The skies finally come alive

30th September 2007 - overcast E2/3
Offshore
A quiet day with observations (0700-1900) providing just 132 Common Scoter, 28 Razorbill, 17 Kittiwake, 15 Red-throated Diver and 12 Gannet. However, a group of 12 Shag continue to linger.
Grounded Migrants
Very little in the way of grounded passerines with just 3 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff and single Redwing and Whitethroat logged.
Diurnal Migration
Steady passage from dawn until midday provided totals of 4800 Meadow Pipit (peaking at 1500 birds/hour), 580 Linnet, 560 Pink-footed Goose, 230 Skylark, 215 alba Wagtail, 165 Swallow, 60 Goldfinch, 7 Reed Bunting, 7 Greenfinch, 7 Chaffinch, 6 Siskin, 5 Sand Martin, 4 Rock Pipit, 3 Grey Wagtail and a single Whooper Swan.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 26 Greenshank roosted over the tide.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Merlin were logged and 4 Little Egret were seen.

Wildfowl numbers continue to rise

29th September 2007 - overcast NE1/2/3
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (0700-1900) provided 332 Common Scoter, 37 Red-throated Diver, 33 Razorbill, 6 Gannet, 4 Pintail and 4 Shoveler with 12 Shag loitering offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Although 200 Skylark were flushed from the salt marsh by the tide there was little evidence of any new arrivals with just 3 Goldcrest and a Whitethroat considered new in.
Diurnal Migration
Pink-footed Geese continue to move through with a further 570 birds logged, however the skies were generally quiet with sightings limited to 30 Skylark, 20 Meadow Pipit, 14 alba Wagtail, 14 Greylag Goose, 5 Grey Wagtail and single Siskin and Rock Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
A noticeable influx in Wigeon numbers saw 430 birds logged while waders included a flock of 300 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
At least one Little Egret still roams the island and 2 Merlin were logged.

Strong offshore Red-throated Diver passage

28th September 2007 - overcast NE3/4/5
Offshore
Sightings over the tide (0700-1900) included 178 Common Scoter, 88 Red-throated Diver, 28 Razorbill, 11 Scaup, 14Gannet, 5 Sandwich Tern, 3 Kittiwake and 2 Pintail.
Grounded Migrants
Totals were limited to 27 Robin, 6 Redwing, 6 Stonechat, 5 Song Thrush, 3 Blackbird and single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A few Pink-footed Geese continue to head south with 160 birds logged, also seen were 21 House Martin, 20 Meadow Pipit, 20 Skylark, 5 alba Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail and 2 Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 16 Greenshank and a Ruff roosted among 1000 Redshank and a Purple Sandpiper was amongst 300 Dunlin.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Merlin were seen and both Peregrine and Raven were logged.

First wave of winter thrushes arrive

27th September 2007 - bright and sunny NE2/3/4/5
Offshore
Observations (0900-1700) were highlighted by a Velvet Scoter and also included 81 Razorbill, 76 Common Scoter, 39 Red-throated Diver, 15 Kittiwake, 11 Gannet, 8 Sandwich Tern, 2 Guillemot and 2 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The first winter thrushes arrived with 45 Redwing and a Fieldfare logged, other sightings included 5 Song Thrush and single Goldcrest and Wheatear - the latter evading regular pursuits by a Merlin by sheltering inside one of the hides at South Walney.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 720 Pink-footed Geese moved south along with small numbers of passerines including 80 Meadow Pipit, 25 Swallow and 3 Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 10000 Oystercatcher roosted and a single Black-tailed Godwit remains.
Miscellaneous
Both Merlin and Peregrine continue to be seen.

First Whooper Swans move through

26th September 2007 - bright and sunny NNE4/5
Offshore
Observations (0700-1900) provided totals of 34 Kittiwake, 34 Gannet, 25 Common Scoter, 20 Red-throated Diver, 19 Sandwich Tern, 5 Razorbill and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by single Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Song Thrush and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Headlined by 1855 Pink-footed Geese and 3 Whooper Swan, while 200 Meadow Pipit, 40 Swallow, 20 Skylark, 10 Linnet, 5 alba Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 House Martin and single Song Thrush and Siskin added variety.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 760 Sanderling and a single Black-tailed Godwit were logged.
Miscellaneous
Merlin, Peregrine and 2 Little Owl continue to hunt the island.

