Another month, another record!

31st October 2011 – overcast/rain at times SSE2/3
Offshore
A quick check over the sea provided 28 Common Scoter and a few Razorbill and Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move early morning with 135 Jackdaw, 50 Greenfinch, 14 Tree Sparrow, 12 Chaffinch, 3 Fieldfare and a Grey Wagtail logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Short-eared Owl remain and a flock of 32 Twite were seen.
Ringing
Another exceptional month saw the ringing team setting more records. Despite the seemingly incessant wind they managed to ring 1255 birds of 25 species with an exceptional finch passage boosting the monthly total to record levels and totally eclipsing the previous best - 783 birds of 27 species which was achieved just last month! In addition, a Goldfinch provided the 3000th bird to be ringed this year, a landmark which was also achieved for the first time, despite below average numbers of Wren, Blackbird, Song Thrush and Redwing. Individual species totals for the month involved: Greenfinch (393), Goldfinch (236), Chaffinch (233), Meadow Pipit (144), Tree Sparrow (46), House Sparrow (40), Goldcrest (35), Lesser Redpoll (21), Dunnock (16), Blue Tit (16), Song Thrush (14), Blackbird (9), Long-tailed Tit (8), Blackcap (7), Robin (6), Linnet (6), Wren (6), Brambling (3), Chiffchaff (3), Coal Tit (3), Reed Bunting (3), Great Tit (2), Siskin (2), Sparrowhawk (2), Kestrel (1).
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore and a Fox was an unwelcome visitor.
Moths
Immigrants involved Dark Swordgrass and Silver Y.

First Woodcock of the autumn

30th October 2011 – sunny spells SW3/2
Grounded Migrants
Scant evidence of any newly grounded birds with just 3 Stonechat, 3 Song Thrush and single Redwing, Fieldfare and Mistle Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
The skies proved quiet this morning with only 240 Jackdaw, 80 Starling, 40 Greenfinch, 9 Carrion Crow, 6 Chaffinch, 2 Siskin, 1 Lesser Redpoll and a late Swallow logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains in residence and waders included the first Woodcock of the autumn along with 11 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 38 Little Egret are now to be found along the eastern shore and 24 Twite were logged.
Moths
A varied selection involved Silver Y, Angle Shades, Dark Swordgrass, Satellite, Large Wainscot and Dark Chestnut.
Images
Dawn over Biggar.


Greenfinch invasion

28th October 2011 – overcast SW1/2/3
Grounded Migrants
Evidence of newly grounded birds involved 10 Blackbird, 6 Song Thrush, 6 Dunnock and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Finches were again prominent through the morning with 150 Greenfinch, 20 Tree Sparrow, 15 Chaffinch and 3 Lesser Redpoll logged along with 280 Starling, 170 Jackdaw, 50 Skylark, 30 Meadow Pipit, 4 alba Wagtail and single Redwing, Fieldfare and Rock Pipit.
Miscellaneous
Three Short-eared Owls hunted the island along with a Barn Owl and Merlin.
Ringing
Yet another excellent day in what has been a record breaking autumn saw a total of 102 birds ringed, individual species totals involved: Greenfinch (64), Goldfinch (13), Chaffinch (6), Tree Sparrow (4), Dunnock (3), Lesser Redpoll (3), Blackbird (2), Song Thrush (2), House Sparrow (2), Blue Tit (2) and Meadow Pipit (1).

Black Redstart leads sightings

27th October 2011 – overcast SE3/2/1
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds were headlined by a splendid male Black Redstart and early morning thrushes involved 44 Blackbird, 14 Song Thrush, 26 Redwing, 7 Fieldfare and 2 Mistle Thrush. Additional sightings included 9 Goldcrest, 6 Blackcap, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds remain on the move with 210 Starling, 110 Jackdaw, 100 Goldfinch, 32 Chaffinch, 30 Greenfinch, 10 Meadow Pipit, 10 Lesser Redpoll, 8 Tree Sparrow and 3 Rock Pipit logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 70 pale-bellied birds and 4 Shoveler and 3 Pintail were seen. Waders included 5500 Oystercatcher and 1000 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The two Short-eared Owl hunted over the island early morning and at least 2 Water Rail were present. The current round of high tides saw 15 Rock Pipit flushed from the salt marsh.
Ringing
Another good day saw a total of 70 birds ringed involving Goldfinch (30), Greenfinch (14), Lesser Redpoll (7), Chaffinch (7), Goldcrest (4), Blackbird (2), Song Thrush (2), Tree Sparrow (2), House Sparrow (1) Linnet (1).
Moths
Satellite, Silver Y and Angle Shades were attracted to the moth trap overnight.

