Little of note

31st August 2007 - overcast W4/5
Offshore
Passage remains light with morning observations (0900-1000) limited to 45 Gannet, 4 Fulmar, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Sandwich Tern and a Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Black-tailed Godwit and a single Ruff.

Nothing new today

30th August 2007 - early drizzle then sunny NW4/5
Offshore
A very quiet day over the sea with just 6 Sandwich Tern and single Red-throated Diver, Shag and Common Scoter logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The two early returning Pintail are still present and waders included at least 15 Greenshank, 6 Black-tailed Godwit and single Ruff and Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Owls and a Peregrine were seen.

Passage remains light

29th August 2007 - bright and sunny NW1/2/3
Grounded Migrants
A total of 15 White Wagtail were new in and additional sightings included 20 Pied Wagtail, 6 Wheatear, 3 Robin, 3 Stonechat, 2 Whitethroat and single Sedge Warbler and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Just a light southerly passage was noted with 30 Swallow and single Grey Wagtail and Tree Pipit logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5000 Oystercatcher, 1200 Redshank, 30 Greenshank, 20 Knot, 2 Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and single Spotted Redshank and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Water Rail remains, albeit elusively, and both Merlin and Peregrine were logged.

Bits and Pieces

28th August 2007 - sun and light showers NW1/2
Offshore
Light early morning passage provided 100 Common Scoter and 5 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
An increase in numbers was evidenced by 18 Robin, 14 Willow Warbler, 6 Stonechat, 4 Sedge Warbler, 3 Wheatear and 3 Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Again some evidence of movement with 150 Swallow, 30 alba Wagtail, 20 Meadow Pipit, 12 Grey Wagtail, 10 Sand Martin and a Tree Pipit logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Lingering waders included 12+ Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Ruff.
Miscellaneous
Although proving generally elusive the Water Rail remains in residence.

First Pintail and Tree Pipit of the autumn

27th August 2007 - overcast/early showers NW4
Offshore
Offshore sightings (0730-0830) involved 300 Sandwich Tern, 20 Gannet, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Common Scoter and single Red-throated Diver, Fulmar and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Despite several early morning showers totals were limited to 7 Robin, 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Stonechat, 3 Wren and 2 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Some evidence of movement today with 65 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail and a single Yellow Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 2 Pintail of the autumn were seen and waders included 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff and single Spotted Redshank and Common Sandpiper amongst good numbers of Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Water Rail remains in residence.

Offshore sightings

26th August 2007 - sunny spells NW4
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide (0830-0930) produced 100 Sandwich Tern, 55 Gannet, 10 Common Scoter, 7 Manx Shearwater and a single Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Still limited to small numbers of Robin, Willow Warbler and Whitehroat.

Waders numbers continue to build

25th August 2007 - overcast W2/3/4
Offshore
Two periods of observation (0730-0830 & 1230-1330) produced totals of 295 Sandwich Tern, 80 Common Scoter, 70 Gannet, 21 Manx Shearwater, 12 Kittiwake, 4 Shag, 4 Fulmar and a dark phase Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A paltry showing with just 7 Willow Warbler, 4 Robin, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Grey Wagtail and single Chiffchaff and White Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 41 Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a single Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
Sparrowhawk, Merlin and Peregrine were all logged with the latter seen to take a Grey Plover.
Moths
The MV trap produced Juniper Pug and Sallow.
Image
Sallow.

The First Water Rail of the autumn arrives

24th August 2007 - bright and sunny NW1/2/3/4
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0615-0715) included 420 Manx Shearwater, 375 Common Scoter, 100 Gannet, 10 Sandwich Tern and small numbers of Kittiwake and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Passerine totals remain low with just 11 Stonechat, 9 Robin, 5 Wheatear, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and single Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher logged.
Diurnal Migration
Hirundines on the move involved 100 Swallow and 15 Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The number of Teal present continue to build slowly and lingering waders include 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Ruff.
Miscellaneous
The first Water Rail of the autumn arrived.

