30th September 2011 –hazy sun ESE3/2/1
Offshore
A few Common Scoter were again the only record of note.
Grounded Migrants
Still little evidence of newly grounded birds with 3 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap the best that could be mustered.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were much quieter than of late, however, 710 Meadow Pipit, 470 Pink-footed Goose, 150 Linnet, 90 alba Wagtail, 90 Skylark, 33 Chaffinch, 8 Jackdaw, 6 Grey Wagtail, 3 Siskin, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Swallow and a Snipe were still logged.
Miscellaneous
Two Water Rail squealed.
Ringing
Despite the nagging and persistent wind, with very few calm days, the ringing team were again busy through the month. The rewards were an all time monthly record total involving 783 birds of 27 species which eclipsed the 705 birds ringed in October 2010. Individual species totals were as follows: Meadow Pipit (362), Chaffinch (79), Goldfinch (73), Greenfinch (71), Chiffchaff (39), Blue Tit (31), Robin (27), Goldcrest (21), House Sparrow (15), Great Tit (13), Dunnock (10), Blackcap (9), Whitethroat (6), Reed Bunting (4), Wren (4), Linnet (4), Tree Sparrow (3), Sparrowhawk (2), Swallow (2), Moorhen (1), Song Thrush (1), Garden Warbler (1), Tree Pipit (1), Willow Warbler (1), Coal Tit (1), Skylark (1) and Stonechat (1).
Diurnal passage remains impressive
29th September 2011 – murky start then hazy sun SE3/2/1
Offshore
A few Common Scoter was the only record of note.
Grounded Migrants
Another Coal Tit was amongst a further wave of Great Tit and Blue Tit and 2 Stonechat were a welcome sight; otherwise newly grounded birds were limited to 3 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Diurnal migration was again the main focus of attention and another strong passage through the morning included: 3000 Meadow Pipit, 420 Linnet, 120 Starling, 100 Skylark, 78 alba Wagtail, 40 Pink-footed Goose, 36 Swallow, 30 Chaffinch, 21 Siskin, 12 Lesser Redpoll, 10 Grey Wagtail, 10 Goldfinch, 8 Jackdaw, 4 Reed Bunting and 4 Tree Sparrow.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl bathed in the midday sun and a Water Rail squealed.
Butterflies
A selection of butterflies included newly emerged Small Copper and a rather worn Painted Lady.
Dragonflies
Around five Migrant Hawker were on the wing.
Offshore
A few Common Scoter was the only record of note.
Grounded Migrants
Another Coal Tit was amongst a further wave of Great Tit and Blue Tit and 2 Stonechat were a welcome sight; otherwise newly grounded birds were limited to 3 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Diurnal migration was again the main focus of attention and another strong passage through the morning included: 3000 Meadow Pipit, 420 Linnet, 120 Starling, 100 Skylark, 78 alba Wagtail, 40 Pink-footed Goose, 36 Swallow, 30 Chaffinch, 21 Siskin, 12 Lesser Redpoll, 10 Grey Wagtail, 10 Goldfinch, 8 Jackdaw, 4 Reed Bunting and 4 Tree Sparrow.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl bathed in the midday sun and a Water Rail squealed.
Butterflies
A selection of butterflies included newly emerged Small Copper and a rather worn Painted Lady.
Dragonflies
Around five Migrant Hawker were on the wing.
More strong diurnal passage
28th September 2011 – murky start then hazy sun
Offshore
A Common Scoter was the only record of note.
Grounded Migrants
A Coal Tit was amongst a further wave of Blue Tit; otherwise newly grounded birds were limited to 3 Goldcrest and 2 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A strong passage through the morning produced 2020 Meadow Pipit, 420 Linnet, 300 Starling, 160 Pink-footed Goose, 130 Skylark, 85 alba Wagtail, 60 Swallow, 55 Greenfinch, 50 Chaffinch, 18 Redpoll, 11 Grey Wagtail, 10 Siskin, 9 House Martin, 5 Jackdaw, 5 Carrion Crow and a Tree Sparrow.