Late Swallows pass through

26th October 2011 – sunny spells SE4/5/6
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 35 Blackbird, 15 Song Thrush, 7 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare and 3 Mistle Thrush, while other sightings included 8 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and a Bullfinch
Diurnal Migration
Despite the continued wind birds were on the move with 280 Starling, 220 Jackdaw, 50 Skylark, 44 Chaffinch, 30 Tree Sparrow, 24 Greenfinch, 8 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Swallow and single Great Spotted Woodpecker, Rock Pipit, Brambling and Siskin logged.
Miscellaneous
The Water Rail continues to squeal and at least one Short-eared Owl remains.
Ringing
The ringing team achieved two milestones during the day ringing the 1000th bird for the month and 3000th bird for the year – the first time in the observatory’s history that either of these landmarks have been achieved.
Moths
The Satellite, Brick, Silver Y, Angle Shades and Dark Chestnut were all attracted to the moth trap overnight – the latter being the first for the island.
Images
Lesser Redpoll, Dark Chestnut and Short-eared Owl.


Short-eared Owls arrive

25th October 2011 – sunny spells SE5/4/3
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 17 Blackbird, 9 Redwing and 3 Mistle Thrush, other sightings included 14 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff and Stonechat.
Diurnal Migration
A slight drop in the wind saw a few birds on the move early morning with 350 Starling, 300 Jackdaw, 20 Greenfinch, 12 Woodpigeon, 10 Chaffinch, 8 Whooper Swan and single Grey Wagtail, Lesser Redpoll and Tree Sparrow logged .
Wildfowl and Waders
Teal, Shelduck and Wigeon numbers continue to build slowly and a few Greenshank continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
Birds of prey included 2 Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, Peregrine, Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. The Twite flock has increased to 40 birds and a Water Rail squealed.

First Jack Snipe of the autumn

20th October 2011 – calm/early morning rain, then sunny spells W1/2/3
Offshore
A quick check over the sea produced just small numbers of Kittiwake and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Birds grounded by the early morning rain included 80 Greenfinch, 60 Chaffinch, 20 Linnet, 18 Tree Sparrow, 10 Blue Tit, 6 Fieldfare, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Brambling, 2 Mistle Thrush and single Redwing, Stonechat, Wheatear, Coal Tit and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move through the morning including 500 Starling, 100 Jackdaw, 70 Pink-footed Goose, 16 Whooper Swan, 10 Meadow Pipit, 6 Siskin, 3 Rock Pipit and 2 Lesser Redpoll .
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 Long-tailed Duck remain and waders included 16 Greenshank and the first Jack Snipe of the autumn.
Miscellaneous
At least 20 Little Egret remain along the eastern shore.
Ringing
At last a day that dawned calm and despite a false start due to early morning rain the ringers again hit the century mark with 118 birds of 9 species ringed. Individual species totals involved Greenfinch (47), Chaffinch (31), Goldfinch (12), Tree Sparrow (12), Blue Tit (8), Goldcrest (4), House Sparrow (2), Brambling (1), Dunnock (1).

Pale-bellied Brent Geese return

19th October 2011 – sunshine and early morning heavy showers NW5/6
Offshore
A quick check over the sea early morning produced just small numbers of Gannet, Kittiwake, Common Scoter and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds were grounded by several heavy showers early morning sightings included: 30 Greenfinch, 20 Chaffinch, 10 Tree Sparrow, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Goldcrest and a Brambling.
Diurnal Migration
Birds on the move were limited to 50 Skylark and a group of 5 Whooper Swan.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and 71 pale-bellied Brent Goose have now returned for the winter.
Miscellaneous
Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Little Owl were all logged.
Images
Brambling – easily identified as a first-winter male due to the renewed alula being the same glossy black as the renewed greater coverts which contrast with the duller primary coverts.


WeBS counting

17th October 2011 – overcast/rain at times SW5/6/7
Offshore
The wind and the rain returned with a vengeance and sightings on the rising tide (0830-1030) involved 67 Razorbill, 53 Common Scoter, 27 Kittiwake, 23 Common Gull, 20 Teal, 7 Gannet, 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
The miserable conditions allowed for little evidence of newly grounded birds, however, a single Chiffchaff was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and the monthly WeBS count produced 4830 Oystercatcher, 1990 Redshank, 917 Curlew, 531 Turnstone, 300 Wigeon, 268 Lapwing, 227 Dunlin, 202 Knot, 160 Teal, 138 Mallard, 130 Grey Plover, 100 Sanderling, 100 Bar-tailed Godwit and 28 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl continues to show.
Moths
An Angle Shades and Large Wainscot were the only attractions to the moth trap.

