30th June 2011 – bright and sunny W2
Offshore
A feeding group of 5 Arctic Tern and 2 Little Tern were the best that the sea could muster early morning.
Grounded Migrants
An increase in grounded birds was evident with 14 Willow Warbler (including the first juvenile), 2 Redstart and single Chiffchaff and Spotted Flycatcher logged. These numbers would generally be associated with the end of July rather than the end of June!
Ringing
The month saw 112 birds of 15 species ringed - an excellent total for June. Individual species totals were as follows: Greenfinch (21), Linnet (16), Willow Warbler (15), Goldfinch (12), House Sparrow (12), Dunnock (9), Swallow (6), Sedge Warbler (4), Chaffinch (4), Starling (4), Reed Bunting (4), Redstart (2), Blackcap (1), Whitethroat (1) and Cuckoo (1).
Moths
No obvious migrants were attracted to the moth traps overnight, however, a Double Line was the first island record of what is considered a declining species that is locally distributed in south-western England, Wales and parts of south-east England. In addition, Common Footman, Grass Emerald, Broom Moth and Plain Golden Y were all new for the year.
Images
Double Line.
29th June 2011 – bright and sunny W2
Grounded Migrants
Willow Warbler continue to move through with seven birds logged.
Diurnal Migration
Three Sand Martin provided further evidence of diurnal migration.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 2 Shoveler returned and waders included the first Black-tailed Godwit of the autumn.
Moths
Immigrants attracted to the moth traps overnight involved Rusty Dot Pearl and Diamond-back Moth. An example of Mompha ochraceella appears to be the first island record and the first Dun-bar recorded for several years was also seen.
Images
Dun-bar, Rusty Dot Pearl and Mompha ochraceella.
28th June 2011 – bright and sunny WNW3/4
Offshore
Quiet over the sea early morning with just small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter and Guillemot logged.
Grounded Migrants
Another Willow Warbler provided further evidence of early southbound movement.
Diurnal Migration
Three Swift and 2 Sand Martin provided evidence of diurnal migration.
Breeding Birds
A juvenile Cuckoo being fed by a Meadow Pipit was the first evidence of confirmed breeding on the island for a number of years.
Moths
Immigrants attracted to the moth traps involved Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Silver Y and Diamond-backed Moth. An example of Phycita roborella appears to be just the second island record and the first since 1992 while a Buff-tip was also seen.
Images
Hummingbird Hawkmoth and Buff-tip.
25th June 2011 – overcast SW3/4
Offshore
The sea provided the main interest of the day with early morning observations (0800-1000) led by 2 lingering Great Skua and an early returning Red-throated Diver. Also seen were 155 Manx Shearwater, 105 Gannet, 37 Common Scoter, 15 Guillemot, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Fulmar and 2 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Another Willow Warbler provided further evidence of movement.
Breeding Birds
At least 2 pairs of Barn Owl are now feeding young on the island and the Little Owls have fledged young.
Moths
The migrant Diamond-backed Moth was a recent attraction to the moth traps.
22nd June 2011 – overcast W3
Offshore
A quick check over the sea produced 40 Gannet and 23 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
A south bound Cuckoo provided a further hint that autumn is approaching.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 2 Greenshank have now returned and Grey Plover, Dunlin and Turnstone remain in evidence.
Breeding Birds
The increasing problems associated with ground predators and ground nesting birds on the island is adequately illustrated by the loss of most of the nests in the small, recently established, Black-headed Gull colony almost overnight. On a more positive note Linnet seem to have done well with flocks of juveniles now in evidence.
Moths
The brightly coloured Acleris bergmanniana and The Shark were new additions for the year.
Images
Cuckoo and Shark.
21st June 2011 – early showers then sunny spells SW3
Offshore
A bit more activity over the sea early morning (0800-0900) with 81 Common Scoter, 68 Manx Shearwater, 37 Gannet and small numbers of Sandwich Tern, Arctic Tern, Guillemot, Kittiwake and Fulmar logged.
Grounded Migrants
The female Redstart remains.
Moths
Pediasia aridella and Buff Ermine were the new attractions to the moth trap overnight.
Miscellaneous
Several Lion’s Mane Jellyfish were found washed up along the shoreline.
Images
Lions Mane and Pediasia aridella.
20th June 2011 – bright and sunny W1
Offshore
The calm seas only yielded small numbers of Gannet, Guillemot and Common Scoter early morning.
