Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to attract small numbers of admirers

30th June 2007 - heavy rain, SE2/3/4

Rarities

Fortunately there were no idiots out on the salt marsh this weekend and consequently the Hudsonian Whimbrel showed almost continuously between at least 0845 and 1800hrs. High tide tomorrow is at 1252hrs.

Offshore

Observations on both the rising and falling tide (0830-0930 & 1530-1630) produced totals of 110 Sandwich Tern, 25 Common Scoter, 18 Gannet, 5 Arctic Tern, 3 Arctic Skua (2 dark, 1 pale) and small numbers of Guillemot and Manx Shearwater.

Wildfowl and Waders

The Hudsonian Whimbrel roosted over the tide amongst 100 Curlew, 30 Redshank, 11 Bar-tailed Godwit and 3 Whimbrel.

Image

Hudsonian Whimbrel with Bar-tailed Godwit, a record shot in heavy rain.

First Storm Petrel of the season and the Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to linger

29th June 2007 - overcast then bright and sunny W3/4
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to show well on Wylock Marsh over the tide. High tide tomorrow is at 1215hrs, please view only from the road to avoid flushing the bird.
Offshore
A Storm Petrel highlighted today's observations (0515-0715 & 1315-1415), other sightings involved 1550 Manx Shearwater, 440 Sandwich Tern, 175 Gannet, 45 Common Scoter, 10 Kittiwake, 4 Guillemot and 3 dark-phase Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
An island rarity in the form of a Treecreeeper was a complete surprise.
Wildfowl and Waders
Apart from the Hudsonian Whimbrel, 3 Whimbrel were available for comparison and 3 Greenshank were logged.
Moths
The pyralid Eudonia mercurella was new for the year.

Hudsonsian Whimbrel continues to show both early and late

28th June 2007 - bright and sunny W4, heavy rain SW5/6 later
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel remains in residence and showed well at Wylock Marsh on the morning tide and again early evening.
Offshore
Observations early morning (0615-0715) provided 110 Manx Shearwater, 105 Gannet, 90 Sandwich Tern, 30 Common Scoter, 20 Guillemot, 2 Arctic Skua (1 dark, 1 pale) and small numbers of Kittiwake and Fulmar.

Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to attract observers

27th June 2007 - overcast/heavy showers, bright and sunny later WNW4/5/6
Rarities
Day 14 and the Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to attract small numbers of observers daily and it again showed well at times on the morning tide. The Spoonbill was still present early morning.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) produced 510 Common Scoter, 130 Sandwich Tern, 110 Gannet, 10 Manx Shearwater and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Perhaps more post-breeding dispersal at this time of year but 10 Stonechats were logged in the daily recording area.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first returning Common Sandpiper was logged.

A hat-trick of county rarities

26th June 2007 - sunny spells N3/4

Rarities

The Hudsonian Whimbrel again showed well over the morning tide, the Yellow-legged Gull remained on the western shore and a Spoonbill put in a third appearance of the spring.

Offshore

Morning observations produced 190 Gannet, 155 Sandwich Tern, 75 Common Scoter, 50 Manx Shearwater, 15 Guillemot, a pale phase Arctic Skua and both Common and Arctic Tern. Evening saw a flock of 32 Little Tern, 14 Arctic Tern and 10 Sandwich Tern feeding offshore.

Grounded Migrants

Just 2 Wheatear were logged.

Wildfowl and Waders

Apart from the Hudsonian Whimbrel, 25 Redshank, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Turnstone and 3 Greenshank were seen as wader numbers begin to build.

Images

Spoonbill

Yellow-legged Gull headlines

25th June 2007 - overcast NNE5
Rarities
There was no news forthcoming today on the Hudsonian Whimbrel, however, the Yellow-legged Gull continues to roam the western shoreline.
Offshore
An early evening watch (1630-1730) produced 75 Sandwich Tern, 45 Common Scoter, 40 Gannet, 21 Manx Shearwater and a single dark phase Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A single Wheatear was logged.

Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to draw the crowds

24th June 2007 - overcast with showers, calm
Rarities
Although it has been present for 11 days the Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to draw the crowds. At least 100 observers turned out today to admire the bird as it showed well on both the morning and evening tides on the saltings at Wylock Marsh. High tide tomorrow is at 0805hrs and 2043hrs.
Offshore
Observations early morning (0740-1000) produced 485 Common Scoter, 200 Sandwich Tern, 20 Gannet, 10 Manx Shearwater, 8 Arctic Skua (5 dark, 3 pale) and small numbers of Fulmar, Kittiwake, Arctic Tern, Common Tern and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
The Hooded Crow remains.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings were limited to 2 Collared Dove and 3 House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Flocks of 3 Tufted Duck and 5 Teal flew through during offshore observations and at least 3 Whimbrel were available for comparison with the Hudsonian Whimbrel.
Moths
New species for the year attracted to the moth trap included Buff-tip, Spinach, Barred Straw, Common Footman and Garden Tiger.

Hudsonian Whimbrel still present, although elusive

23rd June 2007 - overcast, sunny spells W3/4
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was again seen both early and late around Wylock Marsh to the south of Biggar, with the small tides still limiting viewing opportunities. Tides tomorrow are at 0702hrs and 1940hrs.
Offshore
Offshore Observations (1645-1745) provided 155 Sandwich Tern, 40 Common Scoter, 25 Gannet, 9 Guillemot, 6 Arctic Skua (4 dark, 2 pale) and small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Fulmar, Kittiwake and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Post-breeding dispersal accounted for the appearance of 3 Blue Tit.
Diurnal Migration
A single Collared Dove and House Martin were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Apart from the Hudsonian Whimbrel at least 9 Whimbrel were available for comparison.
Moths
White Plume Moth and Clay were both new for the year.

No news on Hudsonian Whimbrel

22nd June 2007-bright and sunny, showers by evening W3/4

Rarities

A quick check of the saltings failed to produce the Hudsonian Whimbrel, although the small early morning tide failed to push the Curlew flock with which it was associating up on to the saltmarsh. The Yellow-legged Gull remains but appears to have a slightly different wing tip pattern than would perhaps be expected.

Grounded Migrants

The Hooded Crow and a single Wheatear remain.

Diurnal Migration

A few House Martin and Swift flew through.

Wildfowl and waders

At least 5 Whimbrel were logged.

Images

Yellow-legged Gull with Herring Gulls

Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to prove elusive

21st June 2007 - sunny spells and showers E3/4

Rarities

The Hudsonian Whimbrel showed both early and late on the saltings to the north of Biggar, however, due to the small tides only brief flight views were obtained. High tide tomorrow is at 0511hrs and 1742hrs. Also, an adult Yellow-legged Gull showed well along the western shore mid-morning before flying south.

Offshore

The evening tide saw 10 Little Tern and a first-summer Shag feeding in the mouth of the bay while movements further offshore included 50 Sandwich Tern, 20 Common Scoter, 15 Gannet, 10 Manx Shearwater, 5 Kittiwake and 5 Guillemot.

Grounded Migrants

The Hooded Crow reappeared and an early or late Wheatear was logged.

Diurnal Migration

A total of 14 Swift flew through.

Wildfowl and Waders

Apart from the Hudsonian Whimbrel, records included 10 Bar-tailed Godwit and a single Whimbrel.

Images

Adult Yellow-legged Gull.

Hudsonian Whimbrel proves elusive

20th June 2007 - sunny then overcast with showers by dusk SE2/3/4
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was on the salt marsh to the north of Biggar again this morning, however the current low tides now fail to flood the salt marsh and flush out the birds and there was no sign of the bird on the evening tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
A post-breeding flock of 50 Lapwing, a siege of 11 Grey Heron and a single Whimbrel were the only other records logged.

