 2 Woodcock were logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains along with 40 Twite, 3 Water Rail and a Peregrine.
7th January 2026 – sunny spells NW5/7
Offshore
Just 11 Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Common Scoter were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Shoveler was logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Raven were logged.
6th January 2026 – overcast/frost/lying snow ESE2/3
Offshore
Two Great Northern Diver remain amongst 17 Shag and 5 Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 443 light-bellied birds and additional wildfowl included 1,374 Wigeon, 688 Teal, 261 Pintail, 162 Shelduck, 138 Mallard, 55 Red-breasted Merganser, 18 Barnacle Goose, 2 Shoveler and a Goosander. Waders included 2,048 Oystercatcher, 1,442 Dunlin, 796 Redshank, 681 Curlew, 305 Golden Plover, 112 Lapwing, 107 Turnstone, 74 Grey Plover, 41 Snipe, 22 Sanderling, 9 Greenshank and a Woodcock.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and 2 Water Rail remain.
5th January 2026 bright and frosty/cold N1/2
Offshore
At least one Great Northern Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Dunlin and 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The island’s “woodland” hosted 15 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Coal Tit and single Firecrest and Treecreeper. The Hooded Crow and 2 Water Rail remain.
4th January 2026 bright and frosty/cold N2/4
Offshore
At least one Great Northern Diver remains amongst 10 Shag and 5 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A Redwing was new in.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock included 20 dark-bellied birds, also seen were a Goosander and 2 Shoveler. Waders included 11 Purple Sandpiper, 7 Greenshank and 6 Woodcock.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and 35 Twite remain along with 2 Merlin. A Water Pipit was amongst 16 Meadow Pipit, 5 Rock Pipit and single Pied Wagtail and Grey Wagtail. At least one Cetti’s Warbler remains. The island’s “woodland” hosted 16 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Jay, 3 Coal Tit, 3 Goldcrest and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
3rd January 2026 bright and frosty/cold NNW4/6
Offshore
The 2 Great Northern Diver remain.
Wildfowl and Waders
There are now 12 Barnacle Geese and a Goosander was logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and 35 Twite were the best of the rest.
1st January 2026 sunny spells NW4/7
Offshore
There are now 2 Great Northern Diver present.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 10 Barnacle Geese were newly arrived.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and 35 Twite were the best of the rest.
