30th November 2018 – sun and showers S5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) produced a Great Skua amongst 34 Kittiwake, 20 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver and 5 Razorbill. In addition, a Black Guillemot fed along the sheltered eastern shore at low tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup continue to linger. Waders included 5 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Ringing
The month saw 121 birds of 14 species handled. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets): Goldfinch 37, (3), Chaffinch 23, (1), Blackbird 15, House Sparrow 14, (3), Tree Sparrow 5, Greenfinch 4, Dunnock 3, (2), Goldcrest 3, Robin 2, Blackcap 2, Long-tailed Tit 1, Starling 1, Lesser Redpoll 1 and Song Thrush (1). (1818/34, 213/17, 12/6)
Slavonian Grebe & Black Guillemot
26th November 2018 – sunny spells NE3/2/1
Offshore
Observations over the mouth of Morecambe Bay on the flooding tide (0800-1000) were led by single Slavonian Grebe and Black Guillemot. Also seen were 5020 Eider, 15 Common Scoter, 12 Shag, 7 Red-breasted Merganser and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Song Thrush and a Redwing
Diurnal Migration
A further 60 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 118 pale-bellied birds, 9 Shoveler were seen and the 3 Scaup continue to linger. Waders included 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Birds of prey included 2 Merlin and 2 Peregrine. A group of 20 Twite were the best of the rest.
Offshore
Observations over the mouth of Morecambe Bay on the flooding tide (0800-1000) were led by single Slavonian Grebe and Black Guillemot. Also seen were 5020 Eider, 15 Common Scoter, 12 Shag, 7 Red-breasted Merganser and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Song Thrush and a Redwing
Diurnal Migration
A further 60 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 118 pale-bellied birds, 9 Shoveler were seen and the 3 Scaup continue to linger. Waders included 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Birds of prey included 2 Merlin and 2 Peregrine. A group of 20 Twite were the best of the rest.
Scaup remain in residence
25th November 2018 – sunny spells ENE4
Offshore
A Shag was the only bird of note.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes were limited to 3 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 195 Pink-footed Geese flew through and 2 Brambling were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 172 pale-bellied and a single dark-bellied birds and the 3 Scaup remain in residence amongst 15 Goldeneye. Waders included 6 Greenshank and 6 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Both Barn Owl and Little Owl were logged and 2 Peregrine were seen. The Twite flock held 20 birds.
Offshore
A Shag was the only bird of note.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes were limited to 3 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 195 Pink-footed Geese flew through and 2 Brambling were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 172 pale-bellied and a single dark-bellied birds and the 3 Scaup remain in residence amongst 15 Goldeneye. Waders included 6 Greenshank and 6 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Both Barn Owl and Little Owl were logged and 2 Peregrine were seen. The Twite flock held 20 birds.
Black Guillemot
24th November 2018 – overcast ENE3
Offshore
Observations over the sea on the rising tide (0800-0900) were led by 2 Black Guillemot amongst 370 Razorbill. Also seen were 34 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver and 3 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes were limited to single Redwing and Fieldfare. Single Chiffchaff and Blackcap were also logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 90 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 185 pale-bellied birds and the 3 Scaup remain in residence.
Miscellaneous
A day flying Barn Owl was logged and Merlin and Peregrine were seen. The Twite flock has increased to 70 birds.
Offshore
Observations over the sea on the rising tide (0800-0900) were led by 2 Black Guillemot amongst 370 Razorbill. Also seen were 34 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver and 3 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes were limited to single Redwing and Fieldfare. Single Chiffchaff and Blackcap were also logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 90 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 185 pale-bellied birds and the 3 Scaup remain in residence.
Miscellaneous
A day flying Barn Owl was logged and Merlin and Peregrine were seen. The Twite flock has increased to 70 birds.
Black Brant again
23rd November 2018 – overcast SE2/3
Rarities
The Black Brant put in another appearance at Scar End Point amongst 215 pale-bellied and 6 dark-bellied Brent Geese.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a single Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A single Rock Pipit was the only bird logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain and waders included 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Greenshank and a Woodcock.
