Great White Egret evades the masses!

30th September 2010 – early showers then sunny spells S3/2/1
Rarities
A Great White Egret flew south over the island early morning.
Offshore
The highlight of morning observations proved to be the presence of 2 Shag with only low numbers of Common Scoter and Razorbill on the move.
Grounded Migrants
Five Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest and single Siskin, Blackbird, Wheatear and Song Thrush were amongst a small influx of Robin.
Diurnal Migration
More activity than of late with 600 Meadow Pipit, 150 Linnet, 60 Chaffinch, 55 Skylark, 40 alba Wagtail, 40 Starling, 35 Greenfinch, 15 Swallow and 4 Grey Wagtail recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 150 Sanderling, 12 Greenshank and single Curlew Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Raptors remain prominent with Merlin, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk all seen and a Water Rail was logged.
Moths
Feathered Rannunculus was new for the year.

Rain puts a dampener on movement

29th September 2010 – rain NW3/4
Grounded Migrants
The second Treecreeper of the year was logged and newly grounded birds were limited to 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Blackcap.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single pale-bellied Brent Goose was seen.
Moths
The moth trap attracted the first Beaded Chestnut of the year.

Weather limiting passage!

28th September 2010 – overcast SE3
Offshore
The highlight of morning observations proved to be the presence of 3 Shag with only low numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter, Razorbill and Guillemot on the move.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds were limited to 3 Chiffchaff and a Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Another meagre showing with just 180 Starling, 100 Meadow Pipit, 30 Skylark, 8 Greenfinch, 5 Swallow, 5 alba Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Siskin logged through the course of the morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single pale-bellied Brent Goose was seen and waders included 23 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit amongst 900 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
Raptors were again prominent with Peregrine, Merlin, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk all seen.

Whinchat pick of a meagre bunch

27th September 2010 – overcast ENE1
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst 9 Stonechat and other sightings included 16 Robin, 11 Dunnock, 10 Greenfinch, 7 Wren, 5 Chiffchaff, 5 Chaffinch, 5 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Considering the conditions remarkably quiet in the skies with just 125 Pink-footed Geese, 50 Meadow Pipit, 10 Swallow, 5 alba Wagtail and 2 Grey Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a flock of 420 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
A total of 8 Little Egret were a poor reflection of the numbers currently present on the island while Barn Owl, Little Owl and Merlin were seen.
Moths
The Brick and Green-brindled Crescent were both new for the year with the latter the first island record for five years.
Images
Green-brindled Crescent


Early Redwing and Treecreeper

26th September 2010 – bright and sunny N2/1
Grounded Migrants
An early Redwing and a Treecreeper were the highlights of the grounded birds which also included 19 Dunnock, 16 Blue Tit, 15 Robin, 7 Wren, 7 Chiffchaff, 3 Tree Sparrow, 3 Great Tit, 2 Lesser Redpoll and single Song Thrush, Blackcap, Wheatear and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Pink-footed Geesse remained on the move with a total of 1020 birds seen heading south, also seen were 200 Meadow Pipit, 45 Swallow, 40 Chaffinch, 40 Jackdaw, 16 Greylag Goose, 12 Greenfinch, 10 alba Wagtail, 8 Siskin and a Grey Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
Single Water Rail, Merlin and Peregrine were logged.

Geese on the move

25th September 2010 – bright and sunny N1/2/3
Offshore
Just small numbers of Common Scoter were on the move early morning.
Grounded Migrants
A scattering of grounded birds included 18 Robin, 10 Dunnock, 6 Blue Tit, 5 Wren, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit and single Tree Sparrow and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Geese were again on the move with 675 Pink-footed Geese heading south and 40 Barnacle Geese heading north. Also logged were 300 Meadow Pipit, 60 Skylark, 40 Chaffinch, 20 alba Wagtail, 10 Swallow, 10 Greenfinch and a Grey Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl continues to be logged.
Moths
Both Red-line Quaker and Yellow-line Quaker were found in the moth trap – the latter the first island record.

Image
Yellow-line Quaker


Lapland Bunting headlines

24th September 2010 – sunny spells NE4/5
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0730-0830) produced a steady trickle of southbound birds with 63 Common Scoter, 30 Razorbill, 12 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet, 2 Sandwich Tern, 2 Guillemot and single Manx Shearwater and Kittiwake logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Lapland Bunting provided the highlight when it was inadvertently disturbed from the tide line and other sightings included 3 White Wagtail, 2 Wheatear and single Whinchat, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Pink-footed Geese were again on the move with 210 birds logged, also seen were 30 Meadow Pipit, 15 Swallow, 10 Skylark, 5 alba Wagtail and a Grey Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
There are now at least 36 Little Egret scattered around the island and birds of prey were well represented with Peregrine, Merlin, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Little Owl all logged.

