27th January 2013 – Sunshine and Showers WSW6/7
Offshore
Offshore sightings again dominated with 2 adult Little Gull and a Great Northern Diver seen amongst 67 Kittiwake, 25 Razorbill, 21 Red-throated Diver, 4 Common Scoter, 3 Gannet, 2 Guillemot and a Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 160 pale-bellied birds.
Grounded Migrants
The wintering Woodpigeon flock has increased to an unprecedented 320 birds, a combination of the cold weather and an unharvested grain supply.
Miscellaneous
Several Little Egret continue to roam the island.
Little Gulls head sightings
26th January 2013 – Bright and frosty/SW1/2
Offshore
Sightings were again dominated by a passage of Red-throated Diver with 44 birds logged (0930-1030). Also seen were 3 Little Gull (2ad+1stW), 58 Razorbill, 32 Common Gull, 8 Kittiwake, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
A redhead Goosander was amongst 28 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Despite the nearby mainland being cover in snow the green fields of the island attracted little evidence of recent cold weather movement with just 2 Song Thrush and a Fieldfare logged.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl was seen.
Offshore
Sightings were again dominated by a passage of Red-throated Diver with 44 birds logged (0930-1030). Also seen were 3 Little Gull (2ad+1stW), 58 Razorbill, 32 Common Gull, 8 Kittiwake, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
A redhead Goosander was amongst 28 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Despite the nearby mainland being cover in snow the green fields of the island attracted little evidence of recent cold weather movement with just 2 Song Thrush and a Fieldfare logged.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl was seen.
Red-throated Divers on the move
15th January 2013 – Bright and frosty/calm
Offshore
Sightings were dominated by a passage of Red-throated Diver with 60 birds logged (0830-0930 & 1100-1200). The birds were moving north in small groups of up to eight individuals, also seen were 19 Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Razorbill, 6 Common Scoter and a Shag
Wildfowl and Waders
A Jack Snipe was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 40 Twite were logged.
Offshore
Sightings were dominated by a passage of Red-throated Diver with 60 birds logged (0830-0930 & 1100-1200). The birds were moving north in small groups of up to eight individuals, also seen were 19 Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Razorbill, 6 Common Scoter and a Shag
Wildfowl and Waders
A Jack Snipe was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 40 Twite were logged.
WeBS count comes around again
14th January 2013 – sunshine and showers N1
Wildfowl and Waders
The monthly WeBS count located 8870 Oystercatcher, 1425 Redshank, 1310 Knot, 1080 Wigeon, 875 Lapwing, 855 Curlew, 700 Dunlin, 555 Teal, 400 Golden Plover, 222 Shelduck, 175 Turnstone, 160 Grey Plover, 160 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 120 Mallard, 100 Eider, 82 Ringed Plover, 48 Snipe, 43 Pintail, 32 Bar-tailed Godwit, 30 Sanderling, 29 Canada Goose, 21 Red-breasted Merganser, 20 Goldeneye, 9 Shoveler, 8 Greenshank and 4 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 50 Twite held at least three colour-ringed birds with the combinations suggesting Heysham, Machrihanish and Isle of Man origins. Single Merlin and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Wildfowl and Waders
The monthly WeBS count located 8870 Oystercatcher, 1425 Redshank, 1310 Knot, 1080 Wigeon, 875 Lapwing, 855 Curlew, 700 Dunlin, 555 Teal, 400 Golden Plover, 222 Shelduck, 175 Turnstone, 160 Grey Plover, 160 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 120 Mallard, 100 Eider, 82 Ringed Plover, 48 Snipe, 43 Pintail, 32 Bar-tailed Godwit, 30 Sanderling, 29 Canada Goose, 21 Red-breasted Merganser, 20 Goldeneye, 9 Shoveler, 8 Greenshank and 4 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 50 Twite held at least three colour-ringed birds with the combinations suggesting Heysham, Machrihanish and Isle of Man origins. Single Merlin and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Purple Sandpiper and Brent Geese
13th January 2013 – early frost/rain soon/calm
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea produced 17 Red-breasted Merganser, 16 Red-throated Diver and 3 Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 164 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied birds while 4 Purple Sandpiper were seen.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea produced 17 Red-breasted Merganser, 16 Red-throated Diver and 3 Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 164 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied birds while 4 Purple Sandpiper were seen.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Rock Pipit Bonanza
12th January 2013 – sunny spells E4
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea produced 14 Red-breasted Merganser, 11 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver, 7 Razorbill and a Whooper Swan.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 195 Pink-footed Geese headed south in three groups and 10 Whooper Swan headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Shoveler and Purple Sandpiper were logged.
