30th November 2012 – sunny spells/early frost ESE1
Offshore
A check over the sea produced 10 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver and 4 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Four Song Thrush suggested some cold weather movement .
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 20 Whooper Swan flew south.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Goosander and Greenshank were the pick.
Miscellaneous
At least 9 Little Egret remain along the eastern shore and single Merlin and Barn Owl were logged.
Ringing
The final throes of autumn produced 93 birds of 15 species. Individual totals were as follows Blackbird (23), Greenfinch (18), Goldfinch (17), Song Thrush (9), Chaffinch (7), Dunnock (6), Robin (2), Goldcrest (2), Redwing (2), House Sparrow (2), Tree Sparrow (1), Reed Bunting (1), Blackcap (1), Garden Warbler (1) and Water Rail (1).
Red-throated Divers on the move
29th November 2012 – bright and frosty/calm
Offshore
Morning observations (0930-1030) were led by a total of 47 Red-throated Diver moving south, also seen were 23 Red-breasted Merganser, 11 Common Scoter and 4 Goosander.
Grounded Migrants
A few more Song Thrush and Blackbird were in evidence.
Diurnal Migration
Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 145 birds headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The small flock of Pintail increased to 47 birds.
Miscellaneous
At least 9 Little Egret were along the eastern shore and 4 Rock Pipit were logged.
Offshore
Morning observations (0930-1030) were led by a total of 47 Red-throated Diver moving south, also seen were 23 Red-breasted Merganser, 11 Common Scoter and 4 Goosander.
Grounded Migrants
A few more Song Thrush and Blackbird were in evidence.
Diurnal Migration
Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 145 birds headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The small flock of Pintail increased to 47 birds.
Miscellaneous
At least 9 Little Egret were along the eastern shore and 4 Rock Pipit were logged.
The sea continues to provide the main interest
28th November 2012 – Bright and sunny N2, early frost
Offshore
A check of the sea early morning (0840-0940) provided 215 Common Scoter, 23 Kittiwake, 12 Red-throated Diver, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Eider and 6 Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
Shelduck numbers are finally beginning to build while a recent influx of Snipe is evident with one flock flushed from the saltmarsh holding 120 birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues to linger and Little Egrets continue to show well.
Offshore
A check of the sea early morning (0840-0940) provided 215 Common Scoter, 23 Kittiwake, 12 Red-throated Diver, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Eider and 6 Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
Shelduck numbers are finally beginning to build while a recent influx of Snipe is evident with one flock flushed from the saltmarsh holding 120 birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues to linger and Little Egrets continue to show well.
Goldfinch to Nottingham
26th November 2012 – overcast/rain at times NNW3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea early morning (0915-1015) provided 25 Common Scoter, 16 Razorbill, 9 Kittiwake and 8 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A solitary Fieldfare provided the only evidence.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2000 Knot and Shoveler increased to 11 birds.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues in residence and 8 Little Egret were logged. Two Barn Owls hunted the island at dawn.
Ringing
During the course of 2012 over 330 Goldfinch have been colour-ringed on the island with just a number of local sightings reported until a bird was photographed on in garden feeder at Arnold, Nottingham on 17th November 2012. This bird had initially been marked during autumn passage on the island on 19th October 2012.
The sea provides most interest
25th November 2012 – overcast/rain at times W3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea early morning (0915-1015) provided 40 Razorbill, 31 Common Scoter, 28 Kittiwake, 20 Red-throated Diver, 2 Guillemot and single Gannet and Fulmar.
Ringing
A Sanderling along the maritime shore had previously been ringed at Gardskagi, ICELAND on 15th May 2011 .
Little on offer away from the sea
23rd November 2012 – overcast/early showers SW4
Offshore
A check of the sea early morning (0815-0915) provided 125 Razorbill, 18 Common Scoter, 14 Kittiwake, 10 Guillemot, 6 Red-throated Diver and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
A solitary Fieldfare provided the only evidence.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 9 Shoveler were the best of the wildfowl.
Miscellaneous
Several Little Egrets continue to roam amongst the salt marshes along the eastern shore.
A quiet late autumn day
21st November 2012 – overcast/early showers SE1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea early morning (0815-0915) provided 10 Red-throated Diver, 9 Common Scoter, 7 Razorbill, 3 Kittiwake and single Gannet and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Despite the weather conditions sightings were limited to thrushes with 10 Blackbird and single Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush logged suggesting passage is at an end.
