Long-tailed Duck

31st October 2020 – overcast/rain at times SE6/7/8 then SW7/8
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
A check of the sea before the showers set in (0730-0830) revealed 50 Common Scoter, 14 Razorbill, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Kittiwake and a Red-throated Diver. A Long-tailed Duck sheltered along the eastern shore at high tide.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Fieldfare and 3 Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4000 Knot, 4000 Oystercatcher and 41 Bar-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Merlin and Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.

Short-eared Owl

30th October 2020 – overcast/light rain clearing later W3/2
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
There was little evidence of any newly grounded birds apart from a single Mistle Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 390 Pink-footed Geese in two skeins headed south while 16 Chaffinch and single Tree Sparrow and Swallow were also logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 17 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow put in an appearance along with 2 Merlin and a Short-eared Owl.

Hooded Crow remains

28th October 2020 – overcast/showers 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
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) provided just 15 Common Scoter and a male Goosander. The Great Northern Diver remains along the sheltered eastern shore.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swallow flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 8000 Knot were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and a group of 10 Twite were the best of the rest.

Great White Egret headlines

27th October 2020 – overcast/rain at times SE4/5/6
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.
Rarities
A Great White Egret, just the fourth island record was located on Wylock Marsh early afternoon.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) provided 138 Common Scoter, 23 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Shag. The Great Northern Diver remained along the sheltered eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Fieldfare
Diurnal Migration
A family party of 4 Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included the first Goldeneye of the autumn and 5000 Knot were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Long-tailed Ducks and Puffins

26th October 2020 – sun and showers W4/5/6
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
Early morning observations (0700-0900) were highlighted by two Long-tailed Duck and 2 Puffin amongst 254 Common Scoter, 127 Razorbill, 38 Kittiwake, 5 Guillemot, 4 Red-throated Diver and 2 Shag. Additionally a Great Northern Diver was off the sheltered eastern shore.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow put in an appearance.

A Great day!!

25th October 2020 – sun and showers SSW4/5/6
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
Early morning observations (0700-1000) were highlighted by single Great Northern Diver and Great Skua amongst 152 Common Scoter, 133 Kittiwake, 63 Razorbill, 11 Gannet, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Shag, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 8 Redwing flew through.

Groundhog day!

24th October 2020 – overcast/rain/clearing later SSE5/6 then SW3/4
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
A repeat of yesterday's weather pattern saw another check of the sea as the rain cleared (1300-1400) but even fewer birds were on offer with just 25 Common Scoter, 6 Razorbill, 2 Gannet, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Great Crested Grebe and a Shag logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 18 Whooper Swan flew through.

A few more seabirds

23rd October 2020 – overcast/rain/clearing later SSE3 then 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
A check of the sea as the rain cleared (1300-1400) produced 86 Common Scoter, 47 Razorbill, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Gannet and single Great Crested Grebe and Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 6 Whooper Swan flew through.

A few seabirds

22nd October 2020 – overcast/rain at times W4/5
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
Early morning observations (0800-0900) before the rain set in produced 203 Common Scoter, 46 Kittiwake, 36 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot, 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese and single Red-breasted Merganser and Great Crested Grebe.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 14 Whooper Swan flew through.

Water Pipit remains

21st October 2020 – overcast/rain/mist/murk SSE2/3
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.
Rarities
The high tide pushed a total of 21 Rock Pipit from the island's salt-marshes, amongst which was a single Water Pipit.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Blackcap and single Redwing and Fieldfare
Diurnal Migration
Another paltry showing involving 3 Siskin and 2 Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 53 Pintail and 15 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow continues to linger and a single Water Rail was the best of the rest.

Hooded Crow continues in residence

20th October 2020 – sunny spells SE3/4/5
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 (0800-0900) revealed 110 Common Scoter, 39 Razorbill, 14 Gannet, 4 Kittiwake and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Chiffchaff, Redwing and Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 300 pale-bellied and 24 dark-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Single Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Ringing
The Brent Goose flock contained at least five colour-ringed individuals including a bird previously ringed as an adult at Strangford Lough on 9th January 2006 meaning it has now travelled a total of around 190,000 kilometres as it commutes annually between the Canadian High Arctic breeding grounds and Walney Island.

