29th November 2009 - rain NE4/5/6
Offshore
Sightings were limited to 40 Common Scoter and 5 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Just 3 Song Thrush and a Blackbird showed any semblance of newly arrived grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
Four skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 390 birds and 3 groups of Whooper Swan totalling 19 birds headed south through the rain along with a solitary Woodpigeon.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 105-pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Just 3 Little Egret were seen.
Usual late autumn fare
28th November 2009 - bright and sunny/calm
Offshore
The flock of 3000 Common Scoter continue to linger and additional sightings included 12 Red-throated Diver and 5 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A late Chiffchaff was logged and newly arrived thrushes involved 6 Blackbird, 5 Song Thrush and 2 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A further 325 Pink-footed Geese and 3 Whooper Swan flew south while single Grey Wagtail and Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 3 Greenshank remain.
Miscellaneous
A mobile flock of 50 Twite were recorded and Stonechat were especially prominent with 14 birds logged. At least 12 Little Egret remain and 2 Water Rail called.
Moths
The first snow appeared on the Lakeland Fells and appropriately a Winter Moth was attracted to the Robinson Trap overnight - the first island record for 10 years.
Offshore
The flock of 3000 Common Scoter continue to linger and additional sightings included 12 Red-throated Diver and 5 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A late Chiffchaff was logged and newly arrived thrushes involved 6 Blackbird, 5 Song Thrush and 2 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A further 325 Pink-footed Geese and 3 Whooper Swan flew south while single Grey Wagtail and Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 3 Greenshank remain.
Miscellaneous
A mobile flock of 50 Twite were recorded and Stonechat were especially prominent with 14 birds logged. At least 12 Little Egret remain and 2 Water Rail called.
Moths
The first snow appeared on the Lakeland Fells and appropriately a Winter Moth was attracted to the Robinson Trap overnight - the first island record for 10 years.
Image
Winter Moth
Common Scoter continue to linger
27th November 2009 - overcast/heavy showers W3/4
Offshore
Although some dispersal is evident with the improvement in the weather conditions at least 2000 Common Scoter continue to linger, otherwise sightings were limited to small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Kittiwake and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush and 3 Song Thrush were considered new arrivals.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl braved the showers.
Offshore
Although some dispersal is evident with the improvement in the weather conditions at least 2000 Common Scoter continue to linger, otherwise sightings were limited to small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Kittiwake and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush and 3 Song Thrush were considered new arrivals.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl braved the showers.
Leach's Petrel belatedly added to year list
26th November 2009 – overcast/heavy showers WSW4/5/6
Offshore
After the mountainous seas and 60mph winds of yesterday that made observations impossible the day dawned relatively tranquil with just a fresh WSW wind. Observations on the falling tide (0845-1045) were led by a Leach’s Petrel – the first of the year, and 3 Great Skua along with 184 Eider, 80 Kittiwake, 16 Red-throated Diver, 10 Razorbill, 9 Common Scoter, 2 Pintail and single Guillemot and Shag. In addition, the large flock of 3000+ Common Scoter continues in residence although the rough seas hampered viewing.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 4 Woodpigeon headed south and battled their way out to sea.
Offshore
After the mountainous seas and 60mph winds of yesterday that made observations impossible the day dawned relatively tranquil with just a fresh WSW wind. Observations on the falling tide (0845-1045) were led by a Leach’s Petrel – the first of the year, and 3 Great Skua along with 184 Eider, 80 Kittiwake, 16 Red-throated Diver, 10 Razorbill, 9 Common Scoter, 2 Pintail and single Guillemot and Shag. In addition, the large flock of 3000+ Common Scoter continues in residence although the rough seas hampered viewing.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 4 Woodpigeon headed south and battled their way out to sea.
Little of note
24th November 2009 - overcast/mist/murk SW5/6/7/8
Offshore
The large flock of Common Scoter were presumably still present but beyond the range of visibility today and sightings in increasingly poor conditions were limited to a late Gannet and small numbers of Common Scoter, Razorbill and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A Fieldfare was surprisingly logged considering the conditions.
Diurnal Migration
A single Whooper Swan battled south against the gale, autumn totals for this species are so far much reduced on recent years.
