More seawatching!

30th September 2021 – overcast/murk/rain then frequent showers SW4/5/6
Offshore
Another excruciating morning spent looking over the sea. Morning observations as the rain cleared to showers (1030-1230) produced just 23 Common Scoter, 14 Pintail, 5 Red-throated Diver and 4 Gannet.

A spot of seawatching!

29th September 2021 – overcast/frequent showers WNW4/5/6
Offshore
It can be a frustrating time looking over the sea in the windy conditions that often dominate at this time of the year, and so it proved today. Early morning observations (0730-1030) produced just 500 Common Scoter, 23 Red-throated Diver, 10 Razorbill, 10 Gannet, 3 Brent Goose and single Great Skua and Mediterranean Gull.

New Ringing Cabin

27th September 2021 – heavy rain W2/3
Miscellaneous
After the welcome news earlier in the year of a successful grant application from the British Birds Charitable Trust. The first phase of the replacement of the observarory ringing cabin has now been completed. After c200 manhours the cabin has now been erected and weatherproofed. Phase 2 which will involve the installation of services and the internal fitting out will begin later in the year once autumn migration is completed. Thanks to all who helped in the first Phase.

First Whooper Swans of the autumn

26th September 2021 – overcast/murky/rain clearing S2
Notice
Please note, after investigation, the report of a Blue-winged Teal received from an external source is now considered to be erroneous.
Offshore
A couple of Shag were the only interest in the early morning checks over the sea.
Diurnal Migration
A flurry of activity which produced 410 Meadow Pipit, 73 Pied Wagtail, 11 Grey Wagtail, 11 Chaffinch, 7 Reed Bunting and 5 Pink-footed Geese was quickly subdued by the rain moving in.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 2 Whooper Swan of the autumn were recorded.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.

Brent Goose numbers continue to build

25th September 2021 – overcast/murky/drizzle at times/calm
Offshore
The early morning checks over the sea (0700-0800) produced just 19 Common Scoter, 8 Shag, 5 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds on offer with 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat and single Goldcrest, Blackcap and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Passage continues to stall with only 270 Meadow Pipit, 60 Skylark, 45 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Swallow, 23 Grey Wagtail, 21 Pied Wagtail, 8 Reed Bunting, 8 Chaffinch, 6 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin and a Sand Martin moving in the calm conditions.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock continues to build with 142 pale-bellied birds recorded.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Mammals
Two Otter and 2 Harbour Porpoise were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
A few Red Admiral are still on the wing and the moth trap provided 23 moths of 14 species with Ashy Button new for the year.

Just a few seabirds

24th September 2021 – overcast/drizzle at times SW 3/4
Offshore
The early morning checks over the sea (0730-0930) produced 260 Common Scoter, 65 Gannet, 36 Red-throated Diver, 6 Razorbill, 2 Arctic Tern, 2 Guillemot and a Great Crested Grebe.

Brent Goose numbers begin to build

23rd September 2021 – overcast WNW3/4
Offshore
The early morning checks over the sea (0730-0930) produced 770 Common Scoter, 54 Gannet, 42 Red-throated Diver, 15 Razorbill, 6 Shag, 5 Guillemot, 3 Kittiwake and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Again very little on offer in the conditions with just 2 Chiffchaff logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock continues to build with 111 pale-bellied birds recorded. Additional sightings included 500 Sanderling and 34 Pintail.
Miscellaneous
The Kingfisher is still in residence along with the adult Mediterranean Gull.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Great Black-backed Gull marked as a pullus at South Walney earlier in the year was seen at Sandside on the Kent Estuary on 22nd September 2021.

Kingfisher and Hooded Crow

22nd September 2021 – sunny spells W3
Offshore
The early morning checks over the sea (0730-0930) produced 460 Common Scoter, 88 Gannet, 26 Kittiwake, 18 Red-throated Diver, 9 Razorbill, 4 Manx Shearwater and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Again very little on offer with just 2 Blue Tit logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit
Miscellaneous
The Kingfisher is still in residence along with the long-staying Hooded Crow.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Cormorant had been marked at Hale Duck Decoy, Cheshire on 26th May 2021.

Kingfisher still in residence

21st September 2021 – overcast WNW2
Offshore
An early morning check over the sea (0715-0815) produced 340 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver, 9 Gannet, 5 Shag and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Again very little on offer with just 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Wheatear logged.
Diurnal Migration
Generally quiet with just 550 Meadow Pipit, 37 Pied Wagtail, 12 Skylark, 11 Grey Wagtail, 6 Swallow and 3 Reed Bunting recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Brent Geese continue to arrive with 68 pale-bellied birds seen. Additional wildfowl included 1160 Wigeon, 25 Pintail and 5 Shoveler while 5 Black-tailed Godwit were the best of the waders
Miscellaneous
The Kingfisher is still in residence and an adult Mediterranean Gull was recorded.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 22 moths of 13 species with Red-line Quaker new for the year.

