31st May 2021 – warm and sunny SE2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea before the heat haze took over (0630-0730) produced 110 Guillemot, 100 Sandwich Tern, 30 Razorbill, 15 Gannet, 14 Manx Shearwater, 12 Puffin and 2 Black Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck continues in residence.
Miscellaneous
A group of 7 Raven and the Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.
Insects
A Water Stick Insect was the first to be recorded on Walney, however, its status in Cumbria is unclear. The NBN Gateway distribution map records only one previous record from Borrowdale.
Butterflies and Moths
White Ermine, Shoulder-striped Wainscot, Eyed Hawkmoth and Water Carpet were new for the year.
30th May 2021 – warm and sunny/murk/calm
Offshore
A check of the sea before the heat haze took over (0630-0830) produced 370 Sandwich Tern, 115 Common Scoter, 31 Guillemot, 25 Gannet, 3 Little Tern, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Arctic Skua – pale morph and single Red-throated Diver and Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A few Lesser Redpoll continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck continues in residence and a single Whimbrel was logged.
Butterflies and Moths
Dingy Skipper and Burnet Companion are now on the wing.
29th May 2021 – overcast/mist/murk/calm
Offshore
Excepting 500 Common Scoter and 247 Sandwich Tern early morning observations (0630-0730) were quiet with just 4 Gannet and single Arctic Skua – dark morph, Arctic Tern and Kittiwake logged.
Grounded Migrants
Two Chiffchaff were newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
A few Lesser Redpoll and Swallow continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck continues in residence.
Mammals
At least 3 Harbour Porpoise were again offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
Yellow-barred Brindle and Heart and Dart were new for the year.
28th May 2021 – overcast/showers/calm
Offshore
Early morning observations (0600-0800) were highlighted by a Black Tern moving into the bay along with 710 Sandwich Tern, 110 Common Scoter, 44 Gannet, 33 Guillemot, 5 Red-throated Diver, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Common Tern, and single Little Tern, Puffin and Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
A Swift was amongst a further trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck remains in residence.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and a total of 8 Raven were the best of the rest.
Mammals
At least 3 Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
At last the moth trap begins to come to life with 119 moths of 21 species. Totals were dominated by Brown Silver-line and Cinnabar while Purple Bar, Mottled Rustic, Common Wainscot and Silver-ground Carpet were new for the year.
27th May 2021 – bright and sunny/calm
Offshore
Early morning observations over the mouth of the bay (0630-0730) produced 700 Common Scoter, 100 Sandwich Tern, 28 Guillemot, 18 Gannet, 8 Kittiwake, 8 Shag, 6 Arctic Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
Two Blackcap and 2 Wheatear provided evidence of further new arrivals.
Diurnal Migration
A Tree Sparrow was amongst a further trickle of House Martin and Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck remains in residence and waders included 7 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Mammals
Three Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
Dragonflies
The first dragonflies have finally emerged with Four-spotted Chaser, Large Red Damselfly and Common Blue Damselfly all seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Small Heath are now on the wing while Green Carpet, Flame Shoulder, Small square-spot and Dusky Brocade were also new for the year.
26th May 2021 – overcast/showers then sunny spells NW3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0600-0800) produced 255 Sandwich Tern, 74 Guillemot, 45 Common Scoter, 30 Gannet, 14 Kittiwake, 5 Puffin, 4 Arctic Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was the first evidence of any newly grounded birds for several days.
Diurnal Migration
House Martin and Swallow continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck remains in residence and waders included 230 Sanderling and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine and a family group of Raven were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
Silver Y, Treble Lines and Clouded-bordered Brindle were new for the year.
25th May 2021 – overcast/showers then sunny spells WNW5/6
Offshore
The weather conditions were only really conducive to an extended seawatch and observations through the morning (0630-1230) produced 1000 Guillemot, 495 Sandwich Tern, 352 Manx Shearwater, 167 Gannet, 152 Kittiwake, 48 Common Scoter, 46 Razorbill, 12 Arctic Tern, 10 Fulmar, 8 Red-throated Diver, 7 Arctic Skua and a single Puffin.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Whimbrel was the only other bird of note logged.
