Scaup continue to linger

28th December 2019 – misty start/brighter later SE2
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 4 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush and a Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three Scaup (2 x first-winter males + female) and a female Goosander remain and waders included 2000 Knot and 7 Greenshank.

Wintering Tree Sparrows

27th December 2019 – early rain clearing ESE3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0945-1045) provided 126 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver, 8 Razorbill, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and a Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 284 pale-bellied and 1 dark-bellied Brent Goose and 30 Pintail.
Miscellaneous
Two Tree Sparrow were the best of the rest.
Mammals
Two Harbour Porpoise were offshore.

Goosander

26th December 2019 – overcast/rain at times E3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0900-1000) provided 48 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver, 2 Guillemot and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 4 Shoveler and a female Goosander.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.

Christmas Day seawatch

25th December 2019 – overcast WNW2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0845-0945) were highlighted by a female Velvet Scoter amongst 100 Common Scoter, 18 Red-throated Diver, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Kittiwake and single Razorbill and Guillemot.

Long-tailed Duck

24th December 2019 – rain clearing ESE2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0845-0945) produced 40 Common Scoter, 30 Shag, 23 Red-throated Diver, 16 Guillemot, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Kittiwake and a female/first-winter male Long-tailed Duck.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 4 Fieldfare and 3 Mistle Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 269 pale-bellied Brent Geese and a single Whooper Swan were logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance and 25 Twite were seen. At least 49 Little Egret were along the eastern shore

Hooded Crow reappears

23rd December 2019 – sunny spells W4/5/6
Offshore
A check of the sea (0830-0930) produced 27 Kittiwake, 19 Common Scoter, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Red-throated Diver and 5 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 15 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare and 3 Mistle Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
Four Scaup (3 females and a first-winter male) remain and 2 Whooper Swan were logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.

Red-throated Divers on the move

22nd December 2019 – overcast/showers SSE2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea on the falling tide (0845-1015) revealed a steady southbound passage of Red-throated Diver with 76 birds logged. Also seen were 83 Common Scoter, 30 Kittiwake, 14 Red-breasted Merganser and a Gannet. Another check at low tide (1130-1230) added 15 Red-throated Diver, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Shag and an additional first-winter male Scaup.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 8 Redwing and a Mistle Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
Four Scaup (3 females and a first-winter male) and 200 pale-bellied Brent Goose were logged while waders included 500 Knot and 6 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven and a Peregrine were the best of the rest..

Thrushes still on the move

21st December 2019 – overcast/showers SE2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0900-1000) produced 43 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 9 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 70 Fieldfare and single Redwing and Mistle Thrush.

Shags galore

20th December 2019 – overcast/showers V1
Offshore
Early morning observations over a relatively tranquil sea revealed 33 Shag, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Red-throated Diver and 2 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 210 Fieldfare, 24 Redwing and 3 Mistle Thrush.
Miscellaneous
Two Little Owl were the best of the rest.

Scaup and Water Rail

19th December 2019 – rain early and late SE3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0900-1000) produced 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 16 Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
A first-winter male Scaup was logged.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was the best of the rest.

Twite and Merlin

18th December 2019 – murk/mist/showers SSE3/4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations (0900-1000) produced just 20 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 10 Song Thrush and 2 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
Two Lesser Redpoll were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A group of 35 Twite and a Merlin were the best of the rest.

A quiet day

17th December 2019 – sun and showers SSE2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea (0830-0930) revealed 60 Common Scoter, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver and 3 Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 110 Sanderling were seen.
Miscellaneous
Although still not managing to make it onto the Walney List for 2019 a female/first-winter male Black Redstart was amongst the boats in the Foulney Island car park.
Mammals
A dead Minke Whale was found on the tide line.

Water Pipit continues to perform

16th December 2019 – sunny spells SW3/4
Rarities
The Water Pipit was again in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar over the high tide.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0900-1000) produced 14 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 7 Razorbill and 4 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 10 Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
A pair of Shoveler were seen.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.

