Mediterranean Gull

31st July 2019 – sunny spells NW3
Offshore
Morning observations (0730-0830) revealed a quiet sea with just 154 Sandwich Tern, 35 Common Scoter, 34 Gannet and 24 Greylag Goose logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Wigeon remains and waders included 9 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
An adult Mediterranean Gull was amongst 80 Black-headed Gulls.
Butterflies and Moths
A large overnight attraction to the moth trap saw 387 of 57 species identified, immigrants included 14 Silver Y, 2 Rusty Dot Pearl and 2 Diamond-backed Moth.

Painted Lady invasion

30th July 2019 – sunny spells and thundery showers ENE2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) revealed 500 Manx Shearwater, 245 Sandwich Tern, 55 Common Scoter, 46 Gannet, 5 Little Tern and a Guillemot
Grounded Migrants
At least 4 Yellow Wagtail remain and additional grounded birds involved 15 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat and a Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Whimbrel.
Ringing
A juvenile Sandwich Tern seen on 28th July 2019 had previously been ringed at Lady’s Island Lake, County Wexford, EIRE on 25th June 2019.
Butterflies and Moths
An invasion of Painted Ladies was noted with 2015 seen while the moth trap attracted 244 of 52 species with Tawny Speckled Pug new for the year.

Marsh Harrier lingers

29th July 2019 – overcast/rain clearing W2/1
Offshore
Observations in early morning drizzle (0715-0815) revealed just 230 Common Scoter, 72 Sandwich Tern and 7 Gannet
Grounded Migrants
At least 2 Yellow Wagtail remain and additional grounded birds involved 25 Willow Warbler and 12 Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 40 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier continued to hunt over island.
Butterflies and Moths
An influx of Painted Ladies was noted with 165 seen while moths included The Olive - the first of the year.

Marsh Harrier

28th July 2019 – overcast/rain clearing later WNW3/4
Offshore
Observations as the rain cleared (1200-1300) were limited to 70 Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Tern and single Little Tern and Shag.
Grounded Migrants
At least 3 Yellow Wagtail and a handful of Willow Warbler remained.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Wood Sandpiper remains and additional waders included 8 Greenshank and 8 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier hunted over the island.
Butterflies and Moths
Attractions to the moth trap were much reduced by overnight rain but included 14 Silver Y and Small Wainscot – the latter the first of the year.

Wood Sandpiper remains

27th July 2019 – overcast/rain/calm
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0715) produced 305 Common Scoter, 31 Manx Shearwater, 16 Gannet, 10 Sandwich Tern and two first-summer Mediterranean Gull.
Grounded Migrants
Yellow Wagtail increased to four birds while 12 Willow Warbler and a Blackcap were also logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Wood Sandpiper remains and additional waders included 630 Dunlin, 50 Sanderling, 10 Greenshank, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Whimbrel, 6 Snipe and 2 Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded x Carrion Crow put in another appearance.
Mammals
An Otter was seen.
Butterflies and Moths
Attractions to the moth trap overnight included Brown-line Bright-eye and Haworth’s Minor – both new for the year.

Breeding Water Rail?

26th July 2019 – sunny spells/calm then S1
Offshore
Early morning observations (0600-0700) produced 66 Common Scoter, 57 Manx Shearwater, 36 Gannet, 14 Sandwich Tern and a Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 3 Willow Warbler while the long-staying Yellow Wagtail was joined by a second bird.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 14 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Sanderling and single Common Sandpiper, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Snipe.
Breeding Birds
Two Water Rail called from suitable breeding habitat.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 264 moths of 65 species were attracted overnight with immigrants represented by The Vestal and Silver Y. Straw Underwing, Small Rufous, Dot Moth, Mouse Moth and Chequered Grass-veneer were all new for the year with the latter appearing to be the first island record.

