30th April 2017 – sunny spells SE5/6
Offshore
A check of the sea over high tide (1415-1515) provided 29 Common Scoter, 14 Sandwich Tern, 8 Gannet and 2 Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
At last spring arrives with 100 Wheatear, 30 Willow Warbler, 5 Whinchat, 2 Redstart and single Pied Flycatcher and Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey headed north and Swallow passage finally kicked in with 200 birds logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 144 Whimbrel, 6 Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
Flame Shoulder and Shuttle-shaped Dart were new for the year.
Ringing
A total of 222 birds of 22 species were handled during the month. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets): Goldfinch 60, (13), Willow Warbler 25, Goldcrest 14, Linnet 14, (7), Chaffinch 13, (2), Blackbird 10, (2), Blackcap 8, Chiffchaff 7, (1), Dunnock 5, (1), Redwing 3, Wren 3, House Sparrow 3, (1), Robin 2, Lesser Redpoll 2, Meadow Pipit 2, Greenfinch 2, (12), Song Thrush 1, (1), Blue Tit 1, Great Tit 1, Redstart 1, Yellowhammer 1, Reed Bunting 1, (3).
Founded in 1964, the work of Walney Bird Observatory is funded entirely by membership subscription. Since 1965 it has been an accredited member of the British Trust for Ornithology’s bird observatories network which operates across Britain and Ireland. Bird Observatories are at the forefront of conservation, monitoring bird populations through the medium of census work, daily recording of migrants and ringing.
First Reed Warbler and Arctic Tern
29th April 2017 – overcast SE2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0715-0815) produced 520 Common Scoter, 56 Kittiwake, 55 Gannet, 40 Sandwich Tern, 7 Arctic Tern, 4 Scaup, 2 Shag and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Despite the change in wind deirection still quiet with just 33 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Siskin was amongst a light trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5000 Knot, 157 Whimbrel, 14 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The first Reed Warbler has returned to breeding localities and at least 4 Grasshopper Warbler continue to reel.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0715-0815) produced 520 Common Scoter, 56 Kittiwake, 55 Gannet, 40 Sandwich Tern, 7 Arctic Tern, 4 Scaup, 2 Shag and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Despite the change in wind deirection still quiet with just 33 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Siskin was amongst a light trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5000 Knot, 157 Whimbrel, 14 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The first Reed Warbler has returned to breeding localities and at least 4 Grasshopper Warbler continue to reel.
Cuckoo arrives
28th April 2017 – sunny spells W2/3
Offshore
Only a few Sandwich Tern were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Limited fare still with just 15 Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Willow Warbler and single Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Cuckoo recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 60 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain and waders included 1000 Knot, 130 Golden Plover, 52 Whimbrel and 6 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Hooded x Carrion Crow remains.
Offshore
Only a few Sandwich Tern were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Limited fare still with just 15 Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Willow Warbler and single Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Cuckoo recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 60 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain and waders included 1000 Knot, 130 Golden Plover, 52 Whimbrel and 6 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Hooded x Carrion Crow remains.
Hooded Crow headlines
23rd April 2017 – bright and sunny N3/4
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea produced a flock of 600 Common Scoter settled in the mouth of Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 30 Red-throated Diver, 25 Guillemot, 10 Sandwich Tern and the first 2 Little Tern of the year.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear again dominated with 40 birds logged along with 10 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and a Grasshopper Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Three Lesser Redpoll were amongst a light trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 60 Golden Plover, 47 Whimbrel and 42 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Hooded Crow was perhaps the highlight of the day while at least 4 Grasshopper Warbler were on breeding territory.
Mammals
A least one Roe Deer remained.
Moths
The first Silver Y of the year was attracted to the moth trap overnight.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea produced a flock of 600 Common Scoter settled in the mouth of Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 30 Red-throated Diver, 25 Guillemot, 10 Sandwich Tern and the first 2 Little Tern of the year.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear again dominated with 40 birds logged along with 10 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and a Grasshopper Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Three Lesser Redpoll were amongst a light trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 60 Golden Plover, 47 Whimbrel and 42 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Hooded Crow was perhaps the highlight of the day while at least 4 Grasshopper Warbler were on breeding territory.
