31st March 2016 – fog SE1, sunny later
Grounded Migrants
Despite the fog there was little evidence of any grounded birds with just 3 Goldcrest and a Wheatear logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Sand Martin flew through in the afternoon once the fog had finally cleared.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 36 dark-bellied Brent Goose and 17 Whooper Swan while 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 20 Twite were still present.
Ringing
The start of spring passage saw an increase in the number of birds ringed and allowed 96 birds of 15 species to be handled during the month. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets): Goldfinch 13 (15), Goldcrest 13, Blackbird 12 (2), Greenfinch 6 (3), Chaffinch 4 (1), Robin 2 (1), Reed Bunting 2 (6), Meadow Pipit 2, Song Thrush 2, Dunnock 1 (5), Siskin 1, Stonechat 1, Woodpigeon 1, Collared Dove 1, House Sparrow (2).
Brace of Velvet Scoter
30th March 2016 – sunshine and heavy showers SW3
Offshore
The morning check of the sea (0730-0830) produced 2 drake Velvet Scoter close inshore amongst a further movement of Common Scoter. Also seen were 25 Red-throated Diver, 6 Kittiwake, 2 Gannet and a Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Small scale movement continued with just 4 Wheatear, 3 Chiffchaff and single Fieldfare and Goldcrest recorded.
Diurnal Migration
A noticeable increase in the number of Meadow Pipits passing through was evident with 100 birds logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 500 Golden Plover, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 20 Twite remain.
Offshore
The morning check of the sea (0730-0830) produced 2 drake Velvet Scoter close inshore amongst a further movement of Common Scoter. Also seen were 25 Red-throated Diver, 6 Kittiwake, 2 Gannet and a Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Small scale movement continued with just 4 Wheatear, 3 Chiffchaff and single Fieldfare and Goldcrest recorded.
Diurnal Migration
A noticeable increase in the number of Meadow Pipits passing through was evident with 100 birds logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 500 Golden Plover, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 20 Twite remain.
Common Scoter on the move
29th March 2016 – overcast and frequent heavy showers SW2/3
Offshore
The daily check of the sea (0715-0845) saw good numbers of Common Scoter on the move with 520 birds logged along with 28 Red-throated Diver, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Gannet, 3 Razorbill and single Sandwich Tern and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Limited fare remained the order of the day with 2 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
Meadow Pipits continue to just trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 180 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 20 birds and Little Egrets continue to remain prominent along the eastern shore.
Offshore
The daily check of the sea (0715-0845) saw good numbers of Common Scoter on the move with 520 birds logged along with 28 Red-throated Diver, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Gannet, 3 Razorbill and single Sandwich Tern and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Limited fare remained the order of the day with 2 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
Meadow Pipits continue to just trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 180 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 20 birds and Little Egrets continue to remain prominent along the eastern shore.
Pomarine Skua and Great Northern Diver
28th March 2016 – overcast and frequent heavy showers W4/5
Offshore
The daily check of the sea (0745-0845) produced single Pomarine Skua and Great Northern Diver along with 192 Common Scoter, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Gannet, 5 Red-throated Diver, 5 Razorbill and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Limited fare remained the order of the day with 6 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff and Wheatear logged.
Diurnal Migration
Meadow Pipits continue to just trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 162 pale-bellied birds and a Greenshank was the pick of the waders logged.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 34 birds and Little Egrets continue to remain prominent along the eastern shore.
Offshore
The daily check of the sea (0745-0845) produced single Pomarine Skua and Great Northern Diver along with 192 Common Scoter, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Gannet, 5 Red-throated Diver, 5 Razorbill and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Limited fare remained the order of the day with 6 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff and Wheatear logged.
Diurnal Migration
Meadow Pipits continue to just trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 162 pale-bellied birds and a Greenshank was the pick of the waders logged.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 34 birds and Little Egrets continue to remain prominent along the eastern shore.
A quiet day apart from the weather
27th March 2016 – sunshine and frequent heavy blustery showers SSE4/5/6
Offshore
A check of the sea (0815-0915) produced 51 Common Scoter, 47 Gannet, 15 Kittiwake, 4 Red-throated Diver and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Again limited fare with a single Wheatear the only obvious evidence of newly arrived birds.
