31st January 2009 - overcast SE5/6
Offshore
Totals from two periods of observation (0815-0915 & 1200-1300) included 70 Razorbill, 15 Common Scoter, 14 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Red-throated Diver, 6 Guillemot and 2 Shelduck.
Diurnal Migration
Smalls groups of 6 Pink-footed Geese and 3 Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A raft of 2000 Eider sheltered on the leeward side of the island, the Brent Goose flock contained 111 pale-bellied and 10 dark-bellied birds and 2 Pink-footed Geese grazed the flooded fields. Waders included 6 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 15 Little Egret remain, both Merlin and Peregrine continue to roam the island and 7 Twite were logged.
More of the same
30th January 2009 - rain at times SE4/5
Offshore
A quick check over the sea at high tide (1245-1315) produced 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill and single Gannet and Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 110 pale-bellied birds and a single dark-bellied individual. Also seen were 6 Shoveler, 4 Whooper Swan, 2 Gadwall and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A total of 17 Little Egret continue to roam the area, other sightings included 4 Rock Pipit and 2 Merlin.
Mammals
A Stoat was logged.
Offshore
A quick check over the sea at high tide (1245-1315) produced 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill and single Gannet and Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 110 pale-bellied birds and a single dark-bellied individual. Also seen were 6 Shoveler, 4 Whooper Swan, 2 Gadwall and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A total of 17 Little Egret continue to roam the area, other sightings included 4 Rock Pipit and 2 Merlin.
Mammals
A Stoat was logged.
Standard sightings
26th January 2009 - overcast/calm
Offshore
A quick check over the sea produced 24 Red-throated Diver, 15 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Shag, 4 Razorbill and a Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 3 Greenshank remain.
Miscellaneous
A pre-roost gathering of 17 Little Egret was seen.
Offshore
A quick check over the sea produced 24 Red-throated Diver, 15 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Shag, 4 Razorbill and a Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 3 Greenshank remain.
Miscellaneous
A pre-roost gathering of 17 Little Egret was seen.
Nothing new to report
25th January 2009 - sunshine and showers S4
Offshore
Morning observations (0930-1030) produced much the same as recent days with 36 Razorbill, 20 Red-throated Diver, 19 Common Scoter, 7 Red-breasted Merganser and 3 Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 116 pale bellied and 1 dark bellied bird.
Miscellaneous
At least three Little Egret remain and both Peregrine and Merlin continue to hunt the island.
Offshore
Morning observations (0930-1030) produced much the same as recent days with 36 Razorbill, 20 Red-throated Diver, 19 Common Scoter, 7 Red-breasted Merganser and 3 Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 116 pale bellied and 1 dark bellied bird.
Miscellaneous
At least three Little Egret remain and both Peregrine and Merlin continue to hunt the island.
Great Northern Diver headlines
24th January 2009 - sunny spells W3
Offshore
Morning observations (0930-1030) produced 28 Common Scoter, 14 Razorbill, 14 Red-throated Diver, 2 Kittiwake and 2 Red-breasted Merganser prior to a Great Northern Diver appearing on the falling tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 121 pale-bellied birds and 43 dark-bellied individuals.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret remain and both Merlin and Peregrine continue to hunt the island.
Offshore
Morning observations (0930-1030) produced 28 Common Scoter, 14 Razorbill, 14 Red-throated Diver, 2 Kittiwake and 2 Red-breasted Merganser prior to a Great Northern Diver appearing on the falling tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 121 pale-bellied birds and 43 dark-bellied individuals.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret remain and both Merlin and Peregrine continue to hunt the island.
Red-throated Divers on the move
23rd January 2009 - sunny spells WNW2/3
Offshore
Morning observations (0930-1030) produced some evidence of movement with 63 Common Scoter, 62 Razorbill, 32 Red-throated Diver - including a high-flying flock of 12 birds - 14 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Guillemot and a Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 100 pale-bellied individuals.
Miscellaneous
Again just 2 Little Egret were logged.
Offshore
Morning observations (0930-1030) produced some evidence of movement with 63 Common Scoter, 62 Razorbill, 32 Red-throated Diver - including a high-flying flock of 12 birds - 14 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Guillemot and a Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 100 pale-bellied individuals.
Miscellaneous
Again just 2 Little Egret were logged.
