Mealy Redpoll provides surprise

31st October 2010 – overcast with early rain
Rarities
A Mealy Redpoll was trapped and ringed.
Grounded Migrants
An increase in grounded birds overnight saw 20 Greenfinch, 10 Blackbird, 10 Chaffinch and single Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Totals through the course of the morning included 750 Jackdaw, 560 Starling, 335 Pink-footed Geese, 58 Whooper Swan, 35 Tree Sparrow, 16 Meadow Pipit, 12 Siskin, 10 Chaffinch, 9 Fieldfare, 6 Brambling, 3 Redwing, 3 Redpoll, 2 Rock Pipit and a Mistle Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck reappeared.
Ringing
The small but hard-working ringing team were rewarded with a record monthly ringing total for the island. The figure of 702 birds of 32 species eclipsed the previous October best of 602 birds of 23 species trapped in 2005 and the previous best ever monthly total of 655 birds of 25 species achieved in September 1996. Individual species totals involved Goldfinch (202), Greenfinch (115), Chaffinch (87), Blackbird (49), Goldcrest (40), Wren (30), Blue Tit (26), Dunnock (26), Song Thrush (18), Robin (16), Chiffchaff (11), House Sparrow (11), Tree Sparrow (8), Meadow Pipit (7), Reed Bunting (6), Stonechat (6), Long-tailed Tit (5), Great Tit (5), Linnet (5), Blackcap (5), Redwing (4), Lesser Redpoll (3), Fieldfare (3), Yellow-browed Warbler (2), Brambling (2), Willow Warbler (2), Great Spotted Woodpecker (2), Siskin (2), Merlin (1), Starling (1), Bullfinch (1), Mealy Redpoll (1).
Images
Some of the species less frequently caught on the island this month – Brambling, Mealy Redpoll, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Bullfinch.

Twite origins revealed!

30th October 2010 – sunny spells and heavy showers SSW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations provided just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Gannet, Shag, Common Scoter, Kittiwake, Guillemot and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds were limited to 6 Blackbird and single Rock Pipit, Song Thrush and Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings involved 160 Jackdaw, 10 Meadow Pipit, 8 Skylark, 6 Tree Sparrow, 2 Siskin and a Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 14 Greenshank remain.
Miscellaneous
A ringtail Hen Harrier quartered the dunes and a Merlin hunted the small flock of 12 Twite. At least one Water Rail continues to linger.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Twite that has been present for a couple of days had been ringed at Machrihanish on the Mull of Kintyre earlier in the year.

Hen Harrier reappears!

29th October 2010 – overcast rain at times SSE4/5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations provided just 5 Common Scoter and a solitary Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Just 3 Redwing and single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff were seen with little to suggest that they were newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
A late Swallow was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 48 pale-bellied and 5 dark-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The ringtail Hen Harrier put in another appearance.

Slavonian Grebes

28th October 2010 – overcast then rain SW4
Offshore
Early morning observations provided just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, Kittiwake and Razorbill. Two Slavonian Grebes appeared over the high tide.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds were limited to 2 Fieldfare and single Redwing, Song Thrush and Blackbird.
Diurnal Migration
Flocks of 220 Starling, 160 Jackdaw, 10 Greenfinch, 5 Carrion Crow and single Siskin and Redpoll were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 16 pale-bellied Brent Geese.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin hunted a small flock of 12 Twite.

Image

Slavonian Grebes

Hard work for little reward!

27th October 2010 – sunny spells SW4/5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) provided just small numbers of Common Scoter, Kittiwake, Razorbill and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds were limited to single Fieldfare, Redwing and Rock Pipit.
Diurnal Migration
Just 2 Redpoll and a Rock Pipit were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 33 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 24 Barnacle Geese and a Pink-footed Goose while waders were represented by 1600 Golden Plover, 150 Sanderling and 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A pre roost gathering of Little Egret held 33 birds and a Merlin hunted a small flock of Twite.

Rain stops play!