Miscellaneous
Finches included 50 Goldfinch and 50 Twite and just 5 Little Egret were evident at low tide.
Offshore
The large flock of Common Scoter were presumably still present but beyond the range of visibility today and sightings in increasingly poor conditions were limited to a late Gannet and small numbers of Common Scoter, Razorbill and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A Fieldfare was surprisingly logged considering the conditions.
Diurnal Migration
A single Whooper Swan battled south against the gale, autumn totals for this species are so far much reduced on recent years.
Miscellaneous
Finches included 50 Goldfinch and 50 Twite and just 5 Little Egret were evident at low tide.
Seabirds dominate sightings
23rd November 2009 - overcast WSW4/5
Offshore
A Great Northern Diver was close inshore and at least 2 Velvet Scoter were again in the large flock of Common Scoter which, although high seas made numbers difficult to assess, contained at least 3000 birds. Other sightings (0815-0915 & 0945-1145) were led by 2 Great Skua, a dark phase Arctic Skua and a late Gannet amongst 44 Kittiwake, 33 Pintail, 10 Razorbill and 2 Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 110 pale-bellied birds with disturbance, or the lack of it, elsewhere in Morecambe Bay accounting fot the widely fluctuating daily totals.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and the usual scattering of Little Egret were the pick of the remaining sightings.
Offshore
A Great Northern Diver was close inshore and at least 2 Velvet Scoter were again in the large flock of Common Scoter which, although high seas made numbers difficult to assess, contained at least 3000 birds. Other sightings (0815-0915 & 0945-1145) were led by 2 Great Skua, a dark phase Arctic Skua and a late Gannet amongst 44 Kittiwake, 33 Pintail, 10 Razorbill and 2 Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 110 pale-bellied birds with disturbance, or the lack of it, elsewhere in Morecambe Bay accounting fot the widely fluctuating daily totals.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and the usual scattering of Little Egret were the pick of the remaining sightings.
WeBS Count Weekend
22nd November 2009 - heavy thundery showers SSW5/6/7/8
Offshore
Observations provided 22 Common Scoter, 16 Kittiwake, 6 Razorbill, 3 Guillemot and 3 Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 40 pale-bellied birds and 17 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit were logged. The monthly WeBS count was carried out in traditionally awful conditions and island totals included: 8200 Oystercatcher, 2311 Dunlin, 1498 Redshank, 1015 Curlew, 982 Lapwing, 960 Golden Plover, 859 Wigeon, 508 Shelduck, 488 Knot, 359 Eider, 344 Sanderling, 311 Teal, 190 Turnstone and 181 Grey Plover.
Miscellaneous
At least 27 Little Egret continue to roam the eastern shore of the island and a Water Rail was seen. Several Peregrine and Merlin were logged.
Offshore
Observations provided 22 Common Scoter, 16 Kittiwake, 6 Razorbill, 3 Guillemot and 3 Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 40 pale-bellied birds and 17 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit were logged. The monthly WeBS count was carried out in traditionally awful conditions and island totals included: 8200 Oystercatcher, 2311 Dunlin, 1498 Redshank, 1015 Curlew, 982 Lapwing, 960 Golden Plover, 859 Wigeon, 508 Shelduck, 488 Knot, 359 Eider, 344 Sanderling, 311 Teal, 190 Turnstone and 181 Grey Plover.
Miscellaneous
At least 27 Little Egret continue to roam the eastern shore of the island and a Water Rail was seen. Several Peregrine and Merlin were logged.
Slavonian Grebe and Velvet Scoter
21st November 2009 - rain SE4/5/6
Offshore
A huge flock of 6000 Common Scoter contained at least 2 Velvet Scoter. Also seen (0830-0930) were an adult Little Gull and small numbers of Kittiwake, Red-throated Diver, Guillemot and Razorbill. Further interest was provided at high tide when a Slavonian Grebe was found sheltering along the eastern shore.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pale-bellied Brent Goose flock continues to increase steadily with 117 birds seen while 6 Shoveler were logged. Waders included 6 Purple Sandpiper and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Just 5 Little Egret were seen in the inhospitable conditions and other sightings included 70 Twite and several Peregrine and Merlin.
