30th June 2012 – sunny spells SW5
Offshore
Sightings over the sea (0600-0930) included 125 Manx Shearwater, 60 Common Scoter, 51 Gannet, 50 Little Tern, 45 Arctic Tern, 35 Common Scoter, 6 Sandwich Tern, 6 Guillemot, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Razorbill and a Fulmar
Diurnal Migration
Three Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 33 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank – the latter the first of the autumn.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Meadow Brown was on the wing while White Satin and Clay made their first appearance of the year in the moth trap.
Black-tailed Godwit on the move
29th June 2012 – sunny spells SSW3/4
Offshore
An hour looking over the sea on the mornings falling tide (0845-0945) produced a few birds with 40 Gannet, 35 Manx Shearwater, 20 Kittiwake, 9 Sandwich Tern, 7 Common Scoter, 5 Guillemot, 2 Little Tern and 2 Arctic Tern logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Teal are already beginning to return and waders included 42 Black-tailed Godwit and small numbers of Knot and Dunlin.
Moths
It remains a very poor year so far for moths, however, recent new additions for the year include Small Angle Shades, Small Clouded Brindle, Dark Spectacle and Riband Wave.
Offshore
An hour looking over the sea on the mornings falling tide (0845-0945) produced a few birds with 40 Gannet, 35 Manx Shearwater, 20 Kittiwake, 9 Sandwich Tern, 7 Common Scoter, 5 Guillemot, 2 Little Tern and 2 Arctic Tern logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Teal are already beginning to return and waders included 42 Black-tailed Godwit and small numbers of Knot and Dunlin.
Moths
It remains a very poor year so far for moths, however, recent new additions for the year include Small Angle Shades, Small Clouded Brindle, Dark Spectacle and Riband Wave.
Another Storm Petrel
24th June 2012 – overcast/showers W3
Offshore
Offshore observations on the rising tide (1130-1230) produced another Storm Petrel and 5 Little Tern amongst small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter, Guillemot, Kittiwake, Manx Shearwater, Arctic Tern, Sandwich Tern and Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Blackcap was newly arrived.
Offshore
Offshore observations on the rising tide (1130-1230) produced another Storm Petrel and 5 Little Tern amongst small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter, Guillemot, Kittiwake, Manx Shearwater, Arctic Tern, Sandwich Tern and Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Blackcap was newly arrived.
Storm Petrels
23rd June 2012 – overcast W5/6
Offshore
A day for checking over the sea with a series of observations through the day producing totals of 230 Gannet, 145 Manx Shearwater, 90 Common Scoter, 26 Fulmar, 26 Kittiwake, 10 Common Tern, 10 Storm Petrel, 9 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Tern and a Little Tern .
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was newly arrived.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 34 Black-tailed Godwit were the first hint that waders are already beginning to return.
Offshore
A day for checking over the sea with a series of observations through the day producing totals of 230 Gannet, 145 Manx Shearwater, 90 Common Scoter, 26 Fulmar, 26 Kittiwake, 10 Common Tern, 10 Storm Petrel, 9 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Tern and a Little Tern .
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was newly arrived.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 34 Black-tailed Godwit were the first hint that waders are already beginning to return.
Osprey strikes
19th June 2012 – bright and sunny WSW2
Offshore
Offshore observations (0815-0915) produced small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter, Guillemot, Sandwich Tern and Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Willow Warbler was newly arrived – but which way was it heading?.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 50 Knot, 7 Dunlin and 3 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
An Osprey flew in off the sea at 1030, caught a fish along the eastern shore and then settled down on the sands to feast on its catch.
Moths
A Strawberry Tortrix would appear to be new for the island while recent new additions for the year include Ghost Moth, Nutmeg, Shore Wainscot, Smoky Wainscot and Dark Sword Grass.
Offshore
Offshore observations (0815-0915) produced small numbers of Gannet, Common Scoter, Guillemot, Sandwich Tern and Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Willow Warbler was newly arrived – but which way was it heading?.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 50 Knot, 7 Dunlin and 3 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
An Osprey flew in off the sea at 1030, caught a fish along the eastern shore and then settled down on the sands to feast on its catch.
Moths
A Strawberry Tortrix would appear to be new for the island while recent new additions for the year include Ghost Moth, Nutmeg, Shore Wainscot, Smoky Wainscot and Dark Sword Grass.
Puffin Brace
14th June 2012 – bright and sunny E3/4
Offshore
In recent years June has been the month to see Puffin off Walney and true to form observations (0815-0915) produced two birds heading into Morecambe Bay. Also seen were small numbers of Razorbill, Guillemot, Sandwich Tern and a lone Barnacle Goose heading north.
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was newly arrived and presumably still heading to its breeding grounds.
Moths
Burnish Brass and Gold Spot are the latest new additions for the year.