Wildfowl on the move

25th September 2007 - bright and sunny NW4/5/6
Offshore
Day long observations (0700-1900) were highlighted by a total of 45 Scaup. Also logged were 97 Common Scoter, 42 Gannet, 20 Red-throated Diver, 9 Pintail, 6 Shag, 7 Sandwich Tern, 6 Kittiwake, 4 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Little evidence of any new birds with 6 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest and 3 Wheatear the only notable records.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 685 Pink-footed Geese flew through and other sightings included 150 Meadow Pipit, 30 Chaffinch, 15 alba Wagtail and 4 Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 300 Grey Plover was logged and the 4 Black-tailed Godwit remain.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Water Rail are present and both Merlin and Peregrine continue to hunt the island.

Leach's Petrels headline

24th September 2007 - overcast/rain at times W5/6/7/8
Offshore
An all day seawatch (0700-1900) was highlighted by 2 Leach's Petrel and a Great Skua with a supporting cast of 508 Common Scoter, 188 Gannet, 42 Kittiwake, 36 Razorbill, 10 Red-throated Diver, 10 Sandwich Tern, 5 Manx Shearwater, 5 Fulmar, 2 Shag, 2 Guillemot and 2 dark phase Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first autumn influx of returnee Shelduck was noted and 4 Black-tailed Godwit remain.
Miscellaneous
What was presumed to be the long-staying itinerant Hooded Crow put in another appearance.

Rather poor fare

23rd September 2007 - overcast/heavy rain at times SW4/5/6
Offshore
Morning observations in between the rain (0800-0900 & 1100-1200) produced 25 Kittiwake, 23 Gannet, 21 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill and 3 Guillemot all moving out of Morecambe Bay while at least 5 Shag loitered just offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Totals of 5 Chiffchaff, 4 Stonechat, 3 Goldcrest and 2 White Wagtail were perhaps leftovers from yesterday.
Diurnal Migration
Just 20 Swallow, 20 Meadow Pipit and 5 Skylark were logged in between the rain.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 4 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel were the best of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A rather bedraggled Merlin was seen.

Diurnal migration finally kicks off

22nd September 2007 - sunny spells SW1/2/3
Offshore
A quick check of the sea at high tide provided a group of 11 Shag and a handful of Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A small influx provided totals of 35 Robin, 18 Wren, 16 Chiffchaff, 6 Stonechat, 5 White Wagtail, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Wheatear and single Whinchat and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration finally kicked off with 650 Meadow Pipit, 335 Linnet, 210 Swallow, 150 Skylark, 36 Pink-footed Goose, 33 alba Wagtail, 19 Chaffinch, 10 Greenfinch, 10 Grey Wagtail, 5 Sand Martin, 5 House Martin and 2 Redpoll logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 10 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit were the only records of note.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Peregrine hunted the island.

Little of note

21st September 2007 - rain/drier later SW1/2/3
Offshore
A quick check over the sea provided 6 Shag but little else of note.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 100 Meadow Pipit, 18 Robin, 5 White Wagtail, 4 Robin, 2 Grey Wagtail and single Wheatear, Chiffchaff and Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 4 Black-tailed Godwit was the only record of note.
Miscellaneous
Single Little Egret, Water Rail and Little Owl were all logged.

Seawatching to the fore

20th September 2007 - overcast rain at times SW3/4/5/6
Offshore
Early and late observations (0630-0730 & 1700-1900) provided variety if not quantity with miserly totals including 45 Common Scoter, 40 Gannet, 28 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Guillemot, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Sandwich Tern and single Shag, Manx Shearwater and dark phase Arctic Skua.
Miscellaneous
The single Little Egret remains.

