31st December 2009 - overcast/early frost NE2/3
Offshore
The flock of 2000 Common Scoter continue to reside distantly offshore, other sightings were limited to small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Razorbill and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Winter thrushes continue to dominate with 150 Fieldfare, 26 Redwing and 3 Mistle Thrush logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 230 Pink-footed Geese flew through in 4 skeins.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 98 pale-bellied individuals including six colour-ringed birds - four old favourites and two new birds. Waders included 4 Jack Snipe amongst 65 Snipe.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin hunted Skylarks over the tide and 5 Little Egret were seen.
Thrushes continue to move in
26th December 2009 - overcast/showers SW2
Diurnal Migration
Three Whooper Swan flew south.
Grounded Migrants
The snow from a couple of days ago has disappeared and the once again green fields on the island continue to host increasing numbers of thrushes. Today's totals involved 185 Fieldfare, 27 Blackbird, 26 Song Thrush, 26 Redwing and 2 Mistle Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
The long-staying Scaup has been joined by a second individual and the pair of Gadwall remain. At least 4 Greenshank continue linger.
Miscellaneous
At least 5 Little Egret remain and a Merlin was logged.
Diurnal Migration
Three Whooper Swan flew south.
Grounded Migrants
The snow from a couple of days ago has disappeared and the once again green fields on the island continue to host increasing numbers of thrushes. Today's totals involved 185 Fieldfare, 27 Blackbird, 26 Song Thrush, 26 Redwing and 2 Mistle Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
The long-staying Scaup has been joined by a second individual and the pair of Gadwall remain. At least 4 Greenshank continue linger.
Miscellaneous
At least 5 Little Egret remain and a Merlin was logged.
Hard weather movement continues
24th December 2009 - overcast/early snow E1
Grounded Migrants
Thrush numbers continue to build slowly as the cold weather continues to bite with 60 Fieldfare, 22 Song Thrush, 12 Redwing, 9 Blackbird and 3 Mistle Thrush logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flocks of 36 Barnacle Geese and 110 pale-bellied Brent Geese and the pair of Gadwall all remain. Waders included 2500 Knot and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock increased with 160 birds seen and 2 Merlin were recorded.
Images
While hard frosts are a fairly regular occurrence on the island snow is unusual and any lying snow a notable event.
Grounded Migrants
Thrush numbers continue to build slowly as the cold weather continues to bite with 60 Fieldfare, 22 Song Thrush, 12 Redwing, 9 Blackbird and 3 Mistle Thrush logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flocks of 36 Barnacle Geese and 110 pale-bellied Brent Geese and the pair of Gadwall all remain. Waders included 2500 Knot and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock increased with 160 birds seen and 2 Merlin were recorded.
Images
While hard frosts are a fairly regular occurrence on the island snow is unusual and any lying snow a notable event.
Further hints of cold weather movement
23rd December 2009 - early showers then sunny W1
Rarities
A single Water Pipit fed at low tide amongst the roadside flooded fields near Biggar.
Grounded Migrants
A Woodcock provided further evidence that some low-key cold weather movement continues to take place and the island's now green fields held 22 Song Thrush, 18 Blackbird, 14 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
A pair of Gadwall were new in, the flock of 36 Barnacle Geese remain and the Brent Goose flock held 100 pale-bellied birds. At least 2 Greenshank continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
A Raven was chased from a sheep carcass by a pair of irate Great Black-backed Gull. At least 100 Twite and 3 Little Egret remain.
Rarities
A single Water Pipit fed at low tide amongst the roadside flooded fields near Biggar.
Grounded Migrants
A Woodcock provided further evidence that some low-key cold weather movement continues to take place and the island's now green fields held 22 Song Thrush, 18 Blackbird, 14 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
A pair of Gadwall were new in, the flock of 36 Barnacle Geese remain and the Brent Goose flock held 100 pale-bellied birds. At least 2 Greenshank continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
A Raven was chased from a sheep carcass by a pair of irate Great Black-backed Gull. At least 100 Twite and 3 Little Egret remain.
