Late Pink-footed Geese head north

30th April 2013 – bright and sunny NW1

Offshore

Morning observations (0800-0900) proved uninspiring with just 26 Sandwich Tern, 21 Razorbill, 10 Gannet, 8 Manx Shearwater, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Guillemot and single Kittiwake and Red-throated Diver logged.

Grounded Migrants

A further wave of migrants was evident with 21 Wheatear, 20 Willow Warbler 3 White Wagtail, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff recorded.

Diurnal Migration

A skein of 30 Pink-footed Geese flew north with 20 Swallow, 3 Lesser Redpoll and a Siskin also seen.

Wildfowl and Waders

Waders included 23 Whimbrel.

Ringing

After a quiet start the monthly ringing total increased steadily towards the end of the month with 187 birds of 18 species ringed – this included the 400th Goldfinch to be colour-ringed since the project started in 2012. Individual ringing totals were Goldfinch (41), Blackcap (33), Blackbird (22), Chaffinch (18), Linnet (15), Goldcrest (15), Willow Warbler (13), Robin (5), Lesser Redpoll (5), Greenfinch (5), Chiffchaff (4), Reed Bunting (4), Sedge Warbler (2), Ring Ouzel (1), Dunnock (1), Coal Tit (1), Siskin (1) and Redwing (1).

Moths

A Clouded Drab was new for the year.

A quieter day

29th April 2013 – bright and sunny W5

Offshore

Morning observations (0800-0900) logged 52 Sandwich Tern, 50 Arctic Tern, 30 Razorbill, 15 Kittiwake, 12 Gannet,  10 Guillemot, 6 Manx Shearwater, 6 Red-throated Diver, 2 Common Scoter and single dark phase Arctic Skua and Fulmar.

Grounded Migrants

Totals were again low with 11 Wheatear, 8 Blackcap, 6 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat and 2 White Wagtail logged.

Wildfowl and Waders

Waders included 200 Dunlin, 25 Ringed Plover and 2 Whimbrel.

Moths

Two moths were in the moth trap today! including Powdered Quaker which was new for the year.

Whimbrel increase

28th April 2013 – overcast drizzle at times SW4

Offshore

Observations in between the drizzle (0915-0945 & 1320-1350) produced totals of 75 Manx Shearwater, 20 Gannet, 19 Razorbill, 18 Sandwich Tern, 14 Kittiwake, 7 Guillemot, 6 Red-throated Diver and a Little Tern.

Grounded Migrants

Numbers were much reduced today as many of the birds from the last few days moved on overnight. Totals involved 17 Wheatear, 7 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap and 3 Goldcrest.

Wildfowl and Waders

A total of 61 Whimbrel were logged along with 27 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.

Mammals

A Weasel was seen.

Grounded birds still to the fore

27th April 2013 – bright and sunny NE1/2/3/4

Offshore

Morning observations (0700-0800) produced 100 Razorbill, 75 Sandwich Tern, 11 Gannet, 9 Common Scoter, 8 Manx Shearwater, 7 Guillemot, 7 Arctic Tern, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Fulmar.

Grounded Migrants

Grounded birds were still much in evidence with 110 Willow Warbler, 75 Wheatear, 42 Blackcap, 21 Sedge Warbler, 11 Whitethroat, 5 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 White Wagtail, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Jay and a Chiffchaff logged.

Diurnal Migration

A few more birds were on the move through the morning compared to recent days with 50 Swallow, 10 Pied/White Wagtail, 8 Lesser Redpoll, 7 Pink-footed Geese, 6 House Martin, 5 Sand Martin, and 2 Siskin recorded.

Wildfowl and Waders

The four Scaup remain and waders included 13 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Whimbrel and 2 Common Sandpiper.

Moths

An Early Thorn graced the moth trap.

Gadwall new for the year

26th April 2013 – bright and sunny WNW3/4

Offshore

Morning observations (0800-1015) provided 350 Sandwich Tern, 105 Razorbill, 75 Kittiwake, 45 Manx Shearwater, 31 Guillemot, 27 Gannet, 7 Red-throated Diver, 3 Common Scoter, 3 Little Tern, 2 Little Gull and single Fulmar and Arctic Tern.

Grounded Migrants

Grounded birds were again in evidence with 54 Wheatear, 45 Willow Warbler, 15 Blackcap, 7 White Wagtail, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Grasshopper Warbler and single Sedge Warbler and Chiffchaff logged.

Diurnal Migration

A trickle of passage involved small numbers of Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll.

Wildfowl and Waders

Two drake Gadwall were new for the year while waders included 200 Golden Plover and 20 Whimbrel.

Miscellaneous

Two Raven remain the best of the rest.

Fall conditions prevail

25th April 2013 – rain/drizzle/fog/mist clearing later, SE1 then NW3

Offshore

Poor visibility cancelled the daily morning seawatch – you could not even see the sea!.