Hudsonian Whimbrel continues to draw the crowds but there's always one!!

19th June 2007 - overcast E1/2/3/4
Rarities
Observers from across the country continue to be attracted by the Hudsonian Whimbrel and the bird showed well in the morning to overnight travellers before later flying low east (0700-1115). Thereafter, despite repeated requests to view only from the road, one observer ridiculously felt it necessary to stand out on the salt marsh in front of the old tip gates that has been the favoured roost site of the bird and consequently there was no sign of the bird at high tide. However, locals fortunately managed to relocate the bird on its secondary roost site to the north of Biggar early in the evening allowing all to have reasonable, if somewhat distant views (1600-1730). High tide tomorrow is at 0337 and 1605 and consequently the bird may be available both early and late - but please stay off the salt marsh to avoid flushing the bird.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) provided 45 Sandwich Tern, 35 Common Scoter, 20 Greylag Goose, 10 Gannet, 6 Guillemot and 5 Manx Shearwater.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey stopped off to feed on a fish caught in Walney Channel and small numbers of Swallow and a single Swift continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Apart from the Hudsonian Whimbrel at least 3 Whimbrel were available for comparison.
Breeding Birds
At least one Lesser Whitethroat continues to hold territory.

Hudsonian Whimbrel remains

18th June 2007 - overcast, rain at times E1/2

Rarities

The Hudsonian Whimbrel was again present over the tide on the salt marsh opposite the old tip gates and is now starting to amass a creditable list of "celebrity" twitchers. High tide tomorrow is at 1519, please remain on the road to avoid flushing the bird.

Offshore

Early morning sightings (0615-0715) included 55 Sandwich Tern, 50 Common Scoter, 15 Gannet and 10 Manx Shearwater.

Grounded Migrants

Surprisingly, a Whitethroat was new in.

Wildfowl and Waders

Apart from the Hudsonian Whimbrel just 3 Whimbrel were logged.

Images

Hudsonian Whimbrel in flight, although distant the images do show the dark rump and under wing associated with this race - interestingly the state of primary moult so early in the autumn, the bird is moulting the inner primaries on both wings, suggesting that it is probably a first-summer individual.

Hudsonian Whimbrel finally stirs the masses

17th June 2007 - overcast then sunny, SW1/2
Rarities
The Hudsonian Wimbrel finally drew a crowd and was again present on the edge of the salt marsh opposite the old tip gates on the rising tide and showed well before flying low north.
Offshore
At least 2 Shag remain, also seen were 70 Gannet, 80 Sandwich Tern and small numbers of Fulmar, Arctic Tern, Little Tern and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A Blackcap was a surprise.
Wildfowl and Waders
Apart from the Hudsonian Whimbrel, sightings included single Whimbrel and Greenshank.
Mammals
At least 40 Grey Seal and 3 Common Seal were logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Dark Green Fritillary was on the wing and Mottled Willow, White Satin and Treble-bar were new additions for the year amongst 300 moths attracted to the MV lamp overnight.

Hudsonian Whimbrel reappears

16th June 2007 - overcast with sunny spells, calm
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was again present over the tide on the salt marsh opposite the refuse tip - viewable from the roadside by the tip entrance gates. The bird is associating with a small flock of Curlew and in direct comparison to Whimbrel shows a warmer brown colouration, bolder head pattern, all dark rump and dark under wing.
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced totals of 110 Sandwich Tern, 14 Gannet, 5 Common Scoter and single Arctic Skua and Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A late movement saw 5 Swallow fly in off the Irish Sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
In addition to the Hudsonian Whimbrel, other waders included 895 Oystercatcher, 260 Curlew, 54 Lapwing, 25 Dunlin, 21 Turnstone, 14 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel and a single Grey Plover.
Breeding Birds
Several broods of Shelduck and many creches of Eider are now around the island.