Mammals
A least one Roe Deer remained.
Moths
The first Silver Y of the year was attracted to the moth trap overnight.
Lesser Whitethroat now in
22nd April 2017 – bright and sunny N3/4
Offshore
A few Gannet and Sandwich Tern were recorded.
Grounded Migrants
The second fall of Wheatear this spring produced 70 birds. However, otherwise pickings were slim with just 7 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of Siskin and Lesser Redpoll moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Gadwall continues to linger amongst 9 Shoveler and waders included 140 Golden Plover, 63 Whimbrel, 11 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Three Lesser Whitethroat and 3 Grasshopper Warbler were on breeding territories along with 5 Whitethroat and 2 Sedge Warbler.
Mammals
Two Roe Deer were unusual.
Offshore
A few Gannet and Sandwich Tern were recorded.
Grounded Migrants
The second fall of Wheatear this spring produced 70 birds. However, otherwise pickings were slim with just 7 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle of Siskin and Lesser Redpoll moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Gadwall continues to linger amongst 9 Shoveler and waders included 140 Golden Plover, 63 Whimbrel, 11 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Three Lesser Whitethroat and 3 Grasshopper Warbler were on breeding territories along with 5 Whitethroat and 2 Sedge Warbler.
Mammals
Two Roe Deer were unusual.
First Common Sandpipers arrive
21st April 2017 – overcast WNW3/4
Grounded Migrants
A slight increase in grounded birds was noted with 12 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap and single Grasshopper Warbler and Fieldfare logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 2 Common Sandpiper of the year were logged and additional waders included 30 Whimbrel and 10 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A pair of Jay raised speculation of the island’s second breeding attempt.
Butterflies
Speckled Wood and Orange Tip are now on the wing.
Grounded Migrants
A slight increase in grounded birds was noted with 12 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap and single Grasshopper Warbler and Fieldfare logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 2 Common Sandpiper of the year were logged and additional waders included 30 Whimbrel and 10 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A pair of Jay raised speculation of the island’s second breeding attempt.
Butterflies
Speckled Wood and Orange Tip are now on the wing.
First Whitethroat now in
20th April 2017 – overcast WNW2
Grounded Migrants
Hot on the heels of the first Sedge Warbler the first Whitethroat has now arrived along with 3 Wheatear and a Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Gadwall remains amongst 7 Shoveler.
Grounded Migrants
Hot on the heels of the first Sedge Warbler the first Whitethroat has now arrived along with 3 Wheatear and a Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Gadwall remains amongst 7 Shoveler.
First Sedge Warbler arrives
19th April 2017 – overcast S1/2
Grounded Migrants
Despite the seemingly favourable conditions there remains little evidence of movement, however, the first Sedge Warbler of the spring was recorded along with 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear and a Blackcap.
Miscellaneous
Two Grasshopper Warbler were on breeding territories.
Grounded Migrants
Despite the seemingly favourable conditions there remains little evidence of movement, however, the first Sedge Warbler of the spring was recorded along with 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear and a Blackcap.
Miscellaneous
Two Grasshopper Warbler were on breeding territories.
Arctic Skua new for the year
17th April 2017 – sunny spells NE3/2/1
Offshore
The sea (0800-0900) provided the first Arctic Skua of the year along with 230 Common Scoter, 20 Red-throated Diver, 14 Sandwich Tern, 12 Red-breasted Merganser and 5 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Again little evidence of migration with just 8 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and single Blackcap and Chiffchaff recorded.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel.
Butterflies
The first Red Admiral was on the wing.
Mammals
Two Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
Offshore
The sea (0800-0900) provided the first Arctic Skua of the year along with 230 Common Scoter, 20 Red-throated Diver, 14 Sandwich Tern, 12 Red-breasted Merganser and 5 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Again little evidence of migration with just 8 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and single Blackcap and Chiffchaff recorded.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel.
Butterflies
The first Red Admiral was on the wing.
Mammals
Two Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
Manx Shearwaters and Whimbrel increase
16th April 2017 – overcast/rain soon WSW2/3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea on the rising tide (1400-1500) produced 90 Manx Shearwater, 24 Sandwich Tern, 15 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar and a Kittiwake
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 6 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Gadwall continues to consort with 9 Shoveler and waders included 6 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Great Spotted Woodpecker continues to hold territory.