Offshore
In recent years June has been the month to see Puffin off Walney and true to form observations (0815-0915) produced two birds heading into Morecambe Bay. Also seen were small numbers of Razorbill, Guillemot, Sandwich Tern and a lone Barnacle Goose heading north.
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was newly arrived and presumably still heading to its breeding grounds.
Moths
Burnish Brass and Gold Spot are the latest new additions for the year.
A quiet day at last!
11th June 2012 – overcast NE1
Offshore
A check over a calm sea (0730-0830) revealed just small numbers of Fulmar, Gannet, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
A Chiffchaff was the only evidence of newly arrived birds.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of House Martin continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 115 Knot, 11 Sanderling and 4 Whimbrel.
Moths
The first Ingrailed Clay and Middle-barred Minor of the year have now emerged and immigrants involved 2 Diamond-backed Moth and a Silver Y.
Offshore
A check over a calm sea (0730-0830) revealed just small numbers of Fulmar, Gannet, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
A Chiffchaff was the only evidence of newly arrived birds.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of House Martin continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 115 Knot, 11 Sanderling and 4 Whimbrel.
Moths
The first Ingrailed Clay and Middle-barred Minor of the year have now emerged and immigrants involved 2 Diamond-backed Moth and a Silver Y.
More seabirds
10th June 2012 – sunny spells W1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations over calm seas (0730-0830) produced 303 Manx Shearwater, 71 Common Scoter, 43 Gannet, 34 Kittiwake, 8 Sandwich Tern, 3 Razorbill and 2 Guillemot.
Dragonflies
Four-spotted Chaser, Blue-tailed Damselfly and Common Blue Damselfly are now all on the wing.
Moths
Day flying moths included Mother Shipton, Burnet Companion and Common Heath.
Offshore
Early morning observations over calm seas (0730-0830) produced 303 Manx Shearwater, 71 Common Scoter, 43 Gannet, 34 Kittiwake, 8 Sandwich Tern, 3 Razorbill and 2 Guillemot.
Dragonflies
Four-spotted Chaser, Blue-tailed Damselfly and Common Blue Damselfly are now all on the wing.
Moths
Day flying moths included Mother Shipton, Burnet Companion and Common Heath.
Sooty Shearwater and Storm Petrel
9th June 2012 – overcast/showers W3
Offshore
With little evidence of much happening elsewhere on the island activities were focussed on the sea where observations (0700-1000 & 1330-1600) were highlighted by a Sooty Shearwater moving close inshore out of Morecambe Bay and a Storm Petrel heading into the bay. Also seen were a totals of 205 Gannet, 190 Manx Shearwater, 52 Kittiwake, 40 Guillemot, 30 Common Scoter, 19 Sandwich Tern, 13 Fulmar, 11 Razorbill, 9 Arctic Tern, 4 Common Tern, 3 Great Skua, 3 Arctic Skua and 3 Little Tern
Miscellaneous
A few more Eider ducklings have recently emerged.
Moths
The first Large Yellow Underwing have now emerged.
Offshore
With little evidence of much happening elsewhere on the island activities were focussed on the sea where observations (0700-1000 & 1330-1600) were highlighted by a Sooty Shearwater moving close inshore out of Morecambe Bay and a Storm Petrel heading into the bay. Also seen were a totals of 205 Gannet, 190 Manx Shearwater, 52 Kittiwake, 40 Guillemot, 30 Common Scoter, 19 Sandwich Tern, 13 Fulmar, 11 Razorbill, 9 Arctic Tern, 4 Common Tern, 3 Great Skua, 3 Arctic Skua and 3 Little Tern
Miscellaneous
A few more Eider ducklings have recently emerged.
Moths
The first Large Yellow Underwing have now emerged.
Still raining!
8th June 2012 – overcast/rain later NE1
Offshore
A check over a calm sea (0815-0915) produced 52 Manx Shearwater, 14 Gannet, 6 Common Scoter, 2 Little Tern and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A Reed Warbler was newly arrived.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Black-tailed Godwit remains and 100 Sanderling were logged.
Moths
A small attraction was highlighted by the first Turnip of the year.
Offshore
A check over a calm sea (0815-0915) produced 52 Manx Shearwater, 14 Gannet, 6 Common Scoter, 2 Little Tern and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A Reed Warbler was newly arrived.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Black-tailed Godwit remains and 100 Sanderling were logged.
Moths
A small attraction was highlighted by the first Turnip of the year.
Rain stops play!
7th June 2012 – overcast/rain E3
Offshore
A few Gannet were noted early morning just as the the rain set in.
Grounded Migrants
Two late Blackcap were newly arrived.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single Curlew Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit were the pick of the waders.
Moths
The largest catch of the year so far saw Thistle Ermine and Broom Moth added to the year list.