Wildfowl on the move
22nd January 2009 - overcast then sunny SW3/4
Offshore
Morning observations (0930-1030) produced just 13 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver, 5 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake and 3 Common Scoter. A Shag fished in the sheltered waters off the eastern side of the island.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 20 Pink-footed Geese flew north and 3 Whooper Swan headed south.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine stalked the waders along the western shore.
Offshore
Morning observations (0930-1030) produced just 13 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver, 5 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake and 3 Common Scoter. A Shag fished in the sheltered waters off the eastern side of the island.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 20 Pink-footed Geese flew north and 3 Whooper Swan headed south.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine stalked the waders along the western shore.
Winter Atlasing
21st January 2009 - sunshine and showers S3/4/5
Miscellaneous
At last a brief break in the weather allowed for some BTO Winter Atlas work to be completed. The square providing a selection of island scarcities and specialities including 6 Purple Sandpiper, 6 Long-tailed Tit and single Water Rail Short-eared Owl and Peregrine.
Miscellaneous
At last a brief break in the weather allowed for some BTO Winter Atlas work to be completed. The square providing a selection of island scarcities and specialities including 6 Purple Sandpiper, 6 Long-tailed Tit and single Water Rail Short-eared Owl and Peregrine.
Little of note
20th January 2009 - showers then rain SW4/5
Offshore
Remaining very quiet with just 8 Kittiwake, 4 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Shag logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three Purple Sandpiper were seen.
Miscellaneous
Just 2 Little Egret could be found.
Offshore
Remaining very quiet with just 8 Kittiwake, 4 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Shag logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three Purple Sandpiper were seen.
Miscellaneous
Just 2 Little Egret could be found.
Just bits and pieces
19th January 2009 - rain SSW 3/4
Offshore
Sightings were limited to a single Shag and 2 Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Scaup and Greenshank were the only birds of note.
Miscellaneous
A Little was seen and 3 Little Egret logged - one of which stalked about the cattle fields!
Offshore
Sightings were limited to a single Shag and 2 Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Scaup and Greenshank were the only birds of note.
Miscellaneous
A Little was seen and 3 Little Egret logged - one of which stalked about the cattle fields!
Offshore sightings again to the fore
18th January 2009 - showers, heavy at times SW4/5/6/7
Offshore
Morning observations (0850-1020) produced 37 Kittiwake, 18 Common Gull, 14 Razorbill, 12 Red-throated Diver, 8 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Gannet and 2 Guillemot.
Miscellaneous
A couple of Little Egret were the only other record of note.
Offshore
Morning observations (0850-1020) produced 37 Kittiwake, 18 Common Gull, 14 Razorbill, 12 Red-throated Diver, 8 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Gannet and 2 Guillemot.
Miscellaneous
A couple of Little Egret were the only other record of note.
Offshore activity dominates sightings
17th January 2009 - sunny spells, rain later S3/4/5
Offshore
Morning observations (0900-1100) produced 8 Little Gull (7 x adW, 1 x 1stW). Also seen were 201 Kittiwake, 42 Common Gull, 28 Razorbill, 20 Red-throated Diver, 8 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, single Goldeneye and Guillemot and the first Gannet of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pale-bellied Brent Goose flock contained 122 birds, also seen were a single dark-bellied individual and a Pink-footed Goose. Wader sightings were dominated by a flock of 12000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
Two Peregrine and single Merlin and Little Owl were logged but just 2 Little Egret were seen.
Offshore
Morning observations (0900-1100) produced 8 Little Gull (7 x adW, 1 x 1stW). Also seen were 201 Kittiwake, 42 Common Gull, 28 Razorbill, 20 Red-throated Diver, 8 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, single Goldeneye and Guillemot and the first Gannet of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pale-bellied Brent Goose flock contained 122 birds, also seen were a single dark-bellied individual and a Pink-footed Goose. Wader sightings were dominated by a flock of 12000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
Two Peregrine and single Merlin and Little Owl were logged but just 2 Little Egret were seen.
Winter specialities continue to show
16th January 2009 - showers then rain S3/4/5
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (1245-1345) produced 40 Common Scoter, 7 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver and 3 Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain in residence and waders included Greenshank and 5 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 19 Little Egret remain in the area and a Merlin was logged.
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (1245-1345) produced 40 Common Scoter, 7 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver and 3 Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain in residence and waders included Greenshank and 5 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 19 Little Egret remain in the area and a Merlin was logged.