Miscellaneous
Birds of prey included Buzzard and Peregrine.
Rarities
The Black Brant put in another appearance at Scar End Point amongst 215 pale-bellied and 6 dark-bellied Brent Geese.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a single Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A single Rock Pipit was the only bird logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain and waders included 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Greenshank and a Woodcock.
Miscellaneous
Birds of prey included Buzzard and Peregrine.
Short-eared Owl
22nd November 2018 – overcast/light rain at times SE4
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain.
Miscellaneous
A Short-eared Owl was seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain.
Miscellaneous
A Short-eared Owl was seen.
Velvet Scoter
20th November 2018 – sunny spells NE2/3/4/5
Offshore
Another early evening check of the sea revealed 10 Razorbill, 6 Red-throated Diver, 6 Common Scoter and a Velvet Scoter.
Offshore
Another early evening check of the sea revealed 10 Razorbill, 6 Red-throated Diver, 6 Common Scoter and a Velvet Scoter.
Water Pipit
19th November 2018 – overcast/showers ENE4
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 104 Common Scoter,103 Razorbill, 13 Red-throated Diver, 4 Guillemot, 3 Kittiwake and 2 Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain.
Miscellaneous
The first Water Pipit of the autumn/winter was logged. A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 104 Common Scoter,103 Razorbill, 13 Red-throated Diver, 4 Guillemot, 3 Kittiwake and 2 Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain.
Miscellaneous
The first Water Pipit of the autumn/winter was logged. A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Red-crested Pochard!
18th November 2018 – bright and sunny ENE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 2 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved: 12 Redwing and 7 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Again some late movement was evident with 425 Starling, 410 Pink-footed Goose, 30 Meadow Pipit, 14 Skylark, 12 Chaffinch, 7 Greenfinch, 5 Whooper Swan, 3 Siskin and 3 Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Red-crested Pochard was newly arrived and the 3 Scaup remain amongst 13 Goldeneye. Waders included 4 Greenshank and 4 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Birds of prey were again prominent with a Buzzard, 4 Sparrowhawk and single Barn Owl, Merlin and Kestrel logged.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 2 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved: 12 Redwing and 7 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Again some late movement was evident with 425 Starling, 410 Pink-footed Goose, 30 Meadow Pipit, 14 Skylark, 12 Chaffinch, 7 Greenfinch, 5 Whooper Swan, 3 Siskin and 3 Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Red-crested Pochard was newly arrived and the 3 Scaup remain amongst 13 Goldeneye. Waders included 4 Greenshank and 4 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Birds of prey were again prominent with a Buzzard, 4 Sparrowhawk and single Barn Owl, Merlin and Kestrel logged.
Hen Harrier and Scaup
17th November 2018 – sunny spells E3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed just 6 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved: 61 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare and 4 Song Thrush. Also seen were 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Surprisingly prominent with 1030 Pink-footed Goose, 620 Starling, 100 Meadow Pipit, 33 Linnet, 12 Skylark, 4 Stock Dove, 3 Siskin, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Rock Pipit and 2 Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain and waders included 4 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Birds of prey were also prominent with a ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Peregrine, 2 Merlin, 2 Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel logged. A group of 30 Twite were also logged.
Ringing
Several colour-ringed Cormorant were seen.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed just 6 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved: 61 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare and 4 Song Thrush. Also seen were 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Surprisingly prominent with 1030 Pink-footed Goose, 620 Starling, 100 Meadow Pipit, 33 Linnet, 12 Skylark, 4 Stock Dove, 3 Siskin, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Rock Pipit and 2 Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain and waders included 4 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Birds of prey were also prominent with a ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Peregrine, 2 Merlin, 2 Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel logged. A group of 30 Twite were also logged.
Ringing
Several colour-ringed Cormorant were seen.