Hudsonian Whimbrel quickly departs

15th June 2007 - heavy rain clearing to showers NE4/5
Offshore
Observations on the falling tide (1420-1520) produced 45 Sandwich Tern, 20 Gannet, 7 Common Scoter and lesser numbers of Manx Shearwater, Kittiwake, Guillemot and Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
Unfortunately no sign of the Hudsonian Whimbrel at high tide although 3 Whimbrel and small numbers of Dunlin, Turnstine and Ringed Plover were logged.

Hudsonian Whimbrel!!!!!

14th June 2007 - rain, heavy at times E 4/5/6
Rarities
A check of the salt marsh wader roosts over the morning tide produced 3 Whimbrel amongst a group of 20 Curlew. Upon closer inspection one of the Whimbrel showed an all dark rump, dark underwing and bolder head pattern - Hudsonian Whimbrel!! Although proving elusive once the tide dropped the bird was seen briefly again in the evening.
Offshore
A few Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Common Scoter were logged

The first Greenshank returns

13th June 2007 - overcast/hazy, rain soon W3/2/1

Grounded Migrants

The Hooded Crow remains.

Wildfowl and Waders

The summering drake Pintail remains and the first returnee Greenshank appeared amongst 10 Redshank.

Moths

A Poplar Grey attracted to the MV lamp was just the second island record.

Image

Poplar Grey.

Offshore observations dominate the days records

12th June 2007 - overcast SW3/4
Offshore
Birds passing offshore early and late (0615-0715 & 1910-2010) included 65 Sandwich Tern, 40 Manx Shearwater, 30 Gannet, 20 Common Scoter, 15 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Fulmar and 2 Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The Hooded Crow continues to loiter.
Moths
A total of almost 50 species were recorded, new additions for the year included Common Emerald.

Image

Common Emerald

Oh so quiet

11th June 2007 - hazy sun NW3
Wildfowl and Waders
Small numbers of northbound waders continue to move through with a flock of 60 Dunlin, 20 Ringed Plover and 5 Sanderling logged.
Breeding Birds
The first brood of Shelducklings was logged and good numbers of Eider ducklings have now hatched while Blackbird, Blue Tit and Stonechat all show the first signs of post-breeding dispersal.
Moths
A Mullein Wave in the moth trap was new for the year.

Fly over Red Kite headlines

10th June 2007 - hazy sun V2/3
Rarities
A Red Kite drifted slowly east over the observatory at 1230hrs to become just the second island record and the first for almost 40 years.
Offshore
At least 60 Sandwich Tern and 5 Gannet fed offshore early morning.
Grounded Migrants
The Hooded Crow continues to linger.
Moths and Butterflies
The moth trap provided the nationally scarce Sand Dart while both Meadow Brown and Large Skipper are now on the wing.
Image
Sand Dart.

Its all gone quiet

9th June 2007 - misty start then hazy sun NW1/2/3
Grounded Migrants
The Hooded Crow remains.
Miscellaneous
Both Barn Owl and Little Owl were hunting early morning.
Moths
New species for the year in the MV trap included Middle-barred Minor, Broom Moth, Single-dotted Wave and the impressive Puss Moth.

A late Spotted Flycatcher

8th June 2007 - hazy sun V1/2
Offshore
Just 20 Sandwich Tern and 3 Gannet were feeding offshore early morning.
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was new in and the Hooded Crow remains.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Pintail remains and a few Turnstone continue to move through.
Breeding Birds
At least 5 Lesser Whitethroat still hold territory along with 4 Reed Warbler.
Dragonflies
A female Broad-bodied Chaser becomes just the second island record.

Over summering Pintail

7th June 2007 - sunny spells/hazy V1/2
Offshore
Just 25 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern and 8 Gannet were logged during an early morning vigil (0615-0715).
Wildfowl and Waders
The over summering drake Pintail is still in residence and at least 6 Teal have returned. Small numbers of Turnstone continue to be logged and post-breeding flocks of Lapwing are beginning to build.
Mammals
Stoat, Hare, Fox and Grey Seal were all logged.
Butterflies
A minimum of 35 Painted Ladies were logged.

