Little Gull

19th December 2013 – sunshine and showers SW5
Offshore
A check of the sea on the rising tide(0930-1030) produced an adult Little Gull along with 60 Kittiwake and 5 Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 150 pale-bellied birds and 23 Pintail and 5 Shoveler were logged.
Miscellaneous
Small numbers of Twite remain in evidence.

Black Brant reappears

17th December 2013 – overcast/rain later SW6/7/8
Rarities
The Black Brant reappeared, it was feeding in Piel Harbour amongst 60 dark-bellied Brent Geese early morning.
Offshore
A check of the sea on the rising tide produced 12 Red-throated Diver, 5 Common Scoter and a Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck and Scaup remain and 156 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged. Waders included 20 Purple Sandpiper and 12 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 25 Twite were logged.

Winter Doldrums

16th December 2013 – overcast/rain later SW6/7/8
Offshore
A check of the sea on the high tide provided just 7 Kittiwake, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Common Scoter and Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl highlights involved 107 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 54 Pintail.
Miscellaneous
At least 32 Little Egret are still to be found in the area.

Long-tailed Duck and Mediterranean Gull

14th December 2013 – overcast/rain later SW6/7/8
Offshore
A check of the sea on the rising tide was rather unproductive with just 8 Shag, 4 Guillemot, 3 Kittiwake, 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Common Scoter logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl highlights included a female/immature Long-tailed Duck and a first-winter drake Scaup while 13 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
An adult Mediterranean Gull proved to be the best of the rest.
Ringing
The colour-ringed Knot seen on the island on 28th November 2013 had been ringed at Griend, Terschellling, The Netherlands on 8th October 2013.
Moths
A Winter Moth was the first moth attracted to the moth trap for six weeks!.

Winter fare

1st December 2013 – overcast NW1
Offshore
A check of the sea on the rising tide revealed 20 Red-throated Diver, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Kittiwake, 4 Common Scoter and 3 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush suggested that small-scale movement was still occurring.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 158 pale-bellied birds and additional wildfowl included 57 Pintail.
Miscellaneous
At least 14 Little Egret were along the eastern shore and additional sightings included 50 Twite and 2 Raven.
Ringing
A steady trickle of finches bolstered the November ringing total to 154 birds of 16 species which included the 2000th bird to be ringed in 2013. Individual species totals were as follows Goldfinch (60), Chaffinch (26), Greenfinch (18), Blackbird (12), Song Thrush (9), Tree Sparrow (5), House Sparrow (5), Wren (4), Goldcrest (3), Blackcap (3), Dunnock (3), Robin (2), Fieldfare (1), Sparrowhawk (1), Redwing (1) and Brambling (1).

Black Brant

30th November 2013 – bright and sunny NW1
Rarities
An adult Black Brant was amongst the Brent Goose flock feeding off Snab Point on the rising tide, presumably the same bird seen in the area earlier in the year.
Offshore
A check of the sea on the falling tide revealed a Great Northern Diver amongst 15 Red-throated Diver along with 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Guillemot, 2 Common Scoter and single Scaup and Shag .
Grounded Migrants
The trickle of finches is still in evidence with Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Chaffinch all still in evidence.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 150 pale-bellied and 60 dark-bellied birds. A first-winter drake Scaup was also logged along with 7 Shoveler and 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret, Raven and Twite were the best of the rest.
Ringing
We await with interest the ringing details of a colour-ringed Knot that was seen.

Black-tailed Godwit origins finally revealed

28th November 2013 – overcast/calm
Offshore
A quick check of the sea for the first time in a while produced 44 Common Scoter, 10 Kittiwake, 3 Razorbill and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A trickle of finches is still in evidence with Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Chaffinch all still appearing.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 120 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Ringing
Details of a colour-ringed Black-tailed Godwit seen on the island on 25th July 2013 have just been received. The bird had initially been ringed at Farlington Marshes, Hampshire on 29th October 2009 and subsequently has been seen at several sites around Ijsselmeer in The Netherlands and along the south coast of England before appearing on Walney.

Recent Sightings

22nd November 2013 – sunny spells N1
Offshore
Small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, Razorbill, Guillemot and Kittiwake continue to be seen.
Grounded Migrants
A trickle of Blackbird and Song Thrush contained a few Fieldfare while a Grey Wagtail was amongst small numbers of Pied Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
A sprinkling of Brambling were to be found amongst a light Chaffinch movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of pale-bellied Brent Geese continues to increase with 150 birds now present. A late Ruff and 1000 Knot were the pick of the waders.
Misccellaneous
Little Egret were seemingly everywhere and a mobile Twite flock increased to 50 birds.
Ringing
A Sanderling ringed at Iwik, Mauritania on 27th November 2011, where it was also present on 10th December 2012 and 16th January 2013, was seen on spring passage at Gourinet, France on 5th June 2013 before appearing on Walney Island on 15th June 2013. Subsequently the bird then reappeared at Iwik, Mauritania on 8th November 2013.

