31st January 2010 – bright and frosty N1/2
Rarities
At least one Water Pipit was amongst 30 Rock Pipit in the flooded fields along Biggar Bank.
Offshore
There was further evidence of northward movement (0830-0930 & 1530-1630) with 140 Razorbill, 53 Common Scoter, 48 Red-throated Diver, 39 Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Shag, 3 Kittiwake and 2 Goldeneye logged.
Grounded Migrants
A few thrushes were again seen with 12 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush recorded.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 780 Pink-footed Geese were logged in 6 northbound skeins
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 31 pale-bellied birds, the 2 Scaup remain and waders included 10 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Greenshank and single Jack Snipe and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A total of 12 Little Egret were seen and a Merlin hunted over the salt marshes. A Grey Wagtail was an unusual winter record for the island
Water Pipits reappear
30th January 2010 – bright and frosty N3
Rarities
The current round of big tides pushed five Water Pipit into the flooded fields along Biggar Bank. The birds were associating with a mixed flock of Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Rock Pipit.
Offshore
There was some evidence of northward movement early morning (0830-0930) with 65 Razorbill, 22 Red-breasted Merganser, 18 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver and a Great Crested Grebe logged.
Grounded Migrants
A few thrushes were displaced by the overnight frost with 30 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 118 pale-bellied birds and 4 Purple Sandpiper were logged.
Miscellaneous
A total of 9 Little Egret were seen, 2 Little Owl basked in the midday sun and a Merlin hunted over the salt marshes.
Rarities
The current round of big tides pushed five Water Pipit into the flooded fields along Biggar Bank. The birds were associating with a mixed flock of Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Rock Pipit.
Offshore
There was some evidence of northward movement early morning (0830-0930) with 65 Razorbill, 22 Red-breasted Merganser, 18 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver and a Great Crested Grebe logged.
Grounded Migrants
A few thrushes were displaced by the overnight frost with 30 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 118 pale-bellied birds and 4 Purple Sandpiper were logged.
Miscellaneous
A total of 9 Little Egret were seen, 2 Little Owl basked in the midday sun and a Merlin hunted over the salt marshes.
Barnacle Geese and Scaup
29th January 2010 – snow showers N3/4
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Fieldfare were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 Scaup remain amongst 30 Goldeneye, the flock of 40 Barnacle Geese continue to linger and additional sightings included 3 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Greenshank and 8 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
A pre-roost gathering of 16 Little Egret were seen, a Water Rail squealed and 70 Twite were recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Fieldfare were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 Scaup remain amongst 30 Goldeneye, the flock of 40 Barnacle Geese continue to linger and additional sightings included 3 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Greenshank and 8 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
A pre-roost gathering of 16 Little Egret were seen, a Water Rail squealed and 70 Twite were recorded.
Danish Black-headed Gull
26th January 2010 – overcast/misty/calm
Grounded Migrants
A single Mistle Thrush was perhaps the last of the cold weather influx.
Miscellaneous
A pre-roost gathering held 14 Little Egret.
Ringing
Details of a colour-ringed Black-headed Gull (VCC) have recently been received. The bird had been ringed as an adult at Hellerup Havn, Gentofte, DENMARK (1025km E) on 23rd August 2008.
Grounded Migrants
A single Mistle Thrush was perhaps the last of the cold weather influx.
Miscellaneous
A pre-roost gathering held 14 Little Egret.
Ringing
Details of a colour-ringed Black-headed Gull (VCC) have recently been received. The bird had been ringed as an adult at Hellerup Havn, Gentofte, DENMARK (1025km E) on 23rd August 2008.
Eiders abound
24th January 2010 – overcast/early drizzle N1
Offshore
Morning observations (0920-1020) produced a large raft of 4460 Eider, 17 Red-breasted Merganser, 14 Shag, 7 Red-throated Diver, 3 Common Scoter and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Winter thrushes continue to dwindle with just 3 Fieldfare logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flocks of pale-bellied Brent Geese and Barnacle Geese and 2 female Scaup remain along with 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 70 Twite, 2 Little Egret and a Merlin were seen.
Offshore
Morning observations (0920-1020) produced a large raft of 4460 Eider, 17 Red-breasted Merganser, 14 Shag, 7 Red-throated Diver, 3 Common Scoter and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Winter thrushes continue to dwindle with just 3 Fieldfare logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flocks of pale-bellied Brent Geese and Barnacle Geese and 2 female Scaup remain along with 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 70 Twite, 2 Little Egret and a Merlin were seen.
