30th November 2014 – bright and sunny N1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0900) produced 9 Common Scoter, 8 Razorbill, 7 Shag, 4 Red-throated Diver and a late Gannet. Later observations over the mouth of Morecambe Bay at low tide added flocks of 5800 Eider, 100 Common Scoter and 70 Great Crested Grebe along with 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Red-throated Diver and 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
The Chiffchaff remains and 2 Fieldfare and a Redwing were also logged.
Diurnal Migration
A light passage produced 30 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Carrion Crow, 4 Tree Sparrow and a Pied Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Geese were prominent with 154 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 72 dark-bellied Brent Goose and 37 Barnacle Goose recorded. Waders included 4 Jack Snipe amongst 28 Snipe, 3 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Ringing
Another good monthly total saw 311 birds of 18 species handled. Individual totals were as follows (retraps in brackets): Tree Sparrow 94 (1), Goldfinch 39 (38), Blackbird 35 (4), Wren 19 (1), Chaffinch 17 (1), Goldcrest 9, Lesser Redpoll 4, Dunnock 4 (7), Greenfinch 4 (7), Song Thrush 4, Reed Bunting (4), House Sparrow 3 (5), Robin 1 (5), Stonechat 1, Fieldfare 1, Mistle Thrush 1, Red-eyed Vireo 1 and Blue Tit (1) .
Twite numbers continue to build
29th November 2014 – sunny spells E2
Grounded Migrants
The Chiffchaff remains and single Fieldfare and Redwing were also logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck is still in residence and 3 Greenshank were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock increased to 130 birds and 2 Raven feasted on carrion.
Grounded Migrants
The Chiffchaff remains and single Fieldfare and Redwing were also logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck is still in residence and 3 Greenshank were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock increased to 130 birds and 2 Raven feasted on carrion.
Sparse pickings
28th November 2014 – sunny spells E2/3
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 6 Barnacle Geese remain and waders included a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was logged along with 61 Little Egret, 60 Twite and a Barn Owl.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 6 Barnacle Geese remain and waders included a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was logged along with 61 Little Egret, 60 Twite and a Barn Owl.
Yellowhammer surprise
23rd November 2014 – sunny spells NNW 1/2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations over a calm sea (0830-0900) produced 16 Shag, 16 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved a sprinkling of Fieldfare, Redwing and Blackbird while 2 Goldcrest were also logged.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 17 Tree Sparrow and a single Yellowhammer were recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck remains in residence and waders included 100 Sanderling and 16 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 80 Twite, 4 Water Rail and 3 Raven.
Offshore
Early morning observations over a calm sea (0830-0900) produced 16 Shag, 16 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved a sprinkling of Fieldfare, Redwing and Blackbird while 2 Goldcrest were also logged.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 17 Tree Sparrow and a single Yellowhammer were recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck remains in residence and waders included 100 Sanderling and 16 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 80 Twite, 4 Water Rail and 3 Raven.
A late Chiffchaff
22nd November 2014 – early rain the sunny S3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0830-0900) produced small numbers of Common Scoter, Razorbill, Guillemot and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A late Chiffchaff and 3 Tree Sparrow were the sole evidence of newly arrived birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 117 pale-bellied birds and the female Long-tailed Duck remains. Waders included 3000 Knot, 14 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A total of 39 Little Egret were logged and additional sightings included 100 Twite and 14 Rock Pipit.
Ringing
The Twite flock held a Heysham ringed bird.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0830-0900) produced small numbers of Common Scoter, Razorbill, Guillemot and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A late Chiffchaff and 3 Tree Sparrow were the sole evidence of newly arrived birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 117 pale-bellied birds and the female Long-tailed Duck remains. Waders included 3000 Knot, 14 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A total of 39 Little Egret were logged and additional sightings included 100 Twite and 14 Rock Pipit.
Ringing
The Twite flock held a Heysham ringed bird.
Brace of Long-tailed Ducks
21st November 2014 – overcast then rain SE3/4/5
Offshore
A loose flock of 14 Shag fed off the western shore.
Grounded Migrants
The exceptional autumn for Tree Sparrow continued with a further five birds logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
There are now 2 Long-tailed Duck amongst 14 Goldeneye and 10 Red-breasted Merganser. A Greenshank was the pick of the waders
Miscellaneous
At least 61 Little Egret remain and additional sightings included 45 Twite and 2 Raven.
Offshore
A loose flock of 14 Shag fed off the western shore.
Grounded Migrants
The exceptional autumn for Tree Sparrow continued with a further five birds logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
There are now 2 Long-tailed Duck amongst 14 Goldeneye and 10 Red-breasted Merganser. A Greenshank was the pick of the waders
Miscellaneous
At least 61 Little Egret remain and additional sightings included 45 Twite and 2 Raven.