Eastern Chiffchaff

18th November 2013 – overcast/calm showers later
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 10 Blackbird and 3 Song Thrush while a grey and white Chiffchaff with a “lost chick” call was presumably of eastern origin.
Wildfowl and Waders
A first-winter drake Scaup was recorded while a Purple Sandpiper was the best of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Three Water Rail called and raptors involved Merlin, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.

Woodpigeons on the move

17th November 2013 – overcast SE1, rain soon
Offshore
Four Great Crested Grebe and 2 Red-throated Diver were on the sea.
Grounded Migrants
A Great Spotted Woodpecker was unusual and 2 Goldcrest were also logged.
Diurnal Migration
Some evidence of movement with 400 Woodpigeon, 120 Pink-footed Geese and 4 Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of pale-bellied Brent Geesae increased to 144 individuals and waders included 10 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets continue to be prevalent the eastern shore and 40 Twite were seen.

Great Northern Diver

16th November 2013 – overcast W3
Offshore
The highlight was provided by a group of 5 Pochard which flew north, otherwise the sea provided 51 Common Scoter, 28 Kittiwake, 25 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Great Northern Diver.
Grounded Migrants
The trickle of Blackbird and Song Thrush continued.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 10 Chaffinch provided the only evidence of movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
A first-winter drake Scaup was seen while waders included 12 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail called and the Twite flock held 32 birds .

Snow Bunting double

15th November 2013 – overcast NW1
Offshore
Observations (0900-0930) provided 16 Common Scoter, 11 Shag, 6 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Two Snow Bunting were logged and early morning thrushes involved 20 Blackbird and 5 Song Thrush. A Goldcrest was also seen.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 7 Tree Sparrow were amongst small numbers of Chaffinch and Greenfinch.
Miscellaneous
Single Raven and Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Ringing
The colour-ringed Sanderling ringed at Sandgerði, Iceland on 22nd May 2012 has returned to the island for a second winter.

Yellowhammer headlines

10th November 2013 – bright and sunny/calm at last!
Offshore
A check over the sea revealed 5 Shag along with small numbers of Razorbill, Guillemot, Kittiwake, Common Scoter and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 12 lackbird, 8 Song Thrush, 4 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing and a Mistle Thrush. Also seen were 3 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A light passage produced 160 Starling, 23 Chaffinch, 13 Greenfinch, 9 Tree Sparrow, 3 Whooper Swan and single Brambling and Yellowhammer.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 13 Twite and both Merlin and Raven.
Butterflies
A Red Admiral was on the wing.
Ringing
The second Tree Sparrow control of the autumn intriguingly involved a bird ringed as a chick. A Goldfinch ringed earlier in the autumn reappeared across Morecambe Bay at Heysham.

Black-throated Diver

7th November 2013 – overcast SW4/5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) produced 46 Common Scoter, 16 Razorbill, 8 Kittiwake and a Gannet. Further observations on the falling tide added more interesting variety with a Black-throated Diver and 30 Common Scoter, 7 Scaup, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver and a drake Velvet Scoter logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Goldcrest was the only evidence suggestive of newly grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 30 Jackdaw was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A redhead Goosander was again amongst 55 Red-breasted Merganser and waders included 14 Greenshank and 10 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Single Hooded Crow and Raven were also recorded.

Great Northern Diver double

5th November 2013 – sunshine and showers N2/3
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced 105 Common Scoter, 12 Kittiwake, 9 Razorbill and 4 Red-throated Diver, however, observations on the falling tide were more productive with 4 Scaup, 2 Great Northern Diver and a Velvet Scoter all logged.
Grounded Migrants
Two Goldcrest appeared to be the only newly arrived birds.
Diurnal Migration
Wildfowl were on the move with 100 Pink-footed Geese and 18 Whooper Swan recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
A redhead Goosander was amongst 51 Red-breasted Merganser and waders included 15 Greenshank and 11 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A mixed finch flock held 35 Linnet and 15 Twite.

Mediterranean Gull

4th November 2013 – bright and sunny N1
Offshore
Early morning saw just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter and Razorbill on the move.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 11 Blackbird, 8 Song Thrush and 2 Redwing. A solitary Goldcrest was the only other evidence of newly grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
The calm conditions saw some movement early morning with 510 Pink-footed Geese, 140 Jackdaw, 15 Chaffinch, 5 Carrion Crow, 4 Whooper Swan, 3 Rock Pipit, 2 Tree Sparrow and a Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock increased again with 120 pale-bellied birds recorded..
Miscellaneous
A second-winter Mediterranean Gull was unusual while Water Rail and Merlin were best of the rest.
Ringing
Recent controls involve Dunnock, Tree Sparrow and Lesser Redpoll.