Offshore
A huge flock of 6000 Common Scoter contained at least 2 Velvet Scoter. Also seen (0830-0930) were an adult Little Gull and small numbers of Kittiwake, Red-throated Diver, Guillemot and Razorbill. Further interest was provided at high tide when a Slavonian Grebe was found sheltering along the eastern shore.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pale-bellied Brent Goose flock continues to increase steadily with 117 birds seen while 6 Shoveler were logged. Waders included 6 Purple Sandpiper and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Just 5 Little Egret were seen in the inhospitable conditions and other sightings included 70 Twite and several Peregrine and Merlin.
Water Pipits and Little Egrets
20th November 2009 - bright and sunny SW5/6
Rarities
Although mobile and wide ranging, at least 3 Water Pipit were again in the now heavily water logged fields along Biggar Bank over the high tide.
Offshore
Small numbers of Kittiwake were logged over the sea at high tide.
Miscellaneous
Today's pre-roost gathering contained 27 Little Egret and three small groups of Twite totalled 44 birds. A day-flying Barn Owl took advantage of some respite in the weather.
Images
A couple of the Water Pipit fields!
Rarities
Although mobile and wide ranging, at least 3 Water Pipit were again in the now heavily water logged fields along Biggar Bank over the high tide.
Offshore
Small numbers of Kittiwake were logged over the sea at high tide.
Miscellaneous
Today's pre-roost gathering contained 27 Little Egret and three small groups of Twite totalled 44 birds. A day-flying Barn Owl took advantage of some respite in the weather.
Images
A couple of the Water Pipit fields!
Little Egrets
18th November 2009 - rain W5/6
Miscellaneous
At least 28 Little Egret were in the post roost flock early morning.
Miscellaneous
At least 28 Little Egret were in the post roost flock early morning.
Linnet finally reveals origins
17th November 2009 - sunshine and showers W5/6
Miscellaneous
The post-breeding flock of Little Egret contained 40 birds this morning before they again began to disperse along the island's sheltered eastern shore.
Ringing
The origins of a Linnet found dead on 8th May 2008 have finally been revealed. It had been ringed at Sarinena, SPAIN on 10th December 2006 (1379km S).
Miscellaneous
The post-breeding flock of Little Egret contained 40 birds this morning before they again began to disperse along the island's sheltered eastern shore.
Ringing
The origins of a Linnet found dead on 8th May 2008 have finally been revealed. It had been ringed at Sarinena, SPAIN on 10th December 2006 (1379km S).
New Little Egret record
16th November 2009 - overcast/rain SE3/4
Miscellaneous
A post roost flock of 42 Little Egret, prior to the birds dispersing along the length and breadth of Walney Channel, was a new island record.
Miscellaneous
A post roost flock of 42 Little Egret, prior to the birds dispersing along the length and breadth of Walney Channel, was a new island record.
Grey Phalarope and Water Pipits
15th November 2009 - early rain then sunny spells S3/4
Rarities
A Grey Phalarope was found on the floodwater in the fields along Biggar Bank mid-morning. Efforts to relocate the bird mid-afternoon proved unsuccessful, however, there are now at least 4 Water Pipit favouring the area.
Offshore
Morning observations (0845-0945 & 1030-1100) produced 67 Common Scoter, 10 Kittiwake, 5 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Shag.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 10 Whooper Swan flew through and a Rock Pipit was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 7 Shoveler while at least 3 Greenshank remain.
Miscellaneous
At least 15 Little Egret continue to roam the island and 60 Magpie were counted going to roost. At least 2 Merlin remain and 15 Twite were logged.
Images
Grey Phalarope
Rarities
A Grey Phalarope was found on the floodwater in the fields along Biggar Bank mid-morning. Efforts to relocate the bird mid-afternoon proved unsuccessful, however, there are now at least 4 Water Pipit favouring the area.
Offshore
Morning observations (0845-0945 & 1030-1100) produced 67 Common Scoter, 10 Kittiwake, 5 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Shag.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 10 Whooper Swan flew through and a Rock Pipit was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 7 Shoveler while at least 3 Greenshank remain.
Miscellaneous
At least 15 Little Egret continue to roam the island and 60 Magpie were counted going to roost. At least 2 Merlin remain and 15 Twite were logged.