26th October 2010 – rain, heavy at times S3
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds were limited to single Goldcrest and Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl numbers continue to build with Wigeon leading the way, the Brent Goose flock held 33 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Seven Twite were logged and at least 14 Little Egret remain.

Long-tailed Duck and Hen Harrier

25th October 2010 – bright and sunny ESE1
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 12 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing and a Fieldfare. Otherwise grounded birds were limited to a lingering Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings included 600 Jackdaw, 60 Skylark, 12 Meadow Pipit 10 Greenfinch, 6 Chaffinch, 3 alba Wagtail, 3 Brambling and 3 Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Long-tailed Duck was belated news from yesterday and today produced 45 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 26 Barnacle Geese, 3 Whooper Swan, a single Pink-footed Goose and 19 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A ringtail Hen Harrier was seen and least one Merlin and 11 Little Egret remain. Two Twite were logged.
Image
Long-tailed Duck.

Usual late autumn suspects

24th October 2010 – bright and sunny N1
Grounded Migrants
A few more grounded birds than of late with thrushes represented by 15 Blackbird, 7 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush and 6 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings included 650 Jackdaw, 100 Pink-footed Geese, 32 Tree Sparrow, 20 Greenfinch, 17 Magpie, 10 Carrion Crow, 10 Brambling, 7 Siskin, 6 Chaffinch, 5 Long-tailed Tit and single Rock Pipit.
Ringing
Singles of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinch and Siskin were all seldom caught species on the island
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Water Rail and a Little Owl remain.
Image
Stonechats - aberrant male and female.

The lows and highs of birding

23rd October 2010 – early rain NNE2/3
Rarities
Early morning produced no sign of the Grey Phalarope with would be observers treated to views of an irresponsible photographer tramping around and flushing everything from the flooded field that it had resided in for the last two days. However, spirits were restored when a Yellow-browed Warbler was trapped and ringed in the observatory garden at 0930hrs before gradually making its way to Snab Point by late afternoon – fortunately there was no sign of the photographer!!
Grounded Migrants
Otherwise a generally quiet day with additional grounded birds limited to 3 Fieldfare and single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Little was on the move early morning with just 5 Tree Sparrow, 2 Brambling and single Raven and Redpoll logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Water Rail remain.
Image
Today’s Yellow-browed Warbler

Grey Phalarope attracts the crowds

22nd October 2010 –sunny spells and showers WSW4/5
Rarities
The Grey Phalarope remained on floodwater at Snab Point throughout the day and a Lapland Bunting was at Hare Hill early afternoon.
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide (1000-1100) produced 52 Razorbill, 26 Kittiwake, 15 Common Scoter, 4 Guillemot and single Shag and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to single Fieldfare, Blackcap and Chiffchaff
Diurnal Migration
Little was on the move early morning with 2 Tree Sparrow the only record of note.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 7 Pintail are now in residence, a Whooper Swan was seen and the flock of pale-bellied Brent Geese increased to 45 birds, including 6 juveniles.
Miscellaneous
At least 12 Little Egret remain on the island, raptors included Merlin and Sparrowhawk and the Water Rail remains in residence

Grey Phalarope takes star billing

21st October 2010 –sunny spells W3/4/5
Rarities
A Grey Phalarope was briefly on the gate pool at South Walney Nature Reserve at first light before being relocated early afternoon on floodwater at Snab Point.
Offshore
Just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, Razorbill and Kittiwake were over the sea on the falling tide.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to single Wheatear and Chiffchaff
Diurnal Migration
Little was on the move early morning with 20 Fieldfare, 4 Jackdaw and a Lesser Redpoll the pick of the records.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 18 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included Merlin and Little Owl.
Images
A couple of record shots of the Grey Phalarope.

Whooper Swans on the move and Barnacle Geese drop in

20th October 2010 – bright and sunny E1 then W3
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 12 Blackbird, 6 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and a Fieldfare
Diurnal Migration
Overhead migration appears to be thinning out with calm and clear conditions early morning producing just 480 Jackdaw, 14 Whooper Swan, 5 Tree Sparrow, 3 Fieldfare, 2 Siskin and a Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
A herd of 15 Whooper Swan were seen and a flock of 12 Barnacle Geese dropped in. Waders included 14 Greenshank – including the long-staying colour ringed bird.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was heard and raptors included Merlin and Peregrine.