Barnacle Goose, Scaup and Black Guillemot

15th December 2019 – sun and showers W3/4
Offshore
A check of the eastern shore produced 4 Shag, 2 Black Guillemot and single Red-throated Diver and Scaup (first-winter male). Later than usual observations (1400-1500) off the maritime shore involved 30 Common Scoter, 10 Razorbill, 8 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 3 Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 255 pale-bellied and a single dark-bellied bird. Also seen were 18 Barnacle Goose and a female Goosander. Waders included 4 Greenshank and a Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 25 Twite and single Merlin, Barn Owl and Little Owl were the best of the rest.
Ringing
Single colour-ringed Black-headed Gull and Barnacle Goose were logged.

Inclement condtions

14th December 2019 – rain/sleet/hail showers WSW5/6
Offshore
A check of the sea (0830-0930) produced 16 Common Scoter, 15 Kittiwake, 6 Red-throated Diver and a Razorbill.

Water Pipit, Scaup and Barnacle Geese

13th December 2019 – rain clearing to showers WNW3/4
Rarities
The Water Pipit was again in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar over the high tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 275 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 5 Scaup, 4 Barnacle Goose and a female Goosander. Four Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 25 Twite were logged and 2 Merlin and a Little Owl were the best of the rest.

Water Pipit still present

12th December 2019 – rain SSE4
Rarities
The Water Pipit was again in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar over the high tide.
Offshore
A check of the sea (1000-1030) produced 83 Common Scoter, 11 Razorbill, 5 Guillemot and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Ringing
Three Canadian ringed birds were amongst 100 pale-bellied Brent Geese.

Water Pipit remains

11th December 2019 – sun and showers SW 4/5
Rarities
The Water Pipit was again in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar over the high tide.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0830-0930) produced 76 Common Scoter, 40 Kittiwake, 15 Razorbill, 12 Red-throated Diver, 9 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Guillemot.
Miscellaneous
Four Raven were the best of the rest.

Water Pipit reappears

10th December 2019 – rain SSE5/6/7
Rarities
The latest round of high tides saw the Water Pipit again in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar over the high tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 female Scaup remain.

A few more seabirds

9th December 2019 – bright and sunny NNW4/5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0930) produced just 20 Common Scoter, 9 Razorbill, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a Pintail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 275 pale-bellied birds.

Just a few seabirds

8th December 2019 – overcast/showers WSW5/6 gusting to 48 mph
Offshore
Early morning observations as storm Atiyah began to hit the island (0830-0930) produced 30 Razorbill, 18 Kittiwake, 14 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver and single Gannet and Guillemot.

Great Skua

7th December 2019 – overcast/showers/drizzle SW4/5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0930) produced 100 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, 5 Kittiwake, 3 Razorbill and a Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A single Redwing was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 female Scaup remain and waders included 2110 Dunlin and 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin were the best of the rest.

Great Northern Diver

6th December 2019 – overcast/showers WSW4/5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations (0900-1000) produced 51 Common Scoter, 11 Razorbill, 8 Red-throated Diver, 5 Kittiwake, 3 Guillemot and single Gannet and Great Northern Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 female Scaup remain.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven and a Merlin were the best of the rest.

December Gannet

5th December 2019 – overcast/rain by noon SSW5/6/7/8
Offshore
As the sea got rougher the birds got fewer with early morning observations (0830-0930) producing just 47 Common Scoter, 7 Kittiwake, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and a Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 female Scaup remain and waders included 4 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were the best of the rest.

A few seabirds

4th December 2019 – overcast SSE3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0930) produced 100 Common Scoter, 16 Razorbill, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Kittiwake and 2 Red-throated Diver.

Brent Geese hit record numbers

3rd December 2019 – overcast WSW2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0930) produced 59 Razorbill, 57 Common Scoter, 17 Red-throated Diver, 8 Kittiwake and 6 Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held record numbers with 382 pale-bellied and 94 dark-bellied birds logged.
Ringing
The Brent Goose flock held at least 10 colour-ringed birds including several new individuals.

Slavonian Grebe

2nd December 2019 – overcast/early frost/calm
Offshore
A low tide, early morning check over the mouth of Morecambe Bay produced a Slavonian Grebe amongst 52 Great Crested Grebe along with 23 Red-throated Diver, 19 Red-breasted Merganser, 17 Kittiwake, 11 Common Scoter and 3 Shag.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 90 Pink-footed Goose flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 20 birds and single Little Owl, Merlin and Peregrine were the best of rest.