Images
Grey Phalarope
HMS Astute, the latest addition to the Royal Navy's hunter killer nuclear submarine fleet slipped stealthily out into the Irish Sea under leaden skies and grey seas.
Brent Geese continue to build
14th November 2009 - overcast/heavy rain at times SSE3/2
Offshore
Morning sightings (0815-0915) were limited to 26 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Two Redwing were perhaps lingering birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 110 pale-bellied birds and waders included 3000 Oystercatcher, 1350 Golden Plover, 180 Sanderling and 80 Bar-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Six Little Egret, 5 Twite and a Peregrine were logged.
Ringing
Amongst the colour-ringed birds in the Brent Goose flock was N4WW, this bird was originally ringed at Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland on 16th October 2007 and has visited Walney Island for each winter since. A colour-ringed Twite identified on the island on 5th November 2009 had been ringed at Heysham, Lancashire on 31st October 2008.
Offshore
Morning sightings (0815-0915) were limited to 26 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Two Redwing were perhaps lingering birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 110 pale-bellied birds and waders included 3000 Oystercatcher, 1350 Golden Plover, 180 Sanderling and 80 Bar-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Six Little Egret, 5 Twite and a Peregrine were logged.
Ringing
Amongst the colour-ringed birds in the Brent Goose flock was N4WW, this bird was originally ringed at Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland on 16th October 2007 and has visited Walney Island for each winter since. A colour-ringed Twite identified on the island on 5th November 2009 had been ringed at Heysham, Lancashire on 31st October 2008.
Little Gull amongst good numbers of Kittiwake
13th November 2009 - sunny spells SSW3/2
Offshore
Observations on the falling tide (0900-1000 & 1030-1130) saw good numbers of Kittiwake on the move with 235 birds logged. Also seen were 54 Common Scoter, 22 Razorbill, 21 Common Gull, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver, 6 Shelduck, 3 Shag and single Fulmar and Little Gull.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Redwing.
Miscellaneous
Another Water Rail was seen along with 4 Little Egret.
Mammals
News of the sighting of an Otter has just been received and continues the recent run of sightings in the last couple of years.
Moths
A Chestnut was the only moth attracted to the traps overnight.
Offshore
Observations on the falling tide (0900-1000 & 1030-1130) saw good numbers of Kittiwake on the move with 235 birds logged. Also seen were 54 Common Scoter, 22 Razorbill, 21 Common Gull, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver, 6 Shelduck, 3 Shag and single Fulmar and Little Gull.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Redwing.
Miscellaneous
Another Water Rail was seen along with 4 Little Egret.
Mammals
News of the sighting of an Otter has just been received and continues the recent run of sightings in the last couple of years.
Moths
A Chestnut was the only moth attracted to the traps overnight.
Velvet Scoter and Little Gull head seawatch
12th November 2009 - SSE3/4/5
Offshore
Morning observations on the falling tide (0915-1015) were led by a female Velvet Scoter and adult Little Gull. Also seen were 23 Common Scoter, 14 Razorbill, 12 Kittiwake, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and single Goldeneye, Guillemot and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a solitary Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
Teal numbers continue to build but just 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged. Waders included 2500 Dunlin, 10 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 30 Twite, 4 Little Egret and a Merlin were seen.
Mammals
A Weasel was logged.
Image
Some of today's Teal.
Mediterranean Gull and Black Redstart
11th November 2009 - overcast SE2
Offshore
An adult winter Mediterranean Gull was amongst a feeding flock of 20 Black-headed Gull and 10 Common Gull. Also seen were 5 Shag and small numbers of Red-breasted Merganser, Kittiwake, Common Scoter, Razorbill and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Another dawn and another small overnight influx of thrushes with 11 Blackbird, 7 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing and 2 Fieldfare logged - again many quickly moved on. A Black Redstart appeared late afternoon.
Diurnal Migration
Standard late autumn fare included 335 Pink-footed Goose, 310 Starling, 8 Jackdaw, 8 Carrion Crow, 6 Greylag Goose and a Redpoll.
Miscellaneous
Just 3 Little Egret were seen but presumably many more are still lurking in the tidal creeks awaiting to be flushed out into view with the next round of high tides. Single Merlin and Little Owl remain.
