2nd January 2021 – bright and frosty N1
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea produced small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, Razorbill, Shag and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Four Redwing were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Some evidence of cold weather movement with 120 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Barnacle Goose, 7 Whooper Swan and a Buzzard recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 redhead Goosander remain and waders included 17 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
With the traditional CBC Winter Bird Race cancelled in 2021 due to the ongoing covid-19 lockdown restrictions a socially distanced Bird Race was suggested as a substitute with a set of rules aimed at practising social distancing and limiting travel to the observers local area. Two members of Walney BO were up for the challenge and on 2nd January 2021 both set out to independently scour Walney Island for as many species as possible. Colin Raven selected a route that involved a leisurely stroll around the centre of the island whilst Chris Turner decided on a more adventurous cycle route that also encompassed the nature reserves situated at both ends of the island. Remarkably despite the different modes of transport and routes both amassed 80 species in the day and a total of 92 species were recorded. Additional highlights to those above included: Merlin, Peregrine, Little Owl, Water Rail, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Treecreeper, Goldcrest and Siskin.