Hooded Crow continues in residence

1st December 2019 – bright and frosty/calm
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 4 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 95 Pink-footed Goose flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Goosander were logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still present.

Hooded Crow puts in another appearance

29th November 2019 – bright and frosty/calm
Offshore
Quieter over the sea this morning with just 3 Kittiwake, 3 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 14 Fieldfare, 12 Redwing and 10 Song Thrush. A Chiffchaff was the only other evidence of grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 215 Pink-footed Goose flew through in 4 skeins.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 210 pale-bellied birds and waders included 3000 Knot and 800 Golden Plover. A Woodcock was the unfortunate victim of an RTA.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance and 2 Merlin and 2 Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Water Pipit and Great Northern Diver

28th November 2019 – rain, clearing later N1/2
Rarities
A Water Pipit was again in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar over the tide, feeding amongst Rock Pipits and Pied Wagtails.
Offshore
Observations over the sea as the rain began to clear (1030-1130) produced 110 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 10 Razorbill, 9 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Kittiwake and single Great Northern Diver and Gannet.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 15 Pink-footed Goose flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Goosander reappeared.
Miscellaneous
Two Peregrine and a Merlin were the best of the rest.

Latest ever Marsh Harrier

27th November 2019 – overcast NE1/2
Offshore
A quick scan of the sea revealed 71 Common Scoter, 15 Shag, 6 Razorbill, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 4 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush. The only additional evidence of grounded birds was provided by a single Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds continue to move through with 80 Pink-footed Goose, 14 Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 female Scaup remain and waders included 4000 Knot and 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow put in another appearance as it mobbed a late juvenile Marsh Harrier hunting over the island. Also seen were 35 Twite and single Barn Owl, Little Owl and Merlin.

A second Water Pipit located

26th November 2019 – overcast/rain E3
Rarities
A second Water Pipit was located, this time in the flooded horse paddocks near Biggar at high tide, again feeding amongst a group of Rock and Meadow Pipits.
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0930) produced 190 Razorbill, 121 Common Scoter, 49 Kittiwake, 22 Red-throated Diver, 11 Red-breasted Merganser and a Goldeneye.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 65 Pintail and 7 Shoveler while 32 Snipe were logged.
Miscellaneous
Little Egrets remain prominent.

Water Pipit remains

25th November 2019 – overcast/rain E3
Rarities
The Water Pipit was again in the flooded horse paddocks along Biggar Bank at high tide, feeding amongst a group of Rock and Meadow Pipits.
Offshore
Morning observations (0815-0915) produced 85 Razorbill, 20 Common Scoter, 16 Kittiwake, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 11 Red-throated Diver and a Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
A record 400 pale-bellied Brent Geese were recorded at high tide and additional wildfowl included 80 Pintail.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.

Woodcock and Water Rail

24th November 2019 – overcast/mist/drizzle/calm
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 10 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush and 3 Fieldfare while 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were also newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 20 Siskin and 2 Lesser Redpoll were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
There are now 3 female Scaup and 6 Shoveler present. Waders included 6000 Knot, 7 Greenshank and a Woodcock.
Miscellaneous
Single Water Rail and Barn Owl and 2 Raven and 2 Peregrine were the best of the rest.

A very late Sandwich Tern

23rd November 2019 – rain at times ENE4/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-1000) were led by a very late Sandwich Tern amongst 95 Razorbill, 35 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 8 Kittiwake, 6 Red-breasted Merganser and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 9 Fieldfare and 2 Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 female Scaup remain.

A few seabirds

22nd November 2019 – rain early and late SE3
Offshore
Observations over the sea as the rain cleared (1000-1100) revealed 50 Common Scoter, 42 Razorbill, 11 Red-throated Diver, 7 Kittiwake and a Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 female Scaup and female Goosander remain and waders included 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A group of 6 Tree Sparrow on a garden feeding station and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.

Twite look set to winter

21st November 2019 – overcast SE5/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-0900) produced 30 Razorbill, 19 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A Chiffchaff was the only grounded migrant logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 female Scaup remain and waders included 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A group of 21 Twite were the best of the rest.