Moths
The moth traps revealed 3 Angle Shades.
Offshore
An adult winter Mediterranean Gull was amongst a feeding flock of 20 Black-headed Gull and 10 Common Gull. Also seen were 5 Shag and small numbers of Red-breasted Merganser, Kittiwake, Common Scoter, Razorbill and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Another dawn and another small overnight influx of thrushes with 11 Blackbird, 7 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing and 2 Fieldfare logged - again many quickly moved on. A Black Redstart appeared late afternoon.
Diurnal Migration
Standard late autumn fare included 335 Pink-footed Goose, 310 Starling, 8 Jackdaw, 8 Carrion Crow, 6 Greylag Goose and a Redpoll.
Miscellaneous
Just 3 Little Egret were seen but presumably many more are still lurking in the tidal creeks awaiting to be flushed out into view with the next round of high tides. Single Merlin and Little Owl remain.
Moths
The moth traps revealed 3 Angle Shades.
Water Pipits still present
10th November 2009 - overcast/rain/mizzle SE1
Rarities
There are still at least 2 Water Pipit amongst 10 Rock Pipit in the flooded fields a horse paddocks along Biggar Bank.
Offshore
Just small numbers of Common Scoters were moving through the gloom early morning.
Grounded Migrants
Again just a handful of thrushes were noted with 5 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush and a Mistle Thrush logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 5 Shoveler were amongst 300 Teal and a flock of 800 Golden Plover were seen.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret remain and both Peregrine and Merlin were logged.
Rarities
There are still at least 2 Water Pipit amongst 10 Rock Pipit in the flooded fields a horse paddocks along Biggar Bank.
Offshore
Just small numbers of Common Scoters were moving through the gloom early morning.
Grounded Migrants
Again just a handful of thrushes were noted with 5 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush and a Mistle Thrush logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 5 Shoveler were amongst 300 Teal and a flock of 800 Golden Plover were seen.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret remain and both Peregrine and Merlin were logged.
Black Redstart
9th November 2009 - bright and sunny SE1 
Grounded Migrants
Dawn again provided a few grounded thrushes with 11 Blackbird, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing and a Fieldfare which quickly dispersed. However, the highlight of the day proved to be a female/immature Black Redstart which also moved on quickly.
Diurnal Migration
Light winds and clear skies produced 905 Pink-footed Goose, 595 Starling, 122 Jackdaw, 17 Whooper Swan, 16 Chaffinch, 8 Twite, 4 Woodpigeon, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Siskin, 2 Redpoll, 2 alba Wagtail and single Tree Sparrow and Redwing.
Miscellaneous
Single Water Rail, Peregrine, Barn Owl and Little Owl were logged.
Images
Goldfinch
Made in Germany!
8th November 2009 - overcast then sunny spells NNE2/1
Grounded Migrants
Day break provided a further scattering of thrushes with 19 Blackbird, 9 Song Thrush, 3 Fieldfare and a Redwing logged along with 7 Chaffinch and 3 Brambling.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 47 Pink-footed Geese, 34 Starling and a Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Jack Snipe was flushed, at least 10 Greenshank were still present and Goldeneye numbers are now starting to build slowly.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 70 Twite were again seen along with 2 Water Rail and single Merlin and Little Owl.
Ringing
One of the newly arrived Blackbirds was found to be sporting a ring bearing the address Helgoland, Germania
Butterflies
A Red Admiral was still on the wing.
Image
The German-ringed first-winter male Blackbird.
Grounded Migrants
Day break provided a further scattering of thrushes with 19 Blackbird, 9 Song Thrush, 3 Fieldfare and a Redwing logged along with 7 Chaffinch and 3 Brambling.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 47 Pink-footed Geese, 34 Starling and a Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Jack Snipe was flushed, at least 10 Greenshank were still present and Goldeneye numbers are now starting to build slowly.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 70 Twite were again seen along with 2 Water Rail and single Merlin and Little Owl.
Ringing
One of the newly arrived Blackbirds was found to be sporting a ring bearing the address Helgoland, Germania
Butterflies
A Red Admiral was still on the wing.
