27th January 2008 - overcast SW5/4/3
Offshore
Although 7 Shag remain offshore, passage remains light with early morning observations (0915-1015) producing just 6 Red-throated Diver, 2 Razorbill, 2 Common Scoter and 2 Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
The adult Long-tailed Duck and at least 23 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain. Waders included 15000 Knot, 3 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
Both Barn Owl and Little Owl were logged, along with 2 Little Egret.
Long-tailed Duck reappears
26th January 2008 - overcast SW6/7
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0930) provided just 4 Kittiwake, 2 Razorbill and a Red-throated Diver along the western seaboard. However, the Slavonian Grebe remains in residence on the calmer waters along the eastern shore.
Wildfowl and Waders
The adult drake Long-tailed Duck reappeared and a single dark-bellied Brent Goose joined the flock of 64 pale-bellied Brent Geese. Waders included: 10000 Knot, 3000 Dunlin, 9 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 40 Twite were logged, also seen were 3 Little Egret and single Merlin and Peregrine.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0930) provided just 4 Kittiwake, 2 Razorbill and a Red-throated Diver along the western seaboard. However, the Slavonian Grebe remains in residence on the calmer waters along the eastern shore.
Wildfowl and Waders
The adult drake Long-tailed Duck reappeared and a single dark-bellied Brent Goose joined the flock of 64 pale-bellied Brent Geese. Waders included: 10000 Knot, 3000 Dunlin, 9 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 40 Twite were logged, also seen were 3 Little Egret and single Merlin and Peregrine.
Slavonian Grebe reappears and Gadwall remain
25th January 2008 - overcast SW6/7
Offshore
There was little evidence of any movement off the western shore on the falling tide, however, a Slavonian Grebe was again along the sheltered eastern shore.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pair of Gadwall remain while the Pale-bellied Brent Goose flock increased to 64 individuals and included the Canadian ringed individual and four new colour-ringed birds.
Miscellaneous
Just one Little Egret was located over the tide.
Offshore
There was little evidence of any movement off the western shore on the falling tide, however, a Slavonian Grebe was again along the sheltered eastern shore.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pair of Gadwall remain while the Pale-bellied Brent Goose flock increased to 64 individuals and included the Canadian ringed individual and four new colour-ringed birds.
Miscellaneous
Just one Little Egret was located over the tide.
Gadwall added to year list
19th January 2008 - overcast W2/1
Offshore
Early morning observations (0920-1020) produced 20 Common Scoter, 16 Red-throated Diver, 6 Kittiwake and a single Razorbill.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 30 Pink-footed Geese headed south.
Wildfowl and Waders
A pair of Gadwall were amongst 500 Teal.
Miscellaneous
A 'charm' of 110 Goldfinch were logged but only a single Little Egret was seen.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0920-1020) produced 20 Common Scoter, 16 Red-throated Diver, 6 Kittiwake and a single Razorbill.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 30 Pink-footed Geese headed south.
Wildfowl and Waders
A pair of Gadwall were amongst 500 Teal.
Miscellaneous
A 'charm' of 110 Goldfinch were logged but only a single Little Egret was seen.
Record numbers of Brent Geese remain
17th January 2008 - rain/heavy at times SW3/4
Wildfowl and Waders
The two discrete groups of Brent Geese consisting of 63 pale-bellied and 51 dark-bellied birds both wandered into the recording area again. The pale-bellied flock continues to hold the Canadian ringed individual.
Miscellaneous
Even the Little Egrets were hiding from the weather with just a single bird logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The two discrete groups of Brent Geese consisting of 63 pale-bellied and 51 dark-bellied birds both wandered into the recording area again. The pale-bellied flock continues to hold the Canadian ringed individual.
Miscellaneous
Even the Little Egrets were hiding from the weather with just a single bird logged.
Mill pond conditions reveal Long-tailed Duck
16th January 2008 - overcast/calm
Offshore
A low tide census revealed 3350 Eider feeding in the mouth of Morecambe Bay. Other sightings included a female/immature Long-tailed Duck, 10 Red-throated Diver, 8 Shag, 5 Common Scoter and a Razorbill.
Diurnal Migration
A single skein of 65 Pink-footed Geese flew south.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 3 Greenshank and 9 Shoveler were logged.
