Velvet Scoter

30th June 2021 – hazy/sunny spells/calm then SE1/2
Offshore
Although a drake Velvet Scoter was amongst 40 Common Scoter observations over the sea (0615-0815) were slow with additional sightings limited to 200 Manx Shearwater, 32 Sandwich Tern, 12 Gannet, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a Kittiwake.
Breeding Birds
For the first time in many years there is no evidence that House Martins are breeding on the island this year, in addition, Swallow numbers are down with many traditional nesting sites unoccupied.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap produced 261moths of 66 species with Mottled Beauty the dominant species while Barred Straw, Small Fan-foot, Common Footman, Small Angle Shades, Antler Moth and Small Dusty Wave (see below) all new for the year.
Dragonflies
Good numbers of Emperor Dragonfly are now on the wing.

Summer doldrums continue

29th June 2021 – hazy/sunny spells/calm then W1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed just 75 Common Scoter, 24 Sandwich Tern, 9 Gannet, 6 Manx Shearwater, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Guillemot, 3 Kittiwake and 3 Arctic Tern.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 3 Swift moved through.
Breeding Birds
A family party of Jay were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The number of Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet on the wing have increased.

Summer doldrums set in

28th June 2021 – warm and sunny/calm then V1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed just 126 Manx Shearwater, 100 Sandwich Tern, 39 Common Scoter, 7 Gannet and a Puffin.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 10 Sand Martin moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Greenshank was the best of the waders.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap produced 295 moths of 54 species with Cinnabar the dominant species with 107 individuals, White-line Dart and Shore Wainscot were new for the year. The afternoon sunshine brought out the insects, day flying moths included Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet and Six-spot Burnet with 10 Small Skipper and single Painted Lady and Ringlet also seen – the latter the first of the year.

Just a few more seabirds

27th June 2021 – sunny spells NE1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0900) revealed just 135 Sandwich Tern, 124 Common Scoter, 25 Manx Shearwater, 5 Gannet, 2 Puffin, 2 Razorbill and single Shag and Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 9 Sand Martin and 3 Swift moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders continue to return with 18 Black-tailed Godwit logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap produced 192 moths of 50 species with Flame the dominant species. In addition, Obscure Wainscot (see below), White Satin and Burnished Brass were new for the year while immigrants were limited to a single Silver Y.

Just a few seabirds

26th June 2021 – overcast/calm
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0615-0915) revealed just 300 Sandwich Tern, 228 Manx Shearwater, 88 Common Scoter, 26 Gannet, 7 Guillemot and single Little Tern and Arctic Tern.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Meadow Brown are now on the wing.

Waders continue to return

25th June 2021 – overcast/rain NE3
Offshore
A check of the sea during a drier interlude (1030-1130) produced 101 Manx Shearwater, 68 Sandwich Tern, 18 Gannet, 6 Common Scoter, 2 Little Tern and 2 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A single Willow Warbler was presumably southbound.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders continue to return with 480 Oystercatcher, 11 Dunlin, 5 Grey Plover and single Greenshank and Whimbrel logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap produced 144 moths of 44 species with Heart and Dart the dominant species. In addition, Satin Wave and Garden Tiger were new for the year while immigrants were limited to 2 Silver Y.

Arctic Skua

24th June 2021 – overcast/fog/murk/calm
Offshore
A check of the sea as the visibility began to improve (0730-0930) produced 570 Common Scoter, 570 Manx Shearwater, 100 Sandwich Tern, 25 Gannet, 9 Common Tern, 5 Shag and single Artic Skua, Fulmar, Kittiwake and Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Turnstone.

Common Scoter on the move

23rd June 2021 – overcast/murk/rain at times/calm
Offshore
Common Scoter dominated sightings early morning (0600-0800) with 375 birds logged. Also seen were 80 Sandwich Tern, 43 Manx Shearwater, 22 Gannet, 8 Guillemot, 3 Puffin and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders continue to return with 290 Curlew, 20 Redshank and 16 Grey Plover logged.
Breeding Birds
Four broods of Shelduckings totalling 28 chicks were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap produced 202 moths of 53 species with Mottled Rustic the dominant species. In addition, Mottled Beauty was new for the year
Miscellaneous
Sea Holly is now to be found across the island.