Wood Sandpiper new in

25th July 2019 – sunny spells/hot SE2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) produced 250 Manx Shearwater, 54 Common Scoter, 34 Gannet, 10 Sandwich Tern and single Great Crested Grebe and Puffin .
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 2 Willow Warbler and single Blackcap, Whitethroat and Robin along with the long-staying Yellow Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 6 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders were again on the move over the sea early morning with 257 Dunlin, 31 Sanderling, 11 Redshank and 10 Black-tailed Godwit amongst the species logged. In addition, the island’s pools added 260 Redshank, 46 Dunlin, 12 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Wood Sandpiper
Butterflies and Moths
The trap attracted 158 of 51 species with Bird Cherry Ermine, Triangle Plume and Dun-bar new for the year.

Waders on the move

24th July 2019 – sunny spells S2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) produced 184 Common Scoter, 80 Sandwich Tern, 43 Gannet, 41 Manx Shearwater, 2 Little Tern, 2 Kittiwake and an Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 6 Willow Warbler and the long-staying Yellow Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 3 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders were on the move over the sea early morning with 168 Dunlin, 27 Black-tailed Godwit, 26 Oystercatcher, 8 Turnstone, 4 Sanderling, 3 Knot and 2 Redshank logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The trap attracted 116 of 52 species with Flounced Rustic and Tawny-barred Angle both new for the year – the latter was also just the second island record and the first for 22 years. Butterflies were again on the wing with 54 Gatekeeper, 40 Meadow Brown, 31 Large White, 21 Green-veined White, 11 Red Admiral, 5 Small White, 3 Wall Brown, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Speckled Wood, 2 Comma and single Painted Lady and Peacock recorded.

First autumnal Wigeon and Wheatear

23rd July 2019 – hot and sunny after overcast start S1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) revealed a quiet sea with just 48 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern, 16 Gannet, 2 Little Tern and 2 Shag logged.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat and single Wheatear and Yellow Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 14 Swift were overhead.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Wigeon has returned and waders included 80 Sanderling and 3 Whimbrel.
Dragonflies
The hot and sunny conditions brought the dragonflies out with 325 Common Blue Damselfly, 85 Common Darter, 10 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 9 Emperor Dragonfly, 8 Brown Hawker, 3 Black-tailed Skimmer and single Red-veined Dater and Common Hawker logged.
Butterflies and Moths
Again a small overnight attraction in the moth trap which produced Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing and Ruby Tiger - both new for the year. The afternoon sunshine saw many butterflies on the wing with 340 Gatekeeper, 175 Meadow Brown, 16 Small Copper, 14 Common Blue, 7 Small White, 6 Large White, 5 Large Skipper, 5 Small Skipper – a second colony, 4 Speckled Wood, 2 Small Heath, 2 Peacock, 2 Green-veined White, 2 Dark Green Fritillary and single Red Admiral, Grayling and Comma logged. Though, it would appear that the Painted Lady invasion earlier in the month has moved on.

Windy day

22nd July 2019 – sunny spells SW5/6/7
Offshore
Early morning observations (0645-0845) yielded 270 Sandwich Tern, 235 Gannet, 14 Manx Shearwater, 10 Common Scoter, 10 Guillemot, 7 Fulmar, 3 Arctic Skua, 3 Little Tern and an Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was logged.
Diurnal Migration
Three Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
Overnight rain and wind severely reduced moth attraction although Pale Mottled Willow was new for the year.

Quiet day

21st July 2019 – overcast SSW2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0645-0745) produced 180 Manx Shearwater, 116 Common Scoter, 52 Gannet and 26 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A few Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Whitethroat were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Two Grey Wagtail flew through.
Butterflies and Moths
Rosy Rustic was new for the year.

Cetti’s Warbler

20th July 2019 – overcast/early rain and drizzle SSE2 then WNW3/5
Rarities
A Cetti’s Warbler was in the reeds and juncus along the edge of the pond viewed from the boardwalk running through the scrape at South Walney mid-morning.
Offshore
A rain delayed seawatch on the rising tide (1100-1330) was dominated by Manx Shearwater with 1050 birds recorded. However, variety was also the order of the day with 192 Sandwich Tern, 85 Gannet, 48 Common Scoter, 8 Guillemot, 8 Kittiwake, 7 Little Tern, 2 Great Skua and single Arctic Skua and Arctic Tern also logged.
Grounded Migrants
Single Willow Warbler and Whitethroat were the only additional grounded migrants recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 63 Dunlin, 3 Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
A Hummingbird Hawkmoth, The Crescent and Twin spot Carpet were amongst a small catch with the latter two first for the year.

