Velvet Scoters lead sightings

18th April 2008 - overcast E4/5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0815) were led by a group of 3 Velvet Scoter flying out of Morecambe Bay. Additional sightings included: 160 Sandwich Tern, 100 Razorbill, 70 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Red-breasted Merganser. Later in the day, the falling tide (1500-1600) produced 200 Sandwich Tern, 15 Razorbill and single Red-throated Diver and Gannet.
Diurnal Migration
Another slow day, just 5 Meadow Pipit, 5 Linnet and 4 Swallow were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Birds continue to be thin on the ground with just 2 Wheatear providing any positive evidence of passerine migration.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Whimbrel and a flock of 200 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance and raptors included 2 Merlin and a Peregrine.