Hints of cold weather movement
22nd December 2009 - early frost/snow showers/calm then WNW3
Grounded Migrants
A frenetic feeding flock of 12 Song Thrush and 6 Redwing in the snow free horse paddocks were perhaps refugees from the frost and snow elsewhere in Cumbria.
Wildfowl and Waders
Pintail numbers continue to increase slowly with 48 birds logged, also seen were 102 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 14 Pink-footed Geese. A Greenshank continues to defy the frost.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 70 Twite were seen but just a single Little Egret was logged.
Grounded Migrants
A frenetic feeding flock of 12 Song Thrush and 6 Redwing in the snow free horse paddocks were perhaps refugees from the frost and snow elsewhere in Cumbria.
Wildfowl and Waders
Pintail numbers continue to increase slowly with 48 birds logged, also seen were 102 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 14 Pink-footed Geese. A Greenshank continues to defy the frost.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 70 Twite were seen but just a single Little Egret was logged.
WeBS Winter Wonderland
20th December 2009 - early frost/snow NW3/4/5/6
Offshore
Observations (0945-1045) provided 32 Common Gull, 22 Common Scoter, 12 Shag, 8 Red-throated Diver and 5 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush was perhaps evidence of cold weather induced movement.
Diurnal Migration
A solitary Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains and a total of 17 Shoveler indicated a cold weather influx. Waders included 5 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit. Highlights of the monthly WeBS count included: 6680 Oystercatcher, 1491 Dunlin, 1138 Redshank, 1059 Wigeon, 730 Golden Plover, 364 Shelduck, 202 Sanderling, 200 Grey Plover and 63 Red-breasted Merganser.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 100 Twite were stalked by the resident Merlin and 5 Little Egret were logged.
Offshore
Observations (0945-1045) provided 32 Common Gull, 22 Common Scoter, 12 Shag, 8 Red-throated Diver and 5 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush was perhaps evidence of cold weather induced movement.
Diurnal Migration
A solitary Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains and a total of 17 Shoveler indicated a cold weather influx. Waders included 5 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit. Highlights of the monthly WeBS count included: 6680 Oystercatcher, 1491 Dunlin, 1138 Redshank, 1059 Wigeon, 730 Golden Plover, 364 Shelduck, 202 Sanderling, 200 Grey Plover and 63 Red-breasted Merganser.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 100 Twite were stalked by the resident Merlin and 5 Little Egret were logged.
Expected winter fare
19th December 2009 - hard frost/milder later E1 then W2/3/4/5
Offshore
The regular morning observations failed to provide anything of note.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 115 pale-bellied birds and additional sightings included 31 Purple Sandpiper, 10 Shoveler and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 12 Little Egret remain, a small group of 10 Twite were logged and raptors included 2 Merlin and a Peregrine.
Moths
A Chestnut was found lurking in the moth trap.
Offshore
The regular morning observations failed to provide anything of note.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 115 pale-bellied birds and additional sightings included 31 Purple Sandpiper, 10 Shoveler and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 12 Little Egret remain, a small group of 10 Twite were logged and raptors included 2 Merlin and a Peregrine.
Moths
A Chestnut was found lurking in the moth trap.
Geese dominate sightings
13th December 2009 - early frost/sunny spells NE1
Offshore
A group of 3 Shag was the pick of the offshore observations.
Grounded Migrants
Totals of 7 Song Thrush, 6 Blackbird and a Redwing hinted at some cold weather movement.
Diurnal Migration
Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese, totalling 75 birds, flew through and a late Redpoll was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of Barnacle Geese remain and the Brent Goose flock held 104 pale-bellied birds today.
Miscellaneous
The 2 Raven continue to linger and at least 12 Little Egret continue to stalk the tidal creeks along the eastern shore.
Offshore
A group of 3 Shag was the pick of the offshore observations.
Grounded Migrants
Totals of 7 Song Thrush, 6 Blackbird and a Redwing hinted at some cold weather movement.
Diurnal Migration
Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese, totalling 75 birds, flew through and a late Redpoll was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of Barnacle Geese remain and the Brent Goose flock held 104 pale-bellied birds today.
