28th February 2011 – early frost/sunny spells N1
Offshore
Remaining quiet over the sea with just 9 Common Scoter, 3 Shag and single Razorbill and Red-throated Diver logged.
Diurnal Migration
A northbound Siskin flew through.
Grounded Migrants
An increase was evident in the number of Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Reed Bunting present.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Egret and a Little Owl best of the rest.
Ringing
February is a traditionally quiet month on the island with spring migration yet to kick in, however a total of 40 birds of 11 species was above average and a reasonable return for the month. Individual species totals involved: Goldfinch (8), Reed Bunting (7), Blackbird (6), Great Tit (4), Blue Tit (4), House Sparrow (3), Greenfinch (3), Song Thrush (2) Linnet (1), Coal Tit (1) and Chaffinch (1).
Moths
A Mottled Grey graced the moth traps.
Harbingers of spring!
26th February 2011 – early rain then sunny NW3/4
Offshore
Rather quiet over the sea early morning with just 8 Shag and single Red-throated Diver and Common Scoter in evidence.
Grounded Migrants
A newly arrived Stonechat was a welcome sight following the loss of the island wintering population during the severe winter weather. A Fieldfare also appeared early morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 21 Barnacle Geese continues to hold the Spitzbergen and Caerlaverock ringed birds and 7 Shoveler were recorded.
Miscellaneous
The numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gulls arriving back at the gull colony continues to increase daily and 2 Little Owl and a Little Egret were seen.
Moths
The moth trap finally produced the first moths of the spring with Red Swordgrass and Satellite recorded
Images
Red Swordgrass
Offshore
Rather quiet over the sea early morning with just 8 Shag and single Red-throated Diver and Common Scoter in evidence.
Grounded Migrants
A newly arrived Stonechat was a welcome sight following the loss of the island wintering population during the severe winter weather. A Fieldfare also appeared early morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 21 Barnacle Geese continues to hold the Spitzbergen and Caerlaverock ringed birds and 7 Shoveler were recorded.
Miscellaneous
The numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gulls arriving back at the gull colony continues to increase daily and 2 Little Owl and a Little Egret were seen.
Moths
The moth trap finally produced the first moths of the spring with Red Swordgrass and Satellite recorded
Images
Red Swordgrass
Another or the same Water Pipit?
23rd February 2011 – overcast/rain/mist/fog S1/2
Rarities
Another or the same Water Pipit was in the flooded horse paddocks along Biggar Bank at high tide, the bird was associating with 40 Skylark and 2 Rock Pipit. Speculation then ensued over whether it was the same bird as yesterday, it is unclear just how far this species ranges but it is at least 1km between the two locations.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese were visible in the gloom and a pair of Shoveler were logged.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine and 2 Little Egret were the best of the rest.
Rarities
Another or the same Water Pipit was in the flooded horse paddocks along Biggar Bank at high tide, the bird was associating with 40 Skylark and 2 Rock Pipit. Speculation then ensued over whether it was the same bird as yesterday, it is unclear just how far this species ranges but it is at least 1km between the two locations.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese were visible in the gloom and a pair of Shoveler were logged.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine and 2 Little Egret were the best of the rest.
Water Pipit puts in another appearance
22nd February 2011 – overcast/misty/murky ESE2
Rarities
The Water Pipit put in another appearance and showed particularly well in the flooded fields and horse paddocks at Biggar.
Grounded Migrants
A few newly arrived Song Thrush were in evidence.
Wildfowl and Waders
Although steadily falling in size the small flock of Barnacle Geese remain in residence with 17 birds still present including the three colour ringed individuals. These were joined early morning by 3 Pink-footed Geese that appeared disorientated by the morning murk. Just a single Greenshank was seen.
Miscellaneous
Flocks of 70-80 Twite and 25 Linnet remain in residence.
Ringing
A recent recovery involves a Greenfinch ringed on 26th September 2010 that was controlled at Rossall Point on the opposite side of Morecambe Bay on 4th October 2010.
Mammals
A group of 40 Grey Seal were seen.
Images
Water Pipit and Grey Seal.
In addition, a recent trip off the island also provided excellent views of the Water Pipit frequenting the salt marsh and foreshore adjacent to a fresh water outfall at Bardsea on the high tide.
Rarities
The Water Pipit put in another appearance and showed particularly well in the flooded fields and horse paddocks at Biggar.
Grounded Migrants
A few newly arrived Song Thrush were in evidence.
Wildfowl and Waders
Although steadily falling in size the small flock of Barnacle Geese remain in residence with 17 birds still present including the three colour ringed individuals. These were joined early morning by 3 Pink-footed Geese that appeared disorientated by the morning murk. Just a single Greenshank was seen.
Miscellaneous
Flocks of 70-80 Twite and 25 Linnet remain in residence.
Ringing
A recent recovery involves a Greenfinch ringed on 26th September 2010 that was controlled at Rossall Point on the opposite side of Morecambe Bay on 4th October 2010.
