18th April 2021 – hazy sun/calm
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is open though the hides and visitor centre remain closed to comply with social distancing measures, please remember the rule of six.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) produced 155 Common Scoter, 81 Razorbill, 50 Gannet, 32 Red-throated Diver, 20 Sandwich Tern, 8 Guillemot, 2 Puffin and single Manx Shearwater and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Just 7 Wheatear, 7 Willow Warbler, 3 White Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaff and single Blackcap, Sedge Warbler and Goldcrest were considered newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move with 24 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Lesser Redpoll, 6 Whooper Swan and single Siskin and Tree Pipit logged – the latter the first of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
A few Teal and Wigeon remain and waders included 600 Golden Plover, 120 Turnstone, 11 Whimbrel and single Green Sandpiper and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A group of 25 Twite, 2 Peregrine and the long-staying Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.
Mammals
Three Harbour Porpoise and single Grey Squirrel and Otter were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
Shoulder-stripe and Hebrew Character were new for the year.