Long-tailed Duck

3rd November 2013 – bright and sunny W5
Offshore
Observations (0730-0830) produced 56 Kittiwake, 40 Common Scoter, 32 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Two Blackbird were the scant evidence of newly grounded birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female/immature Long-tailed Duck proved to be bird of the day while the Brent Goose flock increased to 100 pale-bellied individuals.
Miscellaneous
At least 43 Little Egret continue to roam the eastern shore.

Where were all the Greenfinches?

1st November 2013 – overcast SW4
Offshore
Observations (0800-0900) provided just 105 Common Scoter, 46 Kittiwake, 28 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 7 dark-bellied Brent Geese were logged.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and 2 Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Ringing
October proved to be a disappointment with the wet and windy conditions not conducive to ringing, there were only four days when it did not rain. Consequently ringing totals were down with just 384 birds of 21 species ringed with totals reflecting the lack of Greenfinches throughout the autumn. Individual species totals were as follows: Goldfinch (85), Chaffinch (55), Greenfinch (43), Tree Sparrow (37), Robin (27), Wren (17), Dunnock (16), Meadow Pipit (16), Goldcrest (16), Blackbird (13), House Sparrow (12), Song Thrush (10), Redwing (9), Reed Bunting (8), Chiffchaff (7), Long-tailed Tit (7), Sparrowhawk (2), Great Tit (1), Blackcap (1), Lesser Redpoll (1) and Mealy Redpoll (1).

Bits and pieces

26th October 2013 – overcast SW3
Offshore
Observations (0800-0900) provided 200 Razorbill, 140 Common Scoter, 38 Kittiwake, 3 Guillemot and single Gannet and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds were limited to 8 Chaffinch, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Tree Sparrow and a Mistle Thrush.
Miscellaneous
A post roost flock of 5000 Starling circled over the island at dawn.
Moths
Rusty Dot Pearl was the first moth for a while.

Ring Ouzel

25th October 2013 – early rain SE4/5
Grounded Migrants
Grounded thrushes involved a Ring Ouzel, 10 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush while other sightings included 3 Blackcap and a single Goldcrest.
Miscellaneous
A Stock Dove was a welcome sight of what is a declining species on the island.

Meally Redpoll

24th October 2013 – bright and sunny V1
Grounded Migrants
A Meally Redpoll was the pick of the newly grounded birds which also included 6 Goldcrest, 2 Redwing and a Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Light passage produced 82 Pink-footed Geese, 30 Skylark, 20 Chaffinch, 10 Meadow Pipit, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Siskin, 2 Brambling, 2 Tree Sparrow and single Fieldfare and Grey Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were the best of the rest.

Puffin finally added to year list

22nd October 2013 – early rain then sunny spells S4/5
Offshore
Observations (0840-0940) were led by a single Puffin amongst 105 Common Scoter, 55 Razorbill, 14 Gannet, 7 Kittiwake and a Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 18 Whooper Swan flew through.

Brent Geese continue to arrive

21st October 2013 – overcast S4/5
Offshore
A check over the sea early morning(0800-0900) produced 41 Common Scoter, 10 Gannet, 8 Razorbill and single Scaup, Red-throated Diver and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A Goldcrest was the only evidence of grounded birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock increased to 86 pale-bellied birds and Wigeon numbers remained high with 1000 birds logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 10 Little Egret were seen.

First Purple Sandpiper reappears

20th October 2013 – sunny spells and showers S4
Offshore
Just Small numbers of Gannet, Kittiwake, Razorbill, Common Scoter and Red-throated Diver were seen.
Grounded Migrants
A single Goldcrest was all that was to be found.
Diurnal Migration
A small skein of 14 Pink-footed Geese and a single Brambling were recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held steady at 78 birds and Wigeon increased to 1600 birds. The first Purple Sandpiper reappeared.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets were again much in evidence along the eastern shore.

Brent Goose influx

19th October 2013 – overcast/rain S3
Offshore
A check over the sea early morning produced 17 Gannet, 8 Razorbill, 8 Common Scoter and single Guillemot and Rd-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 20 Blackbird and 2 Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 14 Whooper Swan and a solitary Grey Wagtail were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 78 pale-bellied birds and 1100 Wigeon were logged.
Moths
The Satellite was new for the year.