Ringing
The recent influx of Blue Tit include a controlled bird, past recoveries suggest that this will be found to be from a relatively local nest box ringing scheme from the woodlands of Lakeland.
Dragonflies
Two Migrant Hawker were seen.
Offshore
A Common Scoter was the only record of note.
Grounded Migrants
A Coal Tit was amongst a further wave of Blue Tit; otherwise newly grounded birds were limited to 3 Goldcrest and 2 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A strong passage through the morning produced 2020 Meadow Pipit, 420 Linnet, 300 Starling, 160 Pink-footed Goose, 130 Skylark, 85 alba Wagtail, 60 Swallow, 55 Greenfinch, 50 Chaffinch, 18 Redpoll, 11 Grey Wagtail, 10 Siskin, 9 House Martin, 5 Jackdaw, 5 Carrion Crow and a Tree Sparrow.
Ringing
The recent influx of Blue Tit include a controlled bird, past recoveries suggest that this will be found to be from a relatively local nest box ringing scheme from the woodlands of Lakeland.
Dragonflies
Two Migrant Hawker were seen.
First Song Thrush of the autumn
27th September 2011 – overcast S3/4
Offshore
A quick check over the sea (0700-0730) produced just small numbers of Razorbill, Gannet, Common Scoter, Guillemot, Red-throated Diver and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds included 12 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and single Blackcap and Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings included: 180 Meadow Pipit, 140 Starling, 100 Chaffinch, 55 Greenfinch, 30 Swallow, 22 alba Wagtail, 20 Skylark, 12 House Martin, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Siskin.
Miscellaneous
It appears to be a poor autumn for several species with Robin and Goldcrest currently well below expectant levels and an almost compete dearth of Stonechat reflects the effect of the series of harsh winters.
Dragonflies
A Migrant Hawker was seen.
Offshore
A quick check over the sea (0700-0730) produced just small numbers of Razorbill, Gannet, Common Scoter, Guillemot, Red-throated Diver and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds included 12 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and single Blackcap and Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings included: 180 Meadow Pipit, 140 Starling, 100 Chaffinch, 55 Greenfinch, 30 Swallow, 22 alba Wagtail, 20 Skylark, 12 House Martin, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Siskin.
Miscellaneous
It appears to be a poor autumn for several species with Robin and Goldcrest currently well below expectant levels and an almost compete dearth of Stonechat reflects the effect of the series of harsh winters.
Dragonflies
A Migrant Hawker was seen.
Late Willow Warbler
26th September 2011 – bright and sunny W4/3/2
Offshore
A solitary Gannet and Red-throated Diver were the only sightings.
Grounded Migrants
A late Willow Warbler was amongst 3 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
What a difference a day makes, 20 Chaffinch, 3 House Martin and single Siskin and Grey Wagtail were the pick amongst small numbers of Swallow, Meadow Pipit and Skylark.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets and Little Owl continue to show.
Moths
A Green Brindled Crescent was new for the year.
Offshore
A solitary Gannet and Red-throated Diver were the only sightings.
Grounded Migrants
A late Willow Warbler was amongst 3 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
What a difference a day makes, 20 Chaffinch, 3 House Martin and single Siskin and Grey Wagtail were the pick amongst small numbers of Swallow, Meadow Pipit and Skylark.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets and Little Owl continue to show.
Moths
A Green Brindled Crescent was new for the year.
Heavy diurnal movement
25th September 2011 – overcast S3/4
Offshore
A quick check over the sae produced just 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Again little evidence of any newly grounded birds with just 2 Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
There was a heavy diurnal movement through the course of the morning with 2400 Meadow Pipit, 795 Linnet, 255 Swallow, 125 Skylark, 120 alba Wagtail, 120 House Martin, 50 Chaffinch, 15 Sand Martin, 6 Grey Wagtail, 6 Siskin, 2 Reed Bunting and a Jackdaw.
Miscellaneous
At least 20 Little Egret remain along the eastern shoreline.
Moths
Red-line Quaker and Feathered Rannunculus were new for the year.