Scaup and Woodcock

20th November 2019 – overcast SE4/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-0900) produced 70 Razorbill, 20 Common Scoter, 16 Red-throated Diver and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A Woodcock was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 female Scaup and female Goosander remain and the Brent Goose flock contained 236 pale-bellied and 9 dark-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
A group of 21 Twite were the best of the rest.

Black Guillemot

19th November 2019 – overcast/early frost E2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 21 Common Scoter, 3 Kittiwake and a Black Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Redwing were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 2 Lesser Redpoll and a Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 female Scaup remain.

Velvet Scoter

18th November 2019 – bright and sunny after early frost/calm
Offshore
A check of the outer reaches of Morecambe Bay at high tide produced a female Velvet Scoter along with 6500 Eider, 17 Common Scoter, 16 Guillemot, 14 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Shag, 9 Razorbill, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe and a Goldeneye.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 22 Redwing, 11 Blackbird, 7 Fieldfare and 3 Song Thrush. A single Chiffchaff was also seen.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds remain on the move with 10 Lesser Redpoll, 6 Tree Sparrow, 5 Siskin and 2 Bullfinch logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 female Scaup continue to linger amongst 10 Goldeneye and waders included 6 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance. A flock of 25 Twite, 2 Merlin, 2 Barn Owl and single Water Rail and Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Rain delayed sightings

17th November 2019 – rain clearing late afternoon N1
Offshore
A check of the sea as the rain cleared (1400-1500) produced 100 Common Scoter, 14 Razorbill, 6 Red-throated Diver and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 female Scaup remain and the Brent Goose flock held 228 pale-bellied and 14 dark-bellied birds. Waders included 6000 Knot and 6 Greenshank.

Woodcock and Water Rail

16th November 2019 – overcast/calm
Offshore
The sea produced 287 Common Scoter, 30 Razorbill, 17 Red-throated Diver, 10 Shag, 8 Red-breasted Merganser and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Few birds were recorded, early morning thrushes were limited to 7 Song Thrush and 4 Fieldfare while single Chiffchaff and Goldcrest were also seen.
Diurnal Migration
Again only a few birds remain on the move with 30 Pink-footed Goose and 10 Whooper Swan logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Purple Sandpiper and 2 Woodcock – the latter the first of the autumn.
Miscellaneous
Single Water Rail, Barn Owl and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Mammals
The calm seas revealed 2 Common Dolphin and a Harbour Porpoise.

Great Northern Diver and Snow Bunting

15th November 2019 – sunny spells N1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) produced 115 Razorbill, 36 Common Scoter, 18 Shag, 7 Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver and Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved just 2 Fieldfare. A male Snow Bunting proved to be the bird of the day.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds remain on the move with 355 Pink-footed Goose, 17 Whooper Swan and single Lesser Redpoll and Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three Scaup (a first-winter male and 2 females) and 10 Whooper Swan were logged and the Brent Goose flock held 267 pale-bellied and a dark-bellied bird. Waders included 7 Greenshank and 4 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 10 Twite were the best of the rest.

Hooded Crow

14th November 2019 – sunny spells ESE1/2
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Fieldfare and 4 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds remain on the move with 30 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Chaffinch and a Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3000 Oystercatcher and 1000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance and a flock of 10 Twite were the best of the rest.

Scaup continue to linger

13th November 2019 – overcast/rain at times ESE1/2
Offshore
The sea provided 110 Common Scoter and 16 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 10 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing and 2 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds remain on the move with 140 Pink-footed Goose, 17 Meadow Pipit, 8 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Pied Wagtail and 3 Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 female Scaup remain amongst 16 Goldeneye and 43 Red-breasted Merganser and waders included 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Ten Twite, 2 Barn Owl and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A Red-line Quaker was attracted overnight.

Water Pipit

12th November 2019 – early rain clearing NW5/6/7/8
Rarities
A Water Pipit was feeding amongst 20 Meadow Pipit in the flooded horse paddocks along Biggar Bank at high tide.
Offshore
Quieter over the sea with observations (0800-1000) producing 44 Common Scoter, 40 Razorbill, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Guillemot and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 287 pale-bellied and a single dark-bellied bird while the presumed same overwintering female Goosander has returned.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Canada Goose had previously been marked at Fellfoot, Windermere, Cumbria on 27th June 2015.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were the best of the rest.

