29th February 2020 – sun and showers/rain later WSW4/5/6
Offshore
A check of the sea (0800-0900) produced just 5 Common Scoter, 3 Kittiwake and a Fulmar. The juvenile Great Northern Diver continued to seek shelter.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 235 pale-bellied birds while the 12 Scaup (9 females + 3 males) and 4 Barnacle Geese remain. Waders included 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A group of 20 Twite were the best of the rest.
Old favourites
28th February 2020 – rain SSE4/5
Offshore
The Great Northern Diver and Shag continued to seek shelter.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 179 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied birds while the 12 Scaup and 4 Barnacle Geese remain.
Offshore
The Great Northern Diver and Shag continued to seek shelter.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 179 pale-bellied and 2 dark-bellied birds while the 12 Scaup and 4 Barnacle Geese remain.
Same again
27th February 2020 – sun and showers WNW5/6/7
Offshore
The sea remained quiet with observations (0815-0915) providing just 14 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill and 2 Kittiwake. The Great Northern Diver remained in residence.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (9 females + 3 males)remain.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow and a Little Owl were the best of the rest.
Offshore
The sea remained quiet with observations (0815-0915) providing just 14 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill and 2 Kittiwake. The Great Northern Diver remained in residence.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (9 females + 3 males)remain.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow and a Little Owl were the best of the rest.
Usual suspects
26th February 2020 – sun and sleet showers WNW5/6
Offshore
The sea remained quiet with observations (0730-0830) providing just 33 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver. The Great Northern Diver remained in residence
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup have been joined by a male Common Scoter. The 4 Barnacle Geese also continue to linger and 2 Greenshank were seen.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Offshore
The sea remained quiet with observations (0730-0830) providing just 33 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver. The Great Northern Diver remained in residence
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup have been joined by a male Common Scoter. The 4 Barnacle Geese also continue to linger and 2 Greenshank were seen.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Just time for a seawatch
25th February 2020 – sun and showers W5/6
Offshore
The sea remained generally quiet with observations (0730-0830) providing just 17 Common Scoter, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Red-throated Diver and 4 Kittiwake. The Great Northern Diver remained in residence
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup remain.
Offshore
The sea remained generally quiet with observations (0730-0830) providing just 17 Common Scoter, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Red-throated Diver and 4 Kittiwake. The Great Northern Diver remained in residence
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup remain.
Great Northern Diver and Scaup
24th February 2020 – early snow/rain clearing later SE1 then SW4/5/6
Offshore
The Great Northern Diver remained on its favoured sheltered haunt.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held a total of 277 pale-bellied birds, the 4 Barnacle Geese and 12 Scaup remain and a Goosander was logged.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was again the best of the rest.
Offshore
The Great Northern Diver remained on its favoured sheltered haunt.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held a total of 277 pale-bellied birds, the 4 Barnacle Geese and 12 Scaup remain and a Goosander was logged.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was again the best of the rest.
Great Northern Diver
23rd February 2020 – early rain clearing W4/5/6
Offshore
A check of the sea as the rain cleared (1030-1130) revealed 26 Red-throated Diver, 11 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Kittiwake. However a single Great Northern Diver and Shag sought after more sheltered waters.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held a total of 254 pale-bellied birds, the 4 Barnacle Geese and 12 Scaup remain while 2 Goosander were logged. Waders included 5500 Knot and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check of the sea as the rain cleared (1030-1130) revealed 26 Red-throated Diver, 11 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Kittiwake. However a single Great Northern Diver and Shag sought after more sheltered waters.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held a total of 254 pale-bellied birds, the 4 Barnacle Geese and 12 Scaup remain while 2 Goosander were logged. Waders included 5500 Knot and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Black Brant and Water Pipit
22nd February 2020 – sun and showers WSW6/7/8
Rarities
An adult Black Brant was amongst 133 pale-bellied and 80 dark-bellied Brent Geese at Scar End Point on the rising tide. A Water Pipit was again in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar at high tide.
Offshore
The seas remained angry with the wind still gusting to gale force, however, clearer conditions (0815- 0915) produced just 28 Kittiwake, 18 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and single Gannet, Red-throated Diver and Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held a total of 368 pale-bellied and 80 dark-bellied birds and 4 Barnacle Geese were seen. Waders included 4000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
At least one Tree Sparrow continues to visit a feeding station on the island.
Rarities
An adult Black Brant was amongst 133 pale-bellied and 80 dark-bellied Brent Geese at Scar End Point on the rising tide. A Water Pipit was again in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar at high tide.