Long-tailed Duck remains

16th October 2011 – sunshine and showers WSW2/3
Offshore
A quick check over the sea early morning produced 3 Shag and small numbers of Common Scoter and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of grounded birds involved 60 Greenfinch, 20 Chaffinch, 5 Goldcrest, 5 Blackbird, 4 Redwing, 4 Blackcap, 2 Coal Tit and single Fieldfare and Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Birds on the move included 264 Jackdaw, 40 Greenfinch, 30 Meadow Pipit, 26 Tree Sparrow, 14 alba Wagtail, 10 Chaffinch, 10 Linnet, 5 Reed Bunting, 4 Lesser Redpoll and 3 Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains, 7 Goldeneye were newly arrived and 28 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl was hunting the island at dawn.
Moths
The Brick and Satellite were the highlights of a small catch.

Common Buzzard heads diurnal migration

15th October 2011 – bright and sunny SE3/2
Grounded Migrants
A selection of grounded birds included 40 Greenfinch, 20 Chaffinch, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit, 2 Blackcap and 2 Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
A varied selection of species were again on the move a Common Buzzard leading sightings which also included: 480 Starling, 175 Jackdaw, 100 Meadow Pipit, 45 alba Wagtail, 45 Linnet, 30 Chaffinch, 30 Greenfinch, 5 Swallow, 5 Skylark, 3 Tree Sparrow, 3 Pintail, 3 Rook, 2 Whooper Swan, 2 Siskin and single Lesser Redpoll and Brambling.
Miscellaneous
At least 30 Little Egret are now present along the eastern shore.

First Redwing and Fieldfare of the autumn

14th October 2011 – overcast SE2/3
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes grounded early morning involved: 47 Fieldfare, 6 Song Thrush, 5 Redwing and 3 Blackbird, also logged were 50 Chaffinch, 50 Greenfinch, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit and single Brambling and Lesser Redpoll.
Diurnal Migration
A good selection of species were on the move with 620 Starling, 300 Meadow Pipit, 140 Chaffinch, 70 Pink-footed Goose, 53 Jackdaw, 60 Linnet, 30 Greenfinch, 30 alba Wagtail, 20 Skylark, 9 Tree Sparrow, 7 Redwing, 4 Siskin, 4 Brambling, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Lesser Redpoll and a Song Thrush logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least one Long-tailed Duck remains.
Ringing
The ringers again hit the century before declaring with 102 birds of 12 species ringed, individual species totals involved: Greenfinch (36), Chaffinch (32), Goldfinch (17), House Sparrow (6), 2 Blue Tit (2), Coal Tit (2), Dunnock (2), Goldcrest (1), Robin (1), Blackbird (1), Lesser Redpoll (1) and Brambling (1).

Brace of Long-tailed Ducks

13th October 2011 – overcast E1/2
Grounded Migrants
Finches proved to be the order of the day with 150 Goldfinch, 100 Linnet, 50 Greenfinch and 30 Chaffinch logged along with 5 Goldcrest and single Wheatear and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 9 adult Whooper Swan headed south – the first of the autumn, also seen were 440 Pink-footed Goose, 300 Meadow Pipit, 60 Chaffinch, 60 Skylark, 40 Greenfinch, 10 alba Wagtail, 4 Siskin, 2 Brambling, 2 Lesser Redpoll and single Mistle Thrush and Swallow .
Wildfowl and Waders
A brace of Long-tailed Duck were the pick of the wildfowl.
Ringing
Another good effort by the ringing team saw 122 birds ringed of 11 species with individual totals as follows: Goldfinch (36), Greenfinch (31), Meadow Pipit (20), Chaffinch (19), House Sparrow (4), Linnet (3), Goldcrest (3), Wren (2), Robin (2), Reed Bunting (1) and Dunnock (1).
Moths
Immigrants included Silver Y and Rusty Dot Pearl.
Images
Long-tailed Ducks.


Scaup, Brambling and Twite

12th October 2011 – heavy/torrential rain, drier later NW4/3/2
Grounded Migrants
A Brambling – the first of the autumn, was the pick of today’s grounded birds which also included: 20 Goldcrest, 20 Greenfinch, 20 Chaffinch, 9 Wheatear, 6 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Siskin, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Song Thrush and a late Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 300 Pink-footed Geese headed south at dusk.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Scaup was newly arrived and waders included 30 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The first 10 Twite have now returned, at least 18 Little Egret were scattered along the eastern shore, 2 Water Rail squealed and 2 Merlin hunted the finch flocks.
Moths
Just 2 Angle Shades troubled the recorder.