Thick fog hampers observations
23rd January 2010 – thick fog/calm
Grounded Migrants
A few thrushes were still in evidence with 11 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 female Scaup remained amongst 35 Goldeneye and a single Greenshank was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 80 Twite were seen and additional sightings included 3 Red-legged Partridge and 2 Little Egret.
Grounded Migrants
A few thrushes were still in evidence with 11 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 female Scaup remained amongst 35 Goldeneye and a single Greenshank was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 80 Twite were seen and additional sightings included 3 Red-legged Partridge and 2 Little Egret.
Cold weather leftovers
22nd January 2010 – overcast/misty/calm
Grounded Migrants
Small numbers of thrushes continue to linger from the cold weather influx with 12 Song Thrush, 9 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare and 2 Mistle Thrush logged.
Miscellaneous
There are now 3 Raven touring the island; however, just a single Little Egret was seen. A pair of Peregrine surveyed the island from a favoured vantage point.
Grounded Migrants
Small numbers of thrushes continue to linger from the cold weather influx with 12 Song Thrush, 9 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare and 2 Mistle Thrush logged.
Miscellaneous
There are now 3 Raven touring the island; however, just a single Little Egret was seen. A pair of Peregrine surveyed the island from a favoured vantage point.
Standard Fare
21st January 2010 – cold and cloudy SE3/4
Wildfowl and Waders
The flocks of Barnacle Geese and pale-bellied Brent Geese and 2 female Scaup remain. Waders included 2 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Three Little Egret were seen and 2 Merlin were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flocks of Barnacle Geese and pale-bellied Brent Geese and 2 female Scaup remain. Waders included 2 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Three Little Egret were seen and 2 Merlin were logged.
Red-throated Divers start to move
20th January 2010 – overcast ESE3/4
Offshore
Observations (0925-1025) provided 18 Red-throated Diver, 14 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill and 5 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Winter thrushes continue to decrease now that the weather is relatively warmer with just 29 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing and a Mistle Thrush logged.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 31 Pink-footed Geese headed southeast.
Miscellaneous
Three Little Egret were seen.
Offshore
Observations (0925-1025) provided 18 Red-throated Diver, 14 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill and 5 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Winter thrushes continue to decrease now that the weather is relatively warmer with just 29 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing and a Mistle Thrush logged.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 31 Pink-footed Geese headed southeast.
Miscellaneous
Three Little Egret were seen.
Water Pipit performs well
19th January 2010 – overcast E2/3/4
Rarities
The Water Pipit was again in flooded roadside fields near Biggar.
Offshore
Small numbers of Red-throated Diver and Common Scoter were the only records of note.
Grounded Migrants
A clear out of winter thrushes occurred overnight with just 60 Fieldfare remaining.
Diurnal Migration
Four skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 230 birds flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Images
A couple of images of today’s Water Pipit.
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Rarities
The Water Pipit was again in flooded roadside fields near Biggar.
Offshore
Small numbers of Red-throated Diver and Common Scoter were the only records of note.
Grounded Migrants
A clear out of winter thrushes occurred overnight with just 60 Fieldfare remaining.
Diurnal Migration
Four skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 230 birds flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Images
A couple of images of today’s Water Pipit.
Identification criteria allowing separation from Rock Pipit include the rather pale looking appearance provided by the brown and white plumage, clean white belly and undertail, strong supercilium, weak malar stripe, less prominent eye ring, less blotchy brown streaking - especially along the flanks and prominent white double wing bar.
First Gannet of the year
18th January 2010 – overcast/drizzle at times SW3/2/1
Rarities
The Water Pipit was again in the flooded roadside fields at Biggar.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0930) provided the first Gannet of the year along with 34 Common Scoter, 8 Red-breasted Merganser and 3 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Winter thrushes continue to dominate as they feed up in the now green fields across the island. Today’s totals involved 170 Fieldfare, 33 Redwing and 3 Mistle Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
Flocks of 118 pale-bellied Brent Goose and 40 Barnacle Goose remain.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret were seen and both Merlin and Peregrine were logged.
