31st December 2010 – overcast/calm
Offshore
A quick check over the calm sea produced 220 Eider and a group of 10 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes included 17 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A Snow Bunting flew through amongst a few Skylark and Meadow Pipit.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included 4 Short-eared Owl, Common Buzzard and Merlin. At least 3 Little Egret remain.
Ringing
December is traditionally a quiet month for the observatory with few passerines on the move, however despite the weather limiting opportunities; this year has continued the theme of record breaking monthly totals with 140 birds of 11 species trapped and ringed, easily surpassing the previous best of 79 in 1995. Individual species totals involved Brambling (47), Linnet (28), Goldfinch (14), Blackbird (10), House Sparrow (8), Greenfinch (8), Starling (7), Woodcock (6), Chaffinch (6), Song Thrush (4) and Robin (2). The number of Brambling was especially remarkable; previous to 2010 the observatory had only trapped and ringed 9 individuals on the island.
Moths
An emergence of Winter Moths was evident with 13 individuals seen.
If visiting the island over the Christmas and New Year break please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the recent severe weather has had a very noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which were beginning to struggle and now need to replenish fat reserves.
Raptors still to the fore
30th December 2010 – overcast/calm
Offshore
A check over the calm sea produced 200 Eider, 35 Common Scoter, 16 Shag, 9 Red-throated Diver and 2 Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes included 22 Fieldfare and 3 Redwing and a single Woodcock was seen.
Diurnal Migration
Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 175 birds headed south.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included Hen Harrier, Common Buzzard and Merlin. At least 3 Little Egret and 100 Twite were logged.
If visiting the island over the Christmas and New Year break please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the recent severe weather has had a very noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which were beginning to struggle and now need to replenish fat reserves.
Offshore
A check over the calm sea produced 200 Eider, 35 Common Scoter, 16 Shag, 9 Red-throated Diver and 2 Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes included 22 Fieldfare and 3 Redwing and a single Woodcock was seen.
Diurnal Migration
Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 175 birds headed south.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included Hen Harrier, Common Buzzard and Merlin. At least 3 Little Egret and 100 Twite were logged.
If visiting the island over the Christmas and New Year break please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the recent severe weather has had a very noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which were beginning to struggle and now need to replenish fat reserves.
Water Pipit reappears
29th December 2010 – overcast/drizzle ESE1/2
Rarities
The rapid thaw sees the recently frozen fields now waterlogged and a Water Pipit took advantage of the conditions to once again feed in the horse paddocks around Biggar.
Grounded Migrants
At least 3 Woodcock remain.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2500 Knot and 2 Greenshank while 8 Shoveler were seen.
Miscellaneous
Raptors continue to remain prominent with Hen Harrier, Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Merlin and Kestrel all seen. At least 5 Little Egret have survived the freeze and 95 Twite were logged.
Ringing
The flock of Twite held birds previously ringed at Machrihanish and Heysham.
If visiting the island over the Christmas break please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the recent severe weather has had a very noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which were beginning to struggle and now need to replenish fat reserves.
Rarities
The rapid thaw sees the recently frozen fields now waterlogged and a Water Pipit took advantage of the conditions to once again feed in the horse paddocks around Biggar.
Grounded Migrants
At least 3 Woodcock remain.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2500 Knot and 2 Greenshank while 8 Shoveler were seen.
Miscellaneous
Raptors continue to remain prominent with Hen Harrier, Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Merlin and Kestrel all seen. At least 5 Little Egret have survived the freeze and 95 Twite were logged.
Ringing
The flock of Twite held birds previously ringed at Machrihanish and Heysham.
If visiting the island over the Christmas break please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the recent severe weather has had a very noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which were beginning to struggle and now need to replenish fat reserves.
Thaw sets in
28th December 2010 – overcast/drizzle SE1/2
Wildfowl and Waders
The long-staying group of 35 Barnacle Geese attracted a flock of 56 dark-bellied Brent Geese and a Greenshank was the best of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Raptors continue to remain prominent with Hen Harrier and Common Buzzard seen. At least 2 Little Egret have survived the freeze.