Mammals
A group of 40 Grey Seal were seen.
Images
Water Pipit and Grey Seal.
In addition, a recent trip off the island also provided excellent views of the Water Pipit frequenting the salt marsh and foreshore adjacent to a fresh water outfall at Bardsea on the high tide.
WeBS counting
21st February 2011 – overcast/drizzle/murky ESE3
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held record 131 pale-bellied birds while highlights of the monthly WeBS count for the island included: 11197 Oystercatcher, 3875 Dunlin, 1383 Redshank, 1250 Curlew, 871 Knot, 407 Wigeon, 358 Shelduck, 349 Lapwing, 266 Sanderling, 212 Turnstone, 200 Teal, 180 Golden Plover, 114 Grey Plover, 88 Ringed Plover, 80 Cormorant, 44 Purple Sandpiper, 41 Bar-tailed Godwit, 41 Red-breasted Merganser, 34 Goldeneye, 18 Pintail, 6 Little Egret and 4 Greenshank.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held record 131 pale-bellied birds while highlights of the monthly WeBS count for the island included: 11197 Oystercatcher, 3875 Dunlin, 1383 Redshank, 1250 Curlew, 871 Knot, 407 Wigeon, 358 Shelduck, 349 Lapwing, 266 Sanderling, 212 Turnstone, 200 Teal, 180 Golden Plover, 114 Grey Plover, 88 Ringed Plover, 80 Cormorant, 44 Purple Sandpiper, 41 Bar-tailed Godwit, 41 Red-breasted Merganser, 34 Goldeneye, 18 Pintail, 6 Little Egret and 4 Greenshank.
Gadwall and Water Rail new for the year!
20th February 2011 – overcast/murky SE3
Offshore
A quick scan over the sea in poor visibility on the rising tide revealed 9 Shag and 5 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Three Fieldfare were evident in a small influx of Blackbird.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 21 Pink-footed Geese headed south
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 124 pale-bellied birds and at least 20 Barnacle Geese remain, with both flocks still holding the regularly seen darvic ringed birds. A drake Gadwall was new for the year and waders included 3 Greenshank and a Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A day-flying Barn Owl was logged, the flock of 70 Twite remain and a Water Rail was logged.
Offshore
A quick scan over the sea in poor visibility on the rising tide revealed 9 Shag and 5 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Three Fieldfare were evident in a small influx of Blackbird.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 21 Pink-footed Geese headed south
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 124 pale-bellied birds and at least 20 Barnacle Geese remain, with both flocks still holding the regularly seen darvic ringed birds. A drake Gadwall was new for the year and waders included 3 Greenshank and a Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A day-flying Barn Owl was logged, the flock of 70 Twite remain and a Water Rail was logged.
Short-eared Owl and Rock Pipits
18th February 2001 – overcast/murky ESE3
Offshore
Sightings of interest were limited to 5 Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 123 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
A search of suitable flooded fields and horse paddocks failed to reveal any Water Pipits although 12 Rock Pipit, 3 Little Egret and a Short-eared Owl were flushed from the salt marshes by the high tide.
Offshore
Sightings of interest were limited to 5 Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 123 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
A search of suitable flooded fields and horse paddocks failed to reveal any Water Pipits although 12 Rock Pipit, 3 Little Egret and a Short-eared Owl were flushed from the salt marshes by the high tide.
Good numbers of Purple Sandpiper
17th February 2001 – overcast ESE2
Offshore
Sightings were limited to a few Red-throated Diver and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A small influx of Blackbird and Song Thrush was evident.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 100 Pink-footed Geese flew north.
Wildfowl and Waders
There was an excellent count of 41 Purple Sandpiper and the Brent Goose flock held 124 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Raptors involved Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Merlin and Peregrine while 3 Little Egret were seen
Offshore
Sightings were limited to a few Red-throated Diver and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A small influx of Blackbird and Song Thrush was evident.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 100 Pink-footed Geese flew north.
Wildfowl and Waders
There was an excellent count of 41 Purple Sandpiper and the Brent Goose flock held 124 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Raptors involved Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Merlin and Peregrine while 3 Little Egret were seen
Monthly ringing total boosted
16th February 2011 – bright and sunny SE1/2
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 23 Pink-footed Geese flew south.
Miscellaneous
The second ringing visit of the year to a private woodland site on the island revealed 4 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Coal Tit and single Great Spotted Woodpecker and Tree Sparrow amongst the commoner species.
Images
Reed Bunting, Great Tit and Coal Tit
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 23 Pink-footed Geese flew south.
Miscellaneous
The second ringing visit of the year to a private woodland site on the island revealed 4 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Coal Tit and single Great Spotted Woodpecker and Tree Sparrow amongst the commoner species.
Images
Reed Bunting, Great Tit and Coal Tit
More of the same!