Winter specialities
15th January 2009 - rain at times SE4/5
Miscellaneous
The continued presence of 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese and at least 19 Little Egret were the only records of note and brightened up a dreary day.
Miscellaneous
The continued presence of 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese and at least 19 Little Egret were the only records of note and brightened up a dreary day.
Wildfowl on the move
14th January 2008 - misty/calm, rain by evening
Diurnal Migration
Several skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 500 birds flew north along with a party of 9 Whooper Swan
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Miscellaneous
At least 16 Little Egret continue to stalk the eastern shore.
Diurnal Migration
Several skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 500 birds flew north along with a party of 9 Whooper Swan
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Miscellaneous
At least 16 Little Egret continue to stalk the eastern shore.
Water Pipit leads sightings
13th January 2009 - overcast SW1
Rarities
A Water Pipit was amongst 11 Rock Pipit flushed from the salt marsh by the high tides
Offshore
A total of 17 Red-throated Diver and 200 Common Scoter were on the sea.
Image
A record shot of the Water Pipit
Egrets and owls
12th January 2009 - overcast SW2/3/4
Miscellaneous
At least 15 Little Egret continue to stalk the island and 2 Barn Owl were seen hunting over the fields at dusk.
Miscellaneous
At least 15 Little Egret continue to stalk the island and 2 Barn Owl were seen hunting over the fields at dusk.
Little Gulls top the bill
11th January 2009 - overcast/drizzle at times SSW5/6/7
Offshore
A quick check over the sea on the falling tide produced 2 adult Little Gull. Also seen were 4 Shag and single Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, Razorbill and Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Greenshank and Scaup were logged.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin flashed through and 3 Little Egret were seen. A pre-roost gathering of 65 Magpie was the largest flock ever recorded on the island.
Offshore
A quick check over the sea on the falling tide produced 2 adult Little Gull. Also seen were 4 Shag and single Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, Razorbill and Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Greenshank and Scaup were logged.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin flashed through and 3 Little Egret were seen. A pre-roost gathering of 65 Magpie was the largest flock ever recorded on the island.
Wildfowl and waders dominate
10th January 2009 - overcast/frosty SSE3/4/5
Grounded Migrants
A single Fieldfare was the only evidence of cold weather movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain and waders included 39 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Jack Snipe and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The rising tide flushed 30 Skylark, 29 Twite and 3 Rock Pipit from the salt marsh. However, only 3 Little Egret were logged.
Grounded Migrants
A single Fieldfare was the only evidence of cold weather movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain and waders included 39 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Jack Snipe and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The rising tide flushed 30 Skylark, 29 Twite and 3 Rock Pipit from the salt marsh. However, only 3 Little Egret were logged.
Red-breasted Mergansers gather
8th January 2009 - overcast SW1/2
Offshore
Morning observations (1000-1100) produced 125 Eider, 80 Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Shag, 6 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver and 4 Common Scoter.
Miscellaneous
Two Peregrine, 2 Little Egret and a Little Owl were the only other sightings of note.
Offshore
Morning observations (1000-1100) produced 125 Eider, 80 Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Shag, 6 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver and 4 Common Scoter.
Miscellaneous
Two Peregrine, 2 Little Egret and a Little Owl were the only other sightings of note.
Long-eared Owl headlines
7th January 2009 - mist/drizzle/calm
Miscellaneous
A damp and dreary day with low visibility was brightened considerably by a quartet of owls. Little Owl, Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl and Long-eared Owl all appeared through the gloom. The only other notable sightings involved 2 Little Egret and two flocks of Long-tailed Tit totalling 16 birds - presumably leftovers from last autumn's unprecedented influx.
Miscellaneous
A damp and dreary day with low visibility was brightened considerably by a quartet of owls. Little Owl, Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl and Long-eared Owl all appeared through the gloom. The only other notable sightings involved 2 Little Egret and two flocks of Long-tailed Tit totalling 16 birds - presumably leftovers from last autumn's unprecedented influx.
Fieldfares on the move
6th January 2009 - bright and frosty SE1
Diurnal Migration
A group of 31 Fieldfare were evidence of hard weather movement with 2 Mute Swan and 2 Raven perhaps further examples.