Grounded Migrants

Once the early morning rain and drizzle finally began to clear around the middle of the day it was soon apparent that a fall had occurred with birds seemingly appearing out of even the scantest areas of cover. Totals involved 100 Willow Warbler, 90 Blackcap, 60 Wheatear, 45 White Wagtail, 10 Pied Wagtail, 10 Whitethroat, 6 Sedge Warbler, 6 Goldcrest, 4 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Cuckoo.

Diurnal Migration

A few Swallow and Sand Martin were logged as the weather cleared.

Wildfowl and Waders

Two Common Sandpiper were the first of the year.

Miscellaneous

Two Raven were the best of the rest.

Sandwich Tern influx

24th April 2013 – overcast/murky SW4/5

Offshore

Morning observations on the rising tide (0900-1000) provided 200 Sandwich Tern, 70 Razorbill, 40 Common Scoter, 25 Manx Shearwater, 20 Guillemot, 9 Gannet, 8 Red-throated Diver, 6 Kittiwake and 2 Arctic Tern.

Grounded Migrants

A total of 30White Wagtail were logged but otherwise grounded birds were limited to 7 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler and 2 Blackcap.

Diurnal Migration

A few Swallow were again logged.

Wildfowl and Waders

Whimbrel increased with 20 birds seen and 200 Golden Plover were logged.

Moths

At least one Little Egret remains.

First Lesser Whitethroat arrives

23rd April 2013 – hazy sun WSW4

Offshore

Early morning observations (0800-0900) provided 112 Manx Shearwater, 90 Sandwich Tern, 19 Gannet, 12 Kittiwake, 10 Razorbill, 3 Guillemot and a Red-throated Diver.

Grounded Migrants

A total of 56 White Wagtail were logged and the first Lesser Whitethroat of the year was found but otherwise grounded birds were limited to 3 Willow Warbler and single Blackcap, Goldcrest and Wheatear.

Diurnal Migration

A few Swallow were logged.

Wildfowl and Waders

A single Whimbrel was the best on offer.

Moths

A Common Quaker was just the fourth moth attracted to the Robinson trap in what has been a very poor year so far.

Goosander headlines

22nd April 2013 – overcast SSW3/4

Offshore

Early morning observations  (0800-0900) provided a drake Goosander among 135 Common Scoter, 26 Sandwich Tern, 25 Manx Shearwater, 17 Gannet, 10 Kittiwake, 6 Guillemot, 5 Red-throated Diver, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Razorbill, 2 Arctic Tern and a dark phase Arctic Skua.

Grounded Migrants

Two Whinchat – the first of the year, were amongst 10 Wheatear and 33 White Wagtail otherwise movement remains slow with just single Whitethroat, Blackcap and Willow Warbler logged.

Diurnal Migration

A few Swallow moved through.

Wildfowl and Waders

Waders included 130 Golden Plover and 7 Whimbrel.

Miscellaneous

Additional sightings included 2 Raven and 2 Little Egret.

Seabird sightings dominate

21st April 2013 – overcast rain soon S4/5

Offshore

Observations prior to the rain (0800-0900) were led by an adult Little Gull amongst 144 Common Scoter, 74 Sandwich Tern, 10 Manx Shearwater, 8 Red-throated Diver, 5 Kittiwake, 5 Razorbill, 3 Arctic Tern and single Gannet and Guillemot.

Grounded Migrants

A quieter day produced 29 White Wagtail, 5 Collared Dove, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Wheatear and a Blackcap.

Wildfowl and Waders

Several Whimbrel were logged.

Miscellaneous

At least three Little Egret remain.

Black Redstart

20th April 2013 – sunny spells NW3/4

Offshore

Early morning observations (0700-0800) produced 240 Common Scoter, 46 Sandwich Tern, 12 Razorbill, 10 Arctic Tern, 5 Gannet, 4 Manx Shearwater, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Guillemot and an adult Little Gull.

Grounded Migrants

A stunning male Black Redstart was the star of the show amongst 55 Wheatear, 41 White Wagtail, 12 Goldcrest, 10 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap and a Grasshopper Warbler.

Diurnal Migration

A flock of 85 Pink-footed Geese flew north early morning with 70 Meadow Pipit, 20 Swallow, 5 Sand Martin, 3 Lesser Redpoll and single Jay, House Martin and Siskin.

Wildfowl and Waders

Waders included 8 Whimbrel and single Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit.

Miscellaneous

Two Barn Owl and 2 Little Egret were the best of the rest.

Serin in fine voice

19th April 2013 – sunny spells NW3/4

Rarities

A singing male Serin appeared in the observatory garden (1000-1015) before appearing to fly off north.