Manx Shearwaters and Puffins

22nd June 2021 – sunny spells/calm
Offshore
Manx Shearwater continue to dominate sightings early morning (0600-0800) with 310 birds logged. The supporting cast provided some variety with 160 Sandwich Tern, 37 Gannet, 30 Common Scoter, 23 Guillemot, 11 Puffin, 2 Arctic Tern, 2 Kittiwake and a Fulmar also seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders are already beginning to return with 32 Turnstone logged.
Butterflies and Moths
Migrant butterflies involved 7 Red Admiral and 4 Painted Ladies.

Manx Shearwaters continue to dominate

21st June 2021 – overcast E1/2
Offshore
Manx Shearwater continue to dominate sightings early morning (0630-0830) with 345 birds logged. Also seen were 75 Sandwich Tern, 70 Common Scoter, 65 Gannet, 15 Guillemot and a Puffin.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 9 Sand Martin flew through.
Breeding Birds
The single Teal chick continues to suvive.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 176 moths of 51 species were attracted overnight with Cinnabar the dominant species while Crescent Striped, Riband Wave and Clay were new for the year.

Mediterranean Gull

20th June 2021 – sunny spells E2
Offshore
Early morning Manx Shearwater feeding movements continue (0600-0800) with 765 birds logged. Also seen were 95 Sandwich Tern, 75 Common Scoter, 33 Gannet, 8 Guillemot and single second-summer Mediterranean Gull and Arctic Tern
Diurnal Migration
A single Swift flew through.
Breeding Birds
A pair of Coal Tit have bred, not an annual occurrence on the island.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 146 moths of 45 species were attracted overnight with Large Yellow Underwing the dominant species while Snout, Shaded Pug, Silky Wainscot and Single-dotted Wave were new for the year.
Miscellaneous
Bloody Cranesbill is currently blooming profusely on the island, amongst which a few examples of the “Walney Geranium” can still be found.

Arctic Skua

19th June 2021 – overcast SE2/3
Offshore
Early morning Manx Shearwater feeding movements continue (0630-0830) with 222 birds logged. Also seen were 155 Common Scoter, 71 Sandwich Tern, 47 Gannet, 38 Guillemot, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and single Arctic Skua and Puffin
Butterflies and Moths
A few Large Skipper were again on the wing.

Manx Shearwater feeding movements continue

18th June 2021 – bright and sunny NW3
Offshore
Early morning Manx Shearwater feeding movements continues (0600-0800) with 460 birds logged. Also seen were 135 Common Scoter, 73 Sandwich Tern, 46 Guillemot, 23 Gannet, 6 Razorbill and 2 Puffin
Grounded Migrants
Single Blackcap and Willow Warbler were new in.
Diurnal Migration
A single Swift flew through.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 222 moths of 50 species were attracted overnight with Heart and Dart and Light Brown Apple Moth the dominant species while Brown China Mark, Green Carpet and Straw Dot were new for the year.

Record breaking Puffins

17th June 2021 – sunny spells W2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0630-0800) produced 255 Common Scoter, 75 Sandwich Tern, 60 Gannet, 37 Manx Shearwater, 23 Guillemot and 3 Puffin. It has been another remarkable year for Puffin sightings with the 209 birds logged since April already eclipsing the then record 208 birds seen in 2019 with sightings likely to continue for another four weeks.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 15 Sanderling.
Breeding Birds
There is no evidence to suggest that either Barn Owl or Little Owl are breeding on the island this year with traditional breeding haunts unoccupied.
Mammals
At least 6 Bottled-nosed Dolphins were offshore early morning.
Dragonflies
The first Black-tailed Skimmer are now on the wing.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Large Skippers are now on the wing.

Gadwall surprise

16th June 2021 – overcast then murk/mizzle S2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0615-0815) produced 605 Manx Shearwater, 130 Sandwich Tern, 32 Gannet, 22 Guillemot, 6 Common Scoter, 5 Gadwall, 4 Puffin, 4 Razorbill, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Arctic Tern and single Common Tern, Kittiwake and Red-breasted Merganser.
Breeding Birds
The first Tufted Duck ducklings have now emerged.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 305 moths of 54 species with True lover’s Knot, Ingrailed Clay, Common White Plume and Rusty Dot Pearl all new for the year.