24th May 2021 – overcast/showers then sunny spells W2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0630-0830) produced 385 Guillemot, 240 Sandwich Tern, 160 Kittiwake, 70 Gannet, 33 Common Scoter, 28 Razorbill, 24 Manx Shearwater, 2 Puffin, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
House Martin and Swallow continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Long-tailed Duck was newly arrived and waders included 200 Sanderling and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine and a family group of Raven were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
Angle Shades, Brimstone, Rustic-shoulder Knot and Spectacle were new for the year.
23rd May 2021 – overcast/showers/rain later S3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0615-0915) were highlighted by 5 Arctic Skua and 9 Puffin. Additional sightings included: 610 Guillemot, 260 Sandwich Tern, 148 Gannet, 63 Kittiwake, 36 Common Scoter, 30 Razorbill, 24 Manx Shearwater, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Little Tern and a Fulmar.
22nd May 2021 – early rain clearing to sunny spells NNW2
Offshore
Early morning observations as the rain began to clear (0630-0830) were highlighted by two Pomarine Skua heading out of Morecambe Bay. Additional sightings included: 235 Sandwich Tern, 93 Gannet, 90 Guillemot, 55 Kittiwake, 23 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Arctic Skua, Arctic Tern and Fulmar.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues in residence.
21st May 2021 – overcast/rain/mist/murk V1/2
Offshore
Observations over the mouth of the bay during a drier interlude (0900-1000) produced 1700 Common Scoter, 50 Sandwich Tern, 39 Kittiwake, 23 Gannet, 7 Arctic Tern, 6 Shag, 5 Guillemot, 3 Manx Shearwater, 2 Little Tern and single Red-throated Diver and Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 15 Swift flew through.
20th May 2021 – overcast/rain soon ESE3/4/5
Offshore
The early morning check of the sea on the falling tide (0600-0800) produced a pale morph Pomarine Skua heading out of the bay at 0630hrs along with 200 Sandwich Tern, 125 Guillemot, 70 Gannet, 32 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Manx Shearwater and single Arctic Skua, Puffin, Arctic Tern and Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Pink-footed Goose was logged along with 600 Dunlin, 120 Ringed Plover and 100 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
19th May 2021 – bright and sunny WNW2/3
Offshore
The early morning check of the sea on the falling tide (0600-0800) produced 194 Guillemot, 104 Sandwich Tern, 55 Gannet, 40 Common Scoter, 39 Kittiwake, 17 Puffin, 16 Razorbill, 7 Arctic Tern, 5 Red-throated Diver, 2 Little Tern and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 5 Wheatear and single Spotted Flycatcher, Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Six Lesser Redpoll and single Siskin and House Martin were amongst the few Swallow that continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Whimbrel were logged.
18th May 2021 – bright and sunny W2
Rarities
A Great White Egret roosted on the saltmarsh at Scar End Point over the evening tide.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea on the falling tide (0600-0800) produced 310 Guillemot, 167 Gannet, 58 Sandwich Tern, 42 Common Scoter, 38 Kittiwake, 32 Razorbill, 10 Manx Shearwater, 3 Puffin, 2 Little Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Wheatear, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow trickled through.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another performance.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Wall Brown and Common Blue are now on the wing.
17th May 2021 – early rain clearing to sunny spells/calm then WNW3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea as the rain cleared (0600-0800) produced 250 Guillemot, 212 Sandwich Tern, 148 Gannet, 57 Common Scoter, 35 Kittiwake, 8 Razorbill, 6 Shag, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Puffin, 2 Little Tern and 2 Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Two Spotted Flycatcher were newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
Three Siskin, two Lesser Redpoll and a Swift moved through.
Miscellaneous
After several days “absence” the Hooded Crow put in another performance.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Large White are now on the wing.
16th May 2021 – early rain clearing SE2
Offshore
A check of the sea as the rain cleared (0645-0845) produced 2 dark morph Arctic Skua along with 433 Sandwich Tern, 93 Gannet, 73 Common Scoter, 51 Guillemot, 35 Kittiwake, 3 Arctic Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A single Spotted Flycatcher was amongst 12 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Two Lesser Redpoll and a House Martin moved through.
Breeding Birds
Water Rail continue to hold territory in suitable breeding habitat.
15th May 2021 – overcast/rain soon then showers E2
Offshore
An even quieter day over the sea with early morning observations before the rain arrived (0600-0800) providing 263 Sandwich Tern, 116 Common Scoter, 62 Guillemot, 21 Gannet, 8 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver and single Puffin and Little Tern.
