A slight improvement!

30th September 2009 - overcast/drizzle at times W3
Offshore
A quick scan over the sea revealed a few Gannet and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Although a slight improvement on recent days 15 Robin, 5 Chiffchaff and single Wheatear and Blackcap were a poor return.
Diurnal Migration
Further small scale movement was led by 2 Jay and a Raven along with 100 Meadow Pipit, 20 Linnet, 11 alba Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail, 2 Lesser Repoll and a Siskin.
Miscellaneous
Although elusive in the tidal creeks due to the current low tides, at least 4 Little Egret remain. Finch flocks included 200 Goldfinch and 200 Linnet.
Moths
Less regular species attracted to the moth traps in recent days include Common Marbled Carpet, Black Rustic, Red Sword-grass, Feathered Rannunculus, Red-line Quaker, Pink-barred Sallow, Large Wainscot and Gold Spot.

Still slow going

29th September 2009 - overcast/drizzle at times WNW4/5
Offshore
A light passage continued early morning (0830-0930) with 32 Common Scoter, 12 Razorbill, 9 Gannet, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot moving through.
Grounded Migrants
Again several Chiffchaff were the only obvious evidence of movement.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 45 Pink-footed Geese headed south along with single Siskin, Grey Wagtail and Rock Pipit - the latter the first of the autumn.
Miscellaneous
At least 5 Little Egret remain.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Mute Swan had been ringed locally on 21st June 1999 - a duration of 10 years and 100 days.
Dragonflies
A Migrant Hawker was logged.

Where has the autumn gone?

28th September 2009 - overcast/early drizzle W4
Offshore
A couple of checks over the sea were highlighted by 3 Shag, otherwise sightings were limited to small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter, Razorbill, Red-throated Diver, Pintail and Red-breasted Merganser moving past.
Grounded Migrants
Another Chiffchaff was logged - the only species this autumn to appear in anything approaching expected totals. Also seen were 2 Lesser Redpoll.
Miscellaneous
At least 5 Little Egret remain and a Merlin was logged. The long-staying Kingfisher put in another appearance to reveal it was not the road casualty found earlier in the week.

Another less than inspiring day

27th September 2009 - overcast WNW2/3
Offshore
Again some evidence of movement early morning (0730-0830) with 155 Common Scoter, 15 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Sandwich Tern, Guillemot, Razorbill and Great Crested Grebe.

Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 4 Chiffchaff and single Wheatear and Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
Further low key movement with 200 Meadow Pipit, 21 Sylark, 12 alba Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail and a solitary Swallow.
Miscellaneous
A group of 15 Little Egret were logged.
Image
Whinchat

First Shelduck return

26th September 2009 - overcast W2/3
Offshore
Slightly more movement than of late (0745-0845) with 170 Common Scoter, 8 Razorbill, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet, 4 Shelduck and single Red-breasted Merganser and Guillemot logged.
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Chiffchaff were evidence of movement.
Diurnal Migration
Low key movement through the morning produced 150 Meadow Pipit, 20 alba Wagtail and 2 Grey Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
A Kingfisher was the unfortunate victim of the island's traffic and at least 7 Little Egret remain.

Jay brace

25th September 2009 - overcast WSW3/4
Offshore
There was little stirring over the sea on the rising tide (1300-1400) with just small numbers of Gannet, Red-throated Diver, Razorbill, Guillemot and Common Scoter logged.
Grounded Migrants
A solitary Chiffchaff was perhaps the sole true migrant, however, a brace of Jay were a surprise - the island is not noted for its woodland species.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 8 Greenshank were the only record of note.
Miscellaneous
At least 6 Little Egret and the Kingfisher remain. A Peregrine toured the island.

Brent Geese begin to build

24th September 2009 - overcast WSW3
Grounded Migrants
A slight increase than of late with 5 Chiffchaff and a solitary Goldcrest - the latter just the fifth of the autumn! Finch flocks are now beginning to build with 80 Goldfinch and 100 Linnet logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The small flock of pale-bellied Brent Geese increased to seven birds (all adults) and at least 17 Greenshank remain.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail squealed and 7 Little Egret were seen. A couple of Barn Owl hunted over the island at dawn.

Kingfisher still in residence

23rd September 2009 - overcast then sunny spells SW3/4
Offshore
Again quiet over the sea early morning with just small numbers of Common Scoter and Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 2 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 4 Greenshank was the only record worthy of note.
Miscellaneous
The Kingfisher continues to loiter, both Merlin and Peregrine were logged and at least 5 Little Egret continue to stalk the tidal pools.
Moths
Another or perhaps the same Autumn Green Carpet appeared in the moth traps

Limited coverage

22nd September 2009 - early drizzle then sunny spells SW4/3
Offshore
The sea provided just small numbers of Gannet, Red-throated Diver and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A single Chiffchaff was the only migrant passerine to trouble the log.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 10 Greenshank remain and a flock of 36 Bar-tailed Godwit were an increase on recent days.
Miscellaneous
At least 13 Little Egret remain and a Merlin was logged.