Limited fare yet again

23rd August 2007 - bright and sunny N1/2/3/4
Offshore
Despite calm conditions early morning (0615-0715) sightings included 240 Common Scoter, 70 Manx Shearwater, 35 Gannet and 10 Sandwich Tern. A quick look over the mouth of Morecambe Bay on the evening tide produced a Razorbill escorting a half-grown youngster and a single juvenile Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A again limited fare with just 10 Robin, 9 Willow Warbler and a single Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
Totals of 26 Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and single Whimbrel and Spotted Redshank were amongst 1200 Redshank.
Mammals
Both Weasel and Brown Hare were logged.

Slim pickings

22nd August 2007 - bright and sunny N2
Offshore
Sightings early morning (0615-0715) involved 155 Common Scoter, 50 Gannet, 18 Sandwich Tern, 10 Manx Shearwater and a single Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Slightly more activity today produced 14 Willow Warbler, 10 Robin, 7 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 2 Sedge Warbler and single Garden Warbler and Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
Hirundine numbers continue to build with 310 Swallow and 2 Sand Martin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 10 Greenshank were present and 2 Ruff were new in.
Dragonflies
The first Migrant Hawkers were on the wing.

Meagre rations again

21st August 2007 - bright and sunny N1/2/3/4
Offshore
Observations (0615-0715) were again limited to the usual suspects with 200 Common Scoter, 50 Gannet, 30 Sandwich Tern and 3 Manx Shearwater logged.
Grounded Migrants
Totals were again low with just 11 Willow Warbler, 4 Wheatear, 4 Robin, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Stonechat and a single Garden Warbler seen.
Diurnal Migration
A Swift flew through and Swallow numbers continue to build with 100 birds logged.
Wildfowl and waders
Wildfowl numbers continue to build slowly and waders included 10 Greenshank and single Whimbrel and Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 7 Stock Dove were a good island record.
Moths
Highlights from the MV trap were Svennson's Copper Underwing and Red Underwing - the latter only the second record for the island.
Image
Red Underwing

Passerine migration remains slow

20th August 2007 - bright and sunny NE1/2/3/4
Rarities
No news on the Hudsonian Whimbrel today.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) provided 350 Common Scoter, 30 Gannet, 3 Sandwich Tern and a single Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Although 20 Wheatear were logged further evidence of migration was limited to 14 Pied Wagtail, 7 Willow Warbler, 5 Robin, 5 Sedge Warbler and 4 Stonechat.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 6 Collared Dove flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel and a Spotted Redshank.

Kingfisher is bolt from the blue

19th August 2007 - overcast with showers NNW 2/3/4
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was again on the saltings off Rape Haw.
Offshore
Observations were highlighted by 24 Storm Petrel and also included 65 Sandwich Tern, 50 Gannet, 30 Manx Shearwater, 6 Shag, 3 Kittiwake and 2 Arctic Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
Additional waders included 30 Greenshank, 22 Knot, 5 Whimbrel and single Spotted Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Kingfisher was an excellent island record and the Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Mammals
Offshore observations also provided 2 Harbour Porpoise.
Moths
Several Willow Beauty were new for the year.

Rain stops play

18th August 2007 - rain SSE4
Offshore
A morning seawatch (0930-1030) in persistent rain and low visibility was highlighted by 2 Storm Petrel. The only other sightings involved 3 Gannet, 2 Sandwich Tern and an Arctic Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single Common Sandpiper was the only other record of note.

Migration remains slow

17th August 2007 - sun and showers W4
Offshore
A brief look over the sea revealed 2 dark phase Arctic Skua harrying small numbers of Sandwich Tern along with Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Fulmar and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were highlighted by a Lesser Whitethroat but also included 10 Pied Wagtail, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Wheatear and single Whitethroat and Robin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The numbers of Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler present on the island continue to increase slowly and a single Black-tailed Godwit was logged.

