What happened to spring!

31st March 2010 – rain, sleet, snow NNW6/7/8
Offshore
Morning observations (0900-1000) produced just small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter, Red-throated Diver, Red-breasted Merganser and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Only a single Wheatear troubled observers.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 107 pale-bellied birds and the pair of Gadwall continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was logged and 2 Little Egret were the best of the rest.

Water Pipits remain

30th March 2010 – rain SE1/2
Rarities
At least 5 Water Pipit – including one in almost full summer plumage - were in the flooded fields and horse paddocks along Biggar Bank over the high tide period.
Offshore
Morning observations (0815-0915) produced small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter, Red-throated Diver, Red-breasted Merganser, Sandwich Tern, Guillemot and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Chiffchaff were logged amongst 200 Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 105 pale-bellied birds and 3 Greenshank were amongst 1150 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 100 Twite and 4 Little Egret were the best of the rest.

Water Pipits reappear

29th March 2010 – rain SE1/2
Rarities
The latest round of high tides again pushed 2 Water Pipit from the salt marshes and onto the flooded horse paddocks along Biggar Bank. The birds are now in transitional moult as they begin to attain breeding plumage.
Offshore
Morning observations (0815-0915) produced 32 Common Scoter, 11 Gannet, 10 Razorbill, 7 Sandwich Tern, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Red-throated Diver and single Fulmar – the first of the year - and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Wheatear and a Chiffchaff were logged amongst 70 Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pair of Gadwall remain and the Brent Goose flock held 95 pale-bellied birds.

Meadow Pipits remain on the move

28th March 2010 – bright and sunny W3/2
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (0900-1000) produced 40 Gannet, 32 Common Scoter, 23 Razorbill, 15 Kittiwake, 11 Sandwich Tern, 7 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Red-throated Diver
Grounded Migrants
Again only a few Wheatear were evident with 8 birds logged.
Diurnal Migration
Meadow Pipits remain on the move with 160 birds logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 93 pale-bellied birds and waders included 760 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
Three Little Egret remain and 2 Little Owl basked in the midday sun.

More Velvet Scoters

27th March 2010 – sunny spells NW2/3
Offshore
Intermittent observations through the morning were led by a group of 4 female Velvet Scoter, also seen were 85 Razorbill, 23 Red-breasted Merganser, 23 Red-throated Diver, 21 Common Scoter, 18 Gannet, 13 Kittiwake, 8 Sandwich Tern, 3 Shag and 2 Guillemot
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 5 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A Siskin flew through and small numbers of Meadow Pipit and alba Wagtail remain on the move.

Mammals
Both Stoat and Hare were seen.
Moths
Hebrew Character and Common Quaker were new for the year.

Low key migration continues

26th March 2010 – showers at times S2
Offshore
A quick check over the sea at low tide revealed just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 15 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Meadow Pipits continue to move through with 100 birds logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank.

First Sand Martin and White Wagtail

25th March 2010 – early rain, then hazy sun SE1/2
Offshore
A quick check over the sea early morning produced 30 Red-breasted Merganser, 20 Razorbill, 4 Sandwich Tern, 3 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
An increase in grounded birds saw 18 Wheatear, 4 Chiffchaff and an early male White Wagtail logged.
Diurnal Migration
The first sustained pipit movement of the spring saw 510 Meadow Pipit moving through along with 12 alba Wagtail. A total of 5 Sand Martin flew north and 4 Fieldfare flew in off the Irish Sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 300 Turnstone held at least 10 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Little Egret and 70 Twite remain.

Whooper Swans continue to move through

24th March 2010 – rain clearing to showers later SE3/2/1
Offshore
A Shag was the only record of note logged.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to 4 Wheatear and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 11 Whooper Swan headed north early evening.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 100 pale-bellied birds and the 2 Gadwall remain.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 41 birds and 3 Little Egret were seen.

Mammals
Three Brown Hare and a Weasel were logged.

Slavonian Grebe

23rd March 2010 – overcast/rain by evening SE2/3
Offshore
Morning observations (0620-0720) revealed just small numbers of birds on the move with 14 Common Scoter, 12 Razorbill, 11 Gannet, 8 Red-throated Diver and 7 Red-breasted Merganser. A second evening seawatch (16-15-1715) produced the highlight of the day when a Slavonian Grebe drifted along the western shore, also seen were 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill and a Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 89 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Again just 2 Little Egret were logged.