First Twite of the autumn

18th October 2013 – overcast SE4/5
Offshore
A quiet morning over the sea with just 9 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet, 3 Razorbill, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Shag on the move.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of sightings involved 3 Goldcrest, 2 Wheatear and single Redwing and Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Another light passage produced 100 Pink-footed Geese, 43 Jackdaw and single Rock Pipit and Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 14 pale-bellied birds and additional wildfowl included 42 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Goldeneye. Waders included 22 Greenshank and single Whimbrel and Ruff
Miscellaneous
The first Twite of the autumn appeared and 3 Raven, 2 Merlin and a Peregrine were also recorded.

More Barnacle Geese

17th October 2013 – sunny spells SW3
Offshore
Razorbills were still on the move with 675 birds logged otherwise observations (0730-0830) were limited to 21 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Kittiwake and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidence by 5 Blackbird and 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Again a light passage produced 30 Jackdaw, 2 Lesser Redpoll and single Rock Pipit and Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 50 Barnacle Geese were logged.
Miscellaneous
A total of 46 Little Egret were seen and at least one Water Rail was present.

Razorbills on the move

15th October 2013 –sunny spells NE2
Offshore
Observations (0730-0830) provided 520 Razorbill, 18 Common Scoter, 38 Gannet and 4 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
There was evidence of the overnight arrival of a smattering of birds with 26 Robin, 16 Dunnock, 10 Wren, 8 Blackbird, 6 Redwing, 2 Chiffchaff and single Song Thrush and Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
Some small scale movement was evident with 105 Jackdaw, 80 Pink-footed Geese, 35 Skylark, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Swallow, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Lesser Redpoll and single Brambling and Grey Wagtail logged.
Miscellaneous
Good numbers of Little Egret remain along the eastern shore.

Record numbers of Little Egret

14th October 2013 – overcast NE3
Offshore
Observations (0800-0900) provided 200 Razorbill, 170 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet, 4 Shag, 4 Red-throated Diver and 3 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 6 Blackbird, 3 Redwing and single Blackcap and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Just small numbers of Meadow Pipit, Skylark and Pied/White Wagtail were on the move.
Miscellaneous
An impressive total of 52 Little Egret were counted along the eastern shore.
Mammals
Three Harbour Porpoise were offshore.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Ring Ouzel and Brambling

13th October 2013 – sunny spells NE3/4
Rarities
A Yellow-browed Warbler was again in Vickerstown Park, continuing to favour the area between the pumping station and bowling green.
Offshore
Morning observations (0730-0830) produced 300 Common Scoter, 86 Razorbill, 10 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver and a lone Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved single Ring Ouzel, Fieldfare and Redwing amongst 6 Blackbird. Other newly grounded birds were limited to 10 Robin, 2 Blackcap and solitary Goldcrest and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A further 120 Pink-footed Geese headed south and other sightings included 30 Tree Sparrow, 5 Siskin and the first Brambling of the autumn.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Ruff was the best of the waders.
Moths
Figure of Eight and Feathered Rannunculus were both new for the year.

A quiet day

12th October 2013 – sunny spells NE3/4
Offshore
Morning observations produced 55 Common Scoter, 21 Razorbill, 6 Gannet and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 6 Redwing and single Song Thrush, Blackbird and Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 410 Pink-footed Geese headed south while 17 Tree Sparrow were also logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 5 Little Egret were logged.

First Whooper Swans move through

11th October 2013 – sunny spells NE4
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 22 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush and 2 Fieldfare. However, a Chiffchaff was the only other obvious evidence of overnight movement.
Diurnal Migration
Again wildfowl were on the move with 340 Pink-footed Geese, 32 Whooper Swan and 4 Barnacle Geese seen. Also logged were 70 Linnet, 50 Meadow Pipit, 30 Chaffinch, 30 Starling, 23 Tree Sparrow, 20 Pied/White Wagtail, 10 Skylark, 5 Siskin and 2 Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
Again 2 Shoveler amongst 130 Teal were the best of the wildfowl.
Moths
A Tawny Pinion was new for the year.

Hen Harrier and Pink-footed Geese

10th October 2013 – sunny spells N2/3/4
Offshore
Morning observations produced 50 Common Scoter, 39 Razorbill, 4 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Scaup.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 100 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush and a Fieldfare. Otherwise newly grounded birds were limited to a solitary Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Geese were on the move throughout the morning with 1000 Pink-footed Geese and 30 Barnacle Geese logged. Also recorded were 300 Meadow Pipit, 220 Starling, 60 Skylark, 40 Chaffinch, 35 Pied/White Wagtail, 33 Linnet, 20 Redwing, 12 Tree Sparrow, 2 Swallow and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Shoveler were the best of the wildfowl.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included a ringtail Hen Harrier, Peregrine and Merlin.