Great Northern Diver and Black Guillemot

11th November 2019 – overcast/heavy showers W5/6/7/8
Offshore
It was a day for looking over the sea with observations (0800-1000) producing 135 Razorbill, 130 Common Scoter, 22 Kittiwake, 6 Gannet, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot, 2 Great Northern Diver and single Great Skua and Black Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 110 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 23 Pintail and 3 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
Three Twite, 2 Raven and 2 Rock Pipit were the best of the rest.

New Scaup

10th November 2019 – bright and sunny/early frost
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 6 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush..
Diurnal Migration
Again limited fare with 150 Pink-footed Goose, 21 Chaffinch, 14 Skylark, 10 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Tree Sparrow and a Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A first-winter male Scaup was seen.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin and 10 Rock Pipit were the best of the rest.

Hooded Crow and Scaup

9th November 2019 – overcast/rain at times ESE5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0745-0845) produced 115 Razorbill, 72 Common Scoter, 14 Shag, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 21 Fieldfare and 6 Redwing. The only other evidence of newly grounded birds involved 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 140 Starling, 30 Pink-footed Goose, 16 Whooper Swan and a Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 female Scaup remain and waders included 11 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow and 2 Merlin were the best of the rest.

Hooded Crow reappears

8th November 2019 – bright and sunny N1/2
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed just a few Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 26 Fieldfare and 2 Redwing. The only additional evidence of newly grounded birds involved single Blackcap and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
The lack of movement suggests autumn is almost over with just 4 Whooper Swan, 4 Siskin, 2 Brambling, 2 Bullfinch and a Lesser Redpoll logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 female Scaup remain and male Goosander was seen. Waders included 8 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The reappearance of the Hooded Crow and a single Barn Owl were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore.

Tawny Owl

7th November 2019 – rain NE2
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 female Scaup remain amongst 8 Goldeneye.
Miscellaneous
A Tawny Owl - the rarest of the owls to occur on the island! has recently been heard calling.

Scaup remain

6th November 2019 – rain E1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea revealed 12 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 14 Blackbird, 6 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush and 6 Fieldfare. Additionally only a single Goldcrest was logged.
Diurnal Migration
Very light passage involved 10 Chaffinch, 4 Pied Wagtail, 3 Brambling and a Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 female Scaup remain and waders included Greenshank.

Scaup and Snow Bunting

5th November 2019 – overcast/showers NE4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0745-0845) provided 225 Razorbill, 18 Common Scoter, 16 Shag, and single Red-throated Diver and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Only a single Goldcrest was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Snow Bunting flew over.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 female Scaup remain and waders included 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.

Light passage day

4th November 2019 – rain/heavy at times NE3
Offshore
Again little was on offer over the sea apart from small numbers of Common Scoter and Razorbill logged.
Grounded Migrants
Little of note with just single Blackcap, Redwing and Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move including 290 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Tree Sparrow, 4 Lesser Redpoll and a Siskin logged.
Miscellaneous
Three Peregrine and 2 Barn Owl were the best of the rest.

Yellow-browed Warbler and Snow Bunting

3rd November 2019 – sunny spells WNW2
Offshore
Little was on offer over the sea with just small numbers of Common Scoter and Razorbill logged.
Grounded Migrants
The first, long overdue, Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn was the star of the show, also seen were 2 Goldcrest while early morning thrushes involved 44 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush amongst a small influx of Blackbird.
Diurnal Migration
A Snow Bunting flew through along with 20 Siskin, 16 Skylark, 8 Lesser Redpoll, 7 Greenfinch, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling and a late Swallow.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 15 Twite were recorded and single Water Rail, Little Owl, Barn Owl and Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Seabird activity logged

2nd November 2019 – sunny spells SE3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) revealed 64 Razorbill, 44 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a Red-throated Diver.

Scaup double up

1st November 2019 – rain/drizzle/mist/murk SE2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea were severely hampered by the low visibility with only small numbers of Razorbill and Common Scoter logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Goldcrest was the only applicant.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Scaup are now present.

