Dismal monthly ringing total

30th September 2017 – early rain/brighter later SSE4/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0830) produced 62 Common Scoter, 18 Gannet and 5 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 12 Goldcrest, 9 Stonechat, 2 Chiffchaff and single Wheatear and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Still low key with just 250 Meadow Pipit, 20 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 2 Grey Wagtail and single Siskin and Lesser Redpoll logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 24 Greenshank and a Ruff.
Miscellaneous
At least 52 Little Egret were present along the eastern shore.
Ringing
Another poor month with just 141 birds of 18 species handled. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets): Goldfinch 40, (7), Goldcrest 20, Robin 16, Chiffchaff 8, House Sparrow 7, (6), Tree Sparrow 7, Blue Tit 6, Chaffinch 5, Dunnock 5, Willow Warbler 3, Great Tit 3, Wren 2, Song Thrush 1, Greenfinch 1, Linnet 1, Blackcap 1, Sedge Warbler 1 and Sparrowhawk 1

American Wigeon reappears

27th September 2017 – overcast ESE4
Rarities
The drake American Wigeon was again on the pools at South Walney early afternoon before again flying off with the Eurasian Wigeon as they dispersed on the flooding tide. There was no further sign by dusk.
Offshore
The sea provided small numbers of Gannet, Red-throated Diver and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
A quiet day on the land with just 6 Goldcrest and 2 Chiffchaff recorded.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 12 Pink-footed Geese headed south.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 17 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were the best of the rest.
Moths
Large Wainscot was new for the year.

American Wigeon and Yellow-browed Warbler

26th September 2017 – overcast SE1/2
Rarities
An eclipse drake American Wigeon was found roosting on the pools at South Walney before flying off prior to the afternoon tide. A long overdue addition to the island list, unfortunately there was no further sign at 1800hrs.
Grounded Migrants
More predictably the first Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn appeared amongst 18 Goldcrest and 10 Chiffchaff. Also seen were 23 Robin, 6 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and single Whitethroat and Lesser Redpoll.
Diurnal Migration
A bit more movement than of late with 420 Meadow Pipit, 145 Skylark, 60 Swallow, 30 alba Wagtail, 13 Grey Wagtail and 9 Chaffinch logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 21 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Moths
Both Beaded Chestnut and Red-line Quaker were new for the year.

Goldcrest and Chiffchaff

25th September 2017 – overcast/misty V1
Grounded Migrants
A few more grounded birds than of late though generally limited to two species. Goldcrest and Chiffchaff were to the fore with 35 and 21 birds respectively, also seen was a single Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
A few Meadow Pipit were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Black-tailed Godwit were the best of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A huge charm of 400 Goldfinches was recorded feeding on the seed heads of ragwort.

Scaup and Scoters

24th September 2017 – overcast SSE4/3/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0900) produced a drake Scaup amongst 510 Common Scoter. Also seen were 62 Gannet, 28 Wigeon, 19 Razorbill, 11 Teal, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Kittiwake and 2 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 6 Goldcrest and single Wheatear and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Still low key with just 60 Meadow Pipit, 3 Swallow and 3 Grey Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 210 Knot and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Goldfinch were prominent with 280 birds recorded.

Low key migration

23rd September 2017 – overcast SSE4/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0715-0815) produced 74 Gannet, 67 Common Scoter, 40 Razorbill, 8 Kittiwake, 3 Guillemot and 3 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Remaining disappointingly quiet with just 3 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were also quiet with just 2 Grey Wagtail and 3 Swallow amongst 100 Meadow Pipit
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 pale-bellied Brent Geese (10 adults + 2 juveniles) were again present.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret remain prominent along the eastern shore.