Yellow-browed Warblers continue to linger

6th October 2013 – sunny spells SW4
Rarities
The two Yellow-browed Warblers remain on the centre of the island. The birds favour the trees and scrub between the bowling green and pumping station in Vickerstown Park.
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced 390 Razorbill, 135 Common Scoter, 127 Gannet, 6 Red-throated Diver and a Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds were limited to several Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Again only light passage was recorded with 300 Meadow Pipit, 30 Jackdaw, 7 Carrion Crow, 6 Pied/White Wagtail, 4 Skylark and 2 Grey Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of pale-bellied Brent Geese has increased to 24 birds.
Miscellaneous
At least 24 Little Egret were along the eastern shore.

Yellow-browed Warbler continues to linger

5th October 2013 – sunny spells SW4/3
Rarities
At least one Yellow-browed Warbler remains on the centre of the island. The bird favours the trees and scrub between the bowling green and pumping station in Vickerstown Park.
Offshore
Morning observations (0730-0830) produced 435 Razorbill, 325Common Scoter, 45 Gannet, 11 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Pintail, 2 Guillemot and a Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds were limited to 7 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 3 Wheatear and 2 Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Only light passage was recorded with 500 Meadow Pipit, 180 Pink-footed Goose, 48 Jackdaw, 30 Pied/White Wagtail, 30 Linnet, 25 Starling, 25 Skylark, 12 Carrion Crow, 10 Chaffinch, 3 Grey Wagtail, 3 Swallow and a Lesser Redpoll logged.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl and Water Rail were logged.
Moths
The Brick and Red-green Carpet were both new for the year while migrants included Rush Veneer and Silver Y.

Yellow-browed Warblers and Turtle Dove

4th October 2013 – overcast with rain at times/calm then SW3
Rarities
There are now two Yellow-browed Warblers on the centre of the island. The birds favour the trees and scrub between the bowling green and pumping station in Vickerstown Park. A Turtle Dove was only the second to be recorded on the island this century.
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) produced 425 Common Scoter, 11 Gannet, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Razorbill and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Two Chiffchaff and single Spotted Flycatcher and Stonechat were the only additional evidence of grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
Birds were on the move between the pulses of rain through the morning with 2300 Meadow Pipit, 95 Chaffinch, 40 Snipe, 33 Pink-footed Goose, 31 Siskin, 30 Starling, 20 Pied/White Wagtail, 10 Skylark, 10 Linnet, 7 Reed Bunting and 3 Grey Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
At least 5 Little Egret were seen and raptors included Merlin and Peregrine.
Moths
Large Wainscot and Red-lined Quaker were both new for the year.

Yellow-browed Warbler

3rd October 2013 – overcast SE4/5, rain later
Rarities
A Yellow-browed Warbler was on the centre of the island for its third day. The bird favours the trees and scrub between the bowling green and pumping station in Vickerstown Park..
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) were highlighted by a second-winter Mediterranean Gull, additional sightings included 155 Razorbill, 60 Common Scoter, 5 Gannet, 5 Guillemot, 4 Sandwich Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Otherwise limited to 30 Robin and 8 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A pulse of activity mid-morning produced 600 Meadow Pipit, 130 Starling, 70 Skylark, 20 Pied/White Wagtail, 4 Chaffinch, 3 Snipe, 2 Siskin and a Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wigeon and Teal numbers continue to build steadily and a Black-tailed Godwit was logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret were seen.

Excellent ringing total for September

30th September 2013 – sunny spells E5
Offshore
Observations (0730-0830) provided 80 Black-headed Gull, 30 Wigeon, 20 Razorbill, 4 Shelduck, 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
An influx of Robin saw 20 birds logged, otherwise grounded birds were limited to 6 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Passage through the course of the morning included 1200 Meadow Pipit, 150 Pink-footed Goose, 80 Skylark, 55 Pied/White Wagtail, 12 Starling, 10 Swallow, 4 Jackdaw and a Reed Bunting.
Wildfowl and Waders
Sightings included 5 Greenshank and 3 Shoveler amongst 180 Teal. The 11 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain in residence.
Ringing
It proved to be the second best September ringing total achieved by the observatory with 715 birds of 20 species ringed. Individual species totals involved: Meadow Pipit (479), Robin (85), Goldfinch (45), Chiffchaff (22), House Sparrow (13), Chaffinch (12), Wren (12), Goldcrest (10), Dunnock (9), Greenfinch (7), Whitethroat (6), Willow Warbler (5), Blackcap (2), Reed Bunting (2), Spotted Flycatcher (1), Sparrowhawk (1), Pied Wagtail (1), Reed Warbler (1), Tree Pipit (1) and Red-breasted Flycatcher (1). Remarkably for the first time ever more Chiffchaff than Willow Warbler have been ringed this autumn emphasising the poor passage of the latter while the number of Robin ringed are the highest for many years.

