31st August 2020 – bright and sunny V1
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Grounded Migrants
Only small numbers of grounded birds were logged involving 4 White Wagtail, 3 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat and single Goldcrest, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
Only a light passage was evident including 10 Grey Wagtail, 9 Sand Martin, 4 Tree Pipit and 3 Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Greenshank, 6 Curlew Sandpiper (all juveniles) and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Single Short-eared Owl, Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
30th August 2020 – bright and sunny V1
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) produced 360 Common Scoter, 152 Gannet, 150 Sandwich Tern, 10 Manx Shearwater and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Variety was the order of the day with 22 Wheatear, 21 White Wagtail, 15 Stonechat, 7 Willow Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 3 Whinchat, 2 Goldcrest and single Spotted Flycatcher, Blackcap and Sedge Warbler recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Movement was evidenced by 16 Tree Sparrow, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Grey Wagtail, 4 Siskin, 4 Tree Pipit and 3 Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 17 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow reappeared and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.
29th August 2020 – bright and sunny N3/4
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Observations over the sea provided 305 Common Scoter, 20 Gannet, 12 Sandwich Tern, 8 Kittiwake and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear were again in evidence with 14 birds logged, also seen were 10 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were again on the move with 11 Tree Sparrow, 10 Siskin and 4 Grey Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Ruff (reeves) were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Four Raven were the best of the rest.
28th August 2020 – overcast/rain, clearing later NE4/5
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Morning observations (0945-1045) after the rain eased produced just 33 Common Scoter, 14 Gannet, 4 Sandwich Tern and an Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 5 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Single southbound Ospreys flew over the island at 0900 and 0905hrs.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 60 Ringed Plover and 18 Greenshank.
Mammals
The Otter put in another guest appearance.
27th August 2020 – overcast/ showers SE2/3
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Early morning observations over the falling tide (0700-0800) produced just 214 Common Scoter, 54 Sandwich Tern and 12 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Again a few more grounded birds than of late with 7 Willow Warbler, 2 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear and a Blackcap logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move with 12 alba Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit, 8 Linnet, 4 Grey Wagtail, 4 Sand Martin and 2 House Martin logged.
Breeding Birds
Despite the recent storms a few newly fledged Swallow have emerged.
24th August 2020 – bright and sunny W2/3
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear were much in evidence with 35 birds logged, also seen were 2 Whitethroat and single Willow Warbler and Sedge Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move with 24 Tree Sparrow, 7 Tree Pipit and a Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 14 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Two Peregrine were the best of the rest.
23rd August 2020 – overcast/showers WNW3/4
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced just 545 Common Scoter, 23 Sandwich Tern, 10 Gannet, 3 Razorbill and another juvenile Mediterranean Gull.
Grounded Migrants
A few more grounded birds than of late with 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Wheatear and single Cuckoo and Whitethroat logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 15 Snipe, 7 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Common Sandpiper.
22nd August 2020 – overcast/rain at times SW4/5/6
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Extended observations over the sea (0700-1000) produced quantity rather than quality with 641 Common Scoter, 369 Gannet, 220 Manx Shearwater, 165 Kittiwake, 147 Sandwich Tern, 7 Fulmar, 5 Guillemot, 4 Arctic Skua, 4 Arctic Tern, 2 Razorbill and a Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The conditions were not conducive to grounded birds with just 2 Whitethroat and single Blackcap and Wheatear recorded.
21st August 2020 – overcast/rain then showers SW6/7/8
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Observations over the wild sea as storm Ellen raged (0930-1030) produced just 60 Gannet, 32 Common Scoter, 2 Sandwich Tern and single Fulmar and Manx Shearwater. The sheltered eastern shore added 3 Arctic Skua
20th August 2020 – bright and sunny SSE3/4/5
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Extended observations over the sea (0700-1000) were dominated by a strong passage of Gannet with 410 birds logged. Also seen were 52 Sandwich Tern, 23 Manx Shearwater, 17 Common Scoter, 4 Razorbill and single Puffin, Medterranean Gull, Red-throated Diver and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
The conditions were not conducive to grounded birds with just 2 Whitethroat and single Cuckoo, Wheatear and Willow Warbler recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 90 Grey Plover, 64 Golden Plover, 3 Whimbrel and single Black-tailed Godwit and Green Sandpiper.