Wildfowl and Waders
Just 2 Greenshank and single Purple Sandpiper and pale-bellied Brent Goose were of note.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 7 Long-tailed Tit were logged but just 2 Little Egret were seen.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 31 Fieldfare were evidence of hard weather movement with 2 Mute Swan and 2 Raven perhaps further examples.
Wildfowl and Waders
Just 2 Greenshank and single Purple Sandpiper and pale-bellied Brent Goose were of note.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 7 Long-tailed Tit were logged but just 2 Little Egret were seen.
Little of note recorded
5th January 2009 - bright and frosty/calm
Miscellaneous
A total of 7 Little Egret and single Little Owl were the only sightings of note.
Miscellaneous
A total of 7 Little Egret and single Little Owl were the only sightings of note.
Winter Fare
4th January 2009 - overcast then sunny/calm
Offshore
Continued calm seas produced 20 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Red-throated Diver, 5 Common Scoter, 4 Razorbill and 2 Shag.
Diurnal Migration
A southbound flock of 120 Pink-footed Geese contained a single Barnacle Goose.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank, 2 Jack Snipe and a Purple Sandpiper whilst a flock of 6000 Knot was impressive. Wildfowl were led by 3 Gadwall, 20 pale-bellied Brent Geese and a single dark-bellied Brent Goose.
Miscellaneous
A Raven was logged and a Barn Owl continued to hunt the island. At least 5 Little Egret remain and 3 Red-legged Partridge and a solitary Grey Partridge were seen.
A team representing Walney Bird Observatory again contested the annual Great Cumbrian Winter Bird Race. Beginning on Walney at first light the team accumulated 68 species before leaving the island and going on to reach 108 species before reaching the finishing line at Kendal. Apart from the highlights above, the total contained the usual winter suspects including Scaup, Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Kingfisher. However, Skylark, Rock Pipit, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll were amongst the species missed.
Perhaps of interest, the team scored at a rate of 0.9 species/mile travelled before having to dash to the finishing line.
Offshore
Continued calm seas produced 20 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Red-throated Diver, 5 Common Scoter, 4 Razorbill and 2 Shag.
Diurnal Migration
A southbound flock of 120 Pink-footed Geese contained a single Barnacle Goose.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank, 2 Jack Snipe and a Purple Sandpiper whilst a flock of 6000 Knot was impressive. Wildfowl were led by 3 Gadwall, 20 pale-bellied Brent Geese and a single dark-bellied Brent Goose.
Miscellaneous
A Raven was logged and a Barn Owl continued to hunt the island. At least 5 Little Egret remain and 3 Red-legged Partridge and a solitary Grey Partridge were seen.
A team representing Walney Bird Observatory again contested the annual Great Cumbrian Winter Bird Race. Beginning on Walney at first light the team accumulated 68 species before leaving the island and going on to reach 108 species before reaching the finishing line at Kendal. Apart from the highlights above, the total contained the usual winter suspects including Scaup, Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Kingfisher. However, Skylark, Rock Pipit, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll were amongst the species missed.
Perhaps of interest, the team scored at a rate of 0.9 species/mile travelled before having to dash to the finishing line.
Slavonian Grebe headlines
3rd January 2009 - overcast/calm
Offshore
Calm seas provided 150 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Shag and a Slavonian Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
A Fieldfare was the result of cold weather movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 45 dark-bellied Brent Geese were logged, 3 Gadwall were amongst 350 Wigeon and a female Scaup was seen.
Miscellaneous
Two small flocks of Twite totalled 16 birds and 3 Little Egret and single Barn Owl and Merlin were recorded.
Offshore
Calm seas provided 150 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Shag and a Slavonian Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
A Fieldfare was the result of cold weather movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 45 dark-bellied Brent Geese were logged, 3 Gadwall were amongst 350 Wigeon and a female Scaup was seen.
Miscellaneous
Two small flocks of Twite totalled 16 birds and 3 Little Egret and single Barn Owl and Merlin were recorded.
Whooper Swans on the move
2nd January 2009 - bright and frosty SE2
Diurnal Migration
A group of 3 Whooper Swan flew south.
Miscellaneous
Both Barn Owl and Short-eared Owl hunted the island at dusk.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 3 Whooper Swan flew south.
Miscellaneous
Both Barn Owl and Short-eared Owl hunted the island at dusk.
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