Miscellaneous
A total of 47 Rock Pipit were flushed from the salt marsh by the high tide and additional sightings included 20 Twite, 6 Little Egret, 2 Raven and single Little Owl and Merlin.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea produced 14 Red-breasted Merganser, 11 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver, 7 Razorbill and a Whooper Swan.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 195 Pink-footed Geese headed south in three groups and 10 Whooper Swan headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Shoveler and Purple Sandpiper were logged.
Miscellaneous
A total of 47 Rock Pipit were flushed from the salt marsh by the high tide and additional sightings included 20 Twite, 6 Little Egret, 2 Raven and single Little Owl and Merlin.
Traditional winter fare
9th January 2013 – bright and frosty start then fog/calm
Diurnal Migration
A group of 7 Pink-footed Geese flew south before the fog closed in.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Scaup remains amongst 20 Goldeneye. Waders included 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Finch flocks included 90 Twite and 60 Goldfinch. A Barn Owl continues to hunt the island and Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were all logged. Two Raven were seen.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 7 Pink-footed Geese flew south before the fog closed in.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Scaup remains amongst 20 Goldeneye. Waders included 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Finch flocks included 90 Twite and 60 Goldfinch. A Barn Owl continues to hunt the island and Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were all logged. Two Raven were seen.
Hooded Crow sees in the New Year
7th January 2013 – overcast then rain SSE1/2
Offshore
A check over the sea (1100-1130) provided 23 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver and 5 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A group of 6 Fieldfare were newly grounded.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 3000 Knot was the pick of the waders recorded.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in its first appearance of the year and at least 4 Raven are on the island. The poor weather appears to have benefitted the local Woodpigeon population with unharvested fields holding a flock of 100 birds. Exceptional numbers for this time of the year.
Offshore
A check over the sea (1100-1130) provided 23 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver and 5 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A group of 6 Fieldfare were newly grounded.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 3000 Knot was the pick of the waders recorded.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in its first appearance of the year and at least 4 Raven are on the island. The poor weather appears to have benefitted the local Woodpigeon population with unharvested fields holding a flock of 100 birds. Exceptional numbers for this time of the year.
Tour of Furness
6th January 2013 – early fog/drizzle then overcast SE1
Miscellaneous
The annual CBC Winter Bird Race proved to be a non-starter for the defending champions - the Walney Wanderers when, for the first time in 25 years, a team representing the bird observatory failed to cross the start line. Unfortunately several team members handed in sick notes at the eleventh hour and the substitute’s bench failed to provide any late replacements. Consequently, at 0700hrs a Tawny Owl hooted to begin the day for the “last man standing” and this was swiftly followed by Barn Owl, Little Egret and Water Rail before a skein of Pink-footed Geese flew over during the first throes of daylight. However, visibility soon became negligible as a blanket of thick fog and drizzle descended on the island. Although the tallest trees on the island added Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long-tailed Tit and Coal Tit the meticulously planned route was soon abandoned and the island deserted for the woodlands of South Cumbria with a mediocre total of 34 species. Slowly the total began to build when a selection of wildfowl, including the only Pochard of the day, were added on Ormsgill Reservoir before further woodland species and a Dipper on a swollen local beck brought up the first 50 much later in the day than normal. Heading back towards Walney Island both Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail were added to push the total beyond 60 and Rock Pipit and 120 Tree Sparrow added variety amongst a selection of wildfowl and waders which included a flock of 160 pale-bellied Brent Geese and a solitary Jack Snipe. A quick visit to Cavendish Dock added the anticipated drake Goosander while a juvenile Great Northern Diver on nearby Ramsden Dock was a bonus. Crossing back onto Walney Island with a total of 82 species it was evident that visibility was much improved and a much later than usual seawatch added Shag, Common Scoter, Red-throated Diver, Razorbill and Kittiwake. Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Scaup then helped the total beyond 90 before both Stonechat and Raven both succumbed. The now rising tide provided a small group of Sanderling to bring up the century and four Purple Sandpiper quickly followed. The island’s flooded fields then produced Grey Heron, Reed Bunting and Skylark. The time was just after 1500hrs and the lone survivor, ineligible to win the trophy, decided that a comfy fire side armchair and some much needed sustenance took precedence over the delights of Hodbarrow where Slavonian Grebe, Green-winged Teal and Gadwall were all likely additions. Although this left the final total on 104 species usual species such as Merlin, Little Owl, Linnet, Twite and Yellowhammer were all missed .