First Goldeneye returns

19th October 2010 – sunny spells and heavy showers NW4/5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) provided 46 Common Scoter, 7 Razorbill, 4 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings were limited to single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Flocks of 30 Pink-footed Geese, 20 Tree Sparrow, 14 Skylark and 5 Whooper Swan dodged the showers
Wildfowl and Waders
The first returning Goldeneye was logged.

Pochard flock provides surprise

18th October 2010 – sunny spells W4/5/6
Offshore
A flock of 6 Pochard were the surprise highlight of early morning observations which also produced 39 Common Scoter, 28 Razorbill, 10 Kittiwake, 3 Guillemot, 3 Gannet, 2 Shag and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds included 5 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff.

Jackdaws on the move

17th October 2010 – overcast E1 then WSW3
Offshore
Morning observations produced 2 Shag and small numbers of Common Scoter and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds were reduced on yesterday with 9 Blackbird, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and single Redwing and Fieldfare likely candidates for new arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
Morning passage was dominated by a massive movement of 2800 Jackdaw, also seen were 85 Skylark, 30 Greenfinch, 12 alba Wagtail, 10 Chaffinch, 4 Redpoll, 4 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Brambling, 2 Siskin and a Mistle Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 18 Greenshank continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
Peregrine and Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Images
Lesser Redpoll and migrating Pink-footed Goose showing heavy wing moult!

Early morning thrushes

16th October 2010 – sunny spells/calm then NE1/2
Grounded Migrants
An increase in newly grounded birds was apparent with 25 Greenfinch, 17 Blackbird, 11 Redwing, 8 Goldcrest, 7 Chiffchaff, 6 Chaffinch, 5 Song Thrush and single Grey Wagtail and Fieldfare amongst the species logged.
Diurnal Migration
Totals through the course of the morning included: 620 Pink-footed Geese, 550 Jackdaw, 50 Skylark, 25 Meadow Pipit, 6 Siskin, 5 Brambling, 5 Tree Sparrow, 4 Whooper Swan and 2 Raven.
Ringing
Another good day with 85 birds of 15 species trapped and ringed on the island. Totals involved 34 Goldfinch, 15 Greenfinch, 6 Blackbird, 4 Wren, 4 Chaffinch, 4 Blue Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 House Sparrow and single Brambling, Reed Bunting and Fieldfare.
Miscellaneous
The 2 Water Rail remain and raptors included Merlin, Peregrine, Kestrel, Little Owl and Sparrowhawk.
Images
Early morning thrushes included Fieldfare and Redwing.

Velvet Scoter

15th October 2010 – overcast NNW3/4
Offshore
Observations over the rising tide provided a Velvet Scoter amongst 20 Common Scoter and small numbers of Razorbill and Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds were limited to 3 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and single Redwing, Song Thrush, Tree Sparrow and Lesser Redpoll.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included Merlin, Peregrine, Kestrel, Little Owl and Sparrowhawk.
Moths
Red-green Carpet and Green-brindled Crescent were attracted to the moth trap.

Brent Geese begin to build

14th October 2010 – overcast/NNE1
Grounded Migrants
Numbers continued to fall with just 10 Blackbird, 5 Goldcrest, 3 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Chiffchaff logged, many of which were leftovers from the last couple of days.
Diurnal Migration
Quiet in the skies with 155 Pink-footed Geese, 5 Swallow, 3 alba Wagtail, 2 Raven and a Grey Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock begins to build with 25 dark-bellied and 8 pale-bellied birds present.
Images
Tree Sparrow and Lesser Redpoll - a couple of the less frequently caught species trapped on the island in the last few days.