Ringing
The flock of dark-bellied Brent Geese held three colour-ringed individuals that had previously been ringed at Terschelling, The Netherlands on 17th May 2006.
If visiting the island over the Christmas and New Year break please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the recent severe weather has had a very noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which were beginning to struggle and now need to replenish fat reserves.
Wildfowl and Waders
The long-staying group of 35 Barnacle Geese attracted a flock of 56 dark-bellied Brent Geese and a Greenshank was the best of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Raptors continue to remain prominent with Hen Harrier and Common Buzzard seen. At least 2 Little Egret have survived the freeze.
Ringing
The flock of dark-bellied Brent Geese held three colour-ringed individuals that had previously been ringed at Terschelling, The Netherlands on 17th May 2006.
If visiting the island over the Christmas and New Year break please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the recent severe weather has had a very noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which were beginning to struggle and now need to replenish fat reserves.
Winter maintains its icy grip
26th December 2010 – overcast and frosty/lying snow SE1/2
Grounded Migrants
Just how many Woodcock have passed through the island during this spell of cold weather can only be speculated but a Hen Harrier flushed 4 from a small area in 10 minutes and 2 additional birds were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 113 pale-bellied birds and the long-staying group of 35 Barnacle Geese remain but just 2 Greenshank were found.
Miscellaneous
Raptors continue to be prevalent with 3 Hen Harrier, 3 Merlin Common Buzzard, Peregrine and Sparrowhawk and Kestrel all logged. A total of 182 Twite were seen.
Ringing
The Twite flock again held birds previously ringed at Heysham (2), Duddon Estuary (2) and Machrihanish.
Images
Dawn breaks over the island and Golden Plover struggle to survive the frost and snow
If visiting the island over the Christmas break please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the continuing severe freeze is now beginning to have a very noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which are now starting to struggle to survive as temperatures remain below freezing throughout the day.
Grounded Migrants
Just how many Woodcock have passed through the island during this spell of cold weather can only be speculated but a Hen Harrier flushed 4 from a small area in 10 minutes and 2 additional birds were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 113 pale-bellied birds and the long-staying group of 35 Barnacle Geese remain but just 2 Greenshank were found.
Miscellaneous
Raptors continue to be prevalent with 3 Hen Harrier, 3 Merlin Common Buzzard, Peregrine and Sparrowhawk and Kestrel all logged. A total of 182 Twite were seen.
Ringing
The Twite flock again held birds previously ringed at Heysham (2), Duddon Estuary (2) and Machrihanish.
Images
Dawn breaks over the island and Golden Plover struggle to survive the frost and snow
If visiting the island over the Christmas break please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the continuing severe freeze is now beginning to have a very noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which are now starting to struggle to survive as temperatures remain below freezing throughout the day.
Refugees from the cold
24th December 2010 – bright and frosty/lying snow N1
Grounded Migrants
An influx of Skylark, Blackbird, Song Thrush and Linnet was apparent and further refugees from the continued severe weather involved 6 Fieldfare, 3 Brambling, 2 Woodcock and a Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock increased to 125 pale-bellied birds and the long-staying group of 35 Barnacle Geese attracted a dark-bellied Brent Goose. A female Scaup and 2 Pochard were newly arrived and 100 Pintail were among1650 Wigeon. A total of 10 Greenshank were found amongst 370 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 160 Twite remain and raptors included a ringtail Hen Harrier, 3 Merlin, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Barn Owl and a Common Buzzard. No Little Egret were seen over the high tide period for the first time since early autumn - perhaps they have all now departed for warmer climes.
If visiting the island over the Christmas break please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the continuing severe freeze is now beginning to have a very noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which are now starting to struggle to survive as temperatures remain below freezing throughout the day.