Wildfowl and Waders
A pair of Gadwall were the pick of the wildfowl.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets continue to roam amongst the salt marshes along the eastern shore.
Another Waxwing
18th November 2012 – sunny spells and showers NW3/4
Offshore
A group of 8 Shag were the pick of the offshore sightings.
Grounded Migrants
A check of the berry laden hawthorns on the island revealed 205 Blackbird, 33 Fieldfare, 12 Redwing and 3 Song Thrush but no grounded Waxwings.
Diurnal Migration
A single Waxwing circled the island before heading off north east while 40 Woodpigeon and 15 Whooper Swan were also logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Totals for the monthly WeBS count included 6074 Oystercatcher, 1400 Knot, 1060 Dunlin, 1060 Redshank, 830 Lapwing, 730 Golden Plover, 890 Wigeon, 830 Curlew, 380 Teal, 344 Turnstone, 212 Grey Plover, 200 Snipe, 166 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 140 Mallard, 138 Cormorant, 100 Shelduck, 80 Ringed Plover, 57 Pintail, 30 Red-breasted Merganser, 30 Bar-tailed Godwit, 27 Goldeneye, 16 Purple Sandpiper, 15 Greenshank, 11 Grey Heron, 10 Little Egret, 4 Water Rail, 2 Shoveler and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Woodland species are not that common on the island but a tour of the less frequently visited areas in pursuit of Waxwings provided 23 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Jay and 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker. In addition, 6 Sparrowhawk were logged.
Black-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe and Black Guillemot!
17th November 2012 – early rain then sunny spells NW1/2/3/4
Offshore
The sea provided the highlights of the day with single Black-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe and Black Guillemot logged. Also seen were 24 Common Scoter and small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Kittiwake and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes again dominated early morning with 36 Blackbird, 12 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 3 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush logged along with a single Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A late Swallow was seen with 3 Brambling, 2 Lesser Redpoll and single Siskin and Rock Pipit also recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 139 pale-bellied birds and 20 Pintail and 2 Shoveler also logged. Waders included 15 Greenshank and a Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted the island at dawn, the Twite flock increased to 180 birds while 5 Little Egret, 8 Long-tailed Tit and 2 Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Offshore
The sea provided the highlights of the day with single Black-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe and Black Guillemot logged. Also seen were 24 Common Scoter and small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Kittiwake and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes again dominated early morning with 36 Blackbird, 12 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 3 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush logged along with a single Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A late Swallow was seen with 3 Brambling, 2 Lesser Redpoll and single Siskin and Rock Pipit also recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 139 pale-bellied birds and 20 Pintail and 2 Shoveler also logged. Waders included 15 Greenshank and a Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted the island at dawn, the Twite flock increased to 180 birds while 5 Little Egret, 8 Long-tailed Tit and 2 Water Rail were the best of the rest.
More Waxwings move through
16th November 2012 – overcast S2
Grounded Migrants
Another trickle of thrushes early morning involved 15 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare , 4 Song Thrush and 3 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 10 Waxwing moved through along with 4 Brambling and 2 Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock increased to a record 170 pale-bellied birds while waders included a Jack Snipe amongst 55 Snipe and single Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues to linger and 8 Rock Pipit were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Another trickle of thrushes early morning involved 15 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare , 4 Song Thrush and 3 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 10 Waxwing moved through along with 4 Brambling and 2 Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock increased to a record 170 pale-bellied birds while waders included a Jack Snipe amongst 55 Snipe and single Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues to linger and 8 Rock Pipit were logged.
Waxwings lead late autumn flurry
15th November 2012 – misty/murky then sunny spells SSE2
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering of thrushes early morning involved 27 Blackbird, 20 Redwing and 11 Song Thrush. Also logged were a late Garden Warbler and a solitary Goldcrest
Diurnal Migration
Sightings were headlined by 2 Waxwing amongst 280 Starling, 10 Meadow Pipit and a flock of 7 Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of Brent Geese again held 166 pale-bellied birds while waders included a Woodcock amongst 115 Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues to linger, 50 Twite were logged and at least 15 Rock Pipit were flushed from the salt marsh at high tide.