Slim Pickings

23rd September 2010 – sunshine and showers S3/2/1
Grounded Migrants
Slim pickings were on offer but warblers included 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Observations included 450 Meadow Pipit, 60 Skylark, 40 Pink-footed Goose, 20 Starling, 20 alba Wagtail, 20 Swallow, 10 Snipe, 2 Sand Martin and a Siskin.

Yellow Wagtail and Whinchat

22nd September 2010 – overcast/rain later S3
Grounded Migrants
Single Yellow Wagtail and Whinchat were the best of the grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
Totals through the course of the morning included 650 Meadow Pipit, 185 Linnet, 40 alba Wagtail, 20 Swallow, 18 Skylark, 18 Chaffinch, 10 Grey Wagtail and 4 Greenfinch.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 8 Shoveler.

Visible migration moves to the fore

21st September 2010 – sunny spells S2/3
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds were led by a single Yellow Wagtail – perhaps one of yesterday’s - along with 12 Robin, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff and single Blackcap and Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
More activity than of late with 500 Meadow Pipit, 150 Linnet, 110 Swallow, 60 Skylark, 30 Snipe, 30 Greenfinch, 25 Chaffinch, 18 House Martin, 10 alba Wagtail, 6 Sand Martin and single Raven, Grey Wagtail and Lesser Redpoll logged through the course of the morning.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Moths
The moth trap attracted the first Large Wainscot of the year

Early returning Brent Geese

20th September 2010 – sunny spells W4/3
Offshore
A quieter morning over the sea (0730-1000) was highlighted by a single Leach’s Petrel and dark phase Arctic Skua. Also seen were 104 Common Scoter, 23 Razorbill, 19 Sandwich Tern, 12 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot, 2 Gannet and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
A flock of 60 Meadow Pipit held 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Whinchat was the best of the rest.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 22 pale-bellied Brent Geese were newly arrived.

Sabine’s Gull and more Leach’s Petrels

19th September 2010 – rain, heavy and squally at times SW4
Offshore
The wind switched back to a more favourable south-westerly overnight and the day began well with a juvenile Sabines’s Gull that was seen at three locations along the island’s western shoreline as it moved steadily north (0745-0800). An extended seawatch (0830-1230) then produced 15 Leach’s Petrels with a further 7 Leach’s Petrel later in the day (1430-1630) increasing the day total to 22 - one of the largest ever for the island. It was definitely a day of quality rather than quantity with the supporting cast limited to 37 Common Scoter, 19 Razorbill, 12 Sandwich Tern, 9 Guillemot, 8 Red-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwater and single Gannet and Great Crested Grebe.

Image
Juvenile Sabine's Gull

Leach's Petrel at last!

18th September 2010 – overcast/rain at times NW4
Offshore
Morning observations (0850-0950) produced 30 Common Scoter, 24 Razorbill, 14 Guillemot, 12 Sandwich Tern, 6 Red-throated Diver and 3 Shag. A further brief seawatch (1445-1520) produced single Leach's Petrel, Red-throated Diver and Shag and 5 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds included 300 Meadow Pipit, 22 alba Wagtail, 8 Robin, 2 Goldcrest and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 190 Pink-footed Geese and single Siskin, Grey Wagtail and Yellow Wagtail were logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 28 Little Egret remain and a Barn Owl hunted over the island at dawn.
Mammals
A Stoat dodged the traffic and a Harbour Porpoise was seen.

Pink-feet on the move

17th September 2010 – bright and sunny NNW3
Offshore
Much quieter today with just small numbers of Gannet and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
An influx of Meadow Pipit was evident with 550 birds logged along with 23 alba Wagtail, 10 Robin, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear and single Whinchat and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Several small skeins of Pink-footed Geese, totalling 155 birds, headed south and additional sightings included 100 Meadow Pipit, 20 Skylark, 10 Swallow and 4 Jackdaw.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit.

Black Tern leads sightings

16th September 2010 – sunny spells NW4/5
Offshore
The westerly gale blew itself out overnight and the wind switched to a less favourable north-westerly. Morning observations (0730-0900) again provided variety with a juvenile Black Tern moving out of Morecambe Bay the highlight. Additional sightings included 130 Common Scoter, 14 Razorbill, 14 Red-throated Diver, 3 Gannet, 2 Fulmar, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Sandwich Tern and single Shag and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff and 5 Wheatear amongst a smattering of Robin.
Diurnal Migration
A Grey Wagtail was amongst small numbers of Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 24 Greenshank, 3 Curlew Sandpiper and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
A Lunar Underwing was the first of the year.