Grounded Migrants
An influx of Skylark, Blackbird, Song Thrush and Linnet was apparent and further refugees from the continued severe weather involved 6 Fieldfare, 3 Brambling, 2 Woodcock and a Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock increased to 125 pale-bellied birds and the long-staying group of 35 Barnacle Geese attracted a dark-bellied Brent Goose. A female Scaup and 2 Pochard were newly arrived and 100 Pintail were among1650 Wigeon. A total of 10 Greenshank were found amongst 370 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 160 Twite remain and raptors included a ringtail Hen Harrier, 3 Merlin, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Barn Owl and a Common Buzzard. No Little Egret were seen over the high tide period for the first time since early autumn - perhaps they have all now departed for warmer climes.
If visiting the island over the Christmas break please try to avoid disturbance to roosting and feeding birds, the continuing severe freeze is now beginning to have a very noticeable affect, especially amongst wildfowl and waders which are now starting to struggle to survive as temperatures remain below freezing throughout the day.
Pink-footed Geese on the move
19th December 2010 – bright and frosty/lying snow NE1
Offshore
An early morning scan over the sea yielded just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Shag, Common Scoter and Kitiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A small influx of Song Thrush was evident.
Diurnal Migration
The first hour after dawn saw 17 skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 2140 birds heading north. A few passerines were also on the move with 23 Skylark and single Rock Pipit and Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A check on the flocks of wild geese wintering on the island revealed an increase with 121 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 35 Barnacle Geese found. At least 5 Greenshank remain and a flock of 2600 Dunlin fed on the edge of the ebbing tide.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 ringtail Hen Harriers remain and the lingering Common Buzzard found the view from the catching box of the heligoland trap to its liking. Additional raptors included Merlin, Peregrine, Short-eared Owl and Little Owl. Also seen were a flock of 160 Twite and 2 Little Egret.
Ringing
The Twite flock held birds previously ringed at Machrihanish, Heysham and the Duddon Estuary.
Images
Common Buzzard and Hen Harrier.
Offshore
An early morning scan over the sea yielded just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Shag, Common Scoter and Kitiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A small influx of Song Thrush was evident.
Diurnal Migration
The first hour after dawn saw 17 skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 2140 birds heading north. A few passerines were also on the move with 23 Skylark and single Rock Pipit and Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A check on the flocks of wild geese wintering on the island revealed an increase with 121 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 35 Barnacle Geese found. At least 5 Greenshank remain and a flock of 2600 Dunlin fed on the edge of the ebbing tide.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 ringtail Hen Harriers remain and the lingering Common Buzzard found the view from the catching box of the heligoland trap to its liking. Additional raptors included Merlin, Peregrine, Short-eared Owl and Little Owl. Also seen were a flock of 160 Twite and 2 Little Egret.
Ringing
The Twite flock held birds previously ringed at Machrihanish, Heysham and the Duddon Estuary.
Images
Common Buzzard and Hen Harrier.
Walney turns into the Tundra overnight!
18th December 2010 - snow and frost NE1/2
Miscellaneous
A snowy wasteland greeted observers early morning and ringtail Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl were hunting over the island.
Images
A couple of wintery scenes
Miscellaneous
A snowy wasteland greeted observers early morning and ringtail Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl were hunting over the island.
Images
A couple of wintery scenes
Frost and snow returns
17th December 2010 – overcast/snow showers/cold/calm
Grounded Migrants
A further 2 Woodcock were the only evidence of newly arrived grounded birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
A pair of Gadwall and 8 Shoveler were amongst 400 Teal and the Long-tailed Duck remains among 30 Goldeneye. At least 3 Greenshank continue to sit out the freeze,
Miscellaneous
Two ringtail Hen Harrier and a Common Buzzard were seen and several Little Egret are still along the eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
A further 2 Woodcock were the only evidence of newly arrived grounded birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
A pair of Gadwall and 8 Shoveler were amongst 400 Teal and the Long-tailed Duck remains among 30 Goldeneye. At least 3 Greenshank continue to sit out the freeze,
Miscellaneous
Two ringtail Hen Harrier and a Common Buzzard were seen and several Little Egret are still along the eastern shore.