Ringing
Several of the Blackbirds were trapped and ringed and biometric data (wing length up to 140mm) suggested that at least some were of continental origin.
Images
Garden Warbler.
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering of thrushes early morning involved 27 Blackbird, 20 Redwing and 11 Song Thrush. Also logged were a late Garden Warbler and a solitary Goldcrest
Diurnal Migration
Sightings were headlined by 2 Waxwing amongst 280 Starling, 10 Meadow Pipit and a flock of 7 Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of Brent Geese again held 166 pale-bellied birds while waders included a Woodcock amongst 115 Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues to linger, 50 Twite were logged and at least 15 Rock Pipit were flushed from the salt marsh at high tide.
Ringing
Several of the Blackbirds were trapped and ringed and biometric data (wing length up to 140mm) suggested that at least some were of continental origin.
Images
Garden Warbler.
Brent Geese continue to increase
14th November 2012 – overcast S3/4
Grounded Migrants
A scattering of thrushes early morning included 23 Blackbird and 12 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Some late movement with 10 Greenfinch and 10 Chaffinch logged..
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of Brent Geese continues to increase slowly with 166 birds present today including the first family parties.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and at least 11 Rock Pipit were flushed from the salt marsh by the high tides.
Grounded Migrants
A scattering of thrushes early morning included 23 Blackbird and 12 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Some late movement with 10 Greenfinch and 10 Chaffinch logged..
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of Brent Geese continues to increase slowly with 166 birds present today including the first family parties.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and at least 11 Rock Pipit were flushed from the salt marsh by the high tides.
Waxwings disappear
13th November 2012 – overcast S4
Offshore
Small numbers of Guillemot, Razorbill and Common Scoter were logged.
Grounded Migrants
The Waxwings promptly disappeared and other grounded birds were limited to 7 Redwing and single Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 156 pale-bellied birds and 37 Pintail were seen. Waders included 1100 Knot while the first Purple Sandpiper have now returned
Miscellaneous
At least 52 Twite and 9 Little Egret remain and 2 Raven were logged.
Offshore
Small numbers of Guillemot, Razorbill and Common Scoter were logged.
Grounded Migrants
The Waxwings promptly disappeared and other grounded birds were limited to 7 Redwing and single Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 156 pale-bellied birds and 37 Pintail were seen. Waders included 1100 Knot while the first Purple Sandpiper have now returned
Miscellaneous
At least 52 Twite and 9 Little Egret remain and 2 Raven were logged.
Waxwings arrive
12th November 2012 – rain SE4
Rarities
A flock of 20 Waxwings along Mill Lane on the centre of the island is the largest group ever recorded on the island.
Grounded Migrants
A flock of thrushes comprised of 31 Fieldfare, 15 Blackbird, 5 Redwing and 2 Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 146 pale-bellied birds and 31 Pintail were seen.
Miscellaneous
At least 55 Twite and 8 Little Egret remain.
Rarities
A flock of 20 Waxwings along Mill Lane on the centre of the island is the largest group ever recorded on the island.
Grounded Migrants
A flock of thrushes comprised of 31 Fieldfare, 15 Blackbird, 5 Redwing and 2 Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 146 pale-bellied birds and 31 Pintail were seen.
Miscellaneous
At least 55 Twite and 8 Little Egret remain.
Blackcap
10th November 2012 – sunny spells and showers SW3
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of thrushes included single Fieldfare and Redwing while a male Blackcap was also logged.
Diurnal Migrants
A late movement of 27 Meadow Pipit was recorded along with 2 Raven and a Siskin.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and the Twite flock increased to 55 birds.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of thrushes included single Fieldfare and Redwing while a male Blackcap was also logged.
Diurnal Migrants
A late movement of 27 Meadow Pipit was recorded along with 2 Raven and a Siskin.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and the Twite flock increased to 55 birds.
Seawatching weather!
7th November 2012 – overcast/rain at times WSW4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-1030) on the falling tide produced 370 Razorbill, 50 Kittiwake, 40 Guillemot, 25 Common Scoter, 10 Shag, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Gannet as they moved back out of Morecambe Bay.