Scaup remains in residence

31st October 2019 – bright and sunny ESE3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) revealed 150 Razorbill, 73 Common Scoter, 10 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 6 Shag, 2 Red-throated Diver a Goldeneye.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 4 Redwing and a Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Totals involved 550 Jackdaw, 300 Starling and 55 Pink-footed Goose.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remained and waders included 43 Bar-tailed Godwit and 6 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.

Quiet day

30th October 2019 – bright and sunny NE3/4
Offshore
A later than normal check of the sea produced 100 Razorbill, 22 Common Scoter, 6 Shag, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 14 Redwing and a Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Totals involved 215 Pink-footed Goose, 120 Jackdaw, 6 Whooper Swan, 6 Tree Sparrow, 5 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll.

Scaup remains

29th October 2019 – bright and sunny NE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 20 Razorbill, 12 Common Scoter, 6 Shag, 5 Guillemot and 5 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 61 Redwing, 22 Fieldfare and 22 Blackbird.
Diurnal Migration
Quieter today with only a few species on the move including 570 Pink-footed Goose, 500 Jackdaw, 31 Whooper Swan, 10 Chaffinch, 4 Lesser Redpoll and single Tree Sparrow and Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remained and waders included 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Barn Owl, Little Owl and Merlin were the best of the rest.

Marsh Harrier and Scaup

28th October 2019 – bright and sunny V1
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 5 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 29 Redwing, 8 Fieldfare and 3 Song Thrush, otherwise just 2 Goldcrest were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Marsh Harrier headed north over the island late morning and additional sightings included 300 Jackdaw, 290 Pink-footed Goose, 44 Tree Sparrow, 30 Fieldfare, 21 Lesser Redpoll, 8 Siskin, 5 Greenfinch, 3 Rock Pipit and 2 Whooper Swan.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Scaup was newly arrived and waders included 9 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Two Barn Owl, 2 Little Owl, Buzzard, Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Black Guillemot and Whooper Swans

27th October 2019 – sunny spells WNW5/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) involved 172 Common Scoter, 124 Razorbill, 8 Red-throated Diver, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Kittiwake. At high tide a juvenile Black Guillemot was off the eastern shore.
Diurnal Migration
A further 9 Whooper Swan were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 221 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 3 Greenshank and a Purple Sandpiper.

Velvet Scoters and Whooper Swans

26th October 2019 – early rain clearing V1
Offshore
A check of the sea on the falling tide produced 2 Velvet Scoter along with 2000 Eider, 40 Common Scoter and 3 Shag.
Diurnal Migration
A tidal wave of Whooper Swans swept through behind the weather front with an exceptional 346 birds logged. Also seen were 65 Pink-footed Geese.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 600 Golden Plover and 500 Knot.
Miscellaneous
Barn Owl, Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Great Northern Divers and Whooper Swans

25th October 2019 – overcast/rain soon E1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 8 Shag and 2 Great Northern Divers.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 12 Redwing and a Fieldfare while warblers were limited to single Goldcrest, Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move prior to the rain setting in with 60 Meadow Pipit, 49 Whooper Swan, 20 Linnet, 15 Skylark, 6 Siskin and 5 Reed Bunting logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Greenshank
Miscellaneous
Two Barn Owl and single Little Owl, Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Great Skua

24th October 2019 – early mist/drizzle then sunny spells W3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0815-0915) produced 144 Common Scoter, 30 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Gannet and single Great Skua and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes were again non-existent while warblers were limited to a Goldcrest and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Again only few birds were on the move with highlights involving 2 Bullfinch, 2 Twite and single Lesser Redpoll and Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 350 Knot and 7 Greenshank
Miscellaneous
Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.

The seas have it!

23rd October 2019 – sunny spells S3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0815-0915) produced 178 Common Scoter, 132 Razorbill, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes were non-existent while warblers were limited to a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Again few birds were on the move with just 100 Jackdaw and single Siskin and Tree Sparrow logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Goldeneye and 4 Greenshank were as good as it got!
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were the best of the rest.