Diurnal Migration
Again Meadow Pipits continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 60 pale-bellied birds.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0815-0915) produced 51 Common Scoter, 47 Gannet, 15 Kittiwake, 4 Red-throated Diver and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Again limited fare with a single Wheatear the only obvious evidence of newly arrived birds.
Diurnal Migration
Again Meadow Pipits continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 60 pale-bellied birds.
White Wagtail
26th March 2016 – overcast/rain soon SE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0800-0900) produced 22 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Again limited fare with single Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Wheatear and White Wagtail logged.
Diurnal Migration
Meadow Pipits continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 218 pale-bellied birds and waders included 400 Golden Plover and single Black-tailed Godwit and Purple Sandpiper.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0800-0900) produced 22 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Again limited fare with single Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Wheatear and White Wagtail logged.
Diurnal Migration
Meadow Pipits continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 218 pale-bellied birds and waders included 400 Golden Plover and single Black-tailed Godwit and Purple Sandpiper.
First Sand Martin arrives
25th March 2016 – bright and sunny W2/3
Grounded Migrants
Limited evidence of newly grounded birds with just 3 Goldcrest and single Redwing and Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Sand Martin was amongst a further trickle of Meadow Pipits.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 63 dark-bellied birds and waders included 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 32 Twite remain.
Butterflies and Moths
Both Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell are now on the wing and the first moths of the year involved Mottled Grey and Double-striped Pug.
Grounded Migrants
Limited evidence of newly grounded birds with just 3 Goldcrest and single Redwing and Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Sand Martin was amongst a further trickle of Meadow Pipits.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 63 dark-bellied birds and waders included 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 32 Twite remain.
Butterflies and Moths
Both Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell are now on the wing and the first moths of the year involved Mottled Grey and Double-striped Pug.
Hooded Crow and Sandwich Tern
24th March 2016 – overcast/rain soon SSW3
Offshore
Several checks of the sea through the course of the day produced the first Sandwich Tern of the year. Also seen were 28 Common Scoter, 4 Gannet and 4 Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 40 pale-bellied birds and waders included 3 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Single Hooded Crow and Raven fought over scraps from the island’s rubbish bins.
Offshore
Several checks of the sea through the course of the day produced the first Sandwich Tern of the year. Also seen were 28 Common Scoter, 4 Gannet and 4 Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 40 pale-bellied birds and waders included 3 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Single Hooded Crow and Raven fought over scraps from the island’s rubbish bins.
First Chiffchaff arrive
23rd March 2016 – overcast/calm then W3
Offshore
Two periods of observation over calm seas (0715-0815 & 1330-1430) produced totals of 45 Red-breasted Merganser, 44 Red-throated Diver, 16 Common Scoter, 16 Kittiwake, 10 Gannet and 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
The first 2 Chiffchaff of the year were logged along with 5 Goldcrest and singles of Redwing and Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10,000 Knot, 3 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 30 Twite and singles of Water Rail, Raven and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Ringing
Two colour-ringed Cormorants were of likely Isle of Man origin.
Mammals
At least one Harbour Porpoise was again offshore.
Offshore
Two periods of observation over calm seas (0715-0815 & 1330-1430) produced totals of 45 Red-breasted Merganser, 44 Red-throated Diver, 16 Common Scoter, 16 Kittiwake, 10 Gannet and 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
The first 2 Chiffchaff of the year were logged along with 5 Goldcrest and singles of Redwing and Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10,000 Knot, 3 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 30 Twite and singles of Water Rail, Raven and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Ringing
Two colour-ringed Cormorants were of likely Isle of Man origin.
Mammals
At least one Harbour Porpoise was again offshore.
Spring Equinox
20th March 2016 overcast then sunny WNW1/2
Offshore
Much quieter over the sea early morning with only 3 Red-throated Diver and a Common Scoter logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Meadow Pipit, Greenfinch and Chaffinch were again recorded along with 6 Whooper Swan and a Tree Sparrow.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by singles of Redwing and Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
The numbers of prospecting Eider coming ashore are now building daily with around 1000 birds present.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock increased to 33 birds.