Further evidence of cold weather movement
12th December 2010 – bright and frosty/calm
Grounded Migrants
Hints of further cold weather movement were provided by several Blackbird and Song Thrush along with another Woodcock.
Diurnal Migration
Several skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 280 birds headed south and 4 Brambling were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 10 Shoveler were amongst 300 Teal and 5 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
Several Merlin and 80 Twite were the best of the rest.
Grounded Migrants
Hints of further cold weather movement were provided by several Blackbird and Song Thrush along with another Woodcock.
Diurnal Migration
Several skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 280 birds headed south and 4 Brambling were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 10 Shoveler were amongst 300 Teal and 5 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
Several Merlin and 80 Twite were the best of the rest.
Raptor-fest
11th December 2010 – sunny spells W2
Grounded Migrants
The return to mild conditions finally allowed a search of some of the traditional Woodcock haunts on the island – the result, a total of 17 birds indicating that a large influx occurred during the recent severe weather. Singles of Treecreeper and Goldcrest amongst 21 Long-tailed Tits were good winter records and 5 Brambling were found.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 106 pale-bellied birds and 7 first-winter Mute Swan dropped in. Waders included 3 Purple Sandpiper and a Greenshank..
Miscellaneous
Raptors were prominent with 4 Short-eared Owl, 4 Merlin, 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Barn Owl, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel and single Common Buzzard, Peregrine and Little Owl all hunting over the island.
Moths
The milder conditions saw the emergence of 6 Winter Moths.
Grounded Migrants
The return to mild conditions finally allowed a search of some of the traditional Woodcock haunts on the island – the result, a total of 17 birds indicating that a large influx occurred during the recent severe weather. Singles of Treecreeper and Goldcrest amongst 21 Long-tailed Tits were good winter records and 5 Brambling were found.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 106 pale-bellied birds and 7 first-winter Mute Swan dropped in. Waders included 3 Purple Sandpiper and a Greenshank..
Miscellaneous
Raptors were prominent with 4 Short-eared Owl, 4 Merlin, 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Barn Owl, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel and single Common Buzzard, Peregrine and Little Owl all hunting over the island.
Moths
The milder conditions saw the emergence of 6 Winter Moths.
Thaw sets in!
10th December 2010 – overcast/rain at times W3
Grounded Migrants
All the frost and snow of the last week has vanished overnight and there was a change to damp westerlies, consequently there were not many birds in evidence early morning with 2 Brambling the pick of the sightings.
Wildfowl and Waders
A party of 8 Shoveler and 2 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
At least one of yesterdays Hen Harriers remains and 400 Skylark, 100 Twite, 2 Merlin and 2 Little Egret were seen.
Grounded Migrants
All the frost and snow of the last week has vanished overnight and there was a change to damp westerlies, consequently there were not many birds in evidence early morning with 2 Brambling the pick of the sightings.
Wildfowl and Waders
A party of 8 Shoveler and 2 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
At least one of yesterdays Hen Harriers remains and 400 Skylark, 100 Twite, 2 Merlin and 2 Little Egret were seen.
Hen Harrier influx
9th December 2010 – overcast WNW1/2/3, significantly milder than of late
Offshore
A solitary Shag was the only notable record on the sea.
Grounded Migrants
Further hints of cold weather new arrivals were provided by 20 Brambling, 10 Greenfinch, 10 Chaffinch, 4 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush and single Woodcock and Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A small skein of 9 Pink-footed Geese headed south.
Wildfowl and Waders
Pintail numbers continue to increase slowly with114 birds logged, also seen were the long-staying Long-tailed Duck and 110 pale-bellied Brent Geese. Waders were led by 8 Purple Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
There are now 3 Hen Harriers on the island with a male and 2 ringtails seen. The flock of 60 Twite were again present and at least 3 Little Egret remain. Several Water Rail continue to see out the freeze.