Seawatch 2.0

19th July 2019 – overcast/rain at times SSE3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) ahead of the approaching rain front produced 310 Manx Shearwater, 133 Sandwich Tern, 117 Common Scoter, 35 Gannet, 3 Razorbill, 2 Shag, 2 Arctic Skua and single Little Tern and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Single Willow Warbler and Yellow Wagtail were the only obviously grounded migrants recorded.
Diurnal Migration
The obligatory Swift again flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 23 Sanderling, 21 Dunlin, 7 Knot, 3 Turnstone and a Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 152 moths of 42 species were attracted to the moth trap overnight with Double Lobed and Garden Rose Tortrix new for the year.

Seawatch

18th July 2019 – sunny spells SW3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) revealed 340 Manx Shearwater, 180 Common Scoter, 43 Gannet, 23 Sandwich Tern, 16 Guillemot, 2 Kittiwake and single Red-breasted Merganser and Razorbill

Yellow Wagtail double

17th July 2019 – overcast SSE1/2, rain SW3/4 later
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) and additional observations ahead of the weather front (1100-1300) combined to provide variety rather than quantity with 114 Manx Shearwater, 95 Gannet, 23 Guillemot, 21 Sandwich Tern, 15 Little Tern, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Common Scoter, 5 Arctic Tern and single Puffin, Shag, Arctic Skua, Razorbill and Kittiwake logged.
Grounded Migrants
Two Yellow Wagtail were the only obviously grounded migrants recorded.
Diurnal Migration
The obligatory Swift flew through.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 173 moths of 48 species were attracted to the moth trap overnight with Marbled Beauty, Rivulet, Small Angle Shades, Triple Spotted Clay, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing and Coast Dart all new for the year.

Stock Dove new for year

16th July 2019 – cloudy start then warm and sunny SW2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730) were led by single Arctic Skua and Shag but otherwise it was fairly quiet with only 55 Gannet, 37 Common Scoter, 10 Sandwich Tern, 6 Little Tern, 6 Manx Shearwater, 6 Guillemot and 3 Arctic Tern recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded migrants involved 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat and single Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Another Swift flew through.
Miscellaneous
A Stock Dove was the first of the year.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 152 moths of 55 species were attracted overnight with Thistle Ermine, Yellow-tail and Grey Dagger new for the year.

Yellow Wagtail

15th July 2019 – bright and sunny/warm E2
Offshore
A fairly quiet morning over the sea (0630-0730) with just 63 Common Scoter, 47 Manx Shearwater, 37 Sandwich Tern and 13 Gannet logged.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded migrants involved 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat and single Yellow Wagtail and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 3 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a single Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap contained 206 of 45 species including Fen Wainscot, Crescent Striped and Buff Arches while Anarsia spartiella (Small Sober) would appear to be the first island record.

Mediterranean Gull

14th July 2019 – overcast E2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea on the rising tide (0630-0730) provided 300 Manx Shearwater along with 120 Sandwich Tern, 115 Common Scoter, 60 Gannet, 8 Razorbill, 2 Puffin and single Mediterranean Gull, Arctic Tern and Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded migrants involved 5 Willow Warbler and single Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap and Whitethroat along with the third Treecreeper of the autumn.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 12 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Greenshank and single Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap contained 43 species including Scalloped Oak, Antler Moth and Cabbage Moth – all new for the year.

Manx Shearwaters

13th July 2019 – overcast then sunny spells NW2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea on the rising tide (0700-0800) provided 320 Manx Shearwater along with 86 Common Scoter, 40 Gannet, 34 Sandwich Tern, 6 Guillemot and 5 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded migrants involved 4 Willow Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A solitary Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Whimbrel.

Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher

12th July 2019 – early showers clearing to sunny spells NW//3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea between the showers (0700-0800) revealed 68 Common Scoter, 62 Manx Shearwater, 34 Sandwich Tern, 32 Gannet and 5 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds involved 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Redstart .
Wildfowl and waders
Three Greenshank amongst 190 Redshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Four Raven and single Little Owl and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A check of the Small Skipper colony located 11 individuals and a Holly Blue amongst a few Gatekeeper and good numbers of Meadow Brown. The moth trap contained 206 of 45 species including Small Dusty Wave –new for the year and a recent addition to the island list.

Bonxie

11th July 2019 – early mist/fog clearing to sunny spells and showers SW2/3
Offshore
A check of the falling tide as the fog cleared (0700-0800) produced 155 Sandwich Tern, 75 Common Scoter, 58 Manx Shearwater, 38 Gannet, 11 Razorbill, 3 Guillemot, 2 Kittiwake and a Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds involved 4 Willow Warbler and single Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat.
Wildfowl and waders
A Whimbrel and 6 Black-tailed Godwit were the pick of the waders.
Breeding Birds
Fortunately the roof-top nesting gulls on the centre of the island are faring better than those in the colony at South Walney.
Dragonflies
Three Emperor Dragonfly and a Four-spotted Chaser were logged on a small roadside pool.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap contained 186 of 47 species including Swallow-tailed Moth, Common Footman, Nutmeg and Least Yellow Underwing – all of which were new for the year.

The occasional Puffin continues to be logged

10th July 2019 – early rain clearing S2
Offshore
A check of the falling tide as the rain cleared (0730-0830) provided 200 Manx Shearwater, 130 Common Scoter, 115 Sandwich Tern, 57 Gannet, 7 Kittiwake and single Puffin and Little Tern. It has been a record year for Puffin sightings with in excess of 200 birds logged so far this year.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds consisted of 5 Willow Warbler and 2 Blackcap.
Wildfowl and waders
Four Pink-footed Geese were present and waders included a Common Sandpiper.
Mammals
Single Badger and Hare were logged.

Pomarine Skua

9th July 2019 – overcast/drizzle soon/rain later SW1
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0630-0730) were unrewarding until a Pomarine Skua flew south ahead of the first band of drizzle approaching across the Irish Sea. Also seen were 95 Common Scoter, 38 Manx Shearwater, 35 Gannet, 20 Sandwich Tern, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Guillemot and a Little Tern
Grounded Migrants
The Treecreeper remains while warblers included 3 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler and single Lesser Whitethroat and Blackcap – all appearing to be leftovers from yesterday.
Wildfowl and waders
Waders included small numbers of Turnstone, Sanderling and Dunlin.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted a total of 243 of 56 species with Mother of Pearl, Wormwood Pug, Rosy Minor and Fan Foot all new for the year
Flowers
The Walney Geranium is now in bloom.

Warbler passage begins

8th July 2019 – hazy sun/humid E2/1
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0630-0730) produced 455 Common Scoter, 167 Manx Shearwater, 14 Gannet, 10 Sandwich Tern and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
The Treecreeper remains and warblers on the move involved 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat and single Lesser Whitethroat and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and waders
Waders included 6 Sanderling, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Gatekeeper ae now on the wing and the moth trap attracted 42 species with Small Fan-footed Wave and Small Rivulet.

Scoter passage builds

7th July 2019 – sunny spells W2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0630-0730) produced 800 Common Scoter, 172 Manx Shearwater, 58 Sandwich Tern, 21 Gannet, 2 Razorbill, 2 Great Crested Grebe and single Puffin and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Single Treecreeper – the second of the autumn and single Chiffchaff were the only newly grounded birds.
Dragonflies
Two male Black-tailed Skimmer were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 244 of 41 species with Common Emerald, Short-cloaked Moth, Cloaked Minor and July Highflyer all new for the year.