Diurnal passage still to the fore

29th September 2013 – bright and sunny E5/6
Offshore
Observations (0730-1030) saw a variety of species on the move including 222 Common Scoter, 178 Black-headed Gull, 165 Razorbill, 62 Pintail, 39 Gannet, 7 Red-throated Diver, 8 Wigeon, 6 Shelduck, 2 Sandwich Tern and single Red-breasted Merganser and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Still few grounded birds in evidence with just 5 Robin 2 Chiffchaff and a Stonechat candidates for new arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
Another strong passage through the morning produced 4000 Meadow Pipit, 505 Swallow, 120 Skylark, 120 Pink-footed Goose, 115 Pied/White Wagtail, 90 Linnet, 33 Starling, 31 Golden Plover, 18 Goldfinch, 8 House Martin and 2 Reed Bunting.
Miscellaneous
Also logged were 2 Raven, 2 Little Egret and a Merlin.

Still looking to the skies

28th September 2013 – bright and sunny E4
Offshore
A quick check over the sea produced 20 Razorbill, 8 Pintail, 5 Sandwich Tern, 3 Shelduck, 2 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 11 Robin and 3 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Diurnal passage continues to dominate with 3000 Meadow Pipit, 540 Skylark, 280 Pink-footed Goose, 210 Linnet, 110 Swallow, 80 Pied/White Wagtail, 40 Starling, 8 Reed Bunting, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll.
Miscellaneous
At least 7 Little Egret were logged.

Hooded Crow

27th September 2013 – overcast SE2/3/4
Offshore
A check over the sea produced 130 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Sandwich Tern and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Again birds were thinly scattered with just 10 Robin, 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Song Thrush logged.
Diurnal Migration
Diurnal passage continues to dominate with 900 Meadow Pipit, 230 Pink-footed Goose, 60 Linnet, 30 Pied/White Wagtail, 22 Swallow, 20 Skylark, 10 Chaffinch and 2 Grey Wagtail recorded.
Miscellaneous
A Hooded Crow was perhaps the itinerant individual seen earlier in the year. Also seen were 2 Raven and a Merlin.

Overhead passage dominates sightings

25th September 2013 – overcast/mist/murk/calm
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering of grounded birds involved 8 Robin, 6 Wren, 3 Chiffchaff and single Goldcrest and Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
The skies continued to hold the most interest with 2500 Meadow Pipit, 200 Pink-footed Goose, 150 Swallow, 100 Linnet, 80 Skylark, 60 Pied/White Wagtail, 30 Snipe 8 Grey Wagtail, 2 Sand Martin and a Siskin.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 5 Little Egret and 2 Raven.
Moths
An Autumnal Rustic was a less than annual visitant to the moth trap.

Marsh Harrier

24th September 2013 – overcast E1
Offshore
The sea provided small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A sprinkling of grounded birds involved 23 Robin, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest and single Blackcap, Spotted Flycatcher and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A juvenile Marsh Harrier was the pick of diurnal movement through the morning which also produced 1000 Meadow Pipit, 425 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Swallow, 30 Pied/White Wagtail, 20 Skylark, 8 Grey Wagtail and a Siskin.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Egret and a Peregrine were also recorded.

Passage remains light

23rd September 2013 – overcast/murky SE1
Offshore
Observations (0700-0745) in poor visibility produced just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Gannet and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
The theme of limited fare continues with only 3 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and a Stonechat of any note.
Diurnal Migration
Again just light passage with 300 Meadow Pipit, 134 Pink-footed Goose, 15 Skylark, 9 Grey Wagtail, 6 Golden Plover, 5 Linnet and 3 Chaffinch logged.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were the best of the rest.

Robin influx

21st September 2013 – overcast/drizzle SW3
Grounded Migrants
A Robin influx saw 30 birds logged but otherwise sightings were limited to 4 Goldcrest, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff and single Blackcap and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
There was evidence of some post dawn movement which quickly petered out with 500 Meadow Pipit, 20 Swallow, 4 Grey Wagtail, 2 Sand Martin and a Tree Pipit logged before the drizzle set in.
Wildfowl and Waders
Several Greenshank were again the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl again hunted at dawn.