Images
Mindful of the weather another short ringing session saw several more Brambling trapped in what is a record autumn for numbers caught on the island. The first-winter female shown illustrates the plumage subtleties compared to the more obvious males from yesterday.
Brambling (first-winter female) - plumage differences are more subtle on females than males due to the more subdued feather colouration. However there is a slight contrast evident between the four outermost greater coverts and the inner greater coverts with duller feather centres and whitish not rusty tips. In addition note the darker colouration of the two moulted tertials compared to the washed out appearance of longest unmoulted tertial. The pointed tail feathers and the slight wear to the two central tail feathers are also indicative of a first-winter bird.
Offshore
A solitary Shag was the only notable record on the sea.
Grounded Migrants
Further hints of cold weather new arrivals were provided by 20 Brambling, 10 Greenfinch, 10 Chaffinch, 4 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush and single Woodcock and Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A small skein of 9 Pink-footed Geese headed south.
Wildfowl and Waders
Pintail numbers continue to increase slowly with114 birds logged, also seen were the long-staying Long-tailed Duck and 110 pale-bellied Brent Geese. Waders were led by 8 Purple Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
There are now 3 Hen Harriers on the island with a male and 2 ringtails seen. The flock of 60 Twite were again present and at least 3 Little Egret remain. Several Water Rail continue to see out the freeze.
Images
Mindful of the weather another short ringing session saw several more Brambling trapped in what is a record autumn for numbers caught on the island. The first-winter female shown illustrates the plumage subtleties compared to the more obvious males from yesterday.
Brambling (first-winter female) - plumage differences are more subtle on females than males due to the more subdued feather colouration. However there is a slight contrast evident between the four outermost greater coverts and the inner greater coverts with duller feather centres and whitish not rusty tips. In addition note the darker colouration of the two moulted tertials compared to the washed out appearance of longest unmoulted tertial. The pointed tail feathers and the slight wear to the two central tail feathers are also indicative of a first-winter bird.
More Brambling and Woodcock
8th December 2010 – bright and frosty/calm
Grounded Migrants
A flock of 50 Brambling and 3 Woodcock were the best of the newly arrived grounded birds which also included small numbers of Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush and Blackbird.
Diurnal Migration
A small skein of 10 Pink-footed Geese were overhead and additional evidence of movement was provided by 10 Skylark and a Rock Pipit.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Little Egret were the best of the rest.
Images
A short ringing session saw several Brambling trapped to continue the good run for this species this autumn, the first adult male of the autumn allowed excellent comparison of plumage subtleties in ageing this species.
Grounded Migrants
A flock of 50 Brambling and 3 Woodcock were the best of the newly arrived grounded birds which also included small numbers of Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush and Blackbird.
Diurnal Migration
A small skein of 10 Pink-footed Geese were overhead and additional evidence of movement was provided by 10 Skylark and a Rock Pipit.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Little Egret were the best of the rest.
Images
A short ringing session saw several Brambling trapped to continue the good run for this species this autumn, the first adult male of the autumn allowed excellent comparison of plumage subtleties in ageing this species.
Brambling (first-winter male) - the three unmoulted brownish outer greater coverts and the primary coverts lack the glossy black appearance of the moulted inner greater coverts, also note the whitish not rusty brown tips to the unmoulted greater coverts and the pointed tail shape and the washed out appearance of the tail feathers.
Brambling (adult male) - the whole wing shows the uniform glossy black appearance with no contrast between the outer webs of the greater coverts and primary coverts while the tail feathers are more rounded in appearance with a more glossy look to the colouration.
Brambling (adult male) - the whole wing shows the uniform glossy black appearance with no contrast between the outer webs of the greater coverts and primary coverts while the tail feathers are more rounded in appearance with a more glossy look to the colouration.