Image
The German-ringed first-winter male Blackbird.
Water Pipits and Slavonian Grebe
7th November 2009 - rain W3
Rarities
There are now 3 Water Pipit favouring the flooded fields along Biggar Bank over the high tide.
Offshore
A Slavonian Grebe was the pick of the sightings as it drifted along the eastern shore of the island. The western shore (0830-0930) provided 101 Kittiwake, 27 Common Scoter, 10 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
A scattering of Blackbird, Song Thrush and Redwing appeared to include a few new arrivals.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wigeon and Shelduck numbers continue to build steadily but just 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged.
Miscellaneous
A small flock of 12 Twite and single Merlin and Little were logged but only 3 Little Egret could be found.
Rarities
There are now 3 Water Pipit favouring the flooded fields along Biggar Bank over the high tide.
Offshore
A Slavonian Grebe was the pick of the sightings as it drifted along the eastern shore of the island. The western shore (0830-0930) provided 101 Kittiwake, 27 Common Scoter, 10 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
A scattering of Blackbird, Song Thrush and Redwing appeared to include a few new arrivals.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wigeon and Shelduck numbers continue to build steadily but just 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged.
Miscellaneous
A small flock of 12 Twite and single Merlin and Little were logged but only 3 Little Egret could be found.
Brambling and Twite
6th November 2009 - overcast/murky/rain soon S4/5
Offshore
A single Shag was logged (0930-1030) along with small numbers of Kittiwake, Gannet, Razorbill, Common Scoter and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A few Blackbird appeared to be remnants from previous arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move from first light with 310 Starling, 14 Chaffinch, 4 Redpoll, 3 Fieldfare and a Brambling.
Miscellaneous
A group of 35 Twite and a Merlin were logged.
Offshore
A single Shag was logged (0930-1030) along with small numbers of Kittiwake, Gannet, Razorbill, Common Scoter and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A few Blackbird appeared to be remnants from previous arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move from first light with 310 Starling, 14 Chaffinch, 4 Redpoll, 3 Fieldfare and a Brambling.
Miscellaneous
A group of 35 Twite and a Merlin were logged.
Water Pipits remain and first Woodcock arrives
5th November 2009 - heavy squally showers V1/2/3/4/5
Rarities
The two Water Pipit were again in the flooded fields along Biggar Bank over the high tide period. Associating with 10 Meadow Pipit, 8 Rock Pipit and 4 Skylark.
Offshore
Just small numbers of Kittiwake and Common Scoter were logged between the showers.
Grounded Migrants
Dawn broke to a smattering of thrushes with 31 Blackbird, 16 Song Thrush, 11 Redwing and 3 Fieldfare logged along with the first Woodcock of the year.
Diurnal Migration
A few species were on the move despite the conditions with 2540 Starling, 200 Fieldfare, 84 Pink-footed Geese, 15 Redwing, 12 Whooper Swan, 5 Jackdaw, 2 Redpoll and a Siskin recorded.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Merlin, a Water Rail and 3 Red-legged Partridge were seen. The Twite flock increased to 70 birds and included at least one colour-ringed individual.
Images
Water Pipit and Rock Pipit
Rarities
The two Water Pipit were again in the flooded fields along Biggar Bank over the high tide period. Associating with 10 Meadow Pipit, 8 Rock Pipit and 4 Skylark.
Offshore
Just small numbers of Kittiwake and Common Scoter were logged between the showers.
Grounded Migrants
Dawn broke to a smattering of thrushes with 31 Blackbird, 16 Song Thrush, 11 Redwing and 3 Fieldfare logged along with the first Woodcock of the year.
Diurnal Migration
A few species were on the move despite the conditions with 2540 Starling, 200 Fieldfare, 84 Pink-footed Geese, 15 Redwing, 12 Whooper Swan, 5 Jackdaw, 2 Redpoll and a Siskin recorded.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Merlin, a Water Rail and 3 Red-legged Partridge were seen. The Twite flock increased to 70 birds and included at least one colour-ringed individual.
Images
Water Pipit and Rock Pipit
Water Pipits return
4th November 2009 - heavy showers W4
Rarities
At least two Water Pipit were flushed from the tidal saltmarshes and spent the high tide period in the flooded horse paddocks along Biggar Bank in association with 12 Rock Pipit, 6 Meadow Pipit and 10 Skylark.