Spring passage draws towards a close

6th June 2007 - hazy sun, NE2/3
Offshore
Early morning (0615-0715) produced totals of 80 Sandwich Tern, 10 Gannet, 6 Manx Shearwater, 4 Kittiwake and 3 Canada Goose.
Wildfowl and Waders
Small numbers of passage birds are still moving through including, 20 Sanderling, 20 Ringed Plover, 10 Turnstone and 10 Dunlin.
Moths and Butterflies
The number of Painted Ladies present continue to increase and an early White-line Dart was new for the year.

Spoonbill and Long-tailed Ducks

5th June 2007 - bright and sunny E2/3
Rarities
The second Spoonbill of the spring put in a brief appearance late morning.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) were highlighted by an unseasonal pair of Long-tailed Ducks heading into Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 110 Sandwich Tern, 40 Common Scoter, 35 Gannet, 30 Manx Shearwater, 5 Guillemot and a single Fulmar
Grounded Migrants
The Hooded Crow still remains but at least 3 Spotted Flycatcher and a single Chiffchaff were new in.
Diurnal Migration
A single House Martin flew through in the evening.
Butterflies
A further influx of Painted Ladies was noted.

Further bits and pieces

4th June 2007 - hazy sun E1/2/3
Offshore
Just 125 Sandwich Tern, 12 Common Scoter and 6 Gannet were recorded during early morning observations (0615-0715).
Grounded Migrants
A late Willow Warbler and Wheatear were logged and the Hooded Crow continues to linger.
Diurnal Migration
A rather late Swallow moved through.
Butterflies
The first migrant Painted Ladies of the year were logged along with small numbers of Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Small White, Large White, Wall Brown and Common Blue.

Passage continues to slow

3rd June 2007 - overcast/hazy SE2, NW3 later with showers

Offshore

Morning observations (0750-0850) provided 60 Sandwich Tern, 18 Manx Shearwater, 12 Common Scoter, 7 Gannet and single Red-throated Diver, Guillemot and Razorbill.

Grounded Migrants

The Hooded Crow remains

Wildfowl and Waders

Small numbers of Dunlin, Grey Plover and Turnstone continue to move through while 5 Teal have now returned.

Moths

Both Eyed-Hawk-moth and Common Marbled Carpet were new for the year.

Image

Eyed Hawk-moth

The first wildfowl return

2nd June 2007 - hazy sun then overcast V2/1
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (0930-1030) provided 34 Manx Shearwater, 32 Sandwich Tern, 6 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake and a dark phase Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Wheatear was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A pair of Shoveler and two drake Teal were the first returning wildfowl.
Breeding Birds
At least 4 Reed Warbler hold territories.
Moths
The MV trap attracted over 400 moths of 40 species overnight - the highest catch of the year so far. There were a number of new species for the year including Thistle Ermine, Purple-bar, Sandy Carpet, Grey Pug, Flame, Cabbage Moth, Dusky Brocade, Small Clouded Brindle and Gold Spot along with an exceptional 18 Small Elephant Hawk-moths and 2 Poplar Hawk-moths.
Damselflies and Dragonflies
Both Large Red and Blue-tailed Damselflies are now on the wing.

Bits and Pieces

1st June 2007 - hazy sun SE2/1
Offshore
Morning observations (0615-0715) produced 120 Sandwich Tern, 100 Kittiwake, 65 Manx Shearwater and just a single Gannet. A flock of terns feeding on the afternoon's falling tide comprised 20 Sandwich Tern, 10 Arctic Tern and a Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The Hooded Crow remains
Wildfowl and waders
Passage birds included 50 Dunlin, 10 Ringed Plover and 4 Bar-tailed Godwit.
Breeding Birds
Several Lesser Whitethroats still singing on the island are perhaps unpaired birds.