Weather puts damper on sightings

19th September 2007 - rain SW5/6
Offshore
Just 2 Arctic Tern and a Sandwich Tern were logged with no coordinated observations undertaken in miserable conditions with low visibility.
Grounded Migrants
Although 115 Meadow Pipit, 2 Stonechat and a Wheatear were seen there was little evidence of any new arrivals.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 270 Knot, 14 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least one Little Egret remains.

Velvet Scoter and Purple Sandpiper enhance autumn feel

18th September 2007 - bright/overcast soon SW1/2/3/4/5/6
Offshore
Sightings were highlighted by a Velvet Scoter with early and late observations also providing totals of 28 Common Scoter, 20 Gannet, 5 Shag, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Razorbill and single Sandwich Tern and Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
Casual observations produced 220 Pink-footed Goose, 210 Meadow Pipit, 10 alba Wagtail and 2 Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Purple Sandpiper of the year appeared and other wader highlights included 21 Greenshank and the long-staying adult Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
Bits and pieces included 2 Raven and single Little Egret and Little Owl.

Pink-footed Geese continue to move through

17th September 2007 - bright and sunny NNW5
Offshore
Evening observations (1800-1900) produced 7 Red-throated Diver, 5 Sandwich Tern, 4 Shag, 2 Gannet and single Arctic Tern and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Another poor showing with just 30 Meadow Pipit, 10 alba Wagtail, 2 Goldcrest and 2 Wheatear logged.
Diurnal Migration
Pink-footed Geese continued to move south throughout the day with 14 skeins involving 792 birds seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Highlights were 15 Greenshank and single Spotted Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit.

Seawatching conditions prevail

16th September 2007 - overcast then rain SW5/6/7
Offshore
An extended seawatch in deteriorating conditions produced 56 Gannet, 25 Common Scoter, 6 Kittiwake, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 3 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot and single adult Little Gull and dark phase Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wigeon numbers continue to build and 4 Shoveler were logged.

Barred Warbler steals the show

15th September 2007 - overcast then sunny E1 then SW3/4
Rarities
A juvenile/first-winter Barred Warbler frequented the centre of the island, favouring the brambles and hawthorns in the hollow behind the fire station.
Offshore
A Black Guillemot led sightings over the sea which also provided 115 Common Scoter, 14 Sandwich Tern, 10 Gannet, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Kittiwake and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Despite the presence of the Barred Warbler there was little evidence of a fall, additional records included just 7 Goldcrest, 6 Chiffchaff, 3 White Wagtail, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler and single Spotted Flycatcher and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
The first wave of Pink-footed Geese flew through with six skeins totalling 335 birds moving south. Also logged were 40 Meadow Pipit, 30 Swallow, 28 alba Wagtail, 5 House Martin, 4 Grey Wagtail and 2 Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
Highlights of the monthly WeBS count included 3750 Oystercatcher, 2010 Redshank, 1085 Curlew, 510 Golden Plover, 440 Turnstone, 400 Sanderling, 260 Ringed Plover, 22 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and single Curlew Sandpiper and Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
A total of 90 species were recorded on the island through the course of the day. The main highlight not mentioned above involved a single Little Egret stalking the tidal pools.
Moths
A Feathered Ranunculus was new for the year.

Limited Coverage

14th September 2007 - sunny spells WNW4
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) produced 30 Common Scoter, 12 Gannet, 12 Red-throated Diver, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Sandwich Tern and single Arctic Tern and Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
Four Shoveler and 3 Black-tailed Godwit were the only records of note.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin hunted a flock of 50 Goldfinch and 2 Little Owl were seen.

First Brent Geese of the autumn

13th September 2007 - overcast SW2/3
Offshore
A brief scan over the sea at high tide provided 4 Shag, 3 Red-throated Diver and small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Although 30 Wheatear were logged most species saw a drop in numbers with only 13 Robin, 8 Goldcrest, 6 Stonechat, 4 Wren, 2 White Wagtail and a Chiffchaff recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Just small numbers of the move with 220 Meadow Pipit, 25 Swallow, 10 alba Wagtail and 2 Collared Dove logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A small group of 9 pale-bellied Brent Geese included several juveniles and an influx of Wigeon was apparent. Waders included 200 Turnstone, 20 Greenshank and single Spotted Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit.