Offshore
The seas remained angry with the wind still gusting to gale force, however, clearer conditions (0815- 0915) produced just 28 Kittiwake, 18 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and single Gannet, Red-throated Diver and Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held a total of 368 pale-bellied and 80 dark-bellied birds and 4 Barnacle Geese were seen. Waders included 4000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
At least one Tree Sparrow continues to visit a feeding station on the island.
Even the seabirds have deserted
21st February 2020 – overcast/showers SSW6/7/8
Offshore
The seemingly incessant wind and rain continues to batter the island and to affect sightings with observations (0800-0900) producing just 3 Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup remain and the Brent Goose flock held 249 pale-bellied and 80 dark-bellied birds. Waders included 3000 Knot.
Offshore
The seemingly incessant wind and rain continues to batter the island and to affect sightings with observations (0800-0900) producing just 3 Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup remain and the Brent Goose flock held 249 pale-bellied and 80 dark-bellied birds. Waders included 3000 Knot.
The end of birdlife as we know it!
20th February 2020 – early rain clearing to showers WNW6/7/8
Offshore
A check over the sea as the rain cleared (1015-1115) produced just 7 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Razorbill.
Miscellaneous
A forest of signposts and kissing gates have recently appeared across the island proclaiming the opening of the Walney section of the England Coastal Way which along with the recent designation of the salt marshes along the eastern shore as open access land is likely to have a pronounced detrimental affect on the island’s breeding and roosting waders. Walney’s beaches have long been thought of as a stronghold for breeding species such as Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover; however this is no longer the case with 2019 survey work showing that large swathes of the coastline are now devoid of breeding birds with disturbance considered the main cause. The opening up of sections of the island which still held breeding birds and were, until now, less frequently disturbed has already seen an increase in footfall and will inevitably add to disturbance levels meaning that increased pressures are being placed on the island’s birds. In addition, the narrow and linear nature of the shoreline means that birds attempting to roost over the tide will also be regularly disturbed in areas which were until now a high tide refuge.
Offshore
A check over the sea as the rain cleared (1015-1115) produced just 7 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Razorbill.
Miscellaneous
A forest of signposts and kissing gates have recently appeared across the island proclaiming the opening of the Walney section of the England Coastal Way which along with the recent designation of the salt marshes along the eastern shore as open access land is likely to have a pronounced detrimental affect on the island’s breeding and roosting waders. Walney’s beaches have long been thought of as a stronghold for breeding species such as Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover; however this is no longer the case with 2019 survey work showing that large swathes of the coastline are now devoid of breeding birds with disturbance considered the main cause. The opening up of sections of the island which still held breeding birds and were, until now, less frequently disturbed has already seen an increase in footfall and will inevitably add to disturbance levels meaning that increased pressures are being placed on the island’s birds. In addition, the narrow and linear nature of the shoreline means that birds attempting to roost over the tide will also be regularly disturbed in areas which were until now a high tide refuge.
A few seabirds
19th February 2020 – overcast/rain soon WSW4
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0900) produced just 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Common Scoter and a solitary Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup remain.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0900) produced just 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Common Scoter and a solitary Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup remain.
Another Little Gull
18th February 2020 – overcast/showers SW5/6/7
Offshore
A check over the sea (0730-0830) produced 14 Kittiwake, 7 Pintail, 4 Common Scoter and single Red-throated Diver, Fulmar and Little Gull.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Shoveler were seen and waders included 410 Golden Plover and 60 Turnstone.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0730-0830) produced 14 Kittiwake, 7 Pintail, 4 Common Scoter and single Red-throated Diver, Fulmar and Little Gull.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Shoveler were seen and waders included 410 Golden Plover and 60 Turnstone.
Little Gull and Yellow-legged Gull
17th February 2020 – hazy sun WSW5/6 gusting to 57mph
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0900) produced 23 Kittiwake, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Common Scoter and single Little Gull (adult), Razorbill and Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (3 males) remain and waders included 1000 Dunlin, 120 Sanderling and 11 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
An adult Yellow-legged Gull (intriguingly with a metal ring on the right leg) was amongst 2500 Herring Gull and 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull feeding amongst the detritus washed up by storm Dennis.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0900) produced 23 Kittiwake, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Common Scoter and single Little Gull (adult), Razorbill and Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (3 males) remain and waders included 1000 Dunlin, 120 Sanderling and 11 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
An adult Yellow-legged Gull (intriguingly with a metal ring on the right leg) was amongst 2500 Herring Gull and 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull feeding amongst the detritus washed up by storm Dennis.
Waxwing headlines
16th February 2020 – overcast/showers SW5/6
Rarities
A Waxwing appeared briefly in the Observatory garden.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0815-0915) as Storm Dennis raged and the wind gusted to 51 mph revealed 94 Kittiwake, 18 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Great Crested Grebe.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (3 males) remain.