Brent Geese arrive

22nd September 2017 – overcast/rain at times SSE4/5
Grounded Migrants
Remaining disappointingly quiet with just 7 Goldcrest providing evidence of newly grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
A House Martin was the only to trouble the scorers.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Brent Geese have now returned with 12 pale bellied birds amongst 175 Wigeon and 120 Teal.
Moths
Feathered Rannunculus, Pink-barred Sallow and Canary Shouldered Thorn were all new for the year.

Pink-feet still on the move

17th September 2017 – Bright start then sunny spells NNE1
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed just small numbers of Red-throated Diver and Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Disappointingly quiet with just 18 Robin, 6 Stonechat, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff and single Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat, Wheatear and Whitethroat recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Pink-footed Geese again dominated sightings with 530 birds logged along with 120 Swallow, 100 Meadow Pipit, 40 House Martin, 30 Skylark, 12 Chaffinch, 10 alba Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail and a Siskin logged
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff and 8 Greenshank.
Moths
Black Rustic and Lunar Underwing were new for the year.

Variety rather than quantity

16th September 2017 – early rain then sunny spells N2 then NW3
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0715-0815) produced 60 Kittiwake, 20 Razorbill, 17 Gannet, 10 Sandwich Tern, 3 Guillemot and a Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Variety rather than quantity was the order of the day with sightings including: 15 Robin, 9 Chiffchaff, 7 Wheatear, 5 Goldcrest, 3 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and single Lesser Whitethroat, Whinchat, Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Pink-footed Geese dominated sightings with 900 birds logged along with 120 Meadow Pipit, 40 Skylark, 31 Swallow, 14 alba Wagtail, 7 Chaffinch, 6 Tree Sparrow, 6 Grey Wagtail, 4 Sand Martin and 2 Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 62 Little Egret are now along the eastern shore and raptors included 2 Peregrine and Merlin.

Pink-feet on the move

15th September 2017 – sunny spells NNW2/3
Grounded Migrants
A bits and pieces sort of day with 10 Robin, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Whinchat and single Wheatear, Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 650 Pink-footed Geese headed south along with 40 Swallow and 5 Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Grey Phalarope remained for a third day and other sightings included 5 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Ruff.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Moths
Immigrants involved 5 Silver Y and a Dark Swordgrass.

Grey Phalarope remains

14th September 2017 – sunshine and showers NW2 then WNW4/5/6
Offshore
Only small numbers of Gannet, Kittiwake and Common Scoter were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Again grounded birds were limited to 2 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Three small skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 130 birds headed south early evening.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Grey Phalarope remains in residence.
Moths
Immigrants involved a Dark Swordgrass and 3 Silver Y.

Grey Phalarope new in

13th September 2017 – sunshine and showers WNW5/6 then W 5/4
Offshore
Although at least one storm-driven Gannet was grounded on the island early morning the wind was in the WNW and inevitably there was little activity noted over the sea. Despite much effort 2 Leach's Petrel and a single Arctic Skua were the best amongst meagre numbers of Gannet, Kittiwake and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds were limited to 2 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff and Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Grey Phalarope was easily the pick of the days sightings which also included 4 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin stalked a flock of 100 Linnet.

More Leach’s Petrels

12th September 2017 – overcast/rain later SW4/3/2
Offshore
The wind again switched to the SW by evening and although lighter than the last few days observations over the tide (1530-1830) produced 10 Leach’s Petrel along with 23 Common Scoter, 17 Sandwich Tern, 11 Gannet, 8 Red-throated Diver, 3 Kittiwake and a Manx Shearwater.

Wrong winds!

11th September 2017 – sunshine and heavy showers WNW5/6 gusting to 8
Offshore
The wind switched back to WNW reducing activity with observations over the tide (1530-1730) producing just 16 Razorbill, 11 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet. 5 Red-throated Diver, 5 Kittiwake, 4 Fulmar, 2 Guillemot and single Arctic Skua and Manx Shearwater.