Weather delayed WeBS
7th December 2010 – overnight snow/frost/calm
Wildfowl and Waders
The results of a weather delayed monthly WeBS count involved: 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Little Grebe, 11 Great Crested Grebe, 136 Cormorant, 5 Shag, 5 Little Egret, 8 Grey Heron, 1 Mute Swan, 16 Pink-footed Geese, 14 Greylag Geese, 36 Canada Goose, 110 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 35 Barnacle Goose, 82 Shelduck, 1255 Wigeon, 860 Teal, 151 Mallard, 101 Pintail, 11 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 68 Eider, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 30 Goldeneye, 26 Red-breasted Merganser, 8400 Oystercatcher, 57 Ringed Plover, 222 Golden Plover, 167 Grey Plover, 317 Lapwing, 2255 Knot, 318 Sanderling, 14 Purple Sandpiper, 2880 Dunlin, 78 Snipe, 85 Bar-tailed Godwit, 507 Curlew, 948 Redshank, 10 Greenshank and 293 Turnstone.
While the diversity of waterfowl and wader species to be found on the island at this time of the year is immediately apparent, the figures show that less weather tolerant species such as Shelduck, Lapwing and Golden Plover are much reduced on the expected levels for this time of the year.
Miscellaneous
A ringtail Hen Harrier and the flock of 60 Twite were again seen. Following on from yesterdays theme, several hundred Barrel Jellyfish Rhizostoma octopus were found washed up along a 2 kilometre section of shoreline.
Wildfowl and Waders
The results of a weather delayed monthly WeBS count involved: 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Little Grebe, 11 Great Crested Grebe, 136 Cormorant, 5 Shag, 5 Little Egret, 8 Grey Heron, 1 Mute Swan, 16 Pink-footed Geese, 14 Greylag Geese, 36 Canada Goose, 110 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 35 Barnacle Goose, 82 Shelduck, 1255 Wigeon, 860 Teal, 151 Mallard, 101 Pintail, 11 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 68 Eider, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 30 Goldeneye, 26 Red-breasted Merganser, 8400 Oystercatcher, 57 Ringed Plover, 222 Golden Plover, 167 Grey Plover, 317 Lapwing, 2255 Knot, 318 Sanderling, 14 Purple Sandpiper, 2880 Dunlin, 78 Snipe, 85 Bar-tailed Godwit, 507 Curlew, 948 Redshank, 10 Greenshank and 293 Turnstone.
While the diversity of waterfowl and wader species to be found on the island at this time of the year is immediately apparent, the figures show that less weather tolerant species such as Shelduck, Lapwing and Golden Plover are much reduced on the expected levels for this time of the year.
Miscellaneous
A ringtail Hen Harrier and the flock of 60 Twite were again seen. Following on from yesterdays theme, several hundred Barrel Jellyfish Rhizostoma octopus were found washed up along a 2 kilometre section of shoreline.
Fog 1 Birding 0
6th December 2010 – Freezing Fog E1
Wildfowl and Waders
The island was enveloped in freezing fog for much of the day producing low visibility and freezing temperatures. A flock of 30 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 70 Pintail and a Greenshank appeared out of the gloom
Miscellaneous
The flock of 60 Twite were seen and 3 Rock Pipit fed along the tideline with 30 Skylark and 15 Reed Bunting. At least 4 Little Egret remain.
Late News
A Leatherback Turtle was seen offshore from a boat transferring staff to the wind farms on 2nd September 2010.
Images
Leatherback Turtle and a frozen Walney at midday!
Wildfowl and Waders
The island was enveloped in freezing fog for much of the day producing low visibility and freezing temperatures. A flock of 30 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 70 Pintail and a Greenshank appeared out of the gloom
Miscellaneous
The flock of 60 Twite were seen and 3 Rock Pipit fed along the tideline with 30 Skylark and 15 Reed Bunting. At least 4 Little Egret remain.
Late News
A Leatherback Turtle was seen offshore from a boat transferring staff to the wind farms on 2nd September 2010.
Images
Leatherback Turtle and a frozen Walney at midday!