Red-breasted Flycatcher

20th September 2013 – overcast/early showers W3
Rarities
A Red-breasted Flycatcher at a location with no general public access was a surprise for the ringers – remarkably after a flurry of sightings in the 1980s this is the first to be seen on the island for 25 years.
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0700-0800) provided 93 Common Scoter and 4 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Excepting the Red-breasted Flycatcher there was little of interest with just 10 Robin, 4 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest to provide the supporting cast.
Diurnal Migration
Evidenced by 300 Meadow Pipit, 30 Swallow, 6 Chaffinch, 5 Grey Wagtail, 5 Pied/White Wagtail and 2 Sand Martin. Five Pink-footed Geese were the first of the autumn.
Wildfowl and Waders
Several Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted the island at dawn.
Images
Red-breasted Flycatcher.
obvious pale buff tips on the greater coverts allow the bird to be confidently aged as a bird of the year

First Brent Geese return

19th September 2013 – rain SSW4/5
Offshore
A quick check of the sea produced small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 4 Chiffchaff and a few Robin.
Diurnal Migration
Two Grey Wagtail flew through before the rain set in.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 225 Golden Plover and 17 Greenshank amongst 1300 Redshank while the first 11 pale-bellied Brent Geese returned from the Canadian Arctic.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin were seen and at least 7 Little Egret were logged.

Light passage

18th September 2013 – overcast/showers W5/6
Offshore
Observations (0700-0900) produced 165 Common Scoter, 14 Red-throated Diver, 7 Sandwich Tern and 3 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of birds involved 10 Robin, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
A Tree Pipit and 6 Grey Wagtail were amongst 250 Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 3 Shoveler while a Whimbrel was the pick of the waders.

Leach’s Petrel and Black Tern

17th September 2013 – overcast/rain later W5/4
Offshore
Observations (0800-0900 & 1200-1430) produced 3 Leach’s Petrel and a Black Tern amongst 86 Sandwich Tern, 65 Common Scoter, 5 Shag, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Kittiwake, 4 Razorbill, 3 Fulmar, 2 Guillemot and single Arctic Skua and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
A Yellow Wagtail was the pick of the grounded birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Egret were logged.

Dreary Seawatching

16th September 2013 – overcast/showers W5/6
Offshore
Observations through the morning were desperately unrewarding with just 80 Common Scoter, 25 Sandwich Tern, 12 Kittiwake, 7 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot, 2 Fulmar, 2 Arctic Tern and a Razorbill logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Black-tailed Godwit were seen.
Miscellaneous
A Little Egret was the best of the rest.

Some movement noted

14th September 2013 – bright and sunny NW1/2/3/4
Offshore
Morning observations just small numbers of Common Scoter, Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds were in evidence with 15 Wheatear, 9 Robin, 6 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Yellow Wagtail and single Goldcrest, Sedge Warbler and Blackcap logged.
Diurnal Migration
Again just a light passage with 100 Meadow Pipit, 50 Swallow, 40 Tree Sparrow and 5 Grey Wagtail recorded through the morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Whimbrel was the pick of the waders.

Sanderling origins revealed

13th September 2013 – overcast NW3
Offshore
Morning observations provided just small numbers of Common Scoter, Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Only 5 Chiffchaff and 3 Wheatear were of note.
Diurnal Migration
Again just a light passage of Meadow Pipit, Swallow and Grey Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
Two Water Rail were logged.
Ringing
A Sanderling controlled on the island on 11th June 2013 as it headed north to breed had originally been ringed on its wintering grounds at Iwik, Mauritania on 13th November 2011.

Autumn continues to flatter to deceive

12th September 2013 – overcast/misty V1
Offshore
Early morning observations over a flat calm sea (0700-0800) produced 121 Common Scoter and small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Red-throated Diver and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Despite the very promising conditions there was again only a smattering of grounded birds with variety provided by 16 Robin, 6 Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest and single Reed Warbler, Blackcap and Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Again just a light passage of 100 Meadow Pipit, 50 Swallow and small numbers of Pied/White Wagtail, Sand Martin, House Martin and Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Spotted Redshank proved to be the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was the best of the rest.

Small fall

9th September 2013 – early showers then sunny spells V1
Grounded Migrants
A sprinkling of grounded birds included 26 Wheatear, 7 Robin, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Whinchat, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat and 2 Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Some movement was evident through the morning with 300 Meadow Pipit, 100 Swallow, 10 Pied/White Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch and a Sand Martin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Greenshank were seen.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Egret were recorded.

Osprey and Curlew Sandpiper influx

8th September 2013 – sunny spells and heavy showers SW3
Offshore
Morning observations (0630-0845) produced 158 Common Scoter, 45 Gannet, 4 Sandwich Tern, 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A few grounded birds were evident with 50 Pied/White Wagtail, 27 Wheatear, 4 Robin, 4 White Wagtail, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey headed south in the afternoon.
Wildfowl and Waders
A good selection of waders included 16 Greenshank, 10 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Ruff.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted the island early morning.