Images
Skylark.
Offshore
A quick check over the sae produced just 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Again little evidence of any newly grounded birds with just 2 Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
There was a heavy diurnal movement through the course of the morning with 2400 Meadow Pipit, 795 Linnet, 255 Swallow, 125 Skylark, 120 alba Wagtail, 120 House Martin, 50 Chaffinch, 15 Sand Martin, 6 Grey Wagtail, 6 Siskin, 2 Reed Bunting and a Jackdaw.
Miscellaneous
At least 20 Little Egret remain along the eastern shoreline.
Moths
Red-line Quaker and Feathered Rannunculus were new for the year.
Images
Skylark.
Offshore diversity
23rd September 2011 – overcast then sunny spells SW4/3
Offshore
Morning observations (0845-0945) produced small numbers of a wide selection of species with 27 Common Scoter, 9 Kittiwake, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill and single Gannet, Fulmar, Shag, Arctic Skua, Black Guillemot, Manx Shearwater and Leach’s Petrel – the latter heading into Morecambe Bay at 0915hrs.
Grounded Migrants
Again little evidence of any grounded birds with just 2 Chiffchaff and a single Blackcap logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Grey Wagtail was amongst a trickle of Swallow, Skylark and Meadow Pipit.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was recorded.
Moths
Attractions to the moth trap overnight included 18 Lunar Underwing, 2 Square-spot Rustic and single Rush Veneer, Frosted Orange, Angle Shades and White-line Dart.
Offshore
Morning observations (0845-0945) produced small numbers of a wide selection of species with 27 Common Scoter, 9 Kittiwake, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill and single Gannet, Fulmar, Shag, Arctic Skua, Black Guillemot, Manx Shearwater and Leach’s Petrel – the latter heading into Morecambe Bay at 0915hrs.
Grounded Migrants
Again little evidence of any grounded birds with just 2 Chiffchaff and a single Blackcap logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Grey Wagtail was amongst a trickle of Swallow, Skylark and Meadow Pipit.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was recorded.
Moths
Attractions to the moth trap overnight included 18 Lunar Underwing, 2 Square-spot Rustic and single Rush Veneer, Frosted Orange, Angle Shades and White-line Dart.
The quiet spell continues
22nd September 2011 – sunny spells W5/4
Offshore
Morning observations (0745-0845) produced 51 Common Scoter, 9 Razorbill, 3 Kittiwake and single Manx Shearwater and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Again little evidence of any grounded birds with just 3 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow were observed flying out over the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
An elusive Pink-footed Goose was in residence and waders included 17 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Owl and a Peregrine were logged.
Images
Juvenile Pink-footed Goose.
Offshore
Morning observations (0745-0845) produced 51 Common Scoter, 9 Razorbill, 3 Kittiwake and single Manx Shearwater and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Again little evidence of any grounded birds with just 3 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow were observed flying out over the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
An elusive Pink-footed Goose was in residence and waders included 17 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Owl and a Peregrine were logged.
Images
Juvenile Pink-footed Goose.
Seawatching again
21st September 2011 – overcast/rain soon SW5/6
Offshore
Morning observations (0745-0945) produced 77 Kittiwake, 58 Razorbill, 28 Common Scoter, 6 Guillemot, 4 Gannet, 3 Fulmar, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Little evidence of any grounded birds with 3 White Wagtail and a Chiffchaff the only sightings logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow were observed flying out over the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Black-tailed Godwit were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least 11 Little Egret remain.
Moths
A Black Rustic was new for the year and immigrants involved Rusty Dot Pearl and Silver Y.
Offshore
Morning observations (0745-0945) produced 77 Kittiwake, 58 Razorbill, 28 Common Scoter, 6 Guillemot, 4 Gannet, 3 Fulmar, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Little evidence of any grounded birds with 3 White Wagtail and a Chiffchaff the only sightings logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow were observed flying out over the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Black-tailed Godwit were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least 11 Little Egret remain.
Moths
A Black Rustic was new for the year and immigrants involved Rusty Dot Pearl and Silver Y.
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