Great Northern Diver

22nd October 2019 – overcast WSW3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea were highlighted by a Great Northern Diver along with totals of 1,800 Eider, 177 Common Scoter, 152 Razorbill, 9 Kittiwake, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Red-throated Diver, 4 Shag and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 6 Redwing and 3 Fieldfare while warblers were limited to 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Few birds were on the move today with just 3 Tree Sparrow logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Several Greenshank were seen.
Miscellaneous
Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Eerily quiet in the skies

21st October 2019 – bright and sunny N1/2
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 275 Redwing, 57 Fieldfare, 6 Blackbird and a Mistle Thrush while warblers were again limited to a solitary Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Variety rather than quantity with 1625 Pink-footed Goose, 750 Jackdaw, 31 Tree Sparrow, 25 Skylark, 16 Linnet, 14 Chaffinch, 12 Meadow Pipit, 12 Carrion Crow, 12 Pied Wagtail, 11 Whooper Swan, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 7 Greenfinch, 5 Brambling, 2 Swallow, 2 Siskin and single Bullfinch, Lesser Redpoll and Reed Bunting.
Wildfowl and Waders
Several Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.

First Brambling and Fieldfare

20th October 2019 – bright start then showers N1
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed a Goosander.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 195 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare and 2 Mistle Thrush while warblers were limited to a solitary Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Again relatively quiet with 600 Jackdaw, 595 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Tree Sparrow, 20 Long-tailed Tit, 13 Whooper Swan, 10 Meadow Pipit and a Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Goldeneye have returned and the Brent Goose flock held 219 pale-bellied and 9 dark-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Best of the rest were 2 Barn Owl, 2 Peregrine and single Merlin and Hooded Crow.

Hooded Crow puts in another appearance

19th October 2019 – bright and sunny/V1, showers by evening
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 5 Shag while 2 Velvet Scoter were also reported.
Grounded Migrants
Again grounded birds were at a premium, early morning thrushes involved 20 Redwing and 3 Song Thrush while warblers were limited to 12 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Disappointingly quiet with just 315 Pink-footed Goose, 265 Jackdaw, 55 Skylark, 30 Meadow Pipit, 30 Tree Sparrow, 10 Pied Wagtail, 9 Reed Bunting, 5 Greenfinch, 4 Siskin and single Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail and Lesser Redpoll recorded through the morning in the seemingly ideal conditions .
Miscellaneous
The reappearance of the Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A Red Admiral was on the wing.

A quiet day

18th October 2019 – overcast ESE2
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 3 Shag and 2 Goosander.
Grounded Migrants
Little of note, early morning thrushes were limited to 3 Song Thrush and obviously grounded birds were limited to 12 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Notwithstanding 1140 Jackdaw, it was a quiet morning with just 70 Meadow Pipit, 21 Pied Wagtail, 20 Skylark, 18 Linnet, 14 Tree Sparrow, 9 Reed Bunting. 5 Siskin, 4 Greenfinch and single Swallow, Mistle Thrush, Grey Wagtail and Twite logged.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was again the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
Red Admiral remain on the wing.

It’s been a Treecreeper autumn

17th October 2019 – bright and sunny SE4/5
Grounded Migrants
An exceptional seventh Treecreeper of the autumn was amongst 10 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds battled the elements with 205 Jackdaw, 110 Meadow Pipit, 54 Skylark, 44 Linnet, 15 Chaffinch, 12 Greenfinch, 8 Reed Bunting, 3 Grey Wagtail and a Tree Sparrow amongst the species logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 22 Pintail were seen.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
Both Painted Lady and Red Admiral remain on the wing.

Brent Goose numbers continue to build

16th October 2019 – rain clearing S3 then W3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea as the rain cleared (0830-0930) produced 122 Razorbill, 112 Common Scoter, 5 Teal and 4 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Warblers involved 10 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap. Early morning thrushes were limited to a solitary Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
Three Swallow and single Grey Wagtail and Twite were amongst a light passage.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 220 light-bellied birds which included at least 42 juveniles.
Ringing
The recently sighted Curlew had been colour-ringed at Dolydd Hafren, Montgomeryshire, Wales on 2nd April 2016.