Miscellaneous
At least one Tree Sparrow continues to visit a feeding station on the island.
Rarities
A Waxwing appeared briefly in the Observatory garden.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0815-0915) as Storm Dennis raged and the wind gusted to 51 mph revealed 94 Kittiwake, 18 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Great Crested Grebe.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (3 males) remain.
Miscellaneous
At least one Tree Sparrow continues to visit a feeding station on the island.
Marsh Harrier and Water Pipit
15th February 2020 – overcast/rain soon SE4 then S6/7/8
Rarities
A least one Water Pipit remained in the flooded horse paddocks between Biggar Bank and Biggar.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0900) produced just 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Red-throated Diver and 3 Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (3 males) remain and a female Goosander was logged. The Brent Goose flock held 316 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
A male Marsh Harrier hunting over the island was the best of the rest.
Rarities
A least one Water Pipit remained in the flooded horse paddocks between Biggar Bank and Biggar.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0900) produced just 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Red-throated Diver and 3 Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (3 males) remain and a female Goosander was logged. The Brent Goose flock held 316 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
A male Marsh Harrier hunting over the island was the best of the rest.
Just a few seabirds
14th February 2020 – overcast/rain at times SE5/6/7
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0900) produced just 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Common Scoter, 2 Guillemot and a Razorbill.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0900) produced just 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Common Scoter, 2 Guillemot and a Razorbill.
Marsh Harrier and Water Pipits
13th February 2020 – sunny spells V1/2
Rarities
Three Water Pipits were amongst 30 Rock Pipit feeding in the flooded horse paddocks between Biggar Bank and Biggar over the high tide.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0745-0845) produced 32 Shag, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver, 5 Common Scoter and a Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Redwing and 2 Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (3 males) and 17 Barnacle Goose remain. Waders included 5 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Single Hooded Crow, Merlin and Peregrine and 2 Barn Owl were logged, however, a male Marsh Harrier hunting over the island was the best of the rest.
Mammals
An Otter was the first sighting of the year.
Rarities
Three Water Pipits were amongst 30 Rock Pipit feeding in the flooded horse paddocks between Biggar Bank and Biggar over the high tide.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0745-0845) produced 32 Shag, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver, 5 Common Scoter and a Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Redwing and 2 Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Scaup (3 males) and 17 Barnacle Goose remain. Waders included 5 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Single Hooded Crow, Merlin and Peregrine and 2 Barn Owl were logged, however, a male Marsh Harrier hunting over the island was the best of the rest.
Mammals
An Otter was the first sighting of the year.
Water Pipit reappears
12th February 2020 – overcast/showers W6/7/8
Rarities
A Water Pipit was amongst 10 Rock Pipit feeding in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar.
Offshore
A check over still angry seas (0800-0900) revealed 18 Common Scoter, 8 Kittiwake, 6 Razorbill and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Scaup continue to increase with 12 birds logged (3 males), also seen were 17 Barnacle Goose. Waders included 16000 Knot and 7500 Oystercatcher.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Rarities
A Water Pipit was amongst 10 Rock Pipit feeding in the flooded horse paddocks at Biggar.
Offshore
A check over still angry seas (0800-0900) revealed 18 Common Scoter, 8 Kittiwake, 6 Razorbill and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Scaup continue to increase with 12 birds logged (3 males), also seen were 17 Barnacle Goose. Waders included 16000 Knot and 7500 Oystercatcher.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Gales fail to produce
11th February 2020 – sun and showers W8
Offshore
A check over angry seas (0800-0900) with winds gusting to 61mph revealed 14 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Razorbill and a Kittiwake.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Herring Gull had previously been ringed at a Waste Disposal Site near York on 19th January 2018.
Offshore
A check over angry seas (0800-0900) with winds gusting to 61mph revealed 14 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Razorbill and a Kittiwake.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Herring Gull had previously been ringed at a Waste Disposal Site near York on 19th January 2018.
Whooper Swans
10th February 2020 – sun and showers WSW6/7/8
Offshore
Observations over a wild sea (0800-0900) with winds gusting to 53mph produced 5 Kittiwake, 3 Common Scoter, 2 Razorbill and a Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
A herd of 15 Whooper Swan were grounded and the Brent Goose flock held 369 pale-bellied birds. Waders included a Jack Snipe amongst 40 Snipe.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Offshore
Observations over a wild sea (0800-0900) with winds gusting to 53mph produced 5 Kittiwake, 3 Common Scoter, 2 Razorbill and a Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
A herd of 15 Whooper Swan were grounded and the Brent Goose flock held 369 pale-bellied birds. Waders included a Jack Snipe amongst 40 Snipe.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Storm Ciara steals the show
9th February 2020 – rain then showers SW6/7/8
Miscellaneous
Little was seen as storm Ciara hit the island bringing winds gusting to 63mph, a check of the sea proved fruitless and 2 Raven were the only birds of note.