Little Egrets continue to build

21st September 2009 - overcast/drizzle at times SW4/5
Offshore
An Arctic Skua was logged along with small numbers of Gannet, Guillemot and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A single Chiffchaff was the sole evidence of newly grounded birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wader highlights involved single Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank and Ruff. The monthly WeBS count also produced 7900 Oystercatcher, 1780 Redshank, 1008 Curlew, 527 Sanderling, 485 Turnstone, 407 Ringed Plover, 260 Golden Plover, 250 Wigeon, 240 Grey Plover, 230 Cormorant, 202 Dunlin, 201 Lapwing and 82 Knot.
Miscellaneous
The number of Little Egret along the eastern shore continue to swell with 18 individuals logged. The Kingfisher continues to linger.

First Tree Sparrows lead traditional autumn fare

20th September 2009 - bright and sunny SW1
Grounded Migrants
Slightly more productive than recent days with 33 Robin, 10 Wren, 9 Chiffchaff, 7 Dunnock, 2 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat and a White Wagtail logged.
Diurnal Migration
After a slow start, clear skies and light winds prompted steady movement through the morning with 650 Meadow Pipit, 220 Swallow, 64 Skylark, 55 Linnet, 24 Pink-footed Goose, 22 alba Wagtail, 9 Grey Wagtail, 7 Reed Bunting, 3 Tree Sparrow, 2 House Martin and a Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6100 Oystercatcher, 1230 Redshank, 23 Greenshank, 2 Ruff and single Spotted Redshank and Curlew Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Kingfisher continues to linger and Peregrine, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Barn Owl and Little Owl were all logged.
Moths
The second National Moth Night was highlighted by the second island record for Autumn Green Carpet - the first since 1986. Also trapped were 17 Frosted Orange, 12 Lunar Underwing, 12 Silver Y, 6 Setacous Hebrew Character, 5 Large Yellow Underwing, 5 Rosy Rustic, 5 Square Spot Rustic, 4 Angle Shades, 2 Small Wainscot and single Mottled Rustic, Small Square-spot, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Common Wainscot, Rush Veneer, Flounced Rustic, Feathered Ranunculus and Bramble Shoot Moth.
Images
Autumn Green Carpet


Low key migration

19th September 2009 - overcast S2/3
Offshore
The sea provided 23 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Great Skua, Shag and Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 5 Chiffchaff and single Wheatear and Whitethroat were the sole evidence of grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
Totals through the course of the morning involved 300 Meadow Pipit, 30 alba Wagtail, 19 Swallow, 16 Linnet, 6 Grey Wagtail and 2 Pink-footed Goose.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6750 Oystercatcher, 1180 Redshank, 28 Greenshank, 2 Curlew Sandpiper and single Spotted Redshank and Ruff.
Miscellaneous
A total of 16 Little Egret were logged and both Kingfisher and Merlin continue to linger.
Moths
National Moth Night totals involved 44 Lunar Underwing, 20 Frosted Orange, 8 Large Yellow Underwing, 6 Setacous Hebrew Character, 6 Square spot Rustic, 6 Small square spot, 5 Common Marbled Carpet, 3 Rosy Rustic, 3 Flounced Rustic, 2 Black Rustic, 2 Red line Quaker, 2 Light Brown Apple Moth, 2 Angle Shades and single Bright line brown eye, Rush Veneer, Straw Dot, Smoky Wainscot, Common Wainscot, White-line Dart, Mottled Rustic, Pink barred Sallow and Eudonia angustea.

Pectoral Sandpiper remains

18th September 2009 - overcast SE2
Rarities
The juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper remains in the central marsh at South Walney associating with a mixed flock of Dunlin and Curlew Sandpiper (Reserve open 1000-1700hrs).
Grounded Migrants
Again scant fare with just 20 alba Wagtail, 7 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff and a Whitethroat logged.
Diurnal Migration
Even visible migration ground to a halt with just 70 Meadow Pipit, 30 Pink-footed Goose, 20 Swallow and 5 alba Wagtail recorded through the morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Brent Goose of the autumn appeared as wildfowl continue to build with 170 Wigeon, 150 Teal and 7 Shoveler logged. Waders are also more prominent, sightings included 4150 Oystercatcher, 1000 Curlew, 600 Redshank, 500 Sanderling, 390 Ringed Plover, 310 Turnstone, 260 Golden Plover, 240 Grey Plover, 14 Greenshank, 3 Curlew Sandpiper and single Spotted Redshank and Ruff.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin stalked a charm of 100 Goldfinch. A Water Rail was heard and 12 Little Egret congregated along the channelside of the island.
Images
Record shots of Pectoral Sandpiper (top with Dunlin and Curlew Sandpiper).