Offshore

Early morning observations (0800-0900) in much calmer conditions produced 44 Kittiwake, 29 Gannet, 27 Common Scoter, 19 Sandwich Tern, 15 Razorbill, 14 Red-throated Diver, 4 Guillemot, 3 Manx Shearwater and 2 Arctic Tern.

Grounded Migrants

The striking male Yellow Wagtail remains amongst 140 Meadow Pipit, 37 White Wagtail and 6 Pied Wagtail. The first Grasshopper Warbler of the year arrived although passage remains slow with otherwise just 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff logged.

Diurnal Migration

A few Meadow Pipit, Pied/White Wagtail and Swallow continue to move through.

Wildfowl and Waders

The 4 Scaup remain and waders included 8 Whimbrel, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Greenshank.

Miscellaneous

The Hooded Crow continues in residence.

Images

A couple of record shots of the Serin.

Seabirds take centre stage

18th April 2013 – hazy sun SW 5/6/7
Offshore
Observations through the morning (0830-1030 & 1130-1230) following overnight gales and rain were highlighted by eight Little Gull (7ad + 1stW), 5 Great Skua and single Arctic Skua and Blue Fulmar. Also logged were 160 Kittiwake, 140 Max Shearwater, 50 Gannet, 25 Arctic Tern, 20 Razorbill, 14 Sandwich Tern, 10 Fulmar, 3 Common Scoter, 3 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 10 Wheatear, 10 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap .
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow continue to move through despite the conditions.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three Whimbrel was the best of the waders and a solitary Brent Goose was logged.
Miscellaneous
At least one Little Egret remains.

More Little Gulls

17th April 2013 – rain at times SSE4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0930) were highlighted by three adult Little Gull. Also logged were 208 Common Scoter, 10 Arctic Tern, 5 Red-throated Diver, 5 Sandwich Tern, 4 Razorbill, 3 Gannet and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A Yellow Wagtail was amongst 12 White Wagtail and 12 Wheatear while 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were also logged .
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Meadow Pipit and Swallow continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Whimbrel was the best of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.

Manx Shearwater, Great Skua and Little Gull

16th April 2013 – hazy sun SSW4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0930) in the continued reduced visibility were highlighted by 15 Manx Shearwater, 2 adult Little Gull and a Great Skua along with a supporting cast of 28 Common Scoter, 18 Gannet, 9 Arctic Tern, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Red-throated Diver and single Fulmar and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 11 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 5 Wheatear and 3 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Sand Martin and Swallow moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Six Whimbrel were logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Moths
Another Mottled Grey graced the moth trap.

Little Ringed Plover, Arctic Tern, Sand Martin and Yellow Wagtail

15th April 2013 – overcast SSW4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0930) in poor visibility produced 5 Arctic Tern and 5 adult Little Gulls heading into Morecambe Bay along with 295 Common Scoter, 29 Gannet, 28 Kittiwake, 10 Teal, 5 Fulmar, 5 Sandwich Tern, 3 Red-throated Diver and single drake Pochard and Tufted Duck.
Grounded Migrants
A male Yellow Wagtail was amongst 5 White Wagtail and 2 Wheatear were the best of the rest.
Diurnal Migration
Five Sand Martin were amongst 50 Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Little Ringed Plover of the year and a Whimbrel were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Merlin was logged.
Moths
A Mottled Grey was just the third moth of the year.

Little Gulls

14th April 2013 – rain clearing later S3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0745-0845) produced 2 adult Little Gulls heading into Morecambe Bay along with 84 Common Scoter, 17 Sandwich Tern, 12 Red-throated Diver, 9 Gannet and 5 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Limited fare with just 2 Wheatear and single Goldcrest, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Fieldfare logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 21 pale-bellied birds and waders included 25 Purple Sandpiper amongst 920 Turnstone and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Single Little Egret and Hooded Crow remain.
Moths
A Hebrew Character was just the second moth of the year.

Little Tern, Swallow and Willow Warbler

13th April 2013 – early fog/rain later SSE1/2/3/4
Offshore
Observations were highlighted by 7 Shag and 2 Little Tern, also logged were 27 Razorbill, 16 Sandwich Tern and small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Gannet, Common Scoter and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Variety, if not quantity, was led by two more Ring Ouzel amongst 11 Blackbird, the first Willow Warbler of the year amongst 11 Goldcrest and 3 Chiffchaff, 23 Wheatear and single White Wagtail and Coal Tit.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 50 Pink-footed Geese headed north and the first few Swallow were amongst 1030 Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 25 Barnacle Geese and 4 Scaup while 160 Sanderling, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Greenshank and 3 Purple Sandpiper were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Two Water Rail were logged while 43 Twite and the long-staying Hooded Crow remain.
Butterflies
Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock are now on the wing.

Ring Ouzels and Redstart!