Continued trickle of migrants

12th September 2007 - early cloud clearing to sun N1/2/3
Grounded Migrants
Totals of 30 Robin, 10 Wren, 10 Wheatear, 5 Dunnock, 5 Stonechat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler and 2 White Wagtail included at least some newly arrived birds.
Diurnal Migration
Some evidence of movement again today with 550 Meadow Pipit, 130 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 10 Skylark, 10 alba Wagtail, 6 Sand Martin, 5 Grey Wagtail and 2 Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
Nothing new although 31 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a single Spotted Redshank remain amongst at least 1300 Redshank.
Dragonflies
A total of 11 Migrant Hawker were again logged.
Butterflies
Several fresh Painted Lady and Red Admiral were on the wing.

Great Spotted Woodpecker leads sightings

11th September 2007 - bright and sunny NW1/2/3
Offshore
No coordinated observations were undertaken however, 4 Shag, 5 Gannet, 10 Sandwich Tern and single Red-throated Diver and Arctic Tern were logged.
Grounded Migrants
A fence post hopping female Great Spotted Woodpecker was the pick of the grounded birds which also included 25 Robin, 13 Stonechat, 8 Dunnock, 6 Wren, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Whitethroat and single Whinchat and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
More activity than of late with totals of 900 Meadow Pipit, 160 Swallow, 16 Sand Martin, 15 Skylark, 15 alba Wagtail, 14 Grey Wagtail, 3 Siskin and single Raven and Redpoll recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper continue to linger and other sightings involved 1200 Redshank, 12 Greenshank, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and an adult Spotted Redshank.

Fruitless weather conditions dominate

10th September 2007 - bright and sunny NW5/6
Offshore
Morning sightings on the rising tide (0830-1000) involved 40 Common Scoter, 25 Sandwich Tern, 22 Gannet, 7 Red-throated Diver, 5 Guillemot and single Manx Shearwater and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was the only record of note.
Wildfowl and waders
Wigeon numbers are beginning to build and at least 3 Black-tailed Godwit remain.
Dragonflies
Despite the windy conditions both Migrant Hawker and Common Darter were logged.

Further small scale movement

9th September 2007 - overcast NW2/3/4
Offshore
No coordinated observations were undertaken although at least 8 Shag remain and additional sightings included 12 Sandwich Tern and 3 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Totals for the day included 800 Meadow Pipit, 30 Pied Wagtail, 12 Robin, 7 White Wagtail, 7 Stonechat, 7 Wren, 4 Tree Sparrow, 2 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat and single Goldcrest and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Little evidence of any concerted movement although 120 Swallow, 2 Grey Wagtail and a House Martin were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single juvenile Curlew Sandpiper remains and other sightings included 4000 Oystercatcher, 200 Sanderling, 25 Greenshank, 6 Black-tailed Godwit and a Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Merlin hunted Meadow Pipits.
Moths
Highlights from the MV trap were Treble-bar and an immigrant Bordered Straw.
Image
Bordered Straw.

Small scale movement

8th September 2007 - ovecast then sunny NW3/4
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (0800-0900) were highlighted by a feeding group of 11 Shag, also seen were 45 Sandwich Tern, 17 Common Scoter and 5 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
At last some evidence of migration a smattering of migrants included 24 Pied Wagtail, 15 White Wagtail, 11 Robin, 10 Stonechat, 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat and single Wheatear, Whinchat, Grasshopper Warbler and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Overhead passage was led by a single Tree Pipit and also included 110 Meadow Pipit, 30 Swallow, 8 Grey Wagtail, 2 House Martin and a Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The two juvenile Curlew Sandpiper remain, other records included 120 Sanderling, 17 Greenshank, 6 Black-tailed Godwit and single Spotted Redshank and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The elusive Hooded Crow put in another appearance, also seen were 2 Raven and 3 Little Egret.
Mammals
At least 10 Grey Seal were offshore and a Stoat stalked a flock of Linnet.
Dragonflies
A minimum of 11 Migrant Hawker were logged.