Firecrest and Short-eared Owls

15th October 2019 – overcast then sunny spells V1/2
Grounded Migrants
A Firecrest was amongst 12 Goldcrest but otherwise sightings involved 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and a Wheatear. Early morning thrushes involved 14 Redwing and 5 Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration was less prominent than yesterday but still produced 670 Pink-footed Goose, 390 Jackdaw, 160 Meadow Pipit, 110 Starling, 54 Linnet, 50 Skylark, 43 Pied Wagtail, 30 Tree Sparrow, 36 Chaffinch, 11 Reed Bunting, 8 Greenfinch, 7 Swallow, 5 Rook, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Mistle Thrush, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail and single Collared Dove.
Miscellaneous
Three Short-eared Owl were the best of the rest.
Ringing
A colour ringed Curlew was noted, details are awaited.

Marsh Harrier

14th October 2019 – overcast then sunny spells E2
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds remained in short supply with just 14 Goldcrest and a Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration dominated the days sightings and were led by a Marsh Harrier heading south at 1130hrs. Also seen were 3760 Meadow Pipit, 1090 Pink-footed Goose, 560 Skylark, 400 Jackdaw, 315 Pied Wagtail, 123 Linnet, 65 Chaffinch, 54 Swallow, 44 Carrion Crow, 40 Starling, 22 Reed Bunting, 20 Goldfinch, 13 Tree Sparrow, 8 House Martin, 5 Siskin, 4 Greenfinch and single Grey Wagtail, Rock Pipit and Mistle Thrush.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A few Red Admiral were on the wing and Brick was new for the year.

Late Whimbrel

13th October 2019 – overcast/rain soon E2/3
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Redwing and 2 Song Thrush otherwise there were just three Goldcrest seen
Diurnal Migration
Birds were on the move between dawn and rain starting with totals of 150 Meadow Pipit, 63 Chaffinch, 55 Pink-footed Goose, 32 Whooper Swan, 22 Linnet, 14 Skylark, 6 Reed Bunting, 4 Tree Sparrow and single Swallow, Grey Wagtail and Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 109 pale-bellied Brent Goose and 45 Pintail while a Whimbrel was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.

First Water Rail of the autumn

12th October 2019 – sunny spells W2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) produced 160 Common Scoter, 33 Razorbill, 8 Red-throated Diver and 3 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A few Goldcrest and 5 Long-tailed Tit were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration finally restarted as the wind decreased with 100 Jackdaw, 62 Redwing, 60 Linnet, 50 Skylark, 30 Tree Sparrow, 29 Chaffinch, 22 Greenfinch, 20 Pied Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit, 5 Siskin, 3 Swallow, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Whooper Swan and a Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 101 pale-bellied Brent Goose and a family group of 7 Whooper Swan.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was the best of the rest.

Black Guillemot still in residence

11th October 2019 – rain, clearing later W3/4
Offshore
The winds finally decreased at dawn and observations on both the flooding (0730-0830) and ebbing tide (1315-1415) produced a total of 58 Common Scoter, 31 Razorbill, 16 Red-throated Diver, 7 Kittiwake, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and single Great Skua and Gannet. In addition, the juvenile Black Guillemot was again off the eastern shore over the high tide.
Grounded Migrants
Two Tree Sparrow and a Wheatear were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 21 Greenshank roosted over the tide.
Miscellaneous
A total of 95 Little Egret were spread along the island’s eastern shore and the first Twite of the autumn was logged. Two Merlin were the best of the rest.

Few seabirds

10th October 2019 – sunny spells/rain later W5/6/7
Offshore
The sea provided for rather tedious viewing (0830-1030) with long periods of inactivity and short bursts of action finally producing 40 Common Scoter, 32 Razorbill, 30 Kittiwake, 3 Red-throated Diver and a solitary Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 5 Goldcrest suggested some movement had taken place.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 64 pale-bellied birds.

Arctic Skua

9th October 2019 – sun and showers W5/6/7
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0930) produced 63 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Kittiwake and single Arctic Skua and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Again little evidence of grounded birds just a single Goldcrest, perhaps not unsurprising considering the prevalent conditions.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.

Little Gull

8th October 2019 – sunny spells and squally showers SW5/6/7
Offshore
Seawatching remained to the fore with observations (0730-0830 & 1030-1130) producing 82 Common Scoter, 49 Razorbill, 25 Gannet, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Kittiwake and single Red-throated Diver and adult Little Gull.
Grounded Migrants
Again little evidence of grounded birds just single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff logged.
Miscellaneous
A total of 85 Little Egret were along the eastern shore.