30th November 2015 – overcast/rain SW5/6
Ringing
Another disappointing month with the weather compromising ringing activities (only 3 days recorded no rainfall). A total of 117 birds of 16 species were handled during the month, individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets). Goldfinch 23 (11), Blackbird 18, Chaffinch 11 (1), Goldcrest 9, Wren 5 (1), Song Thrush 5 (1), Redwing 5, Brambling 4, Greenfinch 2, Dunnock 1 (2), Robin 1 (2), Sparrowhawk,1, Chiffchaff 1, Long-tailed Tit 1, Reed Bunting 1 and Blue Tit (2).
Jack Snipe
29th November 2015 – overcast/rain at times SW6/7/8
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0800-0900) proved very disappointing with only a single Kittiwake logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 10 Shoveler and 3 Pink-footed Geese and a Jack Snipe was the pick of the waders.
Mammals
Several Grey Seal pups have been seen on the island in recent weeks – the first proven breeding record for the island.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0800-0900) proved very disappointing with only a single Kittiwake logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 10 Shoveler and 3 Pink-footed Geese and a Jack Snipe was the pick of the waders.
Mammals
Several Grey Seal pups have been seen on the island in recent weeks – the first proven breeding record for the island.
Scaup newly arrived
28th November 2015 – overcast/rain SW6/7/8
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0800-0900) proved disappointing with only 10 Common Scoter, 3 Kittiwake and a Red-throated Diver logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Scaup was newly arrived and a Greenshank was amongst the waders present..
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0800-0900) proved disappointing with only 10 Common Scoter, 3 Kittiwake and a Red-throated Diver logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Scaup was newly arrived and a Greenshank was amongst the waders present..
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Barnacle Goose influx
22nd November 2015 – cold, bright and sunny NNE1/2
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0830-0900) revealed 10 Red-throated Diver, 8 Shag, 3 Goosander, 3 Kittiwake and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Further hints of movement were provided by 2 Goldcrest amongst small numbers of Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush and Blackbird.
Diurnal Migration
Some movement was evident with 70 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Twite, 6 Whooper Swan, 5 Siskin, 3 Lesser Redpoll and a Pied Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pick of the wildfowl involved an influx of 80 Barnacle Geese while at least 4 Greenshank remain.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret remain prominent across the island.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0830-0900) revealed 10 Red-throated Diver, 8 Shag, 3 Goosander, 3 Kittiwake and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Further hints of movement were provided by 2 Goldcrest amongst small numbers of Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush and Blackbird.
Diurnal Migration
Some movement was evident with 70 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Twite, 6 Whooper Swan, 5 Siskin, 3 Lesser Redpoll and a Pied Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pick of the wildfowl involved an influx of 80 Barnacle Geese while at least 4 Greenshank remain.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret remain prominent across the island.
A hint of cold weather movement
21st November 2015 – cold, bright and sunny NNW4
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea saw little evidence of movement with just 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Kittiwake and a Razorbill logged.
Grounded Migrants
There was a hint of cold weather movement with 25 Fieldfare, 9 Blackbird, 4 Song Thrush and a Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Buzzard headed north east over the island to provide the highlight of the day, also seen were 160 Starling and 8 Whooper Swan, pursued by the local Oystercatcher population .
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 20 pale-bellied Brent Goose were recorded.
Miscellaneous
Little Owl and Short-eared Owl were still hunting the island and a Water Rail squealed.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea saw little evidence of movement with just 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Kittiwake and a Razorbill logged.
Grounded Migrants
There was a hint of cold weather movement with 25 Fieldfare, 9 Blackbird, 4 Song Thrush and a Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Buzzard headed north east over the island to provide the highlight of the day, also seen were 160 Starling and 8 Whooper Swan, pursued by the local Oystercatcher population .
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 20 pale-bellied Brent Goose were recorded.
Miscellaneous
Little Owl and Short-eared Owl were still hunting the island and a Water Rail squealed.
Bonxie
20th November 2015 – overcast/heavy showers WNW5/6
Offshore
A check over the sea (1230-1330) provided 21 Kittiwake, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Razorbill and single Great Skua and Gannet.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 6 Whooper Swan headed south.
Wildfowl and Waders
A few Pink-footed Geese remain grounded.
Offshore
A check over the sea (1230-1330) provided 21 Kittiwake, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Razorbill and single Great Skua and Gannet.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 6 Whooper Swan headed south.
Wildfowl and Waders
A few Pink-footed Geese remain grounded.