Miscellaneous
The low tide also produced 5 Little Egret
Offshore
A low tide census revealed 3350 Eider feeding in the mouth of Morecambe Bay. Other sightings included a female/immature Long-tailed Duck, 10 Red-throated Diver, 8 Shag, 5 Common Scoter and a Razorbill.
Diurnal Migration
A single skein of 65 Pink-footed Geese flew south.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 3 Greenshank and 9 Shoveler were logged.
Miscellaneous
The low tide also produced 5 Little Egret
A quiet day
15th January 2007 - overcast/some drizzle/calm
Offshore
Quiet offshore today with just 4 Shag, 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Common Scoter logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 3 Greeenshank and the Spotted Redshank remain.
Miscellaneous
At least 6 Little Egret were along the eastern shore at low tide with a Merlin and 35 Twite also recorded.
Offshore
Quiet offshore today with just 4 Shag, 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Common Scoter logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 3 Greeenshank and the Spotted Redshank remain.
Miscellaneous
At least 6 Little Egret were along the eastern shore at low tide with a Merlin and 35 Twite also recorded.
Wildfowl exodus
14th January 2008 - rain SW4/5
Wildfowl and Waders
The results of the island's monthly WeBS count indicated an exodus of the main wintering wildfowl had begun. Just 1035 Wigeon, 580 Shelduck and 330 Teal were located. Other totals included 4472 Oystercatcher, 4160 Dunlin, 3161 Knot, 1450 Redshank, 1229 Lapwing, 898 Curlew, 420 Golden Plover, 224 Turnstone, 214 Grey Plover, 152 Sanderling, 63 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 36 Pintail and 21 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Again just 3 Little Egret were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The results of the island's monthly WeBS count indicated an exodus of the main wintering wildfowl had begun. Just 1035 Wigeon, 580 Shelduck and 330 Teal were located. Other totals included 4472 Oystercatcher, 4160 Dunlin, 3161 Knot, 1450 Redshank, 1229 Lapwing, 898 Curlew, 420 Golden Plover, 224 Turnstone, 214 Grey Plover, 152 Sanderling, 63 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 36 Pintail and 21 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Again just 3 Little Egret were logged.
Iceland Gull stars
13th January 2008 - rain S4/5/6/8
Rarities
A first-winter Iceland Gull was along the western shore early morning before drifting north.
Offshore
Early morning observations produced little evidence of movement with just 5 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver and single Guillemot and Shag logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 63 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and adult drake Long-tailed Duck remain.
Miscellaneous
Just 5 Twite were logged.
Rarities
A first-winter Iceland Gull was along the western shore early morning before drifting north.
Offshore
Early morning observations produced little evidence of movement with just 5 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver and single Guillemot and Shag logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 63 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and adult drake Long-tailed Duck remain.
Miscellaneous
Just 5 Twite were logged.
Slavonian Grebe and Long-tailed Duck
12th January 2008 - early showers SW3
Offshore
A Slavonian Grebe along the sheltered eastern shore highlighted sightings which also included 95 Common Scoter, 16 Red-throated Diver, 6 Kittiwake, 3 Razorbill and a Shag on the open sea.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 16 Pink-footed Geese headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The adult drake Long-tailed Duck (different to yesterday's birds) reappeared and the flock of 63 Pale-bellied Brent Geese remain. A group of 18 Purple Sandpiper and 7 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A pair of Raven and a small group of 35 Twite were logged. Surprisingly only 3 Little Egret were seen while at least 3 Merlin hunted the island.
Offshore
A Slavonian Grebe along the sheltered eastern shore highlighted sightings which also included 95 Common Scoter, 16 Red-throated Diver, 6 Kittiwake, 3 Razorbill and a Shag on the open sea.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 16 Pink-footed Geese headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The adult drake Long-tailed Duck (different to yesterday's birds) reappeared and the flock of 63 Pale-bellied Brent Geese remain. A group of 18 Purple Sandpiper and 7 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A pair of Raven and a small group of 35 Twite were logged. Surprisingly only 3 Little Egret were seen while at least 3 Merlin hunted the island.