First Chiffchaff arrives

22nd March 2010 – rain clearing to showers SW3/4
Offshore
An evening seawatch revealed just small numbers of Gannet, Kittiwake, Razorbill and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
The first Chiffchaff and Goldcrest of the spring were recorded along with a single Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Velvet Scoter continues to linger and at least 2 Gadwall remain.
Miscellaneous
Just 2 Little Egret were logged.

Little Gull influx

21st March 2010 – sunny spells rain by evening SW2/3
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (1030-11300) were dominated by a loose flock of 73 Little Gull (all adults) lingering in the mouth of Morecambe Bay before flying back out into the Irish Sea. Also seen were 4205 Eider, 26 Razorbill, 10 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Gannet and single Shag
Grounded Migrants
A single Wheatear was seen.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Meadow Pipit remain on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Several Greenshank continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 30 Twite were again logged and 2 Little Egret and a Raven were seen.

First Sandwich Terns appear offshore

20th March 2010 – rain NE3
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (1100-1200) produced 180 Razorbill, 44 Gannet, 22 Kittiwake, 17 Red-breasted Merganser, 11 Red-throated Diver, 9 Common Scoter, 4 Sandwich Tern, 3 Little Gull (adults) and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Four Fieldfare and a Redwing were grounded by the conditions.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Meadow Pipit were on the move despite the rain.
Wildfowl and Waders
Several Greenshank remain and wildfowl included 79 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 9 Shoveler and 3 Gadwall.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 30 Twite were logged and 2 Little Egret were seen.

The Wheatear has landed

19th March 2010 – bright and breezy/hazy S3/4
Offshore
Hazy conditions were again prevalent over sea (0800-0900) limiting visibility, however; sighting were led by 5 Little Gull (adults) moving into Morecambe Bay amongst 37 Kittiwake, 15 Gannet, 9 Razorbill and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
The first Wheatear of the spring made landfall on the island several days behind the mean arrival date for this species.
Miscellaneous
Just a single Little Egret and 3 Twite were logged.
Moths
Early flying macros attracted to the moth trap involved Mottled Grey and Red Sword-grass.

Velvet Scoter returns

18th March 2010 – overcast/murky/rain later S3
Offshore
Two Red-throated Diver were the only record of note.
Diurnal Migration
A Siskin was the first of the spring and a few Meadow Pipit were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 7 Barnacle Geese reappeared, perhaps returning remnants from the long-staying flock that were in residence at the beginning of the year and the Brent Goose flock held 81 pale-bellied birds, however; the highlight of the day involved an adult female Velvet Scoter amongst the Eider flock. This is perhaps the same bird that was found summering with the Eiders last year.
Miscellaneous
Small numbers of Little Egret and 2 Raven continue to roam the island.

Run of the mill sightings

17th March 2010 – overcast/murky SW3
Offshore
A murky start to the day limited visibility during morning observations (0830-0930), however the sea still provided 41 Razorbill. 19 Gannet, 14 Kittiwake, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A Redwing was the sole entry in this category.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 95 pale-bellied birds and additional wildfowl included 6 Shoveler and 2 Gadwall
Miscellaneous
Small numbers of Little Egret continue to roam along the eastern salt marshes of the island.

More Little Gulls

16th March 2010 – sunny spells SW1
Offshore
Morning observations (0810-0910) produced 29 Kittiwake, 27 Common Scoter, 10 Razorbill, 5 Little Gull (adults), 5 Gannet and 4 Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 80 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Small numbers of Little Egret continue to roam the island.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Small Tortoiseshell of the year was on the wing and the island’s fourth Dotted Border was the first spring macro in the moth trap.

Great Northern Diver

15th March 2010 – overcast W3
Offshore
Early morning observations on the rising tide (0810-0910) were led by a Great Northern Diver. Also seen were 25 Gannet, 17 Common Scoter, 11 Razorbill, 10 Kittiwake, 6 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
The only grounded migrant passerine was a male Chaffinch.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 46 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 3 Gadwall

Little Gulls

14th March 2010 – bright and NW2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations on the rising tide ((0740-0840) were led by 2 adult Little Gull, also seen were 63 Razorbill, 27 Gannet, 23 Common Scoter, 10 Kittiwake, 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Guillemot.
Diurnal Migration
Several Pied Wagtails flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 11 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 50 Twite were seen.