Teal confirmed breeding

15th June 2021 – sunny spells/calm
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0530-0730) revealed 755 Manx Shearwater, 265 Common Scoter, 205 Sandwich Tern, 57 Gannet, 5 Puffin, 2 Kittiwake and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A Lesser Redpoll and 2 Stock Dove were logged.
Breeding Birds
A female Teal was seen escorting a single chick.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 267 moths of 54 species with Heart and Dart the dominant species and Buff Ermine, Sandy Carpet, Wormwood Pug, Thistle Ermine and Large Groundling new for the year – the latter would also appear to be the first for the island.

Pintail surprise

14th June 2021 – overcast/mizzle then sunny spells WNW3/4
Offshore
A quiet morning over the sea (0700-0800) with just 120 Sandwich Tern, 94 Common Scoter, 40 Gannet, 15 Manx Shearwater, 14 Guillemot and 2 Puffin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A moulting drake Pintail was a surprise.
Dragonflies
The first Emperor Dragonfly are now on the wing.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 328 moths of 58 species with Cinnabar and Large Yellow Underwing the dominant species and Middle-barred Minor, Broom Moth, Poplar Grey Garden Pebble and Elephant Hawkmoth new for the year.

Mediterranean Gull

13th June 2021 – overcast/murk/mizzle SSW1/2
Offshore
Morning observations (0700-0800) provided 210 Sandwich Tern, 60 Manx Shearwater, 50 Common Scoter, 34 Gannet, 11 Guillemot, 5 Puffin, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Arctic Tern and single Mediterranean Gull, Fulmar and Great Crested Grebe.
Miscellaneous
The wetter areas of the island still support Round-leaved Sundew.

Manx Shearwater dominate seawatch

12th June 2021 – sunny spells then sunny WNW3/4
Offshore
Morning observations (0600-1000) were dominated by Manx Shearwater with 1630 birds logged. Also seen were 365 Sandwich Tern, 200 Guillemot, 134 Gannet, 96 Common Scoter, 11 Puffin, 11 Razorbill, 6 Kittiwake, 2 Fulmar, 2 Little Tern and single Long-tailed Duck and Arctic Skua.
Breeding Birds
At least one pair of Jay are now feeding young.
Miscellaneous
Bee Orchids are now in flower.

Arctic Skua

11th June 2021 – overcast/murk/drizzle at times SW4/5
Offshore
Morning observations (0615-0815) provided 200 Sandwich Tern, 186 Manx Shearwater, 147 Gannet, 134 Guillemot, 28 Kittiwake, 22 Common Scoter and single Arctic Skua and Little Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck remains in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 197 moths of 46 species on a windy night with Heart and Dart the dominant species while Gold Spot and Lesser Yellow Underwing were new for the year.

Another quiet day!

10th June 2021 – overcast S2
Offshore
Morning observations (0615-0815) provided 140 Sandwich Tern, 60 Manx Shearwater, 56 Guillemot, 52 Gannet, 37 Kittiwake, 11 Razorbill, 4 Common Scoter and a Puffin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck remains in residence and a Greenshank was again the pick of the waders.

Wot no Puffins!

9th June 2021 – overcast S1/2
Offshore
Morning observations (0600-0800) provided 330 Manx Shearwater, 300 Sandwich Tern, 38 Gannet, 37 Common Scoter, 34 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill and 4 Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck remains in residence and a Greenshank was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The tribe of 11 Raven are still in residence – now raiding the island’s refuse bins.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 325 moths of 49 species with Cinnabar and Treble Lines remaining the top species while Common Marbled Carpet, Nutmeg, Cabbage, Pale-shouldered Brocade, Small Magpie and Archer’s Dart were all new for the year.

Manx Shearwaters on the move

8th June 2021 – overcast SW2/3
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide (0600-0800) revealed 760 Manx Shearwater, 270 Sandwich Tern, 137 Common Scoter, 100 Guillemot, 60 Gannet, 23 Razorbill, 5 Kittiwake, 2 Puffin, 2 Shag, 2 Arctic Tern and a Little Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck remains in residence and a dark-bellied Brent Goose was unusual at this time of the year. Waders included 1110 Oystercatcher, 150 Sanderling, 2 Whimbrel and a Greenshank.
Breeding Birds
Sedge Warbler are the dominant warbler species on the island.
Butterflies and Moths
Another Painted Lady was logged.