Miscellaneous
The annual CBC Winter Bird Race proved to be a non-starter for the defending champions - the Walney Wanderers when, for the first time in 25 years, a team representing the bird observatory failed to cross the start line. Unfortunately several team members handed in sick notes at the eleventh hour and the substitute’s bench failed to provide any late replacements. Consequently, at 0700hrs a Tawny Owl hooted to begin the day for the “last man standing” and this was swiftly followed by Barn Owl, Little Egret and Water Rail before a skein of Pink-footed Geese flew over during the first throes of daylight. However, visibility soon became negligible as a blanket of thick fog and drizzle descended on the island. Although the tallest trees on the island added Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long-tailed Tit and Coal Tit the meticulously planned route was soon abandoned and the island deserted for the woodlands of South Cumbria with a mediocre total of 34 species. Slowly the total began to build when a selection of wildfowl, including the only Pochard of the day, were added on Ormsgill Reservoir before further woodland species and a Dipper on a swollen local beck brought up the first 50 much later in the day than normal. Heading back towards Walney Island both Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail were added to push the total beyond 60 and Rock Pipit and 120 Tree Sparrow added variety amongst a selection of wildfowl and waders which included a flock of 160 pale-bellied Brent Geese and a solitary Jack Snipe. A quick visit to Cavendish Dock added the anticipated drake Goosander while a juvenile Great Northern Diver on nearby Ramsden Dock was a bonus. Crossing back onto Walney Island with a total of 82 species it was evident that visibility was much improved and a much later than usual seawatch added Shag, Common Scoter, Red-throated Diver, Razorbill and Kittiwake. Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Scaup then helped the total beyond 90 before both Stonechat and Raven both succumbed. The now rising tide provided a small group of Sanderling to bring up the century and four Purple Sandpiper quickly followed. The island’s flooded fields then produced Grey Heron, Reed Bunting and Skylark. The time was just after 1500hrs and the lone survivor, ineligible to win the trophy, decided that a comfy fire side armchair and some much needed sustenance took precedence over the delights of Hodbarrow where Slavonian Grebe, Green-winged Teal and Gadwall were all likely additions. Although this left the final total on 104 species usual species such as Merlin, Little Owl, Linnet, Twite and Yellowhammer were all missed .
The sea provides the highlights
4th January 2013 – overcast SW2
Offshore
A check of the sea early morning provided 9 Shag, 3 Razorbill and single ed-throated Diver and Kittiwake.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and a charm of 60 Goldfinch were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check of the sea early morning provided 9 Shag, 3 Razorbill and single ed-throated Diver and Kittiwake.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and a charm of 60 Goldfinch were the best of the rest.
A quiet start to the year
3rd January 2013 – overcast SW3
Offshore
A single Shag was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A first-winter drake Scaup was found amongst 15 Goldeneye and waders included a Woodcock, 6 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail remains in residence and 4 Little Egret were logged.
Offshore
A single Shag was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A first-winter drake Scaup was found amongst 15 Goldeneye and waders included a Woodcock, 6 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail remains in residence and 4 Little Egret were logged.
Happy New Year!
1st January 2013 – sunny spells WSW4
Offshore
A quiet start to the year with the sea providing just 5 Kittiwake and 3 Common Scoter.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted the island.
Offshore
A quiet start to the year with the sea providing just 5 Kittiwake and 3 Common Scoter.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted the island.
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