Offshore
A few Gannet were noted early morning just as the the rain set in.
Grounded Migrants
Two late Blackcap were newly arrived.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single Curlew Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit were the pick of the waders.
Moths
The largest catch of the year so far saw Thistle Ermine and Broom Moth added to the year list.
Back to the mundane!
6th June 2012 – overcast/showers SW3
Offshore
A morning check over the sea (0830-0930) produced some evidence of movement with 170 Manx Shearwater, 41 Gannet, 13 Kittiwake, 8 Little Tern, 5 Sandwich Tern, 4 Common Tern, 3 Guillemot, 2 Arctic Tern and a single Fulmar logged.
Grounded Migrants
A late Spotted Flycatcher was newly arrived.
Moths
Brimstone and Small Elephant Hawk-moth were the best that the traps could muster while an Iron Prominent on the centre of the island was just the second island record.
Offshore
A morning check over the sea (0830-0930) produced some evidence of movement with 170 Manx Shearwater, 41 Gannet, 13 Kittiwake, 8 Little Tern, 5 Sandwich Tern, 4 Common Tern, 3 Guillemot, 2 Arctic Tern and a single Fulmar logged.
Grounded Migrants
A late Spotted Flycatcher was newly arrived.
Moths
Brimstone and Small Elephant Hawk-moth were the best that the traps could muster while an Iron Prominent on the centre of the island was just the second island record.
Pectoral Sandpiper
5th June 2012 – overcast SE1/2
Rarities
The good run of sightings on the island was continued when a Pectoral Sandpiper was found feeding with 4 Dunlin in flooded fields at Snab Point over the tide. Please view only from the road and do not enter the private fields.
Miscellaneous
The first few Eider ducklings have recently emerged.
Images
A couple of distant record shots of the Pectoral Sandpiper.
Rarities
The good run of sightings on the island was continued when a Pectoral Sandpiper was found feeding with 4 Dunlin in flooded fields at Snab Point over the tide. Please view only from the road and do not enter the private fields.
Miscellaneous
The first few Eider ducklings have recently emerged.
Images
A couple of distant record shots of the Pectoral Sandpiper.
Greenish Warbler heads sightings
4th June 2012 – sunny spells W1/2
Rarities
Highlight of the day was the island’s fourth Greenish Warbler that was trapped and ringed mid-morning and was still present late afternoon.
Grounded Migrants
A Whitethroat was the only other evidence of newly grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of House Martin continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Knot and single Ruff and Wood Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Butterflies
The first Red Admiral of the year was logged.
Images
Greenish Warbler and Ruff.
Rarities
Highlight of the day was the island’s fourth Greenish Warbler that was trapped and ringed mid-morning and was still present late afternoon.
Grounded Migrants
A Whitethroat was the only other evidence of newly grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of House Martin continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Knot and single Ruff and Wood Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Butterflies
The first Red Admiral of the year was logged.
Images
Greenish Warbler and Ruff.
Little Stint and Black Redstart
2nd June 2012 – overcast SE3/4
Offshore
Observations (0730-0800) produced small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Common Scoter and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Some late movement produced an unexpected female Black Redstart and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
A single Swift came in off the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Little Stint amongst 10 Dunlin was the pick of the waders which also included 250 Knot and 40 Sanderling.
Offshore
Observations (0730-0800) produced small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Common Scoter and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Some late movement produced an unexpected female Black Redstart and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
A single Swift came in off the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Little Stint amongst 10 Dunlin was the pick of the waders which also included 250 Knot and 40 Sanderling.
Manx Shearwater on the move
1st June 2012 – overcast WNW1/2
Offshore
A check over the sea early morning (0730-0900) was greeted by a constant passage of Manx Shearwater with 775 logged in the first hour and a total of 1000 birds recorded. Associated with this passage were 73 Common Scoter, 28 Gannet, 17 Guillemot, 6 Sandwich Tern, 3 Razorbill, 2 Little Tern, 2 Fulmar, 2 Kittiwake and single Arctic Skua, Arctic Tern and Common Tern
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow were still coming in off the sea.
Moths
The moth trap held White Colon and Sandy Carpet and as predicted a new species of micro-moth for the island in the form of Ancylis unquicella
Offshore
A check over the sea early morning (0730-0900) was greeted by a constant passage of Manx Shearwater with 775 logged in the first hour and a total of 1000 birds recorded. Associated with this passage were 73 Common Scoter, 28 Gannet, 17 Guillemot, 6 Sandwich Tern, 3 Razorbill, 2 Little Tern, 2 Fulmar, 2 Kittiwake and single Arctic Skua, Arctic Tern and Common Tern
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow were still coming in off the sea.
Moths
The moth trap held White Colon and Sandy Carpet and as predicted a new species of micro-moth for the island in the form of Ancylis unquicella
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