Rarities
The Water Pipit was again in the flooded roadside fields at Biggar.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0930) provided the first Gannet of the year along with 34 Common Scoter, 8 Red-breasted Merganser and 3 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Winter thrushes continue to dominate as they feed up in the now green fields across the island. Today’s totals involved 170 Fieldfare, 33 Redwing and 3 Mistle Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
Flocks of 118 pale-bellied Brent Goose and 40 Barnacle Goose remain.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret were seen and both Merlin and Peregrine were logged.
Water Pipit reappears
17th January 2010 – sunny spells SW2/3
Rarities
A single Water Pipit reappeared in the flooded roadside fields near Biggar over the tide.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0930-1030) provided 28 Kittiwake, 16 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 10 Shag, 3 Razorbill and 3 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Winter thrushes continue to be prominent with 185 Fieldfare, 28 Redwing and 4 Mistle Thrush logged. Good numbers of Skylark remain with 140 birds seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 120 pale-bellied birds, including just one first-winter individual , the 2 Scaup remain and 2 Greenshank and a Woodcock were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret remain, both Merlin and Little Owl were also logged and 130 Twite seen.
Rarities
A single Water Pipit reappeared in the flooded roadside fields near Biggar over the tide.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0930-1030) provided 28 Kittiwake, 16 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 10 Shag, 3 Razorbill and 3 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Winter thrushes continue to be prominent with 185 Fieldfare, 28 Redwing and 4 Mistle Thrush logged. Good numbers of Skylark remain with 140 birds seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 120 pale-bellied birds, including just one first-winter individual , the 2 Scaup remain and 2 Greenshank and a Woodcock were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret remain, both Merlin and Little Owl were also logged and 130 Twite seen.
Little Gull provides highlight
16th January 2010 – overcast/early rain S4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0900-1000) were led by a southbound adult Little Gull. Also seen were 21 Red-breasted Merganser, 14 Common Scoter, 4 Razorbill and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes continue to be prominent with 110 Fieldfare, 25 Redwing and 3 Mistle Thrush logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 108 pale-bellied birds and 4 Gadwall were logged. Waders included Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Finch flocks included 100 Linnet and 100 Twite and at least 4 Little Egret remain.
If visiting the island please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, although the freeze is slowly receding, much of the open water remains frozen and birds are continuing to struggle to survive.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0900-1000) were led by a southbound adult Little Gull. Also seen were 21 Red-breasted Merganser, 14 Common Scoter, 4 Razorbill and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes continue to be prominent with 110 Fieldfare, 25 Redwing and 3 Mistle Thrush logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 108 pale-bellied birds and 4 Gadwall were logged. Waders included Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Finch flocks included 100 Linnet and 100 Twite and at least 4 Little Egret remain.
If visiting the island please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, although the freeze is slowly receding, much of the open water remains frozen and birds are continuing to struggle to survive.
Slow thaw continues
15th January 2010-overcast/early rain SSE4
Offshore
A couple of Red-throated Diver was the only record of note.
Grounded Migrants
An influx of Skylark was apparent with 405 birds logged – including one mobile flock of 310 birds moving methodically through the fields – and winter thrushes have again become prominent as they feed in the now rain softened fields with 101 Fieldfare, 15 Redwing and 2 Mistle Thrush logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flocks of 110 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 40 Barnacle Geese remain while 9 Shoveler were logged and single Woodcock and Greenshank were seen.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret have survived the freeze, 150 Twite were seen and 2 Raven – including the colour-ringed individual remain.
If visiting the island please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, although the freeze is slowly receding, much of the open water remains frozen and birds are continuing to struggle to survive.
Offshore
A couple of Red-throated Diver was the only record of note.
Grounded Migrants
An influx of Skylark was apparent with 405 birds logged – including one mobile flock of 310 birds moving methodically through the fields – and winter thrushes have again become prominent as they feed in the now rain softened fields with 101 Fieldfare, 15 Redwing and 2 Mistle Thrush logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flocks of 110 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 40 Barnacle Geese remain while 9 Shoveler were logged and single Woodcock and Greenshank were seen.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret have survived the freeze, 150 Twite were seen and 2 Raven – including the colour-ringed individual remain.
If visiting the island please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, although the freeze is slowly receding, much of the open water remains frozen and birds are continuing to struggle to survive.
Little Egret origins finally revealed
12th January 2010 - overcast ESE4/5
Miscellaneous
Around 6 Little Egret remain.