Hudsonian Whimbrel shows again

16th August 2007 - overcast/showers WNW4/5
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was again on the saltings off Rape Haw on the flooding tide.
Offshore
Morning observations (0900-1100) provided variety if not quantity, sightings included 6 Storm Petrel, 4 dark phase Arctic Skua and a Great Skua along with 175 Sandwich Tern, 120 Manx Shearwater, 30 Gannet and small numbers of Kittiwake and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Just 10 Wheatear and single Willow Warbler and Robin were logged.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Owls sheltered from the wind.

Hudsonian Whimbrel still here!

15th August 2007 - sunny spells NW3/4/5
Rarities
Just when it was thought to have moved on the Hudsonian Whimbrel reappeared on the salt marsh opposite Rape Haw on the rising tide before flying low north to its usual haunt off Snab Point.
Offshore
Morning observations produced all the usual suspects with small numbers of Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Common Scoter and Sandwich Tern recorded.
Grounded Migrants
A small movement produced totals of 20 Pied Wagtail, 17 Wheatear, 14 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat and 3 Sedge Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Additional wader species included Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Greenshank, Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit.

A Green Sandpiper is new arrival

14th August 2007 - overcast/rain at times S3
Offshore
At least 2 Storm Petrel highlighted morning observations (0900-1000) which also provided 50 Manx Shearwater, 50 Sandwich Tern, 40 Gannet and 6 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Passage remains slow with just 5 Sedge Warbler, 3 Wheatear and a single Willow Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 30 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders continue to provide variety and interest with 26 Greenshank, 3 Whimbrel and single Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit logged.
Miscellaneous
A single Little Egret continues to stalk the tidal pools.
Moths
Hedge Rustic, Six-striped Rustic and Ruby Tiger were new for the year.
Image
Green Sandpiper.

The first Wigeon of the autumn arrive

13th August 2007 - sunshine and showers W3/4
Offshore
Morning sightings (0800-0900) were limited to 120 Sandwich Tern, 15 Gannet, 10 Manx Shearwater and 2 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Passerine migration remains quiet, although totals of 30 Pied Wagtail, 12 Stonechat, 8 Wheatear and a single Whitethroat were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 3 Wigeon of the autumn appeared and waders included 650 Redshank, 7 Whimbrel and 3 Greenshank.

Greenshank numbers continue to build

12th August 2007 - sunshine and showers NW2/3/4
Offshore
A brief seawatch (0800-0830) produced a dark phase Arctic Skua and small numbers of Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Common Scoter, Kittiwake and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
There was little evidence of movement with just 20 Pied Wagtail, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler and a single Spotted Flycatcher logged.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow numbers are beginning to build with 50 birds logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 30 Greenshank, 10 Black-tailed Godwit and the lingering adult Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
A single Little Egret continues to stalk the island's tidal pools.

Migration remains slow

11th August 2007 - overcast SW1/2
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) provided 135 Sandwich Tern, 60 Manx Shearwater, 25 Gannet and 20 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat and single Sedge and Garden Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A small passage of Swallow was evident early morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wader totals included 2000 Oystercatcher, 850 Curlew, 520 Redshank, 385 Sanderling, 240 Turnstone, 160 Ringed Plover, 60 Grey Plover, 6 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel and a single Ruff.
Miscellaneous
A single Little Egret continues to stalk the island's tidal pools.
Image
Ruff

Offshore sightings

10th August 2007 - overcast SW1
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0615-0715) provided 110 Manx Shearwater, 60 Sandwich Tern, 35 Common Scoter, 30 Gannet and 2 Shag.
Miscellaneous
A single Little Egret continues to stalk the island's tidal pools and a Merlin was new in.