Wildfowl and waders
16th November 2015 – overcast WSW5/6
Diurnal Migration
A total of 17 Whooper Swan headed south.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock head 134 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 15 Greenshank, 6 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Jack Snipe amongst 100 Snipe and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin hunted the island.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Oystercatcher had been marked at its breeding grounds at Langhólmi, Fljótshlíð, Iceland on 18th June 2015.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 17 Whooper Swan headed south.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock head 134 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 15 Greenshank, 6 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Jack Snipe amongst 100 Snipe and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin hunted the island.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Oystercatcher had been marked at its breeding grounds at Langhólmi, Fljótshlíð, Iceland on 18th June 2015.
Leach’s Petrel
15th November 2015 – overcast/mist/murk/rain at times SW6
Offshore
A check of the sea between the showers revealed a single Leach’s Petrel but little else.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 120 pale-bellied birds, also seen were 3 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Shoveler and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock increased to 70 birds.
Offshore
A check of the sea between the showers revealed a single Leach’s Petrel but little else.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 120 pale-bellied birds, also seen were 3 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Shoveler and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock increased to 70 birds.
Glaucous Gull and Black Guillemot
14th November 2015 – overcast/rain W3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0830) proved disappointing with just 20 Common Scoter, 2 Kittiwake and a Red-throated Diver logged. A check of the eastern shore on the rising tide revealed a Black Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 109 pale-bellied birds, also seen were 6 Shoveler, 3 Pink-footed Goose and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Glaucous Gull roosted on the rising tide, a total of 66 Little Egret were seen along with 30 Twite. Raptors involved Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0830) proved disappointing with just 20 Common Scoter, 2 Kittiwake and a Red-throated Diver logged. A check of the eastern shore on the rising tide revealed a Black Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 109 pale-bellied birds, also seen were 6 Shoveler, 3 Pink-footed Goose and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Glaucous Gull roosted on the rising tide, a total of 66 Little Egret were seen along with 30 Twite. Raptors involved Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.
Arctic Skua
13th November 2015 – heavy showers W6/7
Offshore
Observations on the falling tide (1250-1350) produced 30 Kittiwake, 3 Common Scoter and single Arctic Skua, Gannet and Fulmar.
Miscellaneous
A group of 60 Little Egrert congregated on the sheltered eastern shore.
Offshore
Observations on the falling tide (1250-1350) produced 30 Kittiwake, 3 Common Scoter and single Arctic Skua, Gannet and Fulmar.
Miscellaneous
A group of 60 Little Egrert congregated on the sheltered eastern shore.
Wildfowl dominate
7th November 2015 – rain clearing to showers SW1/2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea as the rain cleared (1100-1200) produced 25 Common Scoter, 4 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot and single Gannet, Red-throated Diver and Kittiwake.
Grounded
Limited to single Blackcap, Goldcrest and Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
Only single Siskin and Lesser Redpoll were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 140 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 50 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 11 Barnacle Goose, 8 Whooper Swan and 3 Pink-footed Goose while waders included 17 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Single Short-eared Owl and Merlin were also seen.
Moths
Recent sightings include Figure of Eight, Rusty Dot Pearl and Dark Sword Grass.
Offshore
A check of the sea as the rain cleared (1100-1200) produced 25 Common Scoter, 4 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot and single Gannet, Red-throated Diver and Kittiwake.
Grounded
Limited to single Blackcap, Goldcrest and Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
Only single Siskin and Lesser Redpoll were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 140 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 50 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 11 Barnacle Goose, 8 Whooper Swan and 3 Pink-footed Goose while waders included 17 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Single Short-eared Owl and Merlin were also seen.
Moths
Recent sightings include Figure of Eight, Rusty Dot Pearl and Dark Sword Grass.
A few seabirds
6th November 2015 – overcast/showers then rain SE3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815 & 0930-1000) before the rain set in produced 154 Razorbill, 52 Common Scoter, 20 Gannet, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Guillemot, 2 Kittiwake and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded
Just 4 Redwing and 2 Goldcrest were recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Black-tailed Godwit remains.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815 & 0930-1000) before the rain set in produced 154 Razorbill, 52 Common Scoter, 20 Gannet, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Guillemot, 2 Kittiwake and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded
Just 4 Redwing and 2 Goldcrest were recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Black-tailed Godwit remains.
A quiet day
5th November 2015 – overcast/rain later E2/3
Offshore
A Red-throated Diver was all the sea could offer.
Grounded
Limited to 12 Redwing, 12 Fieldfare and 6 Blackbird.
Diurnal Migration
Just 2 Brambling moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Black-tailed Godwit remains.