Brent Goose numbers continue to build

19th October 2020 – overcast 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
Observations over the sea (0800-0900) revealed 163 Common Scoter, 80 Gannet, 13 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver and 4 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a solitary Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Only evidenced by 7 Whooper Swan
Wildfowl and Waders
Brent Goose numbers continue to build with 47 dark-bellied and 347 pale-bellied birds logged. Sample counts suggested around 12.5% of the pale-bellied birds are juveniles.
Miscellaneous
Single Hooded Crow and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Ringing
The Brent Goose flock contained at least six colour-ringed individuals including three birds previously ringed on the breeding grounds in the Canadian High Arctic.

First Water Pipit reappears

18th October 2020 – overcast ENE1
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.
Rarities
The high tides pushed a total of 24 Rock Pipit from the island's salt-marshes, amongst which was the first Water Pipit of the autumn.
Offshore
A dawn check of the sea revealed that the Shag population has increased to 36 birds.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved just 9 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare and 4 Song Thrush. Additional sightings were limited to 3 Chiffchaff and 3 Goldcrest
Diurnal Migration
Another paltry showing involving 130 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Siskin and a Barnacle Goose.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 67 Pintail and a Jack Snipe was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow continues to linger and single Water Rail, Peregrine and Merlin were the best of the rest.

A quiet day

17th October 2020 – overcast NE1
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 check of the sea at dawn revealed 23 Shag and 21 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes were limited to 23 Blackbird, 7 Fieldfare, 7 Mistle Thrush and 4 Redwing. Additional sightings involved 7 Goldcrest, 5 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Although 50 Barnacle Geese were seen passage continues to decline with just 18 Tree Sparrow, 3 Siskin and single Brambling, Lesser Redpoll and Whooper Swan logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 2250 Wigeon and 7750 Oystercatcher and 13 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Merlin hunted the island and 3 Twite and the Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.

Still they come!

16th October 2020 – cloudy start then sunny spells NE2/3
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.
Rarities
Today's Yellow-browed Warbler - the seventh of the month - was at Vickerstown Park in the scrub near the pumping station.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes were limited to 14 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush. Additional sightings were few with just 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Again passage never really got going with just 250 Jackdaw, 90 Pink-footed Goose, 12 Tree Sparrow, 10 Swallow, 3 Brambling, 3 Siskin, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Rock Pipit the highlights.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 1620 Wigeon, 300 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 180 Shelduck and 74 Pintail while 7500 Oystercatcher and 1200 Golden Plover were logged.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted at dawn and 4 Raven, 2 Merlin and the seemingly resident Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.

Another Yellow-browed Warbler

15th October 2020 – bright/calm then sunny spells NE2/3
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.
Rarities
A Yellow-browed Warbler was in the Sycamores and Willows at Biggar - perhaps the sixth of the autumn.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 78 Redwing, 47 Blackbird and 21 Fieldfare. Additional sightings were limited to 6 Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Although passage never really got going variety was again the order of the day and morning totals included 720 Jackdaw, 295 Pink-footed Goose, 205 Skylark, 90 Linnet, 40 Goldfinch, 35 Meadow Pipit, 30 Chaffinch, 27 Swallow, 17 Greenfinch, 10 Brambling, 10 Pied Wagtail, 9 Lesser Redpoll, 8 Tree Sparrow, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Mistle Thrush and 2 Siskin.
Miscellaneous
Seven species of “corvid” were logged including the long-staying Hooded Crow along with Raven and Jay. Two Merlin were the best of the rest.

First Brambling of autumn

14th October 2020 – sunny spells NE2/3
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
Early morning thrushes involved 18 Redwing, 17 Blackbird and 12 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Variety rather than quantity was again the order of the day with totals through the morning including 460 Pink-footed Goose, 230 Jackdaw, 50 Skylark, 35 Meadow Pipit, 33 Chaffinch, 21 Linnet, 20 Tree Sparrow, 18 Swallow, 17 Reed Bunting, 5 Rock Pipit, 3 Mistle Thrush, 3 Siskin and single Grey Wagtail, Lesser Redpoll and Brambling – the latter the first of the autumn.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 100 pale-bellied birds and waders included 1000 Knot and 12 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Three Merlin and single Peregrine and Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore early morning.