Ringing
Details of two colour-ringed Little Egret seen on the island last autumn have just been received, both had been ringed as nestlings. DBYW was originally ringed at Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales on the 13th June 2009 and was seen on the island on 20th to 22nd October 2009 while FAYO seen on 22nd October 2009 had been ringed at Faversham, Kent on 4th July 2003 and has subsequently been seen at Leighton Moss, Lancashire and Ulpha Meadows, Cumbria prior to arriving on Walney Island.
Miscellaneous
Around 6 Little Egret remain.
Ringing
Details of two colour-ringed Little Egret seen on the island last autumn have just been received, both had been ringed as nestlings. DBYW was originally ringed at Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales on the 13th June 2009 and was seen on the island on 20th to 22nd October 2009 while FAYO seen on 22nd October 2009 had been ringed at Faversham, Kent on 4th July 2003 and has subsequently been seen at Leighton Moss, Lancashire and Ulpha Meadows, Cumbria prior to arriving on Walney Island.
If visiting the island please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the continuing freeze is now beginning to have a noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which are now starting to struggle to survive as temperatures remain below freezing.
A hint of a thaw
10th January 2010 – early frost/sunny spells NE1/2/3/4
Offshore
A distant flock of at least 1000 Common Scoter continue to linger.
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes continue to dwindle with just 22 Fieldfare, 16 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush and a Mistle Thrush logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Lapwing flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Flocks of 124 pale-bellied Brent Goose and 38 Barnacle Goose remain along with 2 Gadwall and 2 Greenshank. Just 2 Woodcock were logged, presumably leftovers from yesterday’s influx.
Miscellaneous
An influx of Linnet was apparent with flocks of 100 and 30 logged – the highest numbers for several winters. A Peregrine surveyed the rather empty mudflats from a regular vantage point.
Image
Snipe are currently frozen out of their usual habitat and can be found sat around out in the open in the surrounding fields and hedgerows.
Offshore
A distant flock of at least 1000 Common Scoter continue to linger.
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes continue to dwindle with just 22 Fieldfare, 16 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush and a Mistle Thrush logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Lapwing flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Flocks of 124 pale-bellied Brent Goose and 38 Barnacle Goose remain along with 2 Gadwall and 2 Greenshank. Just 2 Woodcock were logged, presumably leftovers from yesterday’s influx.
Miscellaneous
An influx of Linnet was apparent with flocks of 100 and 30 logged – the highest numbers for several winters. A Peregrine surveyed the rather empty mudflats from a regular vantage point.
Image
Snipe are currently frozen out of their usual habitat and can be found sat around out in the open in the surrounding fields and hedgerows.
If visiting the island please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the continuing freeze is now beginning to have a noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which are now starting to struggle to survive as temperatures remain below freezing.
Hen Harrier plus Woodcock influx
9th January 2010 - bright and frosty NE1/2 
Grounded Migrants
A few winter thrushes continue to linger from recent cold weather influxes.
Diurnal Migration
Two Whooper Swan and a skein of 105 Pink-footed Geese flew south.
Wildfowl and Waders
An influx of Woodcock was evident with 10 birds scattered across the island, several of which were found feeding out in the open. The Barnacle Goose flock increased to 38 birds and additional waterfowl displaced by the current extreme weather included 18 Shoveler, 3 Pochard, 2 Gadwall and a Scaup.
Miscellaneous
A Hen Harrier hunted over the island and other raptors included Merlin and Little Owl. A flock of 100 Twite were logged while 2 Raven included a colour ringed bird.
Images
A record shot of one of today's Woodcock, it almost succeeded in hiding amongst a flock of Starling.
If visiting the island please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the continuing freeze is now beginning to have a noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which are now starting to struggle to survive as temperatures remain below freezing.
Pink-feet head south
8th January 2010 – bright and frosty/calm
Diurnal Migration
Geese were presumably fleeing the snow and frost to the north through the morning with a total of 1345 Pink-footed Geese logged heading south in 9 skeins.
Miscellaneous
A group a 5 Little Egret fed in the ice free tidal pools along the eastern shore.
If visiting the island please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the continuing freeze is now beginning to have a noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which are now starting to struggle to survive as temperatures remain below freezing.
Diurnal Migration
Geese were presumably fleeing the snow and frost to the north through the morning with a total of 1345 Pink-footed Geese logged heading south in 9 skeins.
Miscellaneous
A group a 5 Little Egret fed in the ice free tidal pools along the eastern shore.