Puffins continue to perform

7th June 2021 – overcast/calm
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide (0600-0800) provided 230 Sandwich Tern, 223 Common Scoter, 142 Manx Shearwater, 87 Gannet, 5 Puffin – remarkably the only auks seen, and 2 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
The Cuckoo remains much to the chagrin of the local Meadow Pipit and Sedge Warbler populations.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck remains in residence.
Breeding Birds
The first Shelducklings and Eiderlings have now recently emerged.
Butterflies and Moths
A Painted Lady was logged and 281 moths of 38 species were attracted to the light overnight – Cinnabar again dominated with 122 individuals while Hoary Plume and Dusky Brocade were new for the year.

Pomarine Skuas

6th June 2021 – bright and sunny NW2/3
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide (0645-0845) were highlighted by 4 Pomarine Skua which circled up and headed into Morecambe Bay at 0700hrs. Also seen were 222 Sandwich Tern, 209 Manx Shearwater, 125 Common Scoter, 78 Guillemot, 37 Gannet, 16 Puffin, 6 Kittiwake and single Fulmar, Arctic Tern and Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
The Cuckoo remains to the annoyance of the breeding Meadow Pipit and Sedge Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swift and Swallow continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck remains in residence.
Butterflies and Moths
A Red Admiral was logged and 323 moths of 39 species were attracted to the light overnight – Cinnabar and Treble Lines dominated with Garden Carpet, Marbled Coronet, Flame and Least Black Arches new for the year.

Puffins galore

5th June 2021 – bright and sunny/calm
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0530-0730) produced 470 Common Scoter, 367 Sandwich Tern, 132 Guillemot, 115 Manx Shearwater, 60 Gannet, 25 Puffin, 21 Razorbill, 5 Kittiwake, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Fulmar.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
Burnet Companion, Dingy Skipper and Small Skipper were all active in the sunshine with the latter the first of the year.

Cuckoo drops in

4th June 2021 – bright and sunny SW2
Offshore
A very early morning check of the sea (0530-0730) revealed 300 Sandwich Tern, 240 Guillemot, 103 Gannet, 48 Razorbill, 44 Manx Shearwater, 16 Common Scoter, 14 Kittiwake, 6 Puffin, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Arctic Tern and a Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo dropped in – perhaps the first sign of return migration.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 115 Canada Geese were logged and 2 Whimbrel were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Butterflies and Moths
Migrant butterflies involved 3 Red Admiral and a Painted Lady.

Its oh so quiet

3rd June 2021 – overcast/showers/murky E3 then WNW2
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0630-0730) produced just 100 Sandwich Tern, 25 Manx Shearwater, 24 Gannet, 16 Guillemot, 11 Common Scoter, 6 Kittiwake and 2 Puffin.
Dragonflies
The warm weather over the last few days has seen more dragonflies emerge, of which, Common Blue Damselfly is the most prominent.
Butterflies and Moths
Dark Brocade, Knot Grass, Large Yellow Underwing and Small Elephant Hawkmoth were new for the year.

Long-tailed Duck still in residence

2nd June 2021 – warm and sunny E4/5/6
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0630-0730) produced just 34 Gannet, 30 Sandwich Tern, 26 Guillemot, 18 Manx Shearwater, 11 Razorbill, 3 Shag and 2 Puffin.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 5 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck is still in residence.
Miscellaneous
A group of 7 Raven were logged.
Butterflies and Moths
Swallow Prominent and Poplar Hawkmoth were new for the year.

Glossy Ibis finally added to island list

1st June 2021 – warm and sunny ESE2/3
Rarities
An adult Glossy Ibis was on the Gate Pool at South Walney early morning before appearing to fly east. However, it then put in another brief appearance late morning in the Central Marsh before again flying off.
Offshore
The sea continues to provide interest, an early morning check before the heat haze took over (0630-0730) produced 100 Sandwich Tern, 43 Manx Shearwater, 43 Guillemot, 15 Common Scoter, 11 Razorbill, 10 Gannet, 6 Puffin and 2 Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Two Stock Dove were newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds continue to move through with 2 Swift and a House Martin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Long-tailed Duck is still in residence and waders included 2 Greenshank and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A total of 11 Raven were logged – involving at least two family groups.
Butterflies and Moths
Chinese Character and Lychnis were new for the year.