First Twite and Fieldfare of the autumn

13th October 2020 – bright and sunny/calm then sunny spells N2/3/4
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.
Rarities
The Cetti's Warbler continues to call occasionally from the scrape.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Redwing and 2 Fieldfare. Additional sightings were limited to 6 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Coal Tit and single Treecreeper and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Variety was the order of the day, birds on the move through the morning included 760 Pink-footed Goose, 205 Skylark, 70 Linnet, 65 Meadow Pipit, 60 Starling, 37 Tree Sparrow, 36 Swallow, 28 Reed Bunting, 20 Chaffinch, 16 Greenfinch, 11 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Whooper Swan, 4 Mistle Thrush, 3 Siskin, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker and a single Twite.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail and 2 Merlin were the best of the rest with the latter unsuccessfully chasing a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

A damp day!

12th October 2020 – overcast/showers/rain S3/4
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
Morning observations (0730-0830) before the rain set in produced just 260 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Gannet and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow is still in residence and Merlin was the best of the rest.

Cetti's Warbler still in residence

11th October 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.
Rarities
The Cetti's Warbler continues to call occasionally from the scrape.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved a handful of Redwing and Song Thrush. Additional sightings were limited to 5 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Coal Tit and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move with 490 Pink-footed Geese, 160 Skylark, 160 Jackdaw, 45 Meadow Pipit, 30 Swallow, 29 Chaffinch, 25 Linnet, 20 Reed Bunting, 19 Tree Sparrow, 19 Greenfinch, 16 Pied Wagtail, 12 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three Shoveler were seen and waders included 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Seawatching provides minimal rewards

10th October 2020 – overcast/rain then sun and showers NW4/5/6
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
Morning observations (0800-1100) produced 175 Common Scoter, 26 Gannet, 18 Kittiwake, 7 Scaup, 7 Red-throated Diver and single Arctic Skua, Shag, Red-breasted Merganser and Brent Goose.
Diurnal Migration
Two parties of Whooper Swan totalling 24 birds headed south.
Diurnal Migration
Wildfowl included 57 pale-bellied Brent Geese and waders included 1000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow is still in residence.

Cetti's still present

9th October 2020 – sun and showers W4/5/6
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.
Rarities
The Cetti's Warbler continues to call occasionally from the scrape.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0830) revealed 175 Common Scoter, 71 Gannet, 48 Razorbill, 28 Kittiwake, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Sandwich Tern and a Little Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 11 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow continues to linger and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.

Yellow-browed Warbler and Cetti's Warbler still

8th October 2020 – sunny spells NNE2/1
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.
Rarities
After a blank day yesterday a Yellow-browed Warbler was in the observatory garden – perhaps the fifth of the autumn. The Cetti's Warbler continues to call occasionally in the scrape.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0830) revealed 117 Common Scoter, 66 Kittiwake, 26 Razorbill, 22 Gannet and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Otherwise limited to single Chiffchaff and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A few more birds than of late made use of the tranquil conditions through the morning with 420 Skylark, 170 Starling, 155 Pink-footed Goose, 150 Meadow Pipit, 140 Linnet, 27 Swallow, 26 Tree Sparrow, 20 Pied Wagtail, 16 Carrion Crow, 11 Magpie, 10 Whooper Swan, 6 Reed Bunting and single Yellow Wagtail and Great Spotted Woodpecker logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 18 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow continues to linger and 4 Raven were the best of the rest.

Arctic Skua

7th October 2020 – sunny spells WNW4/5
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
Early morning observations (0730-0830) produced 205 Common Scoter, 35 Gannet, 30 Razorbill, 22 Kittiwake, 6 Red-throated Diver and single Arctic Skua, Brent Goose, Whooper Swan and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Just single Redwing and Goldcrest were logged
Diurnal Migration
The only interest was provided by 6 Swallow .
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow is still in residence while 4 Raven were the best of the rest.

Fourth Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn

6th October 2020 – overcast/rain then showers N1 then E2
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.
Rarities
The Yellow-browed Warbler remained in the Observatory Garden and a new bird was in the bracken at Pho Hill. The Cetti's Warbler continued to call occasionally from the scrape early morning.
Offshore
The sea produced just 28 Common Scoter, 7 Shag and 6 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Otherwise limited to 8 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff and a Treecreeper
Diurnal Migration
The skies remained quiet with just 150 Meadow Pipit, 29 Chaffinch, 15 Pied Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail and 4 Lesser Redpoll moving through between the showers.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow is still in residence while 2 Peregrine and single Merlin and Water Rail were the best of the rest.