Sooty Shearwater headlines

15th September 2010 – rain at times W8/7/6
Offshore
Observations throughout the morning on the falling tide (0745-1145) provided variety if not quantity with always something of interest to be seen. The pick of the day’s sightings was a Sooty Shearwater that flew out of Morecambe Bay at 0855hrs along with single Storm Petrel and Black Tern. Also seen were 60 Gannet, 42 Razorbill, 24 Kittiwake, 20 Common Scoter, 7 Sandwich Tern, 4 Fulmar, 4 Scaup, 3 Great Skua, 3 Guillemot, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Manx Shearwater and 2 Arctic Tern.

Rubbish seawatching

14th September 2010 – rain at times W5/6/7
Offshore
Observations on the falling tide (1630-1830) produced 22 Razobill, 7 Gannet, 7 Sandwich Tern, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Guillemot and single Arctic Skua and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A handful of Wheatear were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least one Little Stint remains.

WeBS

13th September 2010 – rain SW5/6/7
Offshore
Observations on the falling tide (1630-1730) produced 10 Razorbill, 5 Gannet, 3 Manx Shearwater, 2 Kittiwake and a Sandwich Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
The monthly WeBS count produced totals of 8050 Oystercatcher, 1590 Redshank, 536 Curlew, 303 Turnstone, 270 Sanderling, 224 Cormorant, 189 Ringed Plover, 175 Teal, 160 Lapwing, 121 Grey Plover, 120 Knot, 90 Dunlin, 67 Wigeon, 60 Golden Plover and 36 Bar-tailed Godwit.

Waders continue to hold interest

12th September 2010 – early rain then sunny spells WNW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0745-0845) produced 102 Common Scoter, 15 Sandwich Tern, 7 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver, 8 Razorbill and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was the pick of the grounded birds which also included 100 Meadow Pipit, 32 alba Wagtail, 11 Wheatear, 10 White Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaff and single Willow Warbler and Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A juvenile Marsh Harrier flew through and a few House Martin and Sand Martin were amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders continue to hold interest with 33 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Stint and single Ruff and Spotted Redshank logged.

Another small fall

11th September 2010 – early rain then sunny spells SW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0745-0845) produced 110 Common Scoter, 46 Sandwich Tern, 22 Razorbill, 19 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Manx Shearwater and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
An increase in grounded birds from recent days with 17 Chiffchaff, 10 Wheatear, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Blackcap and 2 Whitethroat logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 40 Greenshank, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Whimbrel and single Little Stint and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A post-roost gathering of Little Egret contained 30 birds, including 7 colour-ringed individuals and additional sightings included Water Rail, Merlin and Barn Owl.

Not a day for passerines

10th September 2010 – rain SW3/4
Grounded Migrants
Very slim pickings with just small numbers of Chiffchaff and Robin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Shelduck and Wigeon numbers are beginning to build with 60 of the latter logged. Six Shoveler remain and waders continue to provide reward with 35 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Curlew Sandpiper and the lingering juvenile Little Stint logged amongst good numbers of Redshank.
Miscellaneous
At least six colour-ringed Little Egret are now present on the island.

Late Cuckoo

9th September 2010 – bright and sunny W3
Grounded Migrants
A late Cuckoo was a surprise and newly arrived birds involved 14 Chiffchaff, 5 Whitethroat, 4 Robin, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Wheatear. In addition a flock of 10 Long-tailed Tits were recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders still provide interest with 21 Greenshank, 6 Curlew Sandpiper and single Little Stint and Black-tailed Godwit logged.
Miscellaneous
Good numbers of Little Egret continue to roam the island’s salt marshes where four colour-ringed individuals have now identified.

Fall conditions!

8th September 2010 – bright and sunny V1
Grounded Migrants
Despite the apparently unsuitable conditions – clear skies and light winds – the number of grounded birds increased dramatically with totals of 30 Chiffchaff, 26 Willow Warbler, 9 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 4 Robin, 3 Stonechat, 3 Wren, 2 Wheatear, 2 Great Tit, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Goldcrest and a Spotted Flycatcher recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Swallow, Grey Wagtail and Meadow Pipit were all on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Six Shoveler remain and waders continue to keep interest with 26 Greenshank, 3 Curlew Sandpiper and single Little Stint, Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit logged.
Miscellaneous
A further increase in the number of Little Egret around the island was noted with at least 28 birds seen including perhaps five colour-ringed individuals, although reading the ring numbers is proving frustrating. A Water Rail squealed.