Osprey moves through as autumn passage continues
16th November 2014 – sunny spells NE/2/1
Offshore
A quick check of the sea revealed little other than 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Redwing amongst a sprinkling of Song Thrush and Blackbirds and two Goldcrest were also logged.
Diurnal Migration
Another varied selection was highlighted by an Osprey which headed east at 1100hrs and 7 Snow Bunting. Additional sightings included 375 Pink-footed Goose, 205 Starling, 185 Jackdaw, 50 Tree Sparrow, 19 Carrion Crow, 8 Skylark, 5 Meadow Pipit, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Pied Wagtail and single Siskin, Rock Pipit, Rook and Raven.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 73 pale-bellied and 47 dark-bellied birds, also seen were 37 Barnacle Geese and the long-staying female Long-tailed Duck along with 2 Gadwall. Waders included 9 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Water Rail were logged and a Merlin was again in residence.
Images
Record shot of Walney’s latest ever Osprey.
Offshore
A quick check of the sea revealed little other than 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Redwing amongst a sprinkling of Song Thrush and Blackbirds and two Goldcrest were also logged.
Diurnal Migration
Another varied selection was highlighted by an Osprey which headed east at 1100hrs and 7 Snow Bunting. Additional sightings included 375 Pink-footed Goose, 205 Starling, 185 Jackdaw, 50 Tree Sparrow, 19 Carrion Crow, 8 Skylark, 5 Meadow Pipit, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Pied Wagtail and single Siskin, Rock Pipit, Rook and Raven.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 73 pale-bellied and 47 dark-bellied birds, also seen were 37 Barnacle Geese and the long-staying female Long-tailed Duck along with 2 Gadwall. Waders included 9 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Water Rail were logged and a Merlin was again in residence.
Images
Record shot of Walney’s latest ever Osprey.
Autumn not quite over
15th November 2014 – sunny spells SE3/2/1
Offshore
A group of 5 Shag were the pick of the sightings.
Grounded Migrants
Overnight migrants were at a premium with 4 Blackbird, 2 Goldcrest and a Song Thrush logged.
Diurnal Migration
A fair sprinkling of movement was noted for mid-November with 105 Pink-footed Goose, 45 Tree Sparrow, 30 Jackdaw, 22 Starling, 10 Chaffinch, 9 Carrion Crow, 7 Rook, 7 Meadow Pipit, 4 Whooper Swan, 3 Lesser Redpoll and single Pied Wagtail and Grey Wagtail recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck remains amongst 15 Goldeneye and waders included 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Water Rail were logged and a Merlin was in residence.
Moths
A Dark Chestnut would appear to be the first island record.
Offshore
A group of 5 Shag were the pick of the sightings.
Grounded Migrants
Overnight migrants were at a premium with 4 Blackbird, 2 Goldcrest and a Song Thrush logged.
Diurnal Migration
A fair sprinkling of movement was noted for mid-November with 105 Pink-footed Goose, 45 Tree Sparrow, 30 Jackdaw, 22 Starling, 10 Chaffinch, 9 Carrion Crow, 7 Rook, 7 Meadow Pipit, 4 Whooper Swan, 3 Lesser Redpoll and single Pied Wagtail and Grey Wagtail recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck remains amongst 15 Goldeneye and waders included 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Water Rail were logged and a Merlin was in residence.
Moths
A Dark Chestnut would appear to be the first island record.
Lapland Bunting
14th November 2014 – early rain then sunny spells SSE4/3/2
Rarities
A Lapland Bunting was along the western shore mid-afternoon.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 7 Shag, 6 Kittiwake and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Goldcrest and Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Barnacle Goose flock has increased to 37 birds, the female Long-tailed Duck and 7 Shoveler were also logged. Waders included 1400 Dunlin, 8 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret remain prominent across the island.
Rarities
A Lapland Bunting was along the western shore mid-afternoon.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 7 Shag, 6 Kittiwake and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Goldcrest and Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Barnacle Goose flock has increased to 37 birds, the female Long-tailed Duck and 7 Shoveler were also logged. Waders included 1400 Dunlin, 8 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret remain prominent across the island.
Standard fare
11th November 2014 – overcast/rain at times SE1/2/3
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds were limited to 6 Chaffinch, 4 Tree Sparrow and 3 Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and the Brent Goose flock held 40 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret remain prominent along the eastern shore, additional sightings included 21 Twite.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds were limited to 6 Chaffinch, 4 Tree Sparrow and 3 Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and the Brent Goose flock held 40 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret remain prominent along the eastern shore, additional sightings included 21 Twite.
Late Sandwich Tern
10th November 2014 – sunny spells SE2/3
Offshore
A late Sandwich Tern was seen.
Grounded Migrants
Several Tree Sparrow and a Redwing were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 150 Fieldfare flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and 10 Shoveler were recorded.
Offshore
A late Sandwich Tern was seen.