Grounded Migrants
A surprising selection of grounded migrants for the time of the year with 3 Willow Warbler and single Blackcap and Redstart – ringing showed that most were females with brood patches and were presumably failed breeders already heading south – not a good sign.
Diurnal Migration
A Grey Wagtail provided further evidence of some early autumn movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders are also beginning to return and the monthly WeBS count included 2100 Oystercatcher, 321 Curlew, 36 Turnstone, 23 Redshank, 9 Dunlin, 7 Grey Plover and 5 Knot.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Meadow Brown are now on the wing and the moth trap attracted the first Drinker of the year amongst a plague of White Satin. However field observation provided the highlights with the first known records of Nemophera degeerella for the island and the continued presence of Burnet Companion following the first sightings in 2010.
Dragonflies
Rather remiss in the reporting of dragonflies recently, however, good numbers of Four-spotted Chaser, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly and Large Red Damselfly have been recorded.
17th June 2011 – overcast/rain at times SSE3/4
Rarities
Two Spoonbill that briefly graced the gate pool at South Walney Nature Reserve mid-morning before flying off brightened an otherwise dreary morning.
Offshore
Little of note over the sea with just small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern on the move.
Moths
The first wave of White Satin have now emerged and the first Shark and Barred Straw of the year were attracted to the moth traps overnight.
15th June 2011 – overcast/drizzle at times S2
Offshore
Morning observations provided a further 3 Puffin, it has been an excellent month so far for this usually scarce species. Also seen (0850-0950) were 25 Manx Shearwater, 18 Common Scoter, 13 Gannet, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Guillemot and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 6 Swift headed south over the sea.
Breeding Birds
The first broods of Shelduck have now emerged and single Grasshopper Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat are still in good voice.
Moths
The first Sand Dart of the year was attracted to the moth traps.
14th June 2011 – bright and sunny S1/2
Offshore
Morning observations were greeted by a calm sea and few birds were the result with just 12 Gannet and single Shag and Kittiwake logged.
Grounded Migrants
A female Willow Warbler was perhaps a failed breeder moving south.
Breeding Birds
Post breeding flocks of Starling and Linnet are already starting to form.
Images
Brown Rustic.
13th June 2011 – overcast W3/4
Offshore
Morning observations (0815-0915 & 1100-1230)) produced 4 Puffin along with 475 Manx Shearwater, 145 Gannet, 65 Guillemot, 26 Kittiwake, 18 Sandwich Tern, 11 Common Scoter, 9 Fulmar, 4 Razorbill and 3 Little Tern.
Breeding Birds
The dramatic decline in the island’s Eider breeding population appears to be continuing unabated with very few Eiderlings logged to date.
Moths
A Brown Rustic recently attracted to the moth trap would appear to be the first island record for over 30 years.
8th June 2011 – sunshine and showers SSW2/3
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) produced 2 Puffin along with 65 Common Scoter, 40 Gannet, 23 Manx Shearwater, 13 Kittiwake, 7 Sandwich Tern and 5 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo was logged.
Breeding Birds
The annual gull census revealed that the colony at the south end of the island remains in steady decline. Population estimates involve 8130 pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gull and 2100 pairs of Herring Gull, a decrease of 55.8% and 78.1% respectively since 2000.
Moths
White Satin and Common Wave were new for the year.
6th June 2011 – sunny spells NW3
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced small numbers of Gannet, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbil, Sandwich Tern, Manx Shearwater and Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first four Teal returned.
Moths
Recent less frequent attractions to the moth trap include Blastobasis lacticolella – the first island record, Scalloped Hazel, Green Carpet, Figure of Eighty, Treble Lines, White Colon, Archer’s Dart, Small Clouded Brindle and Thistle Ermine.
Images
Small Clouded Brindle, Figure of Eighty and Blastobasis lacticolella.
1st June 2011 – overcast SSW4/3
Offshore
The rising tide (0900-1000) produced 70 Manx Shearwater, 12 Gannet, 11 Guillemot, 8 Kittiwake, 4 Common Scoter and 3 Sandwich Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Teal continues to linger – perhaps a nesting female is lurking close by. Late passage waders included 22 Dunlin, 20 Ringed Plover, 10 Grey Plover and a solitary Knot.
Moths
Poplar Hawkmoth, Mottled Rustic, Pebble Prominent, Shoulder-striped Wainscot and Garden Pebble were recent attractions that were new for the year.