First Whooper Swans of the autumn

13th October 2010 – overcast/calm
Grounded Migrants
A less spectacular showing compared to yesterday with 17 Blackbird, 15 Chaffinch, 12 Goldcrest, 8 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, 3 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Fieldfare and a Lesser Redpoll amongst the species logged.
Diurnal Migration
Totals were limited to 35 Pink-footed Geese, 30 Meadow Pipit, 8 Whooper Swan - the first of the autumn, 5 Siskin and 4 alba Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 17 Greenshank remain.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was heard.
Moths
A Black Rustic was the first of the year.

First Twite of the autumn

12th October 2010 – bright and sunny/calm
Grounded Migrants
Despite the bright and clear conditions something of a fall was detected. Sightings included 41 Goldcrest, 30 Robin, 21 Wren, 20 Dunnock, 17 Blackbird, 17 Blue Tit, 10 Greenfinch, 10 Chaffinch, 8 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Mistle Thrush and single Fieldfare and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Pink-footed Geese were again on the move through the course of the morning with 800 birds logged. Also seen were 220 Jackdaw, 40 Meadow Pipit, 23 Linnet, 20 Skylark, 14 Brambling, 10 alba Wagtail, 10 Tree Sparrow, 6 Twite, 4 Siskin and a Redpoll
Miscellaneous
Two Water Rail were heard and single Barn Owl and Peregrine were seen.
Ringing
An excellent day with 104 birds of 17 species ringed. Totals involved 29 Goldfinch, 21 Goldcrest, 11 Blue Tit, 7 Greenfinch, 7 Blackbird, 6 Robin, 5 Dunnock, 4 Wren, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Song Thrush and single Willow Warbler, Tree Sparrow, Brambling, Chaffinch, Great Tit and Redwing.
Moths
The migrant Rusty Dot Pearl was attracted to the moth trap.
Dragonflies
A Migrant Hawker was again on the wing.

First Fieldfare of the autumn

11th October 2010 – bright and sunny E3/2/1
Grounded Migrants
Another scattering of grounded birds included 9 Tree Sparrow, 7 Goldcrest, 6 Wheatear, 5 Song Thrush, 3 Blackbird, 2 Chiffchaff and single Blackcap, Treecreeper, Mistle Thrush and Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration through the course of the morning produced 635 Pink-footed Geese, 450 Jackdaw, 330 Meadow Pipit, 120 Starling, 40 Tree Sparrow, 35 Skylark, 31 Chaffinch, 12 Swallow, 7 Siskin, 2 Redpoll and single Brambling and Fieldfare.
Miscellaneous
Water Rail, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Little Owl were all seen.
Moths
A Beaded Chestnut was attracted to the moth trap.
Dragonflies
A Migrant Hawker was again on the wing.
Images
Little Owl

Lapland Bunting and Hen Harrier

10th October 2010 – bright and sunny ENE3/4/5
Grounded Migrants
A scattering of birds included 9 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Blackbird, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest and a late Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
A Lapland Bunting which flew through at 1020hrs and a ringtail Hen Harrier were the pick of the sightings. Also seen were 550 Jackdaw, 127 Pink-footed Geese, 100Meadow Pipit, 40 Chaffinch, 34 Tree Sparrow, 16 Siskin, 15 alba Wagtail, 12 Greenfinch and 2 Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 25 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Peregrine, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Barn Owl were all seen.
Moths
Pearly Underwing, Pale Pinion and Yellow-line Quaker were all attracted to the moth trap overnight.
Dragonflies
A Migrant Hawker was still on the wing.

Visible Migration leads sightings

9th October 2010 – sunny spells ENE3/4/5
Offshore
Morning observations produced just a few Gannet, Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Goldcrest and single Song Thrush, Blackbird and Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Birds were on the move throughout the course of the morning with 1490 Meadow Pipit, 830 Skylark, 830 Linnet, 130 alba Wagtail, 101 Swallow, 36 House Martin, 32 Starling, 30 Pink-footed Geese,. 30 Greenfich, 12 Chaffinch and a Siskin recorded.
Miscellaneous
Peregrine, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Barn Owl were all seen.