Grounded Migrants
Several Tree Sparrow and a Redwing were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 150 Fieldfare flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and 10 Shoveler were recorded.
Autumn comes to an end?
9th November 2014 – sunny spells/rain later SE3/2/1
Grounded Migrants
A total of 5 Goldcrest, 2 Redwing and 2 Fieldfare provided limited evidence of newly grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
A late Swallow and 50 Fieldfare were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 40 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 7 Shoveler and the long-staying Long-tailed Duck. Waders included 5 Purple Sandpiper, Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit
Miscellaneous
At least 67 Little Egret continue to stalk the saltmarshes along the eastern shore and additional sightings included 70 Twite and a Merlin.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 5 Goldcrest, 2 Redwing and 2 Fieldfare provided limited evidence of newly grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
A late Swallow and 50 Fieldfare were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 40 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 7 Shoveler and the long-staying Long-tailed Duck. Waders included 5 Purple Sandpiper, Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit
Miscellaneous
At least 67 Little Egret continue to stalk the saltmarshes along the eastern shore and additional sightings included 70 Twite and a Merlin.
Mediterranean Gull
8th November 2014 – overcast/rain soon
Offshore
The sea (0800-0900) provided just 9 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver and 2 Kittiwake. Later observations added single Shag and Mediterranean Gull and a further 10 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A couple of Goldcrest provided the sole evidence.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings were dominated by 555 Fieldfare with little else of note.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 80 pale-bellied Brent Geese and the long-staying Long-tailed Duck.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues put in an appearance and additional sightings included 100 Twite and a Merlin.
Offshore
The sea (0800-0900) provided just 9 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver and 2 Kittiwake. Later observations added single Shag and Mediterranean Gull and a further 10 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A couple of Goldcrest provided the sole evidence.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings were dominated by 555 Fieldfare with little else of note.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 80 pale-bellied Brent Geese and the long-staying Long-tailed Duck.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues put in an appearance and additional sightings included 100 Twite and a Merlin.
Long-tailed Duck settles in
7th November 2014 – sunny spells N2/3/4
Grounded Migrants
A handful of Redwing, Fieldfare, Song Thrush and Blackbird were again evident along with 3 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Just small numbers of Tree Sparrow and Chaffinch were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues to linger along with 22 Barnacle Geese and 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 40 Twite were logged.
Grounded Migrants
A handful of Redwing, Fieldfare, Song Thrush and Blackbird were again evident along with 3 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Just small numbers of Tree Sparrow and Chaffinch were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues to linger along with 22 Barnacle Geese and 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 40 Twite were logged.
Hooded Crow
6th November 2014 – overcast/rain SSE5/6
Grounded Migrants
A handful of Redwing, Song Thrush and Blackbird were all that was evident.
Diurnal Migration
A Stock Dove and 13 Whooper Swan moved through before the rain set in.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck is still in residence and 75 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 22 Barnacle Goose and 3 dark-bellied Brent Goose were also logged. Waders included 11 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and several small flocks of Twite were present along the eastern shore.
Ringing
The flock of Barnacle Goose held 6 colour-ringed birds and a further 3 metal ringed birds.
Grounded Migrants
A handful of Redwing, Song Thrush and Blackbird were all that was evident.
Diurnal Migration
A Stock Dove and 13 Whooper Swan moved through before the rain set in.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck is still in residence and 75 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 22 Barnacle Goose and 3 dark-bellied Brent Goose were also logged. Waders included 11 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and several small flocks of Twite were present along the eastern shore.
Ringing
The flock of Barnacle Goose held 6 colour-ringed birds and a further 3 metal ringed birds.
Snow Bunting
5th November 2014 – bright and sunny N1/2
Rarities
Light winds and clear skies saw the North West of England’s first Red-eyed Vireo induced to move on overnight, but not before around 70 fortunate observers managed to connect with the bird yesterday.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning grounded thrushes included: 57 Blackbird, 38 Redwing, 24 Fieldfare, 10 Song Thrush and a Mistle Thrush Also seen were 4 Goldcrest and Stonechat were prominent with 9 birds logged.
Diurnal Migration
Another good November passage produced totals of 1200 Jackdaw, 150 Starling, 60 Redwing, 60 Tree Sparrow, 49 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Carrion Crow, 31 Woodpigeon, 24 Whooper Swan, 11 Skylark, 11 Fieldfare, 7 Mistle Thrush, 3 Stock Dove and single Brambling, Swallow, Lesser Redpoll and Snow Bunting.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and the Barnacle Goose flock held 19 birds. Waders included 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 60 Little Egret continue to roam the eastern saltmarshes and additional sightings included 2 Water Rail, 116 Twite, Merlin and Peregrine.