Black Brant reappears
16th November 2018 – overcast/misty/murky SE3
Rarities
The Black Brant was again amongst 50 pale-bellied and 8 dark-bellied Brent Geese at Snab Sands – feeding on the rising tide.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed just 4 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved: 15 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush and 3 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds remain on the move with 14 Chaffinch, 8 Meadow Pipit and 5 Woodpigeon logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 58 Barnacle Geese were newly arrived, the 3 Scaup remain and waders included 4 Greenshank and 4 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl was hunting at dawn and the 38 Twite remain.
Ringing
The Barnacle Goose flock held 3 colour-ringed birds – hopefully details will follow. The Brent Goose flock held 2 colour-ringed birds ringed in the Canadian Arctic.
Rarities
The Black Brant was again amongst 50 pale-bellied and 8 dark-bellied Brent Geese at Snab Sands – feeding on the rising tide.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed just 4 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved: 15 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush and 3 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds remain on the move with 14 Chaffinch, 8 Meadow Pipit and 5 Woodpigeon logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 58 Barnacle Geese were newly arrived, the 3 Scaup remain and waders included 4 Greenshank and 4 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl was hunting at dawn and the 38 Twite remain.
Ringing
The Barnacle Goose flock held 3 colour-ringed birds – hopefully details will follow. The Brent Goose flock held 2 colour-ringed birds ringed in the Canadian Arctic.
End of season feel continues
12th November 2018 – sun and showers SSE4
Offshore
The sea provided 19 Common Scoter, 16 Razorbill and 11 Shag.
Diurnal Migration
Two Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 144 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 5 Shoveler and 3 Scaup.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was the best of the rest.
Offshore
The sea provided 19 Common Scoter, 16 Razorbill and 11 Shag.
Diurnal Migration
Two Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 144 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 5 Shoveler and 3 Scaup.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was the best of the rest.
Very limited autumn fare
11th November 2018 – overcast/rain SSE4
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 21 Razorbill, 19 Common Scoter, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 4 Redwing and 4 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Two Brambling were amongst a few Chaffinch and 19 Pink-footed Geese were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 75 pale-bellied and a single dark-bellied bird. The 3 Scaup remain and waders included 4 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Woodcock.
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 21 Razorbill, 19 Common Scoter, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 4 Redwing and 4 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Two Brambling were amongst a few Chaffinch and 19 Pink-footed Geese were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 75 pale-bellied and a single dark-bellied bird. The 3 Scaup remain and waders included 4 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Woodcock.
Black Brant returns
10th November 2018 – early rain S1 then SSE3
Rarities
The returning Black Brant was amongst 119 pale-bellied and 52 dark-bellied Brent Geese feeding at Snab Sands on the rising tide.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0815-0915) produced 35 Kittiwake, 29 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill, 2 Gannet and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
Corvids remain on the move early morning with 110 Jackdaw, 12 Carrion Crow and a Hooded Crow logged. Three Whooper Swan headed south
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain and waders included 8 Greenshank, 6 Black-tailed Godwit and single Woodcock and Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
Three Merlin and a Barn Owl were the best of the rest.
Rarities
The returning Black Brant was amongst 119 pale-bellied and 52 dark-bellied Brent Geese feeding at Snab Sands on the rising tide.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0815-0915) produced 35 Kittiwake, 29 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill, 2 Gannet and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
Corvids remain on the move early morning with 110 Jackdaw, 12 Carrion Crow and a Hooded Crow logged. Three Whooper Swan headed south
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 Scaup remain and waders included 8 Greenshank, 6 Black-tailed Godwit and single Woodcock and Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
Three Merlin and a Barn Owl were the best of the rest.
Purple Sandpiper
9th November 2018 – overcast SE5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations (0815-0915) produced just 14 Razorbill, 12 Common Scoter and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 10 Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 5 Shoveler and 3 Scaup while 7 Greenshank, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and a Purple Sandpiper were the pick of the waders logged.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 38 birds and single Merlin and Barn Owl were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A Otter continued the recent run of annual sightings.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0815-0915) produced just 14 Razorbill, 12 Common Scoter and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 10 Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 5 Shoveler and 3 Scaup while 7 Greenshank, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and a Purple Sandpiper were the pick of the waders logged.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 38 birds and single Merlin and Barn Owl were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A Otter continued the recent run of annual sightings.