12th April 2013 – overcast E2/3
Offshore
Early morning sightings were limited to just a few Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A few more birds were around today with a Ring Ouzel and Redstart the highlights amongst 60 Wheatear, 20 Blackbird, 10 Redwing, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Fieldfare and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A Buzzard flew northeast, a Ring Ouzel was amongst 6 Blackbird and 2 Fieldfare and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was also on the move. Meadow Pipit passage continues with 500 birds logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a flock of 8000 Knot that were flushed by the Buzzard and the Brent Goose flock again held 22 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail squealed from suitable breeding habitat and the Hooded Crow remains.

Chiffchaff at last!

11th April 2013 – overcast/rain later ESE3
Offshore
Again early morning observations produced just a few Razorbill, Red-throated Diver, Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Although the first Chiffchaff finally arrived sightings otherwise were limited to 10 Blackbird, 5 Wheatear and a Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
The continued trickle of Meadow Pipit was the only movement of note.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock again held 22 pale-bellied birds while 23 Purple Sandpiper were amongst 640 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
Single Little Egret, Raven and Hooded Crow remain in residence.

Ring Ouzel but still no Chiffchaff

10th April 2013 – hazy sun SE2
Offshore
Again early signtings were limited to a few Razorbill, Red-throated Diver, Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A cracking male Ring Ouzel amongst 25 Blackbird proved to be the highlight of the day with other sightings including 2 Goldcrest and single Wheatear, Redwing and Song Thrush .
Diurnal Migration
A Common Buzzard circled the island (1015-1115) before heading northeast, otherwise passage was limited to a further trickle of Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 22 pale bellied birds,a Purple Sandpiper amongst 110 Turnstone and 2 Black-tailed Godwit amongst 80 Redshank were the wader highlights.
Miscellaneous
The 7 Twite and single Little Egret and Hooded Crow remain in residence.

Spring passage stalls again

9th April 2013 – hazy sun ENE5/6
Offshore
Early morning observation produced just a handful of Red-throated Diver, Gannet and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Six Blackbird, 3 Robin and single Wheatear and Song Thrush was the best that could be mustered .
Diurnal Migration
Just a further trickle of Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 23 pale bellied birds and a flock of 275 Golden Plover was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret and Hooded Crow remain in residence.

Early Whimbrel arrives

8th April 2013 – overcast E4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations produced 20 Sandwich Tern and small numbers of Gannet, Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Two Wheatear were the only candidates.
Diurnal Migration
Meadow Pipit numbers returned to a trickle.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 67 pale-bellied birds and a early Whimbrel provided the wader highlight.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow appears to be paired to a Carrion Crow which may lead to identification issues later in the year. Also seen were 7 Twite and 2 Little Egret.

Spring passage finally gathers pace

7th April 2013 – hazy sun NE3
Offshore
Early morning observations produced small numbers of Gannet, Kittiwake, Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, Razorbill and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A few more birds than recent times with 50 Blackbird, 19 Goldcrest, 9 Wheatear, 2 Stonechat and a Redwing logged – though the species recorded were more suggestive of mid-March.
Diurnal Migration
Meadow Pipit were on the move throughout the morning with 2120 birds logged, also seen were 36 Pied/White Wagtail and single Grey Wagtail and Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 18 Purple Sandpiper provided the wader highlight for the day.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 7 Twite, 2 Raven and single Hooded Crow and Little Egret.

Red-necked Grebe remains

6th April 2013 – bright and sunny SE1

Offshore

The Red-necked Grebe was again present early morning and additional sightings included: 120 Common Scoter, 25 Red-breasted Merganser, 16 Kittiwake, 12 Red-throated Diver, 12 Razorbill and 6 Sandwich Tern.

Grounded Migrants

A hint of passage produced 7 Blackbird, 5 Robin, 4 Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Goldcrest and a Redwing.

Diurnal Migration

An increase in Meadow Pipit numbers moving through produced 240 birds.

Wildfowl and Waders

Four Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank were the best of the waders. A flock of 30 Barnacle Geese were also logged.

Miscellaneous

Single Little Owl and Little Egret were the best of the rest.

Red-necked Grebe reappears

5th April 2013 – overcast NE3/4

Offshore

Early morning observations produced a summer plumaged Red-necked Grebe – presumably the bird seen earlier in the year. Also logged were 100 Common Scoter, 30 Razorbill, 18 Sandwich Tern, 6 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.

Grounded Migrants

A solitary Wheatear was the only evidence of spring.

Diurnal Migration

A few Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail continue to struggle through.

Miscellaneous

At least 3 Little Egret and 2 Raven were the remaining highlights.

Ringing

A Lesser Redpoll ringed on the island on 27th October 2011 reappeared at Llanfyllin, Powys, Wales on 21st April 2012 – the first Walney ringed Lesser Redpoll to be recovered.