Pectoral Sandpiper stars

17th September 2009 - overcast NE2
Rarities
A juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper spent the day in the central marsh at South Walney (Reserve open 1000-1700hrs)
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 8 Wheatear, 5 Chiffchaff and single White Wagtail and Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Single Osprey and Hooded Crow both flew through by mid-morning along with 1070 Pink-footed Goose. However, general passage remained light with additional sightings limited to 220 Meadow Pipit, 14 Skylark, 12 alba Wagtail, 10 Swallow, 6 Grey Wagtail, 5 Jackdaw and 2 Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
An influx of Wigeon was apparent with 50 birds logged and waders included 3 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank and a Ruff.
Miscellaneous
At least 6 Little Egret were along the eastern shore of the island.
Moths
Both Black Rustic and Feathered Ranunculus were additions to the year list.

Ring Ouzel steals the show

16th September 2009 - sunny spells NE2
Grounded Migrants
A Ring Ouzel was a surprise in an otherwise generally quiet morning which produced just 10 Wheatear, 7 Robin and 3 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Steady rather than spectacular passage through the morning produced 250 Meadow Pipit, 70 Swallow, 22 Skylark, 10 alba Wagtail, 8 Grey Wagtail and 2 Jackdaw.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Pintail of the autumn and 7 Shoveler were logged. Waders included Greenshank and 3 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret were present around the island and the Kingfisher continues to linger.
Moths
The first Large Wainscot was attracted to the moth traps overnight.

First Tree Pipit of the year!

15th September 2009 - bright and sunny NE2
Grounded Migrants
Remaining thin on the ground with just 9 Robin, 4 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and a Song Thrush likely candidates for newly arrived birds.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings were led by the first Tree Pipit of the autumn and the year!. Also seen were 210 Meadow Pipit, 120 Swallow, 17 Grey Wagtail, 10 alba Wagtail, 10 Linnet and 2 House Martin.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Barn Owl hunted over the island early morning.

Where are all the Goldcrests?

14th September 2009 - overcast NE2
Grounded Migrants
Autumn passage has so far only been notable for the lack of Goldcrests, cloudy skies prevailed today but birds were still thin on the ground with just 7 Robin, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear, 2 Song Thrush and a Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Quieter than of late with 200 Meadow Pipit, 6 Grey Wagtail, 4 alba Wagtail and single Yellow Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first two juvenile Curlew Sandpiper of the autumn appeared.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Little Egret continue to roam along the eastern shore and the Kingfisher put in another appearance.

Diurnal migration leads the way

13th September 2009 - bright and sunny NE1/2
Offshore
Just small numbers of Gannet and Common Scoter were logged early morning.
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering of birds despite the clear conditions with 13 Wheatear, 13 Robin, 11 Wren, 4 Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest and single Great Spotted Woodpecker, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler and Song Thrush logged.
Diurnal Migration
Birds remain on the move and early morning totals (0815-1000) included 800 Meadow Pipit, 90 Swallow, 21 Grey Wagtail, 17 Skylark, 8 alba Wagtail, 5 House Sparrow, 4 Siskin, 2 Kestrel and single Golden Plover and Collared Dove.
Miscellaneous
The first Water Rail of the autumn was logged.
Moths
Migrants in the moth traps involved Silver Y and Rush Veneer.

Hen Harrier provides highlight

11th September 2009 - bright and sunny W1/2
Grounded Migrants
A quieter day than yesterday with 50 Meadow Pipit, 9 Robin, 5 Wheatear, 5 Whitethroat and single Coal Tit, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler and Blackcap logged.
Diurnal Migration
Several small skeins of Pink-footed Geese, totalling 195 birds, flew south.
Miscellaneous
A ringtail Hen Harrier and both Merlin and Little Owl were logged.

Migration continues apace

12th September 2009 - bright and sunny W1/2
Offshore
Small numbers of Sandwich Tern, Gannet and Common Scoter were logged early morning.
Grounded Migrants
A few grounded birds were again in evidence with 15 Robin, 5 Stonechat, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear and single Whinchat and Blackcap amongst the species logged.
Diurnal Migration
Observations (0730-0930) produced totals of 660 Meadow Pipit, 135 Pink-footed Goose, 63 Swallow, 24 Grey Wagtail, 14 Skylark, 10 House Martin, 5 alba Wagtail, 3 Snipe, 3 Redpoll, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Siskin and 2 Reed Bunting.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 60 Sanderling and single Black-tailed Godwit and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included 3 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Merlin and Peregrine.
Dragonflies
At least 5 Migrant Hawker were logged.
Moths
The first Pink-barred Sallow since 1998 was attracted to the moth traps.
Images
Pink-barred Sallow

Movement at last

10th September 2009 - bright and sunny NW1/2/3
Grounded Migrants
A few more birds were in evidence despite the bright and clear conditions early morning. Sightings included 34 Robin, 11 Wheatear, 8 Chiffchaff, 6 Willow Warbler, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Blackcap and single Goldcrest and Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Observations produced 580 Meadow Pipit, 245 Pink-footed Goose, 210 Swallow, 80 Skylark, 25 alba Wagtail and 2 Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Merlin and a Peregrine were logged.
Moths
The first Lunar Underwing of the year appeared in the moth trap.