Hooded Crow still in residence

20th September 2021 – bright and sunny ESE1
Grounded Migrants
Again little on offer with just 2 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat and single Chiffchaff and Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
A bit of variety today with 500 Meadow Pipit, 120 Pink-footed Geese, 60 Swallow, 34 Skylark, 32 Chaffinch, 24 Grey Wagtail, 20 Linnet, 10 Jackdaw, 8 Pied Wagtail, 3 House Martin, 2 Sand Martin and single Siskin and Lesser Redpoll logged .
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 9 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow was the best of the rest.
Mammals
Two Otter were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 51 moths of 23 species with the Vapourer new for the year.

The first Brent Geese have returned

19th September 2021 – overcast/rain at times/SW2
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced 575 Common Scoter, 26 Red-throated Diver, 23 Gannet, 11 Razorbill, 9 Guillemot, 9 Kittiwake, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and single Arctic Skua and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Little on offer with just 4 Wheatear, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat and a Grey Wagtail logged.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey flew southwest at 1730hrs.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 18 pale-bellied Brent Geese have returned and 12 Pintail were amongst a Wigeon influx which saw 1050 birds logged.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were the best of the rest.

Slightly better!

18th September 2021 – overcast/drizzle at times/calm
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced 835 Common Scoter, 38 Gannet, 17 Red-throated Diver, 7 Shag, 6 Sandwich Tern and 2 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Slightly better with 12 Wheatear, 5 White Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaff and single Whinchat, Spotted Flycatcher, Whitethroat and Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
Remaining slow with just 160 Meadow Pipit, 110 Swallow, 16 Grey Wagtail, 9 House Martin, 2 Siskin and a Sand Martin recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 16 Black-tailed Godwit were seen.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Mammals
An Otter put in a brief appearance.

Hard work!

17th September 2021 – sunny spells SE2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced just 48 Common Scoter, 4 Gannet, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Shag and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 5 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
More mundane passage with just 80 Meadow Pipit, 12 Swallow, 10 Grey Wagtail, 8 Skylark and a Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 30 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit were amongst good numbers of Redshank.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 60 moths of 20 species with Rhomboid Tortix new for the year.

Kingfisher surprise

16th September 2021 – sunny spells NW1
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0715-0815) revealed 1115 Common Scoter, 6 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear were dominant with 24 birds logged, also seen were 6 White Wagtail and single Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
After the excesses of yesterday back to the routine with 100 Meadow Pipit, 29 Swallow, 12 Skylark, 11 Grey Wagtail, 8 Rook and 3 Jackdaw logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 10 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit were amongst 1200 Redshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Kingfisher was a less than annual visitant.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 60 moths of 16 species with Pearly Underwing new for the year.

Diurnal migration finally kicks off

15th September 2021 – bright and sunny NE1
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 30 Common Scoter, 20 Gannet, 2 Sandwich Tern and single Shag and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A sprinkling of birds provided 10 Wheatear, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Whitethroat and single Willow Warbler and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Migration finally kicked off with 1585 Swallow, 1175 Meadow Pipit, 43 Sand Martin, 40 Linnet, 33 House Martin, 26 Grey Wagtail, 21 Pied Wagtail, 18 Skylark, 6 Reed Bunting, 6 Tree Sparrow, 4 Collared Dove, 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Siskin and a Yellow Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 4 Black-tailed Godwit were the only waders logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 50 moths of 19 species with Brick, Autumn Green Carpet, Autumnal Rustic and Red Underwing all new for the year.

Red-throated Diver begin to move through

14th September 2021 – overcast/rain clearing E2
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 49 Common Scoter, 26 Gannet, 16 Red-throated Diver and single Red-breasted Merganser and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Again quiet in the miserable conditions with 10 White Wagtail, 2 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest the best on offer.
Diurnal Migration
The rain limited movement to 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Siskin.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.

Early morning Osprey

13th September 2021 – overcast/rain at times E3
Grounded Migrants
Quiet in the miserable conditions with 22 White Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaff and a Wheatear the best on offer.
Diurnal Migration
An early morning Osprey flew over at 0755hrs while 230 Meadow Pipit and 2 Grey Wagtail were added before the rain really set in.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Greenshank, 7 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Whimbrel.