Starling from Sweden

13th March 2010 – bright and sunny NW2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations on the rising tide ((0715-0815) produced 20 Common Scoter, 17 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Gannet and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A flock of 32 Redwing were logged.
Diurnal Migration
The first Grey Wagtail of the spring flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 20 Purple Sandpiper.
Ringing
Details of a Starling found on the island on 29th August 1998 have only just recently been received. It had been ringed as a nestling at Torslanda, Hisingen, Goteborg och Bohus, SWEDEN (1017km ENE) on 28th May 1997.

Goldfinch to France

12th March 2010 – bright and sunny NW1/2
Offshore
Offshore sightings led the way with 130 Razorbill, 30 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 12 Kittiwake, 10 Gannet and 5 Shag logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Just 7 pale-bellied Brent Goose were recorded.
Miscellaneous
The pair of Raven including the colour-ringed bird remain.
Mammals
A group of 44 Grey Seal were hauled out on a sand bar in the mouth of Morecambe Bay at low tide.
Ringing
One of the main species ringed on the island in recent years, a Goldfinch trapped on 18th September 2006 was recovered at Cerisy Buleux, Somme, FRANCE (564km SE) on 24th December 2008.

Wildfowl dominate sightings

8th March 2010 – bright and frosty/calm
Diurnal Migration
A total of 37 Whooper Swan flew through in two flocks.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 66 pale-bellied birds and the pair of Gadwall continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
The pre roost gathering of Little Egret held 8 birds and 2 Raven still in residence, included the colour ringed individual.

Whooper Swans remain on the move

7th March 2010 – bright and frosty SE1/2
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by a solitary Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 51 Whooper Swan flew north in four flocks and a skein of 48 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Bar-tailed Godwit, 9 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The day-flying Barn Owl was still in evidence and a Merlin hunted 70 Twite.

Day flying Barn Owl

6th March 2010 – overcast/calm
Offshore
With the exception of 4300 Eider it was generally quiet offshore with just 66 Red-breasted Merganser, 24 Common Scoter, 12 Razorbill, 9 Red-throated Diver, 7 Shag and a Kittiwake logged.
Grounded Migrants
A few winter thrushes were again in evidence with 3 Fieldfare and 3 Redwing logged.
Diurnal Migration
A group of three Whooper Swan flew north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pair of Gadwall continue to linger and the Brent Goose flock contained 58 dark-bellied and 32 pale-bellied birds, waders included 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A day-flying Barn Owl was logged along with 100 Twite, several Little Egret and single Little Owl, Raven and Peregrine.

A hint of spring

3rd March 2010 – overcast E2/3
Offshore
A single Shag was the only record of note.
Grounded Migrants
A Woodpigeon and two Collared Dove were further early hints of spring.
Diurnal Migration
The Whooper Swan exodus north began in earnest with a flock of 23 birds seen and a skein of 30 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 50 Red-breasted Merganser were logged and waders included 3000 Knot and 8 Greenshank and 4 Black-tailed Godwit amongst 500 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
Four Raven and single Little Egret and Merlin were other sightings of interest.

Water Pipits remain

2nd March 2010 – bright and sunny E1
Rarities
Two Water Pipits were amongst 8 Rock Pipit in the flooded fields along Biggar Bank.
Offshore
Morning observations (0900-1000) provided just small numbers of Gannet, Red-throated Diver, Kittiwake, Red-breasted Merganser, Great Crested Grebe and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A group of 8 Fieldfare were seen and a grounded migrant Collared Dove was an early hint of spring.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 400 Pink-footed Geese in 4 skeins flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Just 10 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged and waders included 410 Golden Plover and 22 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret, Little Owl and Merlin were other sightings of interest.

Water Pipit and Black Guillemot

1st March 2010 – bright and sunny/calm
Rarities
A single Water Pipit was again in the flooded fields along Biggar Bank.
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) were led by a north bound winter plumaged Black Guillemot and additional sightings included 20 Red-breasted Merganser, 13 Red-throated Diver, 9 Common Scoter and 4 Kittiwake.
Miscellaneous
A Little Egret was the only other record of note.