14th May 2021 – overcast/brighter later E2/3
Offshore
Another quiet day over the sea with early morning observations (0630-0800) providing 254 Sandwich Tern, 76 Common Scoter, 60 Gannet, 48 Guillemot, 10 Kittiwake, 3 Puffin, 2 Little Tern and single Arctic Tern and Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Reduced to 5 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 200 Pink-footed Geese headed north early morning and additional sightings included 10 Lesser Redpoll and a Barnacle Goose.
Breeding Birds
Lesser Whitethroat and Reed Warbler are now thinly distributed at breeding sites across the island.
13th May 2021 – bright and sunny/calm, overcast later
Offshore
A quieter day over the sea with early morning observations (0600-0800) providing 354 Sandwich Tern, 278 Common Scoter, 76 Gannet, 26 Guillemot, 6 Little Tern, 5 Red-throated Diver, 4 Kittiwake and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Reduced to 3 Wheatear and a Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 360 Pink-footed Geese headed north in 2 skeins early morning and additional sightings included 20 Swallow, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Lesser Redpoll and a Yellow Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Four dark-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Butterflies and moths
A Small Copper was new for the year.
12th May 2021 – hazy sun/murky/showers later SE2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0600-0800) produced 1220 Common Scoter, 260 Sandwich Tern, 75 Gannet, 54 Guillemot, 11 Red-throated Diver, 9 Kittiwake, 7 Pomarine Skua – into Morecambe Bay at 0640hrs, 4 Velvet Scoter – 2 males and 2 females, 4 Little Tern, 4 Arctic Tern and 2 Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A bit more variety than of late with 12 Wheatear, 6 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler and 2 Spotted Flycatcher newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
Two Lesser Redpoll were among a light Swallow passage.
Wildfowl and Waders
A female Goosander was logged and waders included 38 Whimbrel and a Greenshank.
Breeding Birds
Sedge Warbler are now well-established in suitable habitat across the island.
11th May 2021 – Bright and sunny/showers later SE3/4
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
Early morning observations (0600-0800) produced 410 Common Scoter, 325 Guillemot, 104 Sandwich Tern, 94 Gannet, 18 Razorbill, 18 Kittiwake, 16 Red-throated Diver, 11 Manx Shearwater, 10 Little Tern, 3 Arctic Tern and 2 Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo was the first of the year and additional sightings included two Whinchat amongst 21 Wheatear and a Reed Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Four House Martin were among a light Swallow passage.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A late Merlin was logged and the the long-staying Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Breeding Birds
Grasshopper Warbler continue to show in suitable habitat.
10th May 2021 – Overcast/showers SE3/4
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
Early morning observations (0600-0800) produced 320 Common Scoter, 126 Guillemot, 80 Sandwich Tern, 73 Gannet, 10 Razorbill, 7 Red-throated Diver, 7 Arctic Tern and single Great Northern Diver, Arctic Skua and Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Two Whinchat were amongst 21 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A House Martin was amongst a total of 50 Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Passage wader numbers were impressive and included: 3360 Dunlin, 3000 Knot, 1080 Sanderling, 805 Ringed Plover, 64 Whimbrel and single Curlew Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow is still in residence.
9th May 2021 – Overcast SSE1/3
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
Early morning observations (0600-0800) produced 218 Sandwich Tern, 167 Guillemot, 118 Common Scoter, 59 Gannet, 24 Red-throated Diver, 11 Kittiwake, 5 Little Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 2 Puffin and a Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Three Blackcap and a Pied Flycatcher were amongst 24 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 40 Swallow was the largest movement so far this spring.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 370 Ringed Plover, 12 Whimbrel and single Curlew Sandpiper and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Mammals
A pod of 6 Bottle-nosed Dolphins were offshore late morning.
Butterflies and Moths
The warmest night of the year so far produced 47 moths of 15 species with Flame Shoulder, Flame Carpet and Lime-speck Pug new for the year.
8th May 2021 – rain E5/6/7, brighter later SSE3
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
Early morning observations in increasingly heavy rain (0545-0645) produced 112 Sandwich Tern, 28 Gannet, 18 Common Scoter, 5 Guillemot, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Manx Shearwater. Later observations as conditions eased and the rain abated (1400-1600) added 415 Sandwich Tern, 78 Guillemot, 58 Gannet, 11 Common Scoter, 8 Kittiwake, 7 Red-throated Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 2 Arctic Tern and single Little Tern, Great Skua and Arctic Skua.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift were the first of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow is still in residence.