Offshore
A check of the sea on the rising tide (1400-1500) produced 90 Manx Shearwater, 24 Sandwich Tern, 15 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar and a Kittiwake
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 6 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Gadwall continues to consort with 9 Shoveler and waders included 6 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Great Spotted Woodpecker continues to hold territory.
Migration go slow continues
15th April 2017 – sunny spells and showers WNW5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0745-0845) revealed 33 Gannet, 25 Sandwich Tern, 21 Common Scoter, 16 Guillemot, 14 Red-throated Diver and 2 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 6 Wheatear and 4 Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Single Lesser Redpoll and Siskin were amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Gadwall continues to consort with 9 Shoveler and waders included 7 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was again the best of the rest.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0745-0845) revealed 33 Gannet, 25 Sandwich Tern, 21 Common Scoter, 16 Guillemot, 14 Red-throated Diver and 2 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 6 Wheatear and 4 Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Single Lesser Redpoll and Siskin were amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The drake Gadwall continues to consort with 9 Shoveler and waders included 7 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was again the best of the rest.
Puffin and Whimbrel new for the year
14th April 2017 – early mist/drizzle then showers WSW3/4
Offshore
High tide observations produced 60 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, 5 Gannet, 2 Manx Shearwater and single Puffin and Shag. In addition 120 Sandwich Tern roosted over the tide.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear and a Blackcap.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 165 pale-bellied birds and the drake Gadwall continues to linger amongst 9 Shoveler. Waders included 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Purple Sandpiper and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Offshore
High tide observations produced 60 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, 5 Gannet, 2 Manx Shearwater and single Puffin and Shag. In addition 120 Sandwich Tern roosted over the tide.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Wheatear and a Blackcap.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 165 pale-bellied birds and the drake Gadwall continues to linger amongst 9 Shoveler. Waders included 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Purple Sandpiper and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Manx Shearwaters appear offshore
13th April 2017 – sunny spells WSW3/4
Offshore
An evening seawatch on the falling tide (1715-1815) produced the first Manx Shearwaters of the year with 24 birds logged. Also seen were 53 Sandwich Tern, 22 Common Scoter, 17 Gannet, 7 Red-throated Diver and 4 Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 400 Golden Plover and a Greenshank while the drake Gadwall remains.
Offshore
An evening seawatch on the falling tide (1715-1815) produced the first Manx Shearwaters of the year with 24 birds logged. Also seen were 53 Sandwich Tern, 22 Common Scoter, 17 Gannet, 7 Red-throated Diver and 4 Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 400 Golden Plover and a Greenshank while the drake Gadwall remains.
Early Grasshopper Warbler
9th April 2017 – hazy sunshine SE1, SW2/3 later
Offshore
The sea provided 30 Sandwich Tern and 4 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A Grasshopper Warbler was the earliest ever recorded on the island, however Wheatear dominated with 100 birds logged. Also seen were 12 White Wagtail, 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff and a Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 80 Pink-footed Geese headed north while 25 Swallow, 5 Sand Martin, 2 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Siskin were also seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 200 pale-bellied and 24 dark-bellied birds and the drake Gadwall remains amongst 8 Shoveler. Waders included 450 Golden Plover, 170 Sanderling and 9 Black-tailed Godwit
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret remain and the Great Spotted Woodpecker continues to drum expectedly.
Moths
Tawny Pinion was new for the year.
Offshore
The sea provided 30 Sandwich Tern and 4 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A Grasshopper Warbler was the earliest ever recorded on the island, however Wheatear dominated with 100 birds logged. Also seen were 12 White Wagtail, 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff and a Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 80 Pink-footed Geese headed north while 25 Swallow, 5 Sand Martin, 2 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Siskin were also seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 200 pale-bellied and 24 dark-bellied birds and the drake Gadwall remains amongst 8 Shoveler. Waders included 450 Golden Plover, 170 Sanderling and 9 Black-tailed Godwit
Miscellaneous
A few Little Egret remain and the Great Spotted Woodpecker continues to drum expectedly.
Moths
Tawny Pinion was new for the year.