Little Egret influx

9th September 2009 - bright and sunny NW3/2
Grounded Migrants
Conditions were not conducive to producing grounded birds and just 100 Meadow Pipit, 8 Robin, 2 Wheatear and single Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl numbers remain thin on the ground but waders included 10 Greenshank and 4 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
At least 11 Little Egret are now scattered around the island and the Kingfisher put in a second appearance.

A quiet day

8th September 2009 - rain soon S then SW3/4
Offshore
Early morning sightings before the rain arrived involved 27 Gannet, 14 Common Scoter, 6 Manx Shearwater, 6 Razorbill, 3 Sandwich Tern and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow and alba Wagtail were on the move early morning
Moths
Recent sightings include Acleris emargana and Acleris schalleriana both additions to the island moth list.

Osprey flies through

7th September 2009 - bright and sunny SW3/2/1
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering of migrants with 10 Robin, 3 Whitethroat and single Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Sedge Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey headed south at 1625hrs and around 300 Swallow gathered before dispersing southwards as the wind finally relented.
Miscellaneous
Several Merlin are now in evidence and one even masqueraded as a Hobby as it hunted Swallows.
Ringing
Two interesting recent recoveries involving colour-ringed birds. An adult Kittiwake which briefly alighted on a boat six miles off Walney Island on 25th August 2009 had been ringed on the nest at Pointe du Raz, Finistere, France during 1999. It has bred there ever year since and was last seen on 11th August 2009. In addition, a juvenile Cormorant roosting on the island on 6th September 2009 had been ringed as a nestling at Puffin Island, North Wales on 27th June 2009.

Kingfisher surprise

6th September 2009 - overcast/rain by afternoon SW3/4
Offshore
Observations (0800-0900) provided just 26 Gannet, 11 Kittiwake, 11 Common Scoter, 8 Razorbill, 7 Fulmar, 3 Sandwich Tern and single Red-throated Diver and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Some evidence of movement at last with 11 Robin, 3 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Grey Wagtail and single White Wagtail, Blackcap and Sedge Warbler logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Ruff, Whimbrel and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Kingfisher was a bolt out of the blue and 4 Little Egret were logged.

Still seawatching!

5th September 2009 - overcast/showers WSW4
Offshore
Observations (0800-0900) & 1245-1345) produced totals of 215 Sandwich Tern, 80 Gannet, 66 Kittiwake, 18 Razorbill, 18 Common Scoter, 18 Fulmar, 2 Arctic Tern, 2 Guillemot, 2 Manx Shearwater and a Red-throated Diver.

Storm Petrels highlight seawatch

4th September 2009 - overcast/showers W5
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930 & 1030-1130) were highlighted by 3 Storm Petrel, also seen were 30 Gannet, 12 Sandwich Tern, 10 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Common Scoter, 3 Fulmar and a Guillemot.

Seawatch provides variety but little quality

3rd September 2009 - early rain then heavy showers W4/5
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide (0830-1130) provided 70 Gannet, 13 Common Scoter, 10 Kittiwake, 8 Razorbill, 5 Manx Shearwater, 3 Fulmar, 3 Sandwich Tern and single Guillemot, Arctic Tern, Arctic Skua and Great Crested Grebe.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Whimbrel and Greenshank.

First Goldcrest of the autumn

2nd September 2009 - overcast/heavy showers, rain by evening S2/3
Offshore
Morning observations provided just small numbers of Gannet, Razorbill, Common Scoter and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Heavy showers early morning produced a few grounded birds including 60 Meadow Pipit, 50 alba Wagtail, 3 Robin, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat and single Sedge Warbler and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 6 Grey Wagtail and a party of 6 Sand Martin flew through
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Greenshank and single Spotted Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Several Barn Owl were again logged.

First Red-throated Divers of the autumn

1st September 2009 - sunshine and showers SW4
Offshore
Observations over the tide (0800-1200) produced totals of 185 Common Scoter, 175 Gannet, 75 Sandwich Tern, 75 Razorbill, 14 Fulmar, 9 Kittiwake, 6 Guillemot, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Single Chiffchaff and Wheatear were the sole examples of grounded birds.