If visiting the island please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the continuing freeze is now beginning to have a noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which are now starting to struggle to survive as temperatures remain below freezing.
Raven adds variety
7th January 2010 - bright and frosty/calm
Grounded Migrants
Winter thrush totals continue to dwindle with 34 Fieldfare, 7 Song Thrush, 5 Redwing, 3 Blackbird and a Mistle Thrush logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 180 Pink-footed Geese flew south in 2 skeins.
Wildfowl and Waders
Just 63 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged and a Greenshank was the pick of the waders seen.
Miscellaneous
A Raven was new for the year and a Merlin hunted the salt marshes.
Grounded Migrants
Winter thrush totals continue to dwindle with 34 Fieldfare, 7 Song Thrush, 5 Redwing, 3 Blackbird and a Mistle Thrush logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 180 Pink-footed Geese flew south in 2 skeins.
Wildfowl and Waders
Just 63 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged and a Greenshank was the pick of the waders seen.
Miscellaneous
A Raven was new for the year and a Merlin hunted the salt marshes.
Winter continues its icy grip
6th January 2010 – bright and frosty N1/2
Grounded Migrants
Winter thrushes continue to eke out an existence in the island’s fields and tide line with 30 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing and a Mistle Thrush logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock today contained 106 pale-bellied birds and 15 Pintail were the only other record of note.
Miscellaneous
Five Little Egret were seen and a small group of 14 Twite fed along the tide line.
Ringing
The Brent Goose flock contained HIWW, initially colour-ringed at Strangford Lough, NORTHERN IRELAND on 15th January 2006, it has subsequently been seen at Alftanes, ICELAND, Snaefellsnes, ICELAND and Loch Ryan, SCOTLAND as well as Walney Island.
Grounded Migrants
Winter thrushes continue to eke out an existence in the island’s fields and tide line with 30 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing and a Mistle Thrush logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock today contained 106 pale-bellied birds and 15 Pintail were the only other record of note.
Miscellaneous
Five Little Egret were seen and a small group of 14 Twite fed along the tide line.
Ringing
The Brent Goose flock contained HIWW, initially colour-ringed at Strangford Lough, NORTHERN IRELAND on 15th January 2006, it has subsequently been seen at Alftanes, ICELAND, Snaefellsnes, ICELAND and Loch Ryan, SCOTLAND as well as Walney Island.
Another marsh checked and another Water Pipit found
5th January 2010 – early snow/frost N1/2
Rarities
The continued fastidious checking of the birds flushed from the island’s salt marshes by the current spell of high tides again provided reward. A Water Pipit fed with an assortment of larks, pipits and finches on the sea washed turf of Wylock Marsh near the old tip gates.
Grounded Migrants
The now frozen and snow covered fields continue to support winter thrushes with 60 Fieldfare and 5 Redwing logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 85 pale-bellied birds and 3 Gadwall were seen.
Miscellaneous
Three Little Egret stalked the frozen salt marshes and a small group of 14 Twite were recorded.
Rarities
The continued fastidious checking of the birds flushed from the island’s salt marshes by the current spell of high tides again provided reward. A Water Pipit fed with an assortment of larks, pipits and finches on the sea washed turf of Wylock Marsh near the old tip gates.
Grounded Migrants
The now frozen and snow covered fields continue to support winter thrushes with 60 Fieldfare and 5 Redwing logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 85 pale-bellied birds and 3 Gadwall were seen.
Miscellaneous
Three Little Egret stalked the frozen salt marshes and a small group of 14 Twite were recorded.
Water Pipit and Woodcock
4th January 2010 - bright and frosty/calm
Rarities
Another Water Pipit was amongst 8 Rock Pipit, 25 Skylark and 10 Meadow Pipit pushed out of the North End Marsh by the high tide.
Offshore
Sightings were limited to 30 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes continue to dominate with 26 Fieldfare, 7 Song Thrush, 7 Blackbird and 5 Redwing logged. Another Woodcock was flushed.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 475 Wigeon, 44 Pintail, 25 Goldeneye and 5 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin surveyed a small group of 18 Twite.
Rarities
Another Water Pipit was amongst 8 Rock Pipit, 25 Skylark and 10 Meadow Pipit pushed out of the North End Marsh by the high tide.