Sandwich Tern influx
8th April 2017 – bright and sunny ENE1/2
Offshore
An influx of Sandwich Tern was apparent with 50 birds logged. Also seen were 14 Common Scoter and 4 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A few Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap are now on territory while newly arrived birds were limited to 4 White Wagtail, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Willow Warbler and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A single Brambling and 4 Lesser Redpoll were amongst a light trickle of Meadow Pipit, Swallow and Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 280 pale-bellied birds, a group of 14 Whooper Swan floated serenely on the sea and the drake Gadwall remains amongst at least 9 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
Both Merlin and Peregrine were logged and the Great Spotted Woodpecker continues to drum expectedly.
Butterflies and Moths
A Comma was on the wing and recently emerged moths involve Early Thorn, Early Grey, Red Swordgrass, Hebrew Character and Angle Shades.
Offshore
An influx of Sandwich Tern was apparent with 50 birds logged. Also seen were 14 Common Scoter and 4 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A few Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap are now on territory while newly arrived birds were limited to 4 White Wagtail, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Willow Warbler and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A single Brambling and 4 Lesser Redpoll were amongst a light trickle of Meadow Pipit, Swallow and Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 280 pale-bellied birds, a group of 14 Whooper Swan floated serenely on the sea and the drake Gadwall remains amongst at least 9 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
Both Merlin and Peregrine were logged and the Great Spotted Woodpecker continues to drum expectedly.
Butterflies and Moths
A Comma was on the wing and recently emerged moths involve Early Thorn, Early Grey, Red Swordgrass, Hebrew Character and Angle Shades.
First Swallow and Willow Warbler arrive
2nd April 2017 – bright and sunny NNW2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0800) produced 30 Common Scoter, 10 Sandwich Tern, 9 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver and 5 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Although, unlike yesterday, conditions were unconducive to produce many grounded birds the first 3 Willow Warbler arrived. Also seen were 12 Wheatear, 6 Goldcrest, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 White Wagtail and 2 Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
The first Swallow of the year flew through along with 100 Meadow Pipit, 10 alba Wagtail, 5 Sand Martin and single Whooper Swan and Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 227 pale-bellied and 22 dark-bellied birds. Waders included 550 Golden Plover and 1500 Knot .
Miscellaneous
A drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker raised speculation of the island’s first breeding attempt.
Moths
Common Quaker and Early Thorn were again attracted to the moth trap overnight.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0800) produced 30 Common Scoter, 10 Sandwich Tern, 9 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver and 5 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Although, unlike yesterday, conditions were unconducive to produce many grounded birds the first 3 Willow Warbler arrived. Also seen were 12 Wheatear, 6 Goldcrest, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 White Wagtail and 2 Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
The first Swallow of the year flew through along with 100 Meadow Pipit, 10 alba Wagtail, 5 Sand Martin and single Whooper Swan and Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 227 pale-bellied and 22 dark-bellied birds. Waders included 550 Golden Plover and 1500 Knot .
Miscellaneous
A drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker raised speculation of the island’s first breeding attempt.
Moths
Common Quaker and Early Thorn were again attracted to the moth trap overnight.
Yellowhammer double
1st April 2017 – mist/murk/rain/calm, sunny spells SW1 later
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes dominated at dawn with the conditions grounding 400 Redwing, 54 Fieldfare and 32 Blackbird. However, 2 Yellowhammer were the highlight amongst 54 Goldcrest, 5 Wheatear, 3 Chiffchaff and the first Blackcap of the year.
Diurnal Migration
The weather conditions meant that few birds were on the move with northbound passage limited to 9 Whooper Swan, 3 Sand Martin and a Siskin amongst a trickle of Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 500 Golden Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Moths
Common Quaker and Early Thorn were the first of the year.
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes dominated at dawn with the conditions grounding 400 Redwing, 54 Fieldfare and 32 Blackbird. However, 2 Yellowhammer were the highlight amongst 54 Goldcrest, 5 Wheatear, 3 Chiffchaff and the first Blackcap of the year.
Diurnal Migration
The weather conditions meant that few birds were on the move with northbound passage limited to 9 Whooper Swan, 3 Sand Martin and a Siskin amongst a trickle of Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 500 Golden Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Moths
Common Quaker and Early Thorn were the first of the year.
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