Hooded Crow puts in an appearance

12th September 2021 – overcast N1
Offshore
Back to the mundane with just 30 Common Scoter, 6 Gannet and a Shag logged.
Grounded Migrants
Again variety rather than quantity with 17 Robin, 16 Wheatear, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Sedge Warbler and single Willow Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Limited fare with 80 Meadow Pipit, 37 Grey Wagtail, 25 Swallow and 16 Tree Sparrow moving through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Shoveler and 6 Black-tailed Godwit were the best on offer.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 51 moths of 23species with Black Rustic and Lunar Underwing new for the year.

First Pink-footed Geese of the autumn

11th September 2021 – sunny spells W2/3
Offshore
Common Scoter were back on the move (0700-0900) with 1455 birds logged. Also seen were 24 Gannet, 8 Kittiwake, 2 Razorbill, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Great Skua and Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Variety rather than quantity with 4 Wheatear, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 White Wagtail and single Goldcrest, Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Blackcap and Spotted Flycatcher logged.
Diurnal Migration
Although the first 6 Pink-footed Geese headed south it was another quiet day with only 4 Grey Wagtail and single Tree Pipit and Yellow Wagtail providing interest.
Wildfowl and Waders
Lingering waders included 12 Greenshank, 7 Black-tailed Godwit and single juvenile Little Stint and Ruff.
Mammals
An Otter put in another appearance.

Little Stint still in residence

10th September 2021 – overcast/rain clearing/calm
Offshore
The only sightings of note over the sea involved 4 Shag, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A further smattering involved 12 Wheatear, 9 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 White Wagtail, 2 Whitethroat and single Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Goldcrest and Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Another quiet day with only 50 Meadow Pipit, 16 Tree Sparrow and 11 Grey Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 5 Goosander were a surprise and lingering waders included 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff and single juvenile Little Stint.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.

First Water Rails of the autumn

9th September 2021 – overcast/murky/heavy showers/calm
Offshore
The only sighting of note over the sea involved 4 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A further smattering involved 10 Robin, 5 Stonechat, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 White Wagtail and single Whinchat, Sedge Warbler, Wheatear, Lesser Whitethroat and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A quieter day with 30 Swallow, 20 Tree Sparrow, 14 Grey Wagtail, 3 Tree Pipit and a Sand Martin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Lingering waders included 14 Greenshank, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff and single juvenile Little Stint.
Miscellaneous
The first 2 Water Rail of the autumn were recorded.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 77 moths of 25 species with Rush Veneer and Pink-barred Sallow new for the year.

Short-winged Cone-head

8th September 2021 – hot and sunny SE1/2
Offshore
The sea provided just 14 Gannet, 5 Shag, 2 Red-throated Diver and an Arctic Tern in a heavy heat haze.
Grounded Migrants
Another dribble of migrants involved 9 Wheatear, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
Birds continue to move through and today’s totals included 150 Swallow, 30 Meadow Pipit, 22 Tree Pipit, 20 Tree Sparrow, 19 Grey Wagtail, 8 Sand Martin, 3 House Martin and a Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Lingering waders included 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff and single juvenile Little Stint.
Miscellaneous
An adult Mediterranean Gull was amongst 180 Black-headed Gull and both Merlin and Peregrine continue to be logged.
Mammals
Two Otter were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 69 moths of 27 species with the highlight the island’s second record of Blood-vein.
Insects
The moth trap also attracted a Short-winged Cone-head- this appears to be the first island record.

Osprey fishing offshore

7th September 2021 – warm and sunny NE1
Offshore
Apart from 7 Shag it was generally quiet over the sea.
Grounded Migrants
A dribble of migrants involved 7 Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail and single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey fished off the eastern shore late morning and additional birds on the move included 235 Tree Sparrow, 80 Swallow, 30 Meadow Pipit, 26 Grey Wagtail and 5 Tree Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 36 Greenshank, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff and single juvenile Little Stint.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.

White Wagtail influx

6th September 2021 – misty/murky start then hazy sun/calm
Offshore
Sightings were limited to 12 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
An influx of White Wagtail saw 53 birds logged along with 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Birds remain on the move with 160 Swallow, 110 Linnet, 22 Grey Wagtail, 20 Tree Sparrow, 20 Meadow Pipit, 10 Pied Wagtail, 8 Skylark, 4 House Martin, 4 Tree Pipit and 3 Sand Martin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 36 Greenshank amongst 1500 Redshank, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff and single juvenile Little Stint.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.

Little Stint still in residence

5th September 