Offshore
A quieter morning over the sea (0745-0845) produced just 33 Kittiwake, 26 Common Scoter, 7 Razorbill, a Red-throated Diver and a late Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were noted in between the showers with 10 Chaffinch, 8 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing and 4 Whooper Swan logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock increased to 130 birds consisting of 98 pale-bellied birds (all adults) and 32 dark-bellied birds (30 adults and 2 juveniles).
Miscellaneous
Dawn provided a post-roost gathering of 37 Little Egret. A flock of 50 Twite proved elusive.
Ringing
A number of colour-ringed birds are again present amongst the pale-bellied Brent Goose flock. Two have now been identified (P2WW & PDWW) these are considered a pair and were originally ringed at Strangford Lough, Northern Island on 16th October 2007 and have been annual winter visitors to the island ever since.
Images
A couple of record shots of one of today's Water Pipits.
Rarities
At least two Water Pipit were flushed from the tidal saltmarshes and spent the high tide period in the flooded horse paddocks along Biggar Bank in association with 12 Rock Pipit, 6 Meadow Pipit and 10 Skylark.
Offshore
A quieter morning over the sea (0745-0845) produced just 33 Kittiwake, 26 Common Scoter, 7 Razorbill, a Red-throated Diver and a late Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were noted in between the showers with 10 Chaffinch, 8 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing and 4 Whooper Swan logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock increased to 130 birds consisting of 98 pale-bellied birds (all adults) and 32 dark-bellied birds (30 adults and 2 juveniles).
Miscellaneous
Dawn provided a post-roost gathering of 37 Little Egret. A flock of 50 Twite proved elusive.
Ringing
A number of colour-ringed birds are again present amongst the pale-bellied Brent Goose flock. Two have now been identified (P2WW & PDWW) these are considered a pair and were originally ringed at Strangford Lough, Northern Island on 16th October 2007 and have been annual winter visitors to the island ever since.
Images
A couple of record shots of one of today's Water Pipits.
Kittiwakes and skuas
3rd November 2009 - sunshine and showers SW5/6
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide (0830-1030) produced 444 Kittiwake, 40 Common Scoter, 33 Razorbill, 6 Guillemot, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Skua and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds included 16 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing and single Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush and Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock increased to 106 birds involving 79 pale-bellied and 27 dark-bellied individuals.
Miscellaneous
At least 10 Rock Pipit were flushed from the salt marshes by the high tide and 25 Twite were logged.
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide (0830-1030) produced 444 Kittiwake, 40 Common Scoter, 33 Razorbill, 6 Guillemot, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Skua and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds included 16 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing and single Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush and Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock increased to 106 birds involving 79 pale-bellied and 27 dark-bellied individuals.
Miscellaneous
At least 10 Rock Pipit were flushed from the salt marshes by the high tide and 25 Twite were logged.
Little Gulls appear
2nd November 2009 - sunny spells W5
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (0800-1000) were led by 2 adult Little Gull along with 141 Common Scoter, 57 Kittiwake, 29 Razorbill, 9 Guillemot, 2 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A single Fieldfare was the only noteworthy record logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Shelduck numbers are finally beginning to build with 54 birds logged. Also seen were 2000 Dunlin and 24 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 50 Twite put in another appearance and both Merlin and Barn Owl were recorded.
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (0800-1000) were led by 2 adult Little Gull along with 141 Common Scoter, 57 Kittiwake, 29 Razorbill, 9 Guillemot, 2 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A single Fieldfare was the only noteworthy record logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Shelduck numbers are finally beginning to build with 54 birds logged. Also seen were 2000 Dunlin and 24 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 50 Twite put in another appearance and both Merlin and Barn Owl were recorded.
Not quite a washout
1st November 2009 - heavy rain SE then W 5/6/7
Wildfowl and Waders
Atrocious weather conditions severely restricted observations with 79 Common Scoter and a solitary Purple Sandpiper the only records of note.
Moths
Surprisingly the moths traps attracted a few species including a Satellite - the first of the year.
Images
The Satellite.
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