Mammals
At least 5 Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
Offshore
Much quieter over the sea early morning with only 3 Red-throated Diver and a Common Scoter logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Meadow Pipit, Greenfinch and Chaffinch were again recorded along with 6 Whooper Swan and a Tree Sparrow.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by singles of Redwing and Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
The numbers of prospecting Eider coming ashore are now building daily with around 1000 birds present.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock increased to 33 birds.
Mammals
At least 5 Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
Red-throated Divers on the move
19th March 2016 overcast then sunny spells NE1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0745-0915) saw impressive numbers of Red-throated Divers moving into Morecambe Bay with 112 birds logged including flocks of 20, 14 & 15. Also seen were a single Great Northern Diver and the first Gannets of the year along with 90 Razorbill, 68 Common Scoter and 11 Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
A further trickle saw small numbers of Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Greenfinch and Chaffinch recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Although a flock of 55 Meadow Pipits appeared grounded the only other obvious evidence of newly arrived birds involved a single Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5000 Knot, 100 Turnstone, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 16 Twite were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A group of 3 Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0745-0915) saw impressive numbers of Red-throated Divers moving into Morecambe Bay with 112 birds logged including flocks of 20, 14 & 15. Also seen were a single Great Northern Diver and the first Gannets of the year along with 90 Razorbill, 68 Common Scoter and 11 Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
A further trickle saw small numbers of Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Greenfinch and Chaffinch recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Although a flock of 55 Meadow Pipits appeared grounded the only other obvious evidence of newly arrived birds involved a single Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5000 Knot, 100 Turnstone, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 16 Twite were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A group of 3 Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
First Wheatear and Whooper Swans on the move
13th March 2016 overcast then sunny spells SE1
Diurnal Migration
The skies were the most active so far this year with 143 Whooper Swan, 120 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Meadow Pipit, 10 Pied Wagtail and single Grey Wagtail and Siskin recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Another small fall produced 37 Redwing, 15 Blackbird, 12 Robin, 10 Goldcrest, 8 Stonechat, 2 Fieldfare and single Wheatear and Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain and 2 Greenshank were seen.
Miscellaneous
Four Raven and 22 Twite were the best of the rest.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were the most active so far this year with 143 Whooper Swan, 120 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Meadow Pipit, 10 Pied Wagtail and single Grey Wagtail and Siskin recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Another small fall produced 37 Redwing, 15 Blackbird, 12 Robin, 10 Goldcrest, 8 Stonechat, 2 Fieldfare and single Wheatear and Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain and 2 Greenshank were seen.
Miscellaneous
Four Raven and 22 Twite were the best of the rest.
Start of migration
12th March 2016 overcast/fog/mist/drizzle SE1
Offshore
Poor visibility over the sea revealed little other than 7 Shag.
Diurnal Migration
Another trickle of Pied Wagtail and Meadow Pipit was evident.
Grounded Migrants
The weather conditions induced the first fall of the spring, sightings included: 50 Meadow Pipit, 26 Redwing, 24 Pied Wagtail, 16 Stonechat, 14 Blackbird, 12 Robin, 5 Song Thrush, 5 Goldcrest and a Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain and additional wildfowl included 212 pale-bellied Brent Goose and 36 Pintail. Waders included 550 Golden Plover, 12 Purple Sandpiper and 9 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 9 Little Egret were present and finches included 110 Linnet and 75 Twite.
Offshore
Poor visibility over the sea revealed little other than 7 Shag.
Diurnal Migration
Another trickle of Pied Wagtail and Meadow Pipit was evident.
Grounded Migrants
The weather conditions induced the first fall of the spring, sightings included: 50 Meadow Pipit, 26 Redwing, 24 Pied Wagtail, 16 Stonechat, 14 Blackbird, 12 Robin, 5 Song Thrush, 5 Goldcrest and a Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain and additional wildfowl included 212 pale-bellied Brent Goose and 36 Pintail. Waders included 550 Golden Plover, 12 Purple Sandpiper and 9 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 9 Little Egret were present and finches included 110 Linnet and 75 Twite.
Water Pipits reappear
11th March 2016 overcast SE1
Rarities
The high spring tide flushed 4 Water Pipit from the island’s saltmarshes and onto the flooded horse paddocks along Carr Lane.