Great Northern Divers and Long-tailed Ducks
11th January 2008 - overcast/calm
Offshore
A check over the sea on the falling tide (1330-1430) produced 3 Great Northern Diver, 2 female/immature Long-tailed Duck and 9 Shag along with 27 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver and 3 Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Spotted Redshank and 58 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Miscellaneous
A total of 12 Little Egret continue to haunt the salt marshes on the eastern side of the island, a Peregrine hunted waders along the western shore and the flock of 75 Twite put in another appearance.
Offshore
A check over the sea on the falling tide (1330-1430) produced 3 Great Northern Diver, 2 female/immature Long-tailed Duck and 9 Shag along with 27 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver and 3 Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Spotted Redshank and 58 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Miscellaneous
A total of 12 Little Egret continue to haunt the salt marshes on the eastern side of the island, a Peregrine hunted waders along the western shore and the flock of 75 Twite put in another appearance.
Little Gulls headline
9th January 2008 - rain at times SW6/5/4
Offshore
Observations over the high tide period were highlighted by a group of adult 10 Little Gull and 3 Fulmar and a Gannet - the latter two unusual at this time of the year. Also logged were 100 Kittiwake, 15 Common Scoter, 14 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver and single Guillemot and Shag.
Miscellaneous
Around 12 Little Egret still remain.
Offshore
Observations over the high tide period were highlighted by a group of adult 10 Little Gull and 3 Fulmar and a Gannet - the latter two unusual at this time of the year. Also logged were 100 Kittiwake, 15 Common Scoter, 14 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver and single Guillemot and Shag.
Miscellaneous
Around 12 Little Egret still remain.
Little Egrets remain
8th January 2008 - rain at times SW5/6/7/8
Miscellaneous
A total of 11 Little Egret were logged
Miscellaneous
A total of 11 Little Egret were logged
The Great Cumbrian Bird Race 2008
6th January 2008 - bright and sunny W4/3
Offshore
A brief look over the sea produced a drake Long-tailed Duck along with Shag, Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, Kittiwake and Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of pale-bellied Brent Geese remain and waders included 6 Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Jack Snipe and Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 12 Little Egret remain and both Merlin and Peregrine were logged.
A team representing Walney BO took part in the Great Cumbrian Winter Bird Race 2008. Starting on Walney Island at first light the team managed to accumulate a total of 111 species by the time they reached the finish line at Eamont Bridge near Penrith at 1700hrs. The total was mainly made up of the traditional species expected to be seen at this time of the year but also included a few interesting highlights. In addition to the above Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Little Stint and Green Sandpiper were all seen. Perhaps surprising was the failure to find Fieldfare, Rock Pipit and Lesser Redpoll.
Offshore
A brief look over the sea produced a drake Long-tailed Duck along with Shag, Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, Kittiwake and Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of pale-bellied Brent Geese remain and waders included 6 Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Jack Snipe and Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 12 Little Egret remain and both Merlin and Peregrine were logged.
A team representing Walney BO took part in the Great Cumbrian Winter Bird Race 2008. Starting on Walney Island at first light the team managed to accumulate a total of 111 species by the time they reached the finish line at Eamont Bridge near Penrith at 1700hrs. The total was mainly made up of the traditional species expected to be seen at this time of the year but also included a few interesting highlights. In addition to the above Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Little Stint and Green Sandpiper were all seen. Perhaps surprising was the failure to find Fieldfare, Rock Pipit and Lesser Redpoll.
A slight increase in coverage
4th January 2008 - overcast/early snow S3/4
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 150 Pink-footed Geese flew north.
Miscellaneous
A total of 4 Little Egret were seen along with 2 Peregrine and single Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Little Owl.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 150 Pink-footed Geese flew north.
Miscellaneous
A total of 4 Little Egret were seen along with 2 Peregrine and single Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Little Owl.
Coverage remains minimal
3rd January 2008 - overcast/cold SE4/5
Miscellaneous
Again just a single Little Egret was logged.
Miscellaneous
Again just a single Little Egret was logged.
Little coverage
2nd January 2008 - cold and overcast SE4/5
Miscellaneous
Just a single Little Egret was logged.
Miscellaneous
Just a single Little Egret was logged.
New Year washed out
1st January 2008 - rain
Miscellaneous
A record equalling total of 13 Little Egret are the only sighting of note on a day dominated by persistent rain.
Miscellaneous
A record equalling total of 13 Little Egret are the only sighting of note on a day dominated by persistent rain.
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