Offshore
Sightings were limited to 30 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes continue to dominate with 26 Fieldfare, 7 Song Thrush, 7 Blackbird and 5 Redwing logged. Another Woodcock was flushed.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 475 Wigeon, 44 Pintail, 25 Goldeneye and 5 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin surveyed a small group of 18 Twite.
Barnacle Geeese remain
3rd January 2010 - bright and frosty/calm
Offshore
A group of 8 Shag were the pick of the offshore sightings.
Grounded Migrants
Again thrushes were prominent with 50 Fieldfare, 16 Song Thrush, 8 Blackbird, 7 Redwing and 2 Mistle Thrush logged.
Diurnal Migration
Eight Pink-footed Geese and 4 Whooper Swan flew south and small numbers of Golden Plover and Lapwing were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 36 Barnacle Geese continue to linger and additional sightings included 12 Shoveler, 8 Greenshank and 2 Scaup.
Miscellaneous
A total of 175 Twite were seen but just 2 Little Egret were logged.
Moths
A Chestnut became the first moth to trouble the recorders in 2010.
Offshore
A group of 8 Shag were the pick of the offshore sightings.
Grounded Migrants
Again thrushes were prominent with 50 Fieldfare, 16 Song Thrush, 8 Blackbird, 7 Redwing and 2 Mistle Thrush logged.
Diurnal Migration
Eight Pink-footed Geese and 4 Whooper Swan flew south and small numbers of Golden Plover and Lapwing were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 36 Barnacle Geese continue to linger and additional sightings included 12 Shoveler, 8 Greenshank and 2 Scaup.
Miscellaneous
A total of 175 Twite were seen but just 2 Little Egret were logged.
Moths
A Chestnut became the first moth to trouble the recorders in 2010.
Water Pipits reappear right on cue
2nd January 2010 - early rain then sunny spells NW2/3
Rarities
The first big tides of the year flushed 2 Water Pipit into the flooded fields between Tummerhill Marsh and Biggar Bank, the birds were associating with at least 7 Rock Pipit over the tide.
Offshore
Sightings in poor conditions (0900-1000) were limited to 37 Common Scoter and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
The number of thrushes present on the island showed a slight increase with 80 Fieldfare, 22 Redwing, 15 Blackbird, 9 Song Thrush and a Mistle Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pale-bellied Brent Goose flock held 111 individuals and 7 Shoveler fed amongst the ice. Waders included 5 Jack Snipe - amongst 215 Snipe, 22 Purple Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Five Little Egret were seen and raptors included 2 Little Owl and a Merlin.
Images
Drake Shoveler.
Rarities
The first big tides of the year flushed 2 Water Pipit into the flooded fields between Tummerhill Marsh and Biggar Bank, the birds were associating with at least 7 Rock Pipit over the tide.
Offshore
Sightings in poor conditions (0900-1000) were limited to 37 Common Scoter and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
The number of thrushes present on the island showed a slight increase with 80 Fieldfare, 22 Redwing, 15 Blackbird, 9 Song Thrush and a Mistle Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pale-bellied Brent Goose flock held 111 individuals and 7 Shoveler fed amongst the ice. Waders included 5 Jack Snipe - amongst 215 Snipe, 22 Purple Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Five Little Egret were seen and raptors included 2 Little Owl and a Merlin.
Images
Drake Shoveler.
Woodcock frozen out
1st January 2010 - overcast/early frost NW1/2
Offshore
The flock of 2000 Common Scoter continue to linger distantly offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Two Woodcock were refugees from the cold weather. A decline in the number of thrushes present was evident with just 50 Fieldfare, 14 Redwing, 8 Blackbird, 4 Song Thrush and 3 Mistle Thrush recorded.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 400 Pink-footed Geese flew north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flocks of 98 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 36 Barnacle Geese remain and 4 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
Little Owl, Barn Owl and Merlin were seen and the small group of 3 Red-legged Partridge survive into another year.
Offshore
The flock of 2000 Common Scoter continue to linger distantly offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Two Woodcock were refugees from the cold weather. A decline in the number of thrushes present was evident with just 50 Fieldfare, 14 Redwing, 8 Blackbird, 4 Song Thrush and 3 Mistle Thrush recorded.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 400 Pink-footed Geese flew north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flocks of 98 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 36 Barnacle Geese remain and 4 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
Little Owl, Barn Owl and Merlin were seen and the small group of 3 Red-legged Partridge survive into another year.
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