First Curlew Sandpipers arrive

7th September 2007 - bright and sunny N2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) produced 40 Gannet, 40 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Little recorded again with just 11 Pied Wagtail, 2 Goldcrest and single White Wagtail, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Robin!
Wildfowl and Waders
Two juvenile Curlew Sandpiper were new in and other wader highlights included 25 Greenshank, 6 Black-tailed Godwit and the now seemingly resident Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
A Common Buzzard was an excellent island record.
Dragonflies
At least 5 Migrant Hawker were logged.

The quiet theme continues

6th September 2007 - bright and sunny NW3
Offshore
A quick look over the sea on the evening tide produced 2 Shag, 10 Gannet and 20 Sandwich Tern feeding offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Lingering birds included 6 Stonechat and small numbers of Robin and alba Wagtail with little evidence to suggest any new arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
Just a few Swallow and 2 Sand Martin were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Sightings were limited to 5 Black-tailed Godwit and 5 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Little Egret remains.

Little Egret remains

5th September 2007 - sunny spells NW2/3
Grounded Migrants
Just small numbers of the usual suspects with 30 Meadow Pipit, 20 Pied Wagtail, 5 Robin, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 White Wagtail and a Stonechat logged.
Diurnal Migration
Just small numbers of Swallow and 3 Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 20 Greenshank are still present along with 7 Black-tailed Godwit and a Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
At least one Little Egret continues to roam the island.

Passage still slow

4th September 2007 - bright and sunny W2/3
Grounded Migrants
Small numbers were again present with 30 alba Wagtail, 20 Meadow Pipit, 8 Robin, 6 Willow Warbler, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Stonechat and a single Whitethroat logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wigeon numbers begin to build and at least 4 Shoveler remain. Waders included 22 Greenshank, 7 Black-tailed Godwit and a single Spotted Redshank amongst 1200 Redshank.

First Goldcrest of the autumn

3rd September 2007 - bright and sunny NNW2/3/4
Offshore
A quick look over the sea (0630-0700) showed little evidence of movement with just 5 Common Scoter, 4 Gannet and 4 Sandwich Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
Variety if not quantity with 100 Meadow Pipit, 10 Robin, 10 Pied Wagtail, 6 White Wagtail, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear, 2 Stonechat and single Spotted Flycatcher, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Goldcrest and Whinchat all seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 28 Greenshank, 8 Black-tailed Godwit and the long staying Spotted Redshank.

Sooty Shearwater Surprise

2nd September 2007 - overcast/rain clearing to showers SW4/5
Offshore
Suitable weather conditions induced an extended seawatch (0845-1245) which was highlighted by a single Sooty Shearwater and 2 Leach's Petrel along with 230 Sandwich Tern, 50 Gannet, 28 Kittiwake, 11 Common Scoter and single Fulmar, Arctic Tern and dark-phase Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
Just 6 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank were logged as activities were focused elsewhere.
Miscellaneous
Both Peregrine and Little Owl were seen.

A flock of Ravens fly through

1st September 2007 - overcast W3/4
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced just 25 Gannet, 5 Sandwich Tern, 14 Common Scoter and single Red-throated Diver and Shag. However, a look over the mouth of Morecambe Bay at low tide provided a feeding flock of 235 Sandwich Tern and 5 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
An increase was evident with 40 Meadow Pipit, 30 Pied Wagtail, 20 White Wagtail, 10 Stonechat, 8 Robin, 5 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and a Spotted Flycatcher logged.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 6 Raven flew through but other sightings were limited to 45 Swallow, 20 alba Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail and single Tree Pipit and Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The number of Teal present continue to increase slowly and waders included 26 Greenshank, 10 Black-tailed Godwit and single Spotted Redshank and Ruff.
Miscellaneous
Both Merlin and Little Owl were logged.
Image
Merlin.