Wilson’s and Leach’s Petrels

10th September 2017 – overcast with heavy showers SSW3/4/5 gusting to 8
Offshore
The switch of the wind from the NW brought the sea to life. Early observations in light winds (0800-0900) produced a juvenile Pomarine Skua along with 100 Common Scoter, 52 Gannet, 18 Kittiwake, 13 Sandwich Tern, 10 Razorbill, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Manx Shearwater. A second watch over the tide (1400-1700) as the wind strengthened and the showers intensified proved even more productive with a Wilson’s Petrel (1510hrs) amongst 6 Leach’s Petrel (1450-1645hrs) and 2 adult intermediate phase Pomarine Skua. Also seen were 315 Kittiwake, 100 Gannet, 26 Common Scoter, 23 Manx Shearwater, 8 Fulmar, 7 Red-throated Diver and 3 Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 14 Goldcrest and single Wheatear and White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move prior to the weather deteriorating including 130 Meadow Pipit, 20 Swallow and 17 Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Greenshank, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Finches included a flock of 210 Goldfinch while 2 Raven and a Merlin were the best of the rest.

Pomarine Skua

9th September 2017 – early heavy showers then sunny spells NW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) as the showers began to clear were led by an adult pale phase Pomarine Skua moving out of Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 56 Kittiwake, 39 Common Scoter, 19 Gannet, 8 Sandwich Tern, 4 Razorbill and 2 Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds were limited to 6 Wheatear, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaff and a Garden Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move as the showers relented with 60 Tree Sparrow, 50 Meadow Pipit, 10 Swallow and 4 Grey Wagtail recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1470 Curlew, 330 Golden Plover, 200 Grey Plover and 4 Ruff.

Sandwich Tern influx

8th September 2017 – sunshine and showers W4/5
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (1230-1330) produced 100 Sandwich Tern, 90 Kittiwake, 36 Gannet, 16 Common Scoter, 3 Manx Shearwater and a Fulmar. A further 600 Sandwich Tern were present on the falling tide.
Grounded Migrants
There was only slight evidence of newly grounded birds with just 6 White Wagtail, 2 Wheatear and single Willow Warbler and Goldcrest logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
There were 23 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Ruff amongst 1640 Redshank.

Long-tailed Skua

7th September 2017 – overcast/rain at times SW4/5
Offshore
Observations between the showers on the falling tide (1530-1730) were led by a juvenile Long-tailed Skua which headed towards Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 69 Kittiwake, 66 Gannet, 59 Sandwich Tern, 12 Common Scoter, 5 Manx Shearwater, 4 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and single Great Skua and Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Only a solitary Wheatear was logged.

First returning Red-throated Divers appear offshore

3rd September 2017 – overcast/rain soon SSE4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations on the rising tide (0715-0745) provided 20 Gannet, 20 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Manx Shearwater, Kittiwake and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by a single Chiffchaff and Whitethroat in the deteriorating conditions.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 23 Greenshank and single Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit amongst 1350 Redshank.

Pink-footed Geese begin to head south

2nd September 2017 – bright and sunny SE2
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea revealed 16 Gannet and 8 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering involved 6 Whitethroat, 5 Goldcrest, 4 Tree Sparrow, 3 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were busier than the land with 130 Meadow Pipit, 100 Swallow, 60 Sand Martin, 29 Grey Wagtail, 22 alba Wagtail, 7 Tree Pipit, 6 Pink-footed Geese, 3 House Martin and 3 Reed Bunting.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel and single Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Four Raven and 3 Jay were the best of the rest.

First Wigeon return

1st September 2017 – bright and sunny WNW3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed a few Gannet fishing offshore .
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 16 Wheatear, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 White Wagtail, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Tree Sparrow, 2 Goldcrest and a Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 3 Wigeon were amongst 7 Shoveler and 42 Teal, waders included Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Finches included 200 Linnet and 110 Goldfinch.
Butterflies and Moths
A small influx of Painted Ladies was noted and immigrant moths involved Rusty Dot Pearl and Dark Swordgrass.