Feeding flock of Manx Shearwater offshore

9th August 2007 - bright and sunny, calm
Offshore
A feeding flock of 155 Manx Shearwater lingered offshore (0615-0715) while 60 Common Scoter and 25 Gannet moved north.
Grounded Migrants
Totals of 15 Pied Wagtail, 10 Stonechat, 8 Willow Warbler, 4 Wheatear, 3 Sedge Warbler and single Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher and Robin were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Shoreline waders on the morning tide included 220 Sanderling, 150 Dunlin, 120 Turnstone, 100 Ringed Plover, 10 Grey Plover and 2 Knot. The island's pools provided 12 Greenshank and single Spotted Redshank and Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A single Little Egret continues to stalk the island's tidal pools.

Little Gull headlines early morning sightings

8th August 2007 - bright and sunny N2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) were led by an adult summer plumaged Little Gull. Other sightings involved 335 Manx Shearwater, 65 Gannet, 45 Common Scoter, 4 Razorbill, 2 Sandwich Tern and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Totals of 18 Pied Wagtail, 14 Willow Warbler, 5 Stonechat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Wheatear and a Spotted Flycatcher were indicative of a small movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
Small numbers of Teal and Shoveler are now a daily occurrence and waders included 10 Greenshank, single Whimbrel and the adult Spotted Redshank.

Still little evidence of passerine migration

7th August 2007 - sunny spells NW4/5
Rarities
There were again no reports of the Hudsonian Whimbrel.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) provided 160 Manx Shearwater, 40 Gannet, 40 Common Scoter and single Fulmar and Sandwich Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank.
Image
Adult Spotted Redshank already in winter plumage.



Hudsonian Whimbrel fails to show

6th August 2007 - sunny spells W4
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel failed to show on the evening tide.
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0615-0715) included 100 Manx Shearwater, 65 Common Scoter and 50 Gannet. Evening observations added 2 Arctic Skua (1 pale, 1 dark) and 20 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Totals of 20 Pied Wagtail and 3 Willow Warbler were the only signs of migration.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 65 Turnstone, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Greenshank and 5 Grey Plover.

It's still here!

5th August 2007 - sunny spells S4/3/2/1
Rarities
The Hudsonian Whimbrel was again on the salt marsh at Snab Point over the high tide.
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) were highlighted by 5 Storm Petrel amongst small numbers of Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Sandwich Tern and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
The only evidence of movement involved 3 Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 45 Swift, 10 Sand Martin, 10 House Martin and 10 Swallow were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Additional waders included 15 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Whimbrel and a single Black-tailed Godwit.

First returning Garden Warbler of the autumn

4th August 2007 - overcast/drizzle SW5/4/3
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0730-0930) included 550 Manx Shearwater, 80 Gannet, 30 Common Scoter and small numbers of Kittiwake and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A single Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler were new in.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 3 Grey Heron were noted well offshore and 10 Swift hawked over the centre of the island.
Wildfowl and Waders
Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Shoveler and Teal were all logged.

Offshore sightings dominate

3rd August 2007 - sunny spells S3/4
Rarities
Again no news on the Hudsonian Whimbrel.
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (1100-1200) provided 130 Sandwich Tern, 95 Manx Shearwater, 25 Gannet and 6 Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Shoveler and Teal were all logged.

A southbound Marsh Harrier headlines

2nd August 2007 - overcast then sunny W3
Rarities
There were no reports of the Hudsonian Whimbrel which is now proving very elusive.
Offshore
A brief early morning watch (0730-0800) provided 30 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern, 15 Gannet and 10 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to a single Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A juvenile Marsh Harrier flew south at 1100 hrs. Other records included 5 Sand Martin and a Grey Heron.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 20 Greenshank were logged, along with single Whimbrel and Spotted Redshank.

Wader numbers continue to build

1st August 2007 - overcast SW4
Rarities
There was no sign of the Hudsonian Whimbrel in a brief search at high tide.
Grounded Migrants
The only indication of movement involved 2 Whitethroat, a single Willow Warbler and 20 Pied Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 7 Grey Heron caused havoc as they overflew the gull colony.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1500 Oystercatcher, 820 Redshank, 19 Greenshank, 12 Whimbrel and single Spotted Redshank and Common Sandpiper.