Miscellaneous
Little was seen as storm Ciara hit the island bringing winds gusting to 63mph, a check of the sea proved fruitless and 2 Raven were the only birds of note.
First Gannet of the year
8th February 2020 – sun and showers SSW3/4/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-0900) produced 37 Razorbill, 17 Red-throated Diver, 12 Common Scoter, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Kittiwake and the first 2 Gannet of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 9 Scaup remain(6 females + 3 males) and the Brent Goose flock held 404 pale-bellied and 82 dark-bellied Brent Geese. Waders included 7 Greenshank and 2 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
An overwintering Blackcap visited an island feeding station and single Peregrine and Barn Owl were the best of the rest.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-0900) produced 37 Razorbill, 17 Red-throated Diver, 12 Common Scoter, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Kittiwake and the first 2 Gannet of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 9 Scaup remain(6 females + 3 males) and the Brent Goose flock held 404 pale-bellied and 82 dark-bellied Brent Geese. Waders included 7 Greenshank and 2 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
An overwintering Blackcap visited an island feeding station and single Peregrine and Barn Owl were the best of the rest.
Stock Dove provides surprise
7th February 2020 – sunny spells SE4
Offshore
A check over the sea revealed just 4 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A Stock Dove was seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
There are now 9 Scaup (6 females + 3 males) and waders included 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow was again present and single Merlin, Peregrine and Barn Owl were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check over the sea revealed just 4 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A Stock Dove was seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
There are now 9 Scaup (6 females + 3 males) and waders included 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow was again present and single Merlin, Peregrine and Barn Owl were the best of the rest.
Hooded Crow and Scaup
6th February 2020 – overcast/calm
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 100 Pink-footed Geese flew north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 8 Scaup (6 females + 2 first-winter males) remain.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 100 Pink-footed Geese flew north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 8 Scaup (6 females + 2 first-winter males) remain.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Scaup continue to increase
5th February 2020 – overcast/calm
Offshore
A check over calm seas (0745-0845) revealed 5100 Eider, 31 Red-throated Diver, 22 Common Scoter, 16 Shag, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Razorbill and a drake Scaup.
Grounded Migrants
Three Fieldfare and 3 Redwing were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 50 Pink-footed Geese and a group of 4 Whooper Swan headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
There are now 8 Scaup (6 females + 2 first-winter males) and waders included 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance and 5 Twite and single Merlin, Peregrine and Little Owl were the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check over calm seas (0745-0845) revealed 5100 Eider, 31 Red-throated Diver, 22 Common Scoter, 16 Shag, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Razorbill and a drake Scaup.
Grounded Migrants
Three Fieldfare and 3 Redwing were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 50 Pink-footed Geese and a group of 4 Whooper Swan headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
There are now 8 Scaup (6 females + 2 first-winter males) and waders included 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance and 5 Twite and single Merlin, Peregrine and Little Owl were the best of the rest.
Hooded Crow still in residence
4th February 2020 – sunny spells WNW5/6
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
A check of the sea
3rd February 2020 – overcast W4/5
Offshore
A check of the sea (0815-0915) produced 37 Common Scoter, 30 Kittiwake, 14 Razorbill , 8 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0815-0915) produced 37 Common Scoter, 30 Kittiwake, 14 Razorbill , 8 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Poor visibility continues
2nd February 2020 – mist/murk/mizzle SSW3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (1015-1115) only revealed 3 Common Scoter and 2 Red-throated Diver in the gloom.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 400 Wigeon.
Miscellaneous
A few more Lesser Black-backed Gulls have returned.
Offshore
A check of the sea (1015-1115) only revealed 3 Common Scoter and 2 Red-throated Diver in the gloom.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 400 Wigeon.
Miscellaneous
A few more Lesser Black-backed Gulls have returned.
Early Fulmar
1st February 2020 – overcast/rain later WSW6/7/8
Offshore
A check of the sea (0830-0930) provided an early Fulmar amongst 12 Kittiwake, 11 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 6 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
The first few Lesser Black-backed Gulls have already begun to return.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0830-0930) provided an early Fulmar amongst 12 Kittiwake, 11 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 6 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
The first few Lesser Black-backed Gulls have already begun to return.
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