Wildfowl on the move

7th September 2013 – overcast/heavy rain at times SW3
Offshore
Observations through the morning (0700-0900 & 1130-1200) produced 1005 Common Scoter, 38 Gannet, 22 Wigeon, 3 Common Tern and single Red-throated Diver, Arctic Skua, Goldeneye and Pintail.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 21 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Black-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A Little Egret was also logged.

The slow autumn passage continues

6th September 2013 – overcast/calm then rain later
Offshore
A quick check over the sea again produced small numbers of Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 33 Wheatear, 10 White Wagtail and single Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A very light passage produced 30 Meadow Pipit, 10 alba Wagtail, 10 Swallow and a Grey Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
The Water Rail remains.
Moths
Numbers in the moth trap continue to fall but Lunar Underwing and Pink-barred Sallow were both new for the year.

Redstart the highlight

5th September 2013 – overcast/calm then NW3
Offshore
A quick check over the sea again produced 10 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Again disappointing considering the conditions with just 2 White Wagtail and single Chiffchaff, Wheatear and Redstart logged.
Diurnal Migration
Further light passage involved 30 Meadow Pipit, 20 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 5 alba Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl continue to build with 100 Teal, 30 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler and a Pintail recorded. Waders included Greenshank and Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Water Rail remains.
Moths
An unremarkable small catch included a single Silver Y.

Spotted Redshank

4th September 2013 – overcast/early mist and fog SE2
Offshore
A quick check over the sea produced 10 Sandwich Tern but nothing else of note in poor visibility.
Grounded Migrants
Disappointing considering the conditions early morning, just 2 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and a Wheatear were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A light passage as conditions improved through the morning produced 60 Meadow Pipit, 50 House Martin, 50 Swallow, 22 alba Wagtail, 14 Linnet, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Little Egret and single Grey Wagtail and Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included Spotted Redshank, Greenshank and Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Single Water Rail, Raven and Merlin were the pick of the other sightings.
Moths
An immigrant Rusty Dot Pearl was the pick of a small catch.

Light passage

3rd September 2013 – overcast WSW2/3
Offshore
A quick check over the sea produced 50 Sandwich Tern and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A few more grounded birds were in evidence than of late with 25 Pied Wagtail, 12 Whitethroat, 6 Chiffchaff, 4 Robin, 4 Willow Warbler and single Stonechat and Sedge Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
A light passage produced 80 Meadow Pipit, 40 Swallow, 4 Grey Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit and single House Martin and Collared Dove, .
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Little Egret were the best of the rest.

Mediterranean Gull

2nd September 2013 – overcast/drizzle at times SW3/4
Offshore
Morning observations (0930-1000) as the drizzle cleared produced 60 Sandwich Tern, 11 Gannet, 9 Common Scoter, 2 Arctic Skua and single Red-throated Diver, Kittiwake and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Evidenced by 2 Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Pintail has returned and 2 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Despite the plethora of Mediterranean Gulls on the other side of Morecambe Bay it remains a scarce sighting on the island and adult in winter plumage proved to be the first of the year. A Peregrine and 2 Little Egret proved to be the best of the rest.

Where were all the Willow Warblers?

30th August 2013 – bright and sunny W3/4
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern were the only record of note.
Grounded Migrants
Evidenced by just 3 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and single Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Shoveler were amongst 85 Teal and 3 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Ringing
The month was highlighted by an alarming lack of Willow Warbler with just 5 birds ringed. The low monthly total involved 124 birds of 15 species with individual species totals as follows: House Sparrow (60), Greenfinch (21), Robin (12), Goldfinch (6), Whitethroat (5), Willow Warbler (5), Tree Sparrow (3), Blackbird (3), Sedge Warbler (3), Garden Warbler (1), Dunnock (1), Starling (1), Cuckoo (1), Redstart (1) and Swallow (1).
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.

Migration remains slow

28th August 2013 – bright and sunny W3/4
Offshore
A Shag was amongst 135 Cormorant and at least 110 Sandwich Tern were offshore.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst 12 Wheatear and 6 Sedge Warbler, 4 Robin and 3 Whitethroat were also logged.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 13 Tree Sparrow, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Yellow Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl was the best of the rest.
Moths
Recent sightings included less than annual Mullein Wave, Swallow Prominent and Twenty Plume Moth.

Migration continues to dawdle

27th August 2013 – bright and sunny NW3/4
Offshore
A few Sandwich Tern were again offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Two Stonechat and 2 Whinchat amongst 7 Wheatear and 6 Sedge Warbler and 3 Whitethroat were amongst a continued trickle of Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
The juvenile Marsh Harrier again drifted across the island, hirundines involved 100 Swallow, 4 Sand Martin and 2 House Martin while 15 Tree Sparrow, 3 Tree Pipit and 3 Grey Wagtail were also logged.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Images
Distant record shot of the Marsh Harrier.