Offshore
The calm seas produced little, other than 8 Shag and 8 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A single Grey Wagtail was amongst a trickle of Pied Wagtail and Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 long-staying Scaup were joined by a third individual. The Brent Goose flock held 222 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 10000 Knot and 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The high tides also flushed 30 Rock Pipit off the saltmarshes and flocks of 60 Twite and 50 Linnet were recorded.
Rarities
The high spring tide flushed 4 Water Pipit from the island’s saltmarshes and onto the flooded horse paddocks along Carr Lane.
Offshore
The calm seas produced little, other than 8 Shag and 8 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A single Grey Wagtail was amongst a trickle of Pied Wagtail and Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 long-staying Scaup were joined by a third individual. The Brent Goose flock held 222 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 10000 Knot and 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The high tides also flushed 30 Rock Pipit off the saltmarshes and flocks of 60 Twite and 50 Linnet were recorded.
Migration trickle
6th March 2016 bright and sunny NW2
Offshore
A check of the sea (0800-0900) revealed 8 Common Scoter, 3 Shag and single Red-throated Diver and Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
A hint of passage was provided by 6 Meadow Pipit, 4 Pied Wagtail and 3 Skylark.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 114 pale-bellied and 38 dark-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
At least 46 Little Egret continue to roam along the eastern shore and a flock of 120 Twite were logged.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0800-0900) revealed 8 Common Scoter, 3 Shag and single Red-throated Diver and Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
A hint of passage was provided by 6 Meadow Pipit, 4 Pied Wagtail and 3 Skylark.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 114 pale-bellied and 38 dark-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
At least 46 Little Egret continue to roam along the eastern shore and a flock of 120 Twite were logged.
Further hints of spring
28th February 2016 bright and sunny NE2
Offshore
A check of the sea (0800-0900) revealed 10 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded
Four Greenfinch and a Chaffinch called in – further hints that spring is approaching.
Ringing
The usual quiet start to the year continued with just 34 birds of 11 species handled during the month. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets). Goldfinch 4 (3), Reed Bunting 3, (9), House Sparrow 2, (1), Skylark 1, Blue Tit 1, (1), Chaffinch 1, Dunnock (3), Robin (2), Blackbird (1), Song Thrush (1), Sparrowhawk (1).
Offshore
A check of the sea (0800-0900) revealed 10 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded
Four Greenfinch and a Chaffinch called in – further hints that spring is approaching.
Ringing
The usual quiet start to the year continued with just 34 birds of 11 species handled during the month. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets). Goldfinch 4 (3), Reed Bunting 3, (9), House Sparrow 2, (1), Skylark 1, Blue Tit 1, (1), Chaffinch 1, Dunnock (3), Robin (2), Blackbird (1), Song Thrush (1), Sparrowhawk (1).
Water Pipits remain
27th February 2016 sunny spells E3/4
Rarities
At least 3 Water Pipit were again in the flooded horse paddocks along Carr Lane.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 70 pale-bellied Brent Goose and 60 dark-bellied Brent Goose while waders included 8000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Rarities
At least 3 Water Pipit were again in the flooded horse paddocks along Carr Lane.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 70 pale-bellied Brent Goose and 60 dark-bellied Brent Goose while waders included 8000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
A few harbingers of spring
26th February 2016 sunny spells SE2/3/4
Rarities
At least one Water Pipit were again in the flooded horse paddocks along Carr Lane amongst 20 Rock Pipit.
Offshore
The only record of note during a check of the sea (0800-0900) was a solitary Shag.
Grounded Migrants
An influx of 27 Woodpigeon and a group of 3 Stonecat were likely harbingers of spring.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 226 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 76 Barnacle Goose and 43 dark-bellied Brent Goose along with 55 Pintail, 7 Shoveler and 2 Scaup while 8 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Purple Sandpiper were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and 30 Twite were the best of the rest.
Rarities
At least one Water Pipit were again in the flooded horse paddocks along Carr Lane amongst 20 Rock Pipit.
Offshore
The only record of note during a check of the sea (0800-0900) was a solitary Shag.
Grounded Migrants
An influx of 27 Woodpigeon and a group of 3 Stonecat were likely harbingers of spring.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 226 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 76 Barnacle Goose and 43 dark-bellied Brent Goose along with 55 Pintail, 7 Shoveler and 2 Scaup while 8 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Purple Sandpiper were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and 30 Twite were the best of the rest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)