Curlew Sandpipers increase

7th September 2010 – sunshine and showers ESE3
Grounded Migrants
Although 60 Meadow Pipit were present sightings were otherwise thin on the ground with just 2 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat and single White Wagtail and Willow Warbler logged.

Diurnal Migration
An Osprey flew south down Walney Channel through the morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
Six Shoveler remained amongst 170 Teal and waders 5 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Ruff.
Miscellaneous
A further increase in the number of Little Egret around the island was noted with at least 27 birds seen including several colour-ringed individuals.

Passerines blown away

6th September 2010 – sunny spells/rain by evening ESE5/6/7
Grounded Migrants
The weather conditions - winds almost to gale force in gusts - were not conducive to finding grounded birds with just 20 alba Wagtail and a single Goldcrest was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Six Shoveler were amongst 110 Teal and waders included 17 Greenshank, 3 Curlew Sandpiper and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A further increase in the number of Little Egret around the island was noted with at least 23 birds seen.

Curlew Sandpipers again

5th September 2010 – early showers then sunny spells SE4/5
Offshore
Again the sea proved disappointing with sightings limited to 60 Sandwich Tern and a handful of Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Very slim pickings with just 2 Whitethroat and a Wheatear logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow were on the move prior to early morning showers.
Wildfowl and Waders
Four Shoveler were amongst 140 Teal and waders included 32 Greeenshank, 2 Curlew Sandpiper and a Black-tailed Godwit amongst 1450 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
At least one colour-ringed Little Egret continues to tour the island.
Images
Little Egret and Greenshank.




Curlew Sandpipers remain

4th September 2010 – sunny spells SSE3/4
Offshore
Observations on the morning falling tide produced 60 Sandwich Tern, 10 Gannet, 5 Common Scoter, 3 Shag and single Arctic Tern and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Little evidence to suggest the arrival of any migrants overnight with just 2 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest and single Wheatear, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
Just small numbers of Swallow, Sand Martin, alba Wagtail and Meadow Pipit battled against the wind.
Wildfowl and Waders
There are now 3 Shoveler amongst 110 Teal and waders included 30 Greenshank, 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper and a Black-tailed Godwit amongst 1100 Redshank.
Images
Record shot of the Curlew Sandpiper and yesterday’s Bordered Beauty.



Slow pace migration

3rd September 2010 – bright and sunny SE2
Offshore
Just small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter and Sandwich Tern were logged.
Grounded Migrants
The day again dawned bright and sunny with light winds and grounded migrants involved 6 Robin, 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Wheatear, 3 White Wagtail, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and single Sedge Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A lighter passage today with totals including 100 Swallow, 15 alba Wagtail, 6 Grey Wagtail, 3 House Martin and single Tree Pipit and Sand Martin.
Moths
A Bordered Beauty was just the third island record and the first for 10 years.

Curlew Sandpipers lead sightings

2nd September 2010 – bright and sunny SE1/2
Offshore
Just the lingering flock of 40 Sandwich Tern was evident over calm seas.
Grounded Migrants
Yet another bright day with light winds, 130 Swallow were on the wires early morning and a small increase in grounded birds was evident with 20 alba Wagtail, 9 Stonechat, 9 Robin, 8 Whitethroat, 4 Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail and single Tree Sparrow, Sedge Warbler, Whinchat and Willow Warbler logged along with the first Goldcrest of the autumn.
Diurnal Migration
Passage continues to build with 480 Swallow, 33 Sand Martin, 25 alba Wagtail, 20 Meadow Pipit, 18 Tree Sparrow, 5 House Martin, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit and a Little Egret recorded through the course of the morning.
Wildfowl and Waders

Waders were led by 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper along with 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.

Tree Sparrows

1st September 2010 – bright and sunny V1/2
Offshore
Just 40 Sandwich Tern and a handful of Gannet were evident over calm seas.
Grounded Migrants
Another bright day with light winds, 150 Swallow were on the wires early morning, however grounded birds were generally in short supply with 17 alba Wagtail, 5 Robin, 3 Wheatear, 3 Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler as good as it got.
Diurnal Migration
Some movement was apparent through the course of the morning with a flock of 40 Tree Sparrow and a Tree Pipit the highlight. Also seen were 100 Swallow, 10 alba Wagtail, 5 House Martin and a Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Shoveler was amongst 110 Teal.
Miscellaneous
A Raven was seen and raptors included Merlin and Peregrine.
Moths
The moth trap held 24 species including a Red Underwing – the third island record – and the first Frosted Orange of the year.
Images
Red Underwing.