Another Yellow-browed Warbler

5th October 2020 – bright and sunny/calm then NW2/3
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.
Rarities
At least one Yellow-browed Warbler remained in the Sycamores and Willows at Biggar and a new bird was in the Observatory Garden. The Cetti's Warbler continued to call and showed in flight occasionally.
Offshore
The sea produced just 7 Shag in a single scan.
Grounded Migrants
Additional grounded birds remain scarce with only 3 Song Thrush, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest and a Blackcap logged.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were again relatively quiet with records including 250 Pink-footed Goose, 52 Chaffinch, 40 Skylark, 40 Meadow Pipit, 36 Linnet, 11 Swallow, 5 Tree Sparrow, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Mistle Thrush, 3 Siskin and 3 Grey Wagtail
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 2000 Knot were seen.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow, 2 Merlin and a Water Rail were the best of the rest.

Yellow-browed Warblers double up

4th October 2020 – sunny spells ENE3/4
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.
Rarities
There are now 2 Yellow-browed Warblers was in the Sycamores and Willows at Biggar and the Cetti's Warbler called several times mid-morning to reveal its continued presence.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea revealed a congregation of 14 Shag .
Grounded Migrants
Grounded birds remain scarce with just 6 Coal Tit, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest and single Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackcap and Wheatear logged.
Diurnal Migration
Even the skies were quiet, apart from 300 Meadow Pipit sightings were limited to 19 Skylark, 9 Chaffinch, 7 Pied Wagtail, 3 Swallow and single Grey Wagtail and Siskin
Miscellaneous
Single Water Rail – the first of autumn and Hooded Crow and Merlin were the best of the rest.

Yellow-browed Warbler new in and Cetti's Warbler remains

3rd October 2020 – overcast/calm/rain later
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.
Rarities
A Yellow-browed Warbler was in the Sycamores and Willows at Biggar and the Cetti's Warbler called twice early morning to reveal its continued presence.
Offshore
A check of the calm seas at dawn revealed a post roost gathering of 21 Shag along with 35 Common Scoter, 3 Razorbill and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved the first 11 Redwing of the autumn and 5 Song Thrush. Also seen were 7 Coal Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A brief flurry of activity before the first evidence of rain included 240 Meadow Pipit, 41 Skylark, 25 Tree Sparrow, 23 Chaffinch, 18 Whooper Swan, 18 Carrion Crow, 18 Jackdaw, 15 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Siskin, 3 Reed Bunting and single Great Spotted Woodpecker, Rock Pipit and Grey Wagtail
Miscellaneous
Five Raven and 2 Merlin were the best of the rest.

Coal Tit invasion

2nd October 2020 – sunny spells 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
A single scan of the sea revealed 2 Gannet and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
The Coal Tit invasion continued with an exceptional 100 birds logged, otherwise sightings were limited to 3 Wheatear and single Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were busy once again with totals through the morning including 4000 Meadow Pipit, 630 Linnet, 425 Pink-footed Goose, 175 Chaffinch, 160 Skylark, 45 Goldfinch, 40 Pied Wagtail, 23 Siskin, 16 Swallow, 15 Tree Sparrow, 6 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Grey Wagtail, 3 Whooper Swan and single Buzzard and House Martin
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock increased again holding 169 pale-bellied birds and waders included 10000 Oystercatcher, 2000 Knot and 14 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow and 2 Merlin were the best of the rest.

Ruff double

1st October 2020 – sunny spells NW2/3
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 sea (0730-0830) produced 460 Common Scoter, 36 Gannet, 12 Red-throated Diver, 8 Kittiwake, 6 Razorbill and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
The Coal Tit influx continued with 5 birds logged, otherwise sightings were limited to 2 Goldcrest and single Chiffchaff and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Only small numbers were on the move with 210 Meadow Pipit, 30 Skylark, 30 Chaffinch, 10 Pied Wagtail, 5 Swallow, 4 Grey Wagtail and single Siskin and Lesser Redpoll logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 100 pale-bellied birds and waders included 5000 Oystercatcher, 2000 Knot and 2 Ruff.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin and single Peregrine and Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A few Red Admiral and Small White are still on the wing and a Hummingbird Hawkmoth was seen.