Miscellaneous
The 2 Raven continue to linger and at least 12 Little Egret continue to stalk the tidal creeks along the eastern shore.
Barnacle Geese drop in
12th December 2009 - early frost, bright and sunny/calm
Offshore
The flock of 2000 Common Scoter remain, but the only other notable sightings involved 18 Red-breasted Merganser and 16 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
Pink-footed Geese were again on the move with four skeins totalling 166 birds logged. Also seen was a solitary Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 36 Barnacle Geese dropped in and the Brent Goose flock held 115 pale-bellied birds. Other sightings included a female Scaup and 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The post-roost flock of Little Egret contained 27 birds. At least 70 Twite remain and 2 Water Rail called.
Image
Barnacle Geese
Offshore
The flock of 2000 Common Scoter remain, but the only other notable sightings involved 18 Red-breasted Merganser and 16 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
Pink-footed Geese were again on the move with four skeins totalling 166 birds logged. Also seen was a solitary Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 36 Barnacle Geese dropped in and the Brent Goose flock held 115 pale-bellied birds. Other sightings included a female Scaup and 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The post-roost flock of Little Egret contained 27 birds. At least 70 Twite remain and 2 Water Rail called.
Image
Barnacle Geese
Wildfowl and Waders
11th December 2009 - early frost, bright and sunny E1/2
Offshore
The large flock of Common Scoter continue to linger with at least 2000 birds present, the only other records of note were 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Pintail.
Diurnal Migration
Three skeins of Pink-footed Geese comprised 330 birds and 4 Whooper Swan headed south.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 28 Purple Sandpiper and 800 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The 2 Raven continue to linger with one bird noted to be colour ringed. At least 5 Little Egret remain.
Offshore
The large flock of Common Scoter continue to linger with at least 2000 birds present, the only other records of note were 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Pintail.
Diurnal Migration
Three skeins of Pink-footed Geese comprised 330 birds and 4 Whooper Swan headed south.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 28 Purple Sandpiper and 800 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The 2 Raven continue to linger with one bird noted to be colour ringed. At least 5 Little Egret remain.
Late movement
10th December 2009 - bright and sunny/calm
Rarities
At least 2 Water Pipit continue to favour the wet pasture along Biggar Bank.
Diurnal Migration
Two Raven flew through and single Lesser Redpoll and Fieldfare were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Two Mistle Thrush were perhaps newly arrived.
Miscellaneous
Five Little Egret were seen and raptors included Little Owl and Merlin - the latter stalking a flock of 36 Twite.
Rarities
At least 2 Water Pipit continue to favour the wet pasture along Biggar Bank.
Diurnal Migration
Two Raven flew through and single Lesser Redpoll and Fieldfare were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Two Mistle Thrush were perhaps newly arrived.
Miscellaneous
Five Little Egret were seen and raptors included Little Owl and Merlin - the latter stalking a flock of 36 Twite.
Another Little Gull and Water Pipit remain
9th November 2009 - bright and sunny S2/3
Rarities
At least 2 Water Pipit were again in the waterlogged fields and horse paddocks along Biggar Bank this afternoon.
Offshore
Morning observations (0845-0945) were again highlighted by an adult Little Gull. Also seen were 26 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver and 2 Kittiwake.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were logged and 3 Little Egret were seen. Raptors included 2 Merlin and both Barn and Little Owl.
Moths
The Robinson Trap held 3 Winter Moth.
Rarities
At least 2 Water Pipit were again in the waterlogged fields and horse paddocks along Biggar Bank this afternoon.
Offshore
Morning observations (0845-0945) were again highlighted by an adult Little Gull. Also seen were 26 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver and 2 Kittiwake.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were logged and 3 Little Egret were seen. Raptors included 2 Merlin and both Barn and Little Owl.
Moths
The Robinson Trap held 3 Winter Moth.
Slavonian Grebe and Little Gull
8th December 2009 - bright start then rain S2/3/4
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) provided an adult Little Gull along with 55 Common Scoter, 11 Kittiwake, 10 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill, 2 Teal and 2 Red-breasted Merganser. A Slavonian Grebe was off the eastern shore on the rising tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 127 pale-bellied birds - but just one juvenile. Also seen were 11 Shoveler, 4 Greenshank and a lingering Scaup.