7th May 2021 – sunny spells WNW2/3
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
Early morning observations on the rising tide (0600-0800) provided 300 Guillemot, 170 Gannet, 136 Sandwich Tern, 70 Common Scoter, 46 Kittiwake, 27 Razorbill, 5 Red-throated Diver, 5 Manx Shearwater, 4 Puffin, 2 Little Tern and a Tufted Duck.
Grounded Migrants
Two Whinchat were amongst 54 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included: 58 Whimbrel, 21 Golden Plover, 3 Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow is still in residence.
6th May 2021 – bright and calm/showers NW4/5/6 later
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
Early morning observations on the rising tide (0600-0800) provided 290 Guillemot, 240 Sandwich Tern, 46 Common Scoter, 19 Red-throated Diver, 14 Razorbill, 12 Kittiwake, 3 Puffin and a Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 22 Wheatear, 4 Willow Warbler and single Blackcap and Spotted Flycatcher.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included: 25 Whimbrel, 12 Golden Plover and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow is still in residence and a Merlin was the best of the rest.
5th May 2021 – bright and sunny NW2
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
Early morning observations in more benign conditions compared to yesterday (0600-0800) provided 210 Gannet, 94 Common Scoter, 72 Guillemot, 69 Sandwich Tern, 38 Kittiwake, 14 Razorbill, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Little Tern and single Arctic Skua and Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 33 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included: 11 Whimbrel, 10 Golden Plover and 2 Greenshank.
Breeding Birds
A Water Rail continues to linger in suitable breeding habitat.
Butterflies and Moths
Shuttle-shaped Dart and Dog’s Tooth were new for the year.
4th May 2021 – overcast/rain NW6/7/8
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
Early morning observations in driving rain and strong NW winds gusting to 47mph (0600-0800) were predictably poor with just 102 Common Scoter, 11 Gannet, 5 Guillemot, 4 Sandwich Tern and single Arctic Skua, Red-throated Diver, Manx Shearwater and Fulmar logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included: 10,000 Dunlin.
Miscellaneous
At least one Hooded Crow remains.
3rd May 2021 – overcast/rain soon SSE2/3/4
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
Early morning observations on the falling tide (0600-0700) produced all four British breeding auks with 70 Guillemot, 11 Razorbill, 7 Puffin and a Black Guillemot logged. Also seen were 150 Sandwich Tern, 92 Common Scoter, 19 Gannet, 10 Red-throated Diver, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Gadwall and single Sag and Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst a handful of Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow flew through ahead of the rain.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included: 20,000 Knot, 21 Golden Plover and 4 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
At least one Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
Garden Carpet was new for the year.
2nd May 2021 – sun and showers V1/2
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
Early morning sightings (0600-0700 & 0800-0900) included: 721 Common Scoter, 200 Sandwich Tern, 40 Guillemot, 28 Gannet, 20 Red-throated Diver, 12 Puffin, 9 Razorbill, 8 Kittiwake, 4 Little Tern, 2 Manx Shearwater 2 Arctic Skua and 2 Common Tern – the latter the first of the year.
Grounded Migrants
A few migrants were on the move with 28 Wheatear, 4 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler and the first Spotted Flycatcher of the year logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Yellow Wagtail flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included: 10,000 Knot, 58 Golden Plover, 17 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper – the latter also the first of the year.
Miscellaneous
Two Hooded Crow were again seen.
1st May 2021 – sun and showers/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
Early morning sightings (0630-0800) included: 170 Sandwich Tern, 88 Common Scoter, 30 Gannet, 12 Red-throated Diver, 8 Kittiwake, 6 Guillemot, 4 Puffin, 4 Arctic Tern and 3 Bar-headed Goose!
Grounded Migrants
Three Whinchat were amongst 46 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 140 Pink-footed Goose flew north early morning along with 44 Swallow, 4 Siskin, 3 House Martin, 2 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Rook.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included: 37 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Two Hooded Crow were seen.
Breeding Birds
Eight species of warbler are now settled into breeding habitat at the north end of the island. Counts of territorial males involved 35 Willow Warbler, 25 Whitethroat, 25 Sedge Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Grasshopper Warbler and a Reed Warbler.