Lightweight migration
5th October 2018 – overcast E2/3
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 7 Fieldfare and a Redwing. Also seen were single Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A hint of passage produced 60 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Chaffinch, 12 Meadow Pipit, 12 Skylark, 3 Tree Sparrow, 2 Brambling and a Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Woodcock was recorded.
Miscellaneous
A total of 15 Mute Swan contained five colour-ringed birds.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 7 Fieldfare and a Redwing. Also seen were single Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A hint of passage produced 60 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Chaffinch, 12 Meadow Pipit, 12 Skylark, 3 Tree Sparrow, 2 Brambling and a Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Woodcock was recorded.
Miscellaneous
A total of 15 Mute Swan contained five colour-ringed birds.
Quiet day
4th November 2018 – overcast/drizzle SSE3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) produced 110 Common Scoter, 14 Razorbill, 11 Kittiwake, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 6 Redwing and a Fieldfare. A Goldcrest was the only other evidence of grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 30 Jackdaw and 2 Rock Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 100 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
It has been a good autumn for Treecreeper with another bird logged. Peregrine and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) produced 110 Common Scoter, 14 Razorbill, 11 Kittiwake, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 6 Redwing and a Fieldfare. A Goldcrest was the only other evidence of grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 30 Jackdaw and 2 Rock Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 100 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
It has been a good autumn for Treecreeper with another bird logged. Peregrine and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Scaup remains
3rd November 2018 – early drizzle then rain SSE4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0815-0915) produced 75 Common Scoter and 4 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 20 Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 30 Twite remain.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0815-0915) produced 75 Common Scoter and 4 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 20 Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 30 Twite remain.
Ring Ouzel and a late Swallow
2nd November 2018 – early showers then sunny spells NW1 then W2
Grounded Migrants
Single Ring Ouzel and Redwing were amongst 35 Blackbird. Additional grounded birds were limited to 2 Long-tailed Tit.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds remain on the move with 440 Starling, 38 Meadow Pipit, 24 Brambling, 12 Chaffinch, 6 Tree Sparrow, 5 Reed Bunting, 3 Skylark, 3 Greenfinch a Siskin and a late Swallow recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains and waders included 8 Greenshank, 7 Black-tailed Godwit and a Woodcock.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Butterflies
Single Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell were logged in the afternoon sunshine.
Grounded Migrants
Single Ring Ouzel and Redwing were amongst 35 Blackbird. Additional grounded birds were limited to 2 Long-tailed Tit.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds remain on the move with 440 Starling, 38 Meadow Pipit, 24 Brambling, 12 Chaffinch, 6 Tree Sparrow, 5 Reed Bunting, 3 Skylark, 3 Greenfinch a Siskin and a late Swallow recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains and waders included 8 Greenshank, 7 Black-tailed Godwit and a Woodcock.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Butterflies
Single Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell were logged in the afternoon sunshine.
Tail end passage
1st November 2018 – sunny spells NW1/2/3
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 22 Redwing and 15 Blackbird. Additional sightings included 9 Long-tailed Tit and 4 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
The tail end of passage produced 110 Jackdaw, 19 Skylark, 11 Chaffinch, 6 Meadow Pipit, 6 Tree Sparrow, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Whooper Swan and 2 Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains and waders included 9 Greenshank and 7 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock remained steady at 30 birds and a Water Rail was the best of the rest.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 22 Redwing and 15 Blackbird. Additional sightings included 9 Long-tailed Tit and 4 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
The tail end of passage produced 110 Jackdaw, 19 Skylark, 11 Chaffinch, 6 Meadow Pipit, 6 Tree Sparrow, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Whooper Swan and 2 Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains and waders included 9 Greenshank and 7 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock remained steady at 30 birds and a Water Rail was the best of the rest.
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