Returning waders

6th July 2019 – sunny spells NW3
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea were unrewarding with just 110 Common Scoter, 22 Sandwich Tern, 17 Gannet, 2 Guillemot and a Red-throated Diver seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1120 Curlew, 40 Redshank, 28 Golden Plover, 20 Grey Plover, 5 Whimbrel, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Dragonflies
Dragonflies included 3 Red-veined Darter (2 males + female), 7 Black-tailed Skimmer (males), 11 Four-spotted Chaser, 5 Common Darter, 2 Common Hawker and 2 Emperor.
Butterflies and Moths
A few Painted Lady and Red Admiral remain and the recently discovered Small Skipper population would appear to be an isolated colony with other areas checked all holding Large Skipper.

More Bottle-nosed Dolphins

5th July 2019 – sunny spells W2/3
Offshore
The daily check of the sea (0630-0730) produced 120 Sandwich Tern, 85 Common Scoter, 56 Gannet, 25 Manx Shearwater and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Single Whinchat and Willow Warbler were todays candidates for newly grounded birds.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 400 Knot, 6 Whimbrel, 5 Greenshank and single Black-tailed Godwit and Common Sandpiper.
Cetaceans
A pod of 5 Bottle-nosed Dolphin moved slowly north early morning.
Butterflies and Moths
A few Painted Lady remain and the moth trap attracted 124 of 34 species overnight, including Magpie Moth, Elephant Hawkmoth, Southern Wainscot and local speciality the rather understated Crescent Striped.

Small Skipper added to island list

4th July 2019 – hazy sun NW3
Offshore
Early morning observations at low tide (0630-0730) produced 140 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern, 16 Gannet, 5 Guillemot, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Little Tern and single Mediterranean Gull and Red-throated Diver – the latter the first of the autumn.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Whimbrel and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Breeding Birds
At least one pair of Jay have again successfully bred on the island with a family party of 5 birds seen.
Butterflies and Moths
Another small catch in the moth trap overnight, although Green Pug and Dark Spectacle were new for the year. Small numbers of Painted Lady remain; however, lepidoptera highlight involved the first confirmed record of Small Skipper on the island with 6 individuals located.

Bottle-nosed Dolphins

3rd July 2019 – bright and sunny/calm NW2/3 later
Offshore
Early morning sightings over the sea (0630-0730) produced 130 Sandwich Tern, 125 Common Scoter, 25 Gannet, 3 Manx Shearwater, 2 Little Tern, 2 Razorbill and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A juvenile Blackcap was the only contender as a newly grounded migrant.
Diurnal Migration
A Grey Wagtail was the first of the autumn.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Whimbrel.
Cetaceans
A pod of 10 Bottle-nosed Dolphins were offshore early morning.
Dragonflies
At least two male Red-veined Darter remain and other sightings included 15 Emperor Dragonflies, 14 Four-spotted Chaser and 3 Black-tailed Skimmer.
Butterflies and Moths
Dark Green Fritillary and Grayling were new for the year.

Treecreeper

2nd July 2019 – overcast/sunny later NW3/4
Offshore
Predictably quiet over the sea as the wind switched to the NW with early morning (0630-0730) producing 180 Sandwich Tern, 135 Common Scoter, 29 Gannet, 9 Guillemot, 4 Manx Shearwater, 3 Razorbill, 2 Kittiwake and single Red-breasted Merganser and Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Never known to have bred on the island a juvenile Treecreeper was most likely the result of post-breeding dispersal from the nearby mainland.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 49 Black-tailed Godwit and the first Common Sandpiper of the autumn.
Butterflies and Moths
A small catch in the moth trap overnight, although Dingy Footman was new for the year.

Arctic and Great Skuas

1st July 2019 – overcast/showers, brighter later W4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0730, 0930-1030 & 1230-1330) produced totals of 750 Manx Shearwater, 200 Gannet, 152 Common Scoter, 150 Sandwich Tern, 28 Guillemot, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Fulmar and single Razorbill, Arctic Skua and Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A Willow Warbler was the only grounded passerine.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 15 Dunlin and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Butterflies and Moths
A few Painted Lady remain in evidence.