Rarities
Light winds and clear skies saw the North West of England’s first Red-eyed Vireo induced to move on overnight, but not before around 70 fortunate observers managed to connect with the bird yesterday.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning grounded thrushes included: 57 Blackbird, 38 Redwing, 24 Fieldfare, 10 Song Thrush and a Mistle Thrush Also seen were 4 Goldcrest and Stonechat were prominent with 9 birds logged.
Diurnal Migration
Another good November passage produced totals of 1200 Jackdaw, 150 Starling, 60 Redwing, 60 Tree Sparrow, 49 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Carrion Crow, 31 Woodpigeon, 24 Whooper Swan, 11 Skylark, 11 Fieldfare, 7 Mistle Thrush, 3 Stock Dove and single Brambling, Swallow, Lesser Redpoll and Snow Bunting.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck remains and the Barnacle Goose flock held 19 birds. Waders included 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 60 Little Egret continue to roam the eastern saltmarshes and additional sightings included 2 Water Rail, 116 Twite, Merlin and Peregrine.
MEGA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4th November 2014 – bright and sunny E1/2
Rarities
The morning started well with a Yellow-browed Warbler – the 8th of the autumn at Snab Point. However, this was quickly eclipsed when a Red-eyed Vireo was found in the observatory garden where it remained until 1600hrs – Walney Island strikes with yet another first for Cumbria.
Grounded Migrants
At least one Black Redstart continues to linger and small numbers of grounded Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush and Blackbird were logged along with 5 Goldcrest and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Birds were again on the move with totals including: 460 Starling, 400 Jackdaw, 40 Redwing, 50 Whooper Swan, 24 Pink-footed Geese, 24 Skylark, 10 Tree Sparrow, 6 Meadow Pipit, 5 Siskin, 5 Chaffinch, 3 Twite, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Stock Dove and single Brambling, Mistle Thrush and Lesser Redpoll, although understandably diurnal migration went under recorded through the morning.
Miscellaneous
Additional sighting included 20 Twite, 3 Water Rail, Merlin and Peregrine.
Images
A selection of images of the Red-eyed Vireo.
Rarities
The morning started well with a Yellow-browed Warbler – the 8th of the autumn at Snab Point. However, this was quickly eclipsed when a Red-eyed Vireo was found in the observatory garden where it remained until 1600hrs – Walney Island strikes with yet another first for Cumbria.
Grounded Migrants
At least one Black Redstart continues to linger and small numbers of grounded Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush and Blackbird were logged along with 5 Goldcrest and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Birds were again on the move with totals including: 460 Starling, 400 Jackdaw, 40 Redwing, 50 Whooper Swan, 24 Pink-footed Geese, 24 Skylark, 10 Tree Sparrow, 6 Meadow Pipit, 5 Siskin, 5 Chaffinch, 3 Twite, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Stock Dove and single Brambling, Mistle Thrush and Lesser Redpoll, although understandably diurnal migration went under recorded through the morning.
Miscellaneous
Additional sighting included 20 Twite, 3 Water Rail, Merlin and Peregrine.
Images
A selection of images of the Red-eyed Vireo.
Long-tailed Duck remains
2nd November 2014 – sunny spells SW4
Grounded Migrants
Early morning grounded thrushes were limited to 7 Fieldfare and 3 Redwing, the late Wheatear remained and 70 Twite were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Only light passage today with 60 Jackdaw, 60 Starling, 4 Whooper Swan and 3 Lesser Redpoll logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included a female Long-tailed Duck and 22 Barnacle Geese while 16 Greenshank and a Woodcock were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 2 Water Rail and 2 Raven.
Ringing
The Twite flock held a colour-ringed bird from Macrihannish, Scotland.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning grounded thrushes were limited to 7 Fieldfare and 3 Redwing, the late Wheatear remained and 70 Twite were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Only light passage today with 60 Jackdaw, 60 Starling, 4 Whooper Swan and 3 Lesser Redpoll logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included a female Long-tailed Duck and 22 Barnacle Geese while 16 Greenshank and a Woodcock were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 2 Water Rail and 2 Raven.
Ringing
The Twite flock held a colour-ringed bird from Macrihannish, Scotland.
A late Wheatear
1st November 2014 – sunshine at showers SW4/5
Grounded Migrants
Early morning grounded thrushes included: 24 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush and 10 Blackbird Also seen were a late Wheatear and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Passage today included; 730 Jackdaw, 528 Fieldfare, 280 Starling, 54 Redwing and 15 Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 22 Barnacle Geese and 30 pale-bellied Brent Geese.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included Water Rail and the long-staying Hooded Crow.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning grounded thrushes included: 24 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush and 10 Blackbird Also seen were a late Wheatear and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Passage today included; 730 Jackdaw, 528 Fieldfare, 280 Starling, 54 Redwing and 15 Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 22 Barnacle Geese and 30 pale-bellied Brent Geese.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included Water Rail and the long-staying Hooded Crow.
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