15th February 2011 – overcast ESE4/5/6
Offshore
The sea provided 14 Common Scoter, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Miscellaneous
Just 2 Little Egret were found.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was found stranded on the tideline and 2 Roe Deer were seen.
Images
Roe Deer
Offshore
The sea provided 14 Common Scoter, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Miscellaneous
Just 2 Little Egret were found.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was found stranded on the tideline and 2 Roe Deer were seen.
Images
Roe Deer
Another early Gannet
14th February 2011 – bright and sunny SSW3
Offshore
Observations over the falling tide (0815-0915) produced 61 Red-breasted Merganser, 47 Common Scoter, 8 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake and small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Guillemot and Gannet.
Miscellaneous
A Little Egret was the best of the rest.
Offshore
Observations over the falling tide (0815-0915) produced 61 Red-breasted Merganser, 47 Common Scoter, 8 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake and small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Guillemot and Gannet.
Miscellaneous
A Little Egret was the best of the rest.
Thrush influx!
12th February 2011 – early fog then sunny/calm
Offshore
A couple of checks of the sea in the morning revealed 65 Common Scoter, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Shag and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Three Mistle Thrush and 2 Redwing were amongst a fog induced early morning influx of Blackbird and Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Coot returned to breeding habitat on the island.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 80 birds and single Great Spotted Woodpecker, Merlin and Little Owl were logged.
Offshore
A couple of checks of the sea in the morning revealed 65 Common Scoter, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Shag and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Three Mistle Thrush and 2 Redwing were amongst a fog induced early morning influx of Blackbird and Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Coot returned to breeding habitat on the island.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 80 birds and single Great Spotted Woodpecker, Merlin and Little Owl were logged.
Further hints of spring!
11th February 2011 – early rain then brighter SE1/2
Offshore
A brief scan of the sea on the ebbing tide revealed 7 Shag, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A newly arrived scattering of Song Thrush was evident.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 128 pale-bellied birds and at least 20 Barnacle Geese remain, with both flocks holding regularly seen darvic ringed birds. Waders included 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gull present on the island are already starting to build with 100 birds logged. A flock of 80 Twite was seen along with 13 Little Egret – the best count for several months, Merlin and Peregrine.
Images
The first snowdrops are now in evidence
Offshore
A brief scan of the sea on the ebbing tide revealed 7 Shag, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A newly arrived scattering of Song Thrush was evident.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 128 pale-bellied birds and at least 20 Barnacle Geese remain, with both flocks holding regularly seen darvic ringed birds. Waders included 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gull present on the island are already starting to build with 100 birds logged. A flock of 80 Twite was seen along with 13 Little Egret – the best count for several months, Merlin and Peregrine.
Images
The first snowdrops are now in evidence
Water Pipit reappears
8th February 2011 – sunny spells SE1
Rarities
A single Water Pipit again took advantage of the flooded roadside horse paddocks in the vicinity of Biggar.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 120 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
At least 7 Little Egret and a Merlin were seen.
Rarities
A single Water Pipit again took advantage of the flooded roadside horse paddocks in the vicinity of Biggar.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 120 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
At least 7 Little Egret and a Merlin were seen.
Hint of spring!
5th February 2011 – rain SW1/2
Offshore
A check over the sea through the rain and gloom produced just small numbers of Red-throated Diver and Common Scoter.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 3 Siskin were perhaps the first hint that spring is not too far away,
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 125 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
A total of 50 Twite, 2 Little Egret and single Merlin and Little Owl were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check over the sea through the rain and gloom produced just small numbers of Red-throated Diver and Common Scoter.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 3 Siskin were perhaps the first hint that spring is not too far away,
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 125 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
A total of 50 Twite, 2 Little Egret and single Merlin and Little Owl were the best of the rest.
Gannet and Fulmar appear offshore
3rd February 2011 – sunny spells SW4/5/6
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide (0840-0940) produced variety if not quantity with 21 Common Scoter, 15 Kittiwake, 14 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill, 2 Fulmar and single Guillemot and Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 124 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Several Little Egret and a Merlin were seen.
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide (0840-0940) produced variety if not quantity with 21 Common Scoter, 15 Kittiwake, 14 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill, 2 Fulmar and single Guillemot and Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 124 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Several Little Egret and a Merlin were seen.
Long-eared Owl and Jack Snipe
1st February 2011 - bright and sunny/hazy WSW2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations in poor visibility provided just small numbers of Common Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser and Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Jack Snipe was new for the year.
Miscellaneous
A final throw of the dice with regards to adding species for the BTO Winter Atlas again saw visits to several of the less frequented areas - the highlight a Long-eared Owl along with Little Egret and Merlin.
Offshore
Early morning observations in poor visibility provided just small numbers of Common Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser and Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Jack Snipe was new for the year.
Miscellaneous
A final throw of the dice with regards to adding species for the BTO Winter Atlas again saw visits to several of the less frequented areas - the highlight a Long-eared Owl along with Little Egret and Merlin.
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