Will it ever stop raining?

11th October 2011 – rain NW4/3/2
Grounded Migrants
Birds grounded by the seemingly incessant belt of rain that has lingered over the island for the last 10 days included: 60 alba Wagtail, 40 Chaffinch, 30 Greenfinch, 4 Wheatear and single Siskin and Lesser Redpoll
Wildfowl and Waders
A late Whimbrel was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least 5 Little Egret remain along the eastern shore.
Moths
The rain even got into the moth trap electrics!

Another Leach’s Petrel

10th October 2011 – overcast/rain WSW5/6/7
Offshore
Early mornimg (0900-1100) produced a single Leach’s Petrel moving out of Morecambe Bay along with 22 Common Scoter, 6 Razorbill and single Gannet and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
The miserable conditions allowed for little evidence of newly grounded birds, however, a single Wheatear was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A rather impetuous Swallow was seen.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets and Merlin continue to show.
Moths
An Angle Shades was the only attraction to the moth trap.

Leach's Petrel headlines

9th October 2011 – overcast/rain at times WSW4/5
Offshore
After a couple of blank days due to unsuitable winds morning observations (0930-1100) were highlighted by a single Leach’s Petrel moving out of Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 30 Common Scoter, 11 Razorbill, 5 Kittiwake, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Again there were few grounded birds with 3 Goldcrest the best on offer.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 130 Bar-tailed Godwit roosted over the tide.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret continue to show and raptors included Merlin, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.

Brent Geese newly arrived

6th October 2011 – overcast/rain at times W4/5/6/7
Offshore
The sea provided little (0800-1000 with just 8 Common Scoter logged.
Grounded Migrants
Again there were few grounded birds with just 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 13 dark-bellied Brent Goose were newly arrived and waders included 32 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 18 Little Egret remain and a Merlin was logged.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was the pick of seawatching activities.

Moth takes the headlines

4th October 2011 – overcast/rain at times W4/5
Offshore
The sea provided some autumn variety (0800-0900) with Arctic Skua the pick along with 49 Common Scoter, 4 Gannet, 3 Razorbill, 2 Kittiwake and single Red-throated Diver and Sandwich Tern .
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 3 Goldcrest and 2 Chiffchaff .
Diurnal Migration
With weather conditions not conducive to migrations single Grey Wagtail and Lesser Redpoll were the best that could be mustered.
Wildfowl and Waders
A few Greenshank continue to be logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 13 Little Egret remain and a Merlin was seen.
Moths
A Blair’s Shoulder-knot captured a few days ago was the first island record.
Images
Blair’s Shoulder-knot.


Very mundane

3rd October 2011 – overcast/rain at times SW3/4/5
Offshore
Early mornimg (0800-0900) produced 32 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill, 3 Gannt, 3 Shag and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
The trickle of Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Wheatear and Blackcap continues.
Diurnal Migration
The limited highlights involved 2 Swallow, 2 Siskin and a Grey Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets and Little Owl continue to show.
Moths
Two Blair's Shoulder-knot supplemented a recent first island record and recent additions for the year involved The Vestal, Treble Bar and Canary Shouldered Thorn.
Images
The Vestal and Treble Bar.


Ringers hit double century

1st October 2011 – overcast/calm
Offshore
A single Gannet was the only bird logged.
Grounded Migrants
Truly grounded birds remained in short supply with a sprinkling of Robin holding 3 Coal Tit, 2 Goldcrest and single Tree Sparrow, Chiffchaff and Blackcap .
Diurnal Migration
Diurnal migration was again much in evidence with 2500 Meadow Pipit, 550 Pink-footed Goose, 80 alba Wagtail, 80 Greenfinch, 80 Skylark, 60 Linnet, 50 Chaffinch, 30 Siskin, 10 Jackdaw, 10 Starling, 6 Swallow, 4 Grey Wagtail and 4 Lesser Redpoll logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Black-tailed Godwit was amongst 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 14 Little Egret remain and a Merlin was seen.
Ringing
Ideal conditions, heavy cloud to the north with very light winds and a few light showers early morning, provided a remarkable day with a total of over 200 birds of 16 species ringed. Individual totals involved 123 Meadow Pipit, 34 Greenfinch, 14 Chaffinch, 13 Goldfinch, 5 House Sparrow, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Goldcrest and single Kestrel, Robin, Reed Bunting, Dunnock, Linnet, Great Tit, Tree Sparrow, Siskin and Wren.
Images
Kestrel and Tree Sparrow.