Starling brings up the 2000
5th December 2010 – bright and sunny with early morning frost/calm
Offshore
Again relatively quiet over the sea with 5 Shag and 2 Red-throated Diver the pick of the sightings.
Grounded Migrants
An early morning gaggle of 16 Pink-footed Geese were the only evidence of grounded birds..
Diurnal Migration
Still some small scale movement in evidence with 55 Pink-footed Geese, 36 Skylark, 11 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling and single Whooper Swan and Mute Swan logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck and 28 Barnacle Geese remain while waders included 9 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Short-eared Owl attracted the attentions of the local Carrion Crows.
Ringing
A Starling was the 2000th bird trapped and ringed on the island by the observatory during 2010.
Images
Early morning Pink-footed Geese.
Offshore
Again relatively quiet over the sea with 5 Shag and 2 Red-throated Diver the pick of the sightings.
Grounded Migrants
An early morning gaggle of 16 Pink-footed Geese were the only evidence of grounded birds..
Diurnal Migration
Still some small scale movement in evidence with 55 Pink-footed Geese, 36 Skylark, 11 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling and single Whooper Swan and Mute Swan logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck and 28 Barnacle Geese remain while waders included 9 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Short-eared Owl attracted the attentions of the local Carrion Crows.
Ringing
A Starling was the 2000th bird trapped and ringed on the island by the observatory during 2010.
Images
Early morning Pink-footed Geese.
A hint of cold weather movement
4th December 2010 – early frost then overcast/calm
Offshore
A group of 5 Shag was the best that the sea could muster.
Grounded Migrants
Two Woodcock were newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
Some evidence of movement with 42 Skylark, 10 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 2 Siskin and a Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
A further wildfowl influx saw 550 Teal and 11 Shoveler seen. The Long-tailed Duck remains amongst 30 Goldeneye and 21 Red-breasted Merganser. The Brent Goose flock increased to 110 pale-bellied birds and the 28 Barnacle Geese remain. Waders included 5 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Merlin, a Short-eared Owl and 60 Twite remain.
Ringing
Amongst the Brent Goose flock were several colour-ringed birds, including N4WW which was ringed at Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland on 16th October 2007 and has been seen on Walney Island each winter since.
Images
Woodcock and Brambling – the good autumn passage for this species continues.
Offshore
A group of 5 Shag was the best that the sea could muster.
Grounded Migrants
Two Woodcock were newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
Some evidence of movement with 42 Skylark, 10 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 2 Siskin and a Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
A further wildfowl influx saw 550 Teal and 11 Shoveler seen. The Long-tailed Duck remains amongst 30 Goldeneye and 21 Red-breasted Merganser. The Brent Goose flock increased to 110 pale-bellied birds and the 28 Barnacle Geese remain. Waders included 5 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Merlin, a Short-eared Owl and 60 Twite remain.
Ringing
Amongst the Brent Goose flock were several colour-ringed birds, including N4WW which was ringed at Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland on 16th October 2007 and has been seen on Walney Island each winter since.
Images
Woodcock and Brambling – the good autumn passage for this species continues.
Hen Harriers and Short-eared Owls!
3rd December 2010 – hard frost then overcast/snow by evening E1 then S4
Grounded Migrants
Despite the weather there was little evidence of any hard weather movement with a single Siskin the only record of note.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 120 Pink-footed Geese flew south.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains in residence and a solitary Greenshank was logged.
Miscellaneous
Two ringtail Hen Harriers and at least 2 Short-eared Owls hunted the island and a minimum of 6 Little Egret continue to see out the freeze. A flock of 100 Twite were seen.
Grounded Migrants
Despite the weather there was little evidence of any hard weather movement with a single Siskin the only record of note.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 120 Pink-footed Geese flew south.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains in residence and a solitary Greenshank was logged.
Miscellaneous
Two ringtail Hen Harriers and at least 2 Short-eared Owls hunted the island and a minimum of 6 Little Egret continue to see out the freeze. A flock of 100 Twite were seen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)