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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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..
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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