Grounded Migrants
A Goldcrest was the best that could be mustered.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock increased to 35 birds.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-1030) on the falling tide produced 370 Razorbill, 50 Kittiwake, 40 Guillemot, 25 Common Scoter, 10 Shag, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Gannet as they moved back out of Morecambe Bay.
Grounded Migrants
A Goldcrest was the best that could be mustered.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock increased to 35 birds.
Thrush day
5th November 2012 – bright and sunny/early frost/calm
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 34 Blackbird, 11 Song Thrush, 10 Redwing and 4 Fieldfare. Also seen were 3 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Some late movement was evident with 270 Pink-footed Geese, 80 Jackdaw, 50 Woodpigeon, 25 Meadow Pipit, 14 Greenfinch, 10 Chaffinch, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Brambling, 2 Raven, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Lesser Redpoll and single Siskin and Rock Pipit logged.
Miscellaneous
At least one Water Rail remains.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 34 Blackbird, 11 Song Thrush, 10 Redwing and 4 Fieldfare. Also seen were 3 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Some late movement was evident with 270 Pink-footed Geese, 80 Jackdaw, 50 Woodpigeon, 25 Meadow Pipit, 14 Greenfinch, 10 Chaffinch, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Brambling, 2 Raven, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Lesser Redpoll and single Siskin and Rock Pipit logged.
Miscellaneous
At least one Water Rail remains.
Late Swallow
4th November 2012 – bright and sunny NE3
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 16 Blackbird and 13 Song Thrush, additional sightings were limited to 3 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A late Swallow was the highlight along with 150 Woodpigeon, 135 Starling, 130 Jackdaw, 90 Pink-footed Geese, 90 Meadow Pipit, 14 Carrion Crow, 11 Linnet, 6 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling and single Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Mistle Thrush and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 4 Gadwall and a Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine, 5 Water Rail and 16 Long-tailed Tit were the best of the rest.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 16 Blackbird and 13 Song Thrush, additional sightings were limited to 3 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A late Swallow was the highlight along with 150 Woodpigeon, 135 Starling, 130 Jackdaw, 90 Pink-footed Geese, 90 Meadow Pipit, 14 Carrion Crow, 11 Linnet, 6 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling and single Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Mistle Thrush and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 4 Gadwall and a Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine, 5 Water Rail and 16 Long-tailed Tit were the best of the rest.
Great Northern Diver, Hooded Crow and Snow Bunting
3rd November 2012 – rain,sleet,snow,hail,thunder SW3/4
Offshore
Highlights from observations over the sea were a Great Northern Diver, 22 Kittiwake, 3 Shag and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A sprinkling involved 13 Blackbird, 7 Song Thrush, 5 Goldcrest and a Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
Between the downpours 6 Brambling, 3 Lesser Redpoll and single Snow Bunting and Rock Pipit were the highlights.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 151 pale bellied birds and other sightings included 3 Gadwall, 2 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains in residence and 3 Water Rail were logged.
Offshore
Highlights from observations over the sea were a Great Northern Diver, 22 Kittiwake, 3 Shag and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A sprinkling involved 13 Blackbird, 7 Song Thrush, 5 Goldcrest and a Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
Between the downpours 6 Brambling, 3 Lesser Redpoll and single Snow Bunting and Rock Pipit were the highlights.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 151 pale bellied birds and other sightings included 3 Gadwall, 2 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains in residence and 3 Water Rail were logged.
Machrihanish Twite
1st November 2012 – sunshine and showers N1/2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0830) provided 79 Common Scoter, 16 Kittiwake, 2 Razorbill and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 11 Blackbird, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Song Thrush and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 2 Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included: 7 Goldeneye, 4 Shoveler and 3 Gadwall while 14 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock increased to 32 birds and 2 Water Rail were logged.
Ringing
The small flock of Twite included birds originally ringed at Machrihanish, Scotland in 2010 and from Heysham across the bay, details of which have yet to be received.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0830) provided 79 Common Scoter, 16 Kittiwake, 2 Razorbill and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 11 Blackbird, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Song Thrush and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 2 Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included: 7 Goldeneye, 4 Shoveler and 3 Gadwall while 14 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock increased to 32 birds and 2 Water Rail were logged.
Ringing
The small flock of Twite included birds originally ringed at Machrihanish, Scotland in 2010 and from Heysham across the bay, details of which have yet to be received.
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