Miscellaneous
A mobile and flighty flock of Twite contained 74 birds and a Little Owl was seen. Just three Little Egret were logged suggesting numbers have started to dwindle.
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) provided an adult Little Gull along with 55 Common Scoter, 11 Kittiwake, 10 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill, 2 Teal and 2 Red-breasted Merganser. A Slavonian Grebe was off the eastern shore on the rising tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 127 pale-bellied birds - but just one juvenile. Also seen were 11 Shoveler, 4 Greenshank and a lingering Scaup.
Miscellaneous
A mobile and flighty flock of Twite contained 74 birds and a Little Owl was seen. Just three Little Egret were logged suggesting numbers have started to dwindle.
Water Pipits look set to overwinter
6th December 2009 - heavy showers S3/4/5/6
Rarities
At least 2 Water Pipit associated with 25 Rock Pipit flushed from the salt marsh to feed in the flooded fields and horse paddocks along Biggar Bank over the high tide.
Offshore
Morning observations (0930-1030) provided 55 Common Scoter, 27 Kittiwake, 12 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 120 pale-bellied birds with just one juvenile amongst the group suggesting a particularly poor breeding season.
Miscellaneous
Just 4 Twite were logged and a Merlin was seen.
Images
Another Water Pipit photo.
Rarities
At least 2 Water Pipit associated with 25 Rock Pipit flushed from the salt marsh to feed in the flooded fields and horse paddocks along Biggar Bank over the high tide.
Offshore
Morning observations (0930-1030) provided 55 Common Scoter, 27 Kittiwake, 12 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 120 pale-bellied birds with just one juvenile amongst the group suggesting a particularly poor breeding season.
Miscellaneous
Just 4 Twite were logged and a Merlin was seen.
Images
Another Water Pipit photo.
Water Pipit and Little Gulls
5th December 2009 - sunny spells SW2/3
Rarities
At least one Water Pipit continues to favour the waterlogged fields along Biggar Bank over the tide, associating with 12 Rock Pipit.
Offshore
Observations (0815-0915) were led by 3 Little Gull (2x ad + 1x 1st W) and a Great Skua, also seen were 111 Common Scoter, 18 Red-throated Diver and 9 Red-breasted Meganser. In addition, a flock of 1000 Common Scoter lingered offshore.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 85 pale-bellied birds and 26 Pintail were logged.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included Peregrine and Meerlin and 40 Twite were seen.
Images
Some of today's Pintail.
At least one Water Pipit remains
4th December 2009 - sunny spells S1/2/3/4
Rarities
At least one Water Pipit was again in the flooded fields along Biggar Bank over the high tide, consorting with 5 Rock Pipit, 35 Meadow Pipit and 35 Skylark.
Offshore
A group of 7 Shag congregated offshore on the falling tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Scaup was newly arrived and 32 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged.
Miscellaneous
The pre-roost gathering of Little Egret contained 30 birds while 29 Twite, 2 Water Rail and 2 Peregrine were also seen.
Rarities
At least one Water Pipit was again in the flooded fields along Biggar Bank over the high tide, consorting with 5 Rock Pipit, 35 Meadow Pipit and 35 Skylark.
Offshore
A group of 7 Shag congregated offshore on the falling tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Scaup was newly arrived and 32 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged.
Miscellaneous
The pre-roost gathering of Little Egret contained 30 birds while 29 Twite, 2 Water Rail and 2 Peregrine were also seen.
Moth provides highlight
1st December 2009 - early frost SE1/2/3/4
Miscellaneous
At least 26 Little Egret remain along the eastern shore and a flock of 20 Twite were seen.
Moths
A Feathered Thorn attracted to the moth trap yesterday would appear to be the first island record for at least 30 years.
Miscellaneous
At least 26 Little Egret remain along the eastern shore and a flock of 20 Twite were seen.
Moths
A Feathered Thorn attracted to the moth trap yesterday would appear to be the first island record for at least 30 years.
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