Useless easterlies!

8th October 2010 – sunny spells E3/4
Grounded Migrants
A paucity of records was evident with just 3 Blackbird and single Redwing, Song Thrush, Wheatear and Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
A slight passage saw 190 Starling, 50 Linnet, 40 Greenfinch, 21 Swallow, 20 Skylark, 18 Chaffinch and 10alba Wagtail on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wigeon numbers begin to build with 275 birds logged and 20 Pink-footed Geese were grounded.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted at dawn and a Peregrine buzzed the flocks of Goldfinch and Linnet.
Images
Linnet

Late Grasshopper Warbler

7th October 2010 – rain again SSW 4/5
Offshore
Sightings were limited to a few Razorbill, Guillemot and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
A late Grasshopper Warbler was a surprise but otherwise sightings were limited to 3 Song Thrush and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration dominated the sightings of the day with 800 Linnet, 520 Meadow Pipit, 270 Starling, 120 Skylark, 24 Golden Plover, 23 Greenfinch, 18 alba Wagtail, 11 Chaffinch, 6 Grey Wagtail, 6 Swallow, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Siskin, 2 Rock Pipit and a House Martin logged
Miscellaneous
Raptors included 3 Kestrel and single Peregrine, Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Barn Owl.

Yellow-browed Warbler draws the crowds!

6th October 2010 – sunny spells SW1/2/3/4/5
Rarities
A Yellow-browed Warbler was found in the observatory garden at dawn.
Grounded Migrants
A Snow Bunting was new for the year; however other sightings were limited to 2 Chiffchaff and single Blackcap and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A Swallow and 3 Grey Wagtail took advantage of the early morning lull in the weather.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 23 Greenshank and 2 Curlew Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin stalked the flocks of Goldfinch and Linnet.

Image

Yellow-browed Warbler

A quiet day

5th October 2010 – rain again SSW 4/5
Offshore
Sightings were limited to a few Gannet and Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 15 Greenshank and 2 Curlew Sandpiper
Miscellaneous
A total of 46 Little Egret were seen.

Brambling new for the year

4th October 2010 – sunny spells SSW3
Offshore
Morning observations were limited to a handful of Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of migrants involved 3 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
More activity than of late with 780 Linnet, 570 Meadow Pipit, 435 Skylark, 160 Starling, 105 alba Wagtail, 43 Greenfinch, 55 Pink-footed Goose, 53 Chaffinch, 38 Swallow, 20 Jackdaw, 19 Reed Bunting, 6 Carrion Crow, 4 Siskin, 3 House Martin, 3 Tree Sparrow and a Brambling logged through the course of the morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Greenshank – including a colour-ringed bird and 2 Curlew Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 26 Little Egret remain

Goosander added to year list

3rd October 2010 – rain again SE1/2
Offshore
Limited to a few Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Goosander was logged and waders included 18 Greenshank and a Curlew Sandpiper
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was trapped and ringed with biometric data gathered suggesting it was of the larger Icelandic race. A total of 26 Little Egret were seen and a Raven flew through.

Black Tern, Black Guillemot and record numbers of Little Egret

2nd October 2010 – sunny spells S3/4
Offshore
A Black Tern was the pick of early morning sightings and a Black Guillemot loitered in the sheltered waters along the eastern shore at low tide. Other sightings included 2 Shag and small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Gannet, Common Scoter, Razorbill and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A light passage included 100 Meadow Pipit, 55 Skylark, 30 Chaffinch, 20 alba Wagtail, 14 Siskin, 2 Redpoll, 2 Grey Wagtail and single Swallow and Rock Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 14 Greenshank and single Curlew Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Record numbers of Little Egret are now present along the eastern shore with a post roost assembly of 53 birds logged. A Merlin was the best of the rest.

A quiet start to the month!

1st October 2010 – rain SSE 4/5
Offshore
Just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Gannet, Common Scoter, Guillemot and Razorbill were on the move early morning.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Wheatear and single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 18 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.