Offshore
A Red-throated Diver was all the sea could offer.
Grounded
Limited to 12 Redwing, 12 Fieldfare and 6 Blackbird.
Diurnal Migration
Just 2 Brambling moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Black-tailed Godwit remains.
Whooper Swans on the move
4th November 2015 – overcast/misty murk E2/3
Grounded
Newly grounded birds involved 46 Redwing, 33 Blackbird, 17 Fieldfare, 7 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Song Thrush and single Blackcap and Mistle Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
The improvement in visibility saw 45 Pink-footed Goose, 44 Whooper Swan, 18 Meadow Pipit and single Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Brambling logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 9 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least one Water Rail remains.
Grounded
Newly grounded birds involved 46 Redwing, 33 Blackbird, 17 Fieldfare, 7 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Song Thrush and single Blackcap and Mistle Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
The improvement in visibility saw 45 Pink-footed Goose, 44 Whooper Swan, 18 Meadow Pipit and single Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Brambling logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 9 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least one Water Rail remains.
Black Redstart
3rd November 2015 – Fog finally clearing to misty murk SE2/3
Offshore
A Gannet materialised out of the early morning gloom.
Grounded
A female/first-winter Black Redstart was the pick of the mornings grounded birds which also included 36 Redwing, 28 Blackbird, 6 Goldcrest, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 2 Fieldfare and single Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Long-tailed Tit.
Diurnal Migration
A slight increase in visibility produced 215 Pink-footed Goose, 175 Fieldfare, 100 Redwing, 35 Meadow Pipit, 33 Chaffinch, 3 Whooper Swan, 3 Brambling, 3 Siskin and single Mistle Thrush and Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 11 Barnacle Goose and 10 Shoveler while 17 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit were the best of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 20 Twite were logged and single Short-eared Owl, Merlin and Water Rail were also seen.
Offshore
A Gannet materialised out of the early morning gloom.
Grounded
A female/first-winter Black Redstart was the pick of the mornings grounded birds which also included 36 Redwing, 28 Blackbird, 6 Goldcrest, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 2 Fieldfare and single Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Long-tailed Tit.
Diurnal Migration
A slight increase in visibility produced 215 Pink-footed Goose, 175 Fieldfare, 100 Redwing, 35 Meadow Pipit, 33 Chaffinch, 3 Whooper Swan, 3 Brambling, 3 Siskin and single Mistle Thrush and Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 11 Barnacle Goose and 10 Shoveler while 17 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit were the best of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 20 Twite were logged and single Short-eared Owl, Merlin and Water Rail were also seen.
Thrushes and finches
2nd November 2015 – Fog SE1
Grounded
The island remained fogbound throughout the day, however, a few birds made it through the gloom with 23 Redwing, 11 Blackbird, 8 Goldcrest, 7 Song Thrush and 2 Fieldfare logged.
Diurnal Migration
Some movement was detected despite the poor visibility with 110 Pink-footed Goose, 20 Fieldfare, 17 Whooper Swan and 6 Brambling recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Black-tailed Godwit and Greenshank were the pick of the waders seen.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 30 Twite were still present with single Merlin and Water Rail also seen.
Grounded
The island remained fogbound throughout the day, however, a few birds made it through the gloom with 23 Redwing, 11 Blackbird, 8 Goldcrest, 7 Song Thrush and 2 Fieldfare logged.
Diurnal Migration
Some movement was detected despite the poor visibility with 110 Pink-footed Goose, 20 Fieldfare, 17 Whooper Swan and 6 Brambling recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Black-tailed Godwit and Greenshank were the pick of the waders seen.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 30 Twite were still present with single Merlin and Water Rail also seen.
Fogbound Firecrest
1st November 2015 – dense fog SE1
Rarities
A fogbound Firecrest was located mid-morning.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 21 Blackbird, 16 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush and 2 Fieldfare. Also seen were 3 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Despite the dense fog through much of the day there was some evidence of movement with 40 Pink-footed Goose, 20 Fieldfare and 11 Barnacle Goose logged.
Miscellaneous
A total of 30 Twite were seen and a Water Rail was the best of the rest.
Rarities
A fogbound Firecrest was located mid-morning.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 21 Blackbird, 16 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush and 2 Fieldfare. Also seen were 3 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Despite the dense fog through much of the day there was some evidence of movement with 40 Pink-footed Goose, 20 Fieldfare and 11 Barnacle Goose logged.
Miscellaneous
A total of 30 Twite were seen and a Water Rail was the best of the rest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)