19th August 2020 – bright start/rain later SE3/4
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Still quiet over the sea with just 30 Sandwich Tern and single Gannet and Razorbill logged.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded brds were limited to 14 Willow Warbler, 5 Whitethroat and a Cuckoo.
Diurnal Migration
Just 10 Tree Pipit, 3 Tree Sparrow and a Grey Wagtail flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Whimbrel, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Black-tailed Godwit amongst 2380 Curlew along with 2 Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At total of 10 Raven and 3 Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Butterflies
A Painted Lady was amongst a handful of Red Admiral.
18th August 2020 – overcast/mizzle/rain clearing SSW3/4
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Remaining quiet over the sea with just 20 Common Scoter, 15 Sandwich Tern, 2 Gannet and a Razorbill logged.
Grounded Migrants
A few grounded birds were again in evidence including 10 Willow Warbler, 4 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat and single Cuckoo and Sedge Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 6 Tree Pipit flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Grey Plover, 16 Greenshank and single Green Sandpiper and Ruff.
Miscellaneous
An adult Mediterranean Gull was amongst 90 Black-headed Gull.
17th August 2020 – overcast/rain then drizzle at times V2/1
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
A flock of 20 Sandwich Tern were the only record of note.
Grounded Migrants
A few more grounded birds than of late included 22 Willow Warbler, 11 Whitethroat, 10 Wheatear, 8 Robin, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Redstart.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to 6 Tree Pipit and 3 Swift in the poor conditions.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included single Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper amongst 26 Greenshank.
16th August 2020 – overcast/occasional showers NE3/4
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Remaining quiet over the sea with morning observations producing just 10 Common Scoter, 8 Sandwich Tern and 4 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Today’s totals involved 10 Wheatear, 10 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey headed south over the island at 1235hrs, otherwise sightings were limited to 4 Swift, 3 Tree Pipit and 2 Collared Dove.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 500 Sanderling, 15 Greenshank, 9 Black-tailed Godwit and single Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine and 4 Raven were the best of the rest.
Mammals
The Otter put in another guest appearance.
15th August 2020 – warm and sunny SE2/3
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
A morning check of the sea produced 3 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls heading out of Morecambe Bay.
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering of sightings included 22 Willow Warbler, 15 Wheatear, 4 Whinchat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler and single Grasshopper Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher
Diurnal Migration
The skies were very quiet with just 30 Tree Sparrow, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Tree Pipit amongst a trickle of hirundines.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 16 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Common Sandpiper.
14th August 2020 – hazy sun/warm and humid ENE2/3
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of sightings included 15 Willow Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 6 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Stonechat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a White Wagtail
Diurnal Migration
Totals included 60 Tree Sparrow, 50 Swallow, 20 Sand Martin, 14 Tree Pipit and 10 Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first two Wigeon of the autumn appeared amongst 28 Teal and waders included 22 Greenshank and a Ruff amongst 450 Redshank.
13th August 2020 – hazy sun/hot and humid NE3
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Although a Mediterranean Gull was logged it remained quiet over the sea with just 17 Gannet and 4 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of sightings included 12 Wheatear, 10 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Totals included 127 Tree Sparrow, 34 Tree Pipit, 8 Swift and a Yellow Wagtail amongst a further trickle of hirundines.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 600 Dunlin, 20 Greenshank 19 Black-tailed Godwit and Ruff.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Dragonflies
The exceptionally warm overnight temperatures saw Migrant Hawkers unusually active from dawn.
12th August 2020 – hazy sun/hot and humid V1
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Only 2 Sandwich Tern were logged in poor early morning visibility.
Grounded Migrants
Again a smattering of sightings included 19 Willow Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 4 Stonechat, 4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Wheatear and single Garden Warbler, Whinchat and Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Totals involved 50 Tree Sparrow, 40 Swallow, 26 Tree Pipit, 2 House Martin and a Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Ringed Plover, 22 Greenshank, 7 Snipe and a Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine and 4 Raven were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
Two Hummingbird Hawkmoth were logged and a Painted Lady was amongst a few Red Admiral.
11th August 2020 – hazy sun/warm and humid V1
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Again quiet over the sea with early morning observations (0615-0715) providing just 130 Common Scoter, 17 Gannet and a Razorbill
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering of sightings included 12 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Wheatear and a Garden Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 18 Tree Sparrow, 3 Grey Wagtail and 3 Tree Pipit were amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 30 Grey Plover, 11 Greenshank and single Ruff, Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Two Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Mammals
The Otter put in another appearance.
10th August 2020 – hazy sun/warm and humid NE2
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Again quiet over the sea with early morning observations (0615-0715) providing just 70 Common Scoter, 21 Gannet, 17 Manx Shearwater and a Fulmar
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of sightings included 17 Willow Warbler, 8 Sedge Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 4 Robin, 3 Spotted Flycatcher and a Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Relatively quiet with 15 Swift, 7 Tree Sparrow and 2 Tree Pipit logged.
9th August 2020 – warm and sunny E3/4
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Quiet over the sea with early morning observations (0630-0730) providing just 30 Manx Shearwater, 29 Common Scoter, 11 Gannet and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Far fewer birds than yesterday with 11 Wheatear, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Sedge Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
Hirundines were on the move with 200 Swallow, 20 Sand Martin, 2 House Martin recorded along with 5 Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Greenshank.
Mammals
Both Otter and Weasel were seen.
Butterflies
A Painted Lady was amongst a handful of Red Admiral.
8th August 2020 – warm and sunny after early fog V1/2
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Grounded Migrants
Dense fog early morning grounded a few birds including 42 Willow Warbler, 22 Sedge Warbler, 11 Whitethroat, 6 Whinchat, 4 Wheatear, 3 Garden Warbler and single Cuckoo and Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Variety was limited with 30 Tree Sparrow and 19 Tree Pipit amongst a light hirundine passage.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Breeding Birds
Tufted Duck broods continue to prosper.
Dragonflies
The warm weather over the last few days has seen an increase in dragonfly numbers.
7th August 2020 – sunny spells V1
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
The sea was very quiet early morning (0645-0745), excepting for the first Mediterranean Gull of the year. Also seen were 26 Common Scoter, 17 Manx Shearwater, 8 Gannet and 6 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Wood Warbler was amongst 8 Sedge Warbler, 7 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and a Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A trickle included 10 alba Wagtail, 7 Swift, 7 Tree Sparrow and a Tree Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 14 Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel.
Breeding Birds
A juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker was perhaps indicative of successful breeding on the island.
Mammals
The Otter put in another appearance.
6th August 2020 – overcast/mist/fog SE1
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Grounded Migrants
Warblers were on the move with 15 Willow Warbler, 15 Sedge Warbler, 6 Whitethroat and single Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler logged along with a Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
There was little evidence of visible migration with just 2 Swift logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Dunlin, 19 Greenshank and 3 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Dragonflies
The first Migrant Hawker are now on the wing.
5th August 2020 – overcast/rain clearing to showers SSW/4/5
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Observations over the sea as the rain again relented to showers (1020-1120) produced 65 Manx Shearwater, 22 Gannet, 8 Common Scoter and 4 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Single Wheatear and Whitethroat were all that could be mustered.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 24 Whimbrel.
4th August 2020 – overcast/rain clearing to showers S3/4/5
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Observations over the sea as the rain relented to showers (1145-1245) produced 133 Common Scoter, 64 Manx Shearwater, 19 Sandwich Tern, 13 Gannet, 6 Kittiwake, 2 Fulmar and 2 Arctic Skuas.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 9 Whimbrel amongst 780 Curlew.
3rd August 2020 – sun and showers V1/2
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) produced just 21 Common Scoter, 10 Gannet, 7 Sandwich Tern and single Fulmar and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
A bit more variety today with 9 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 4 Sedge Warbler and single Whinchat, Wheatear, Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher logged.
Diurnal Migration
Low key movement provided 4 Tree Sparrow and single Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Greenshank and 7 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Three Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Mammals
An Otter provided a close encounter.
2nd August 2020 – sun and showers W3/4
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0745-0845) produced 136 Manx Shearwater, 126 Common Scoter, 28 Sandwich Tern, 18 Gannet, 2 Arctic Tern and 2 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Just 3 Willow Warbler were recorded.
1st August 2020 – overcast/rain at times/brighter later W3/4
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) produced 233 Common Scoter, 36 Sandwich Tern, 35 Gannet, 15 Manx Shearwater and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds were again at a premium with just 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Whinchat and a Whitethroat recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 530 Dunlin, 200 Turnstone, 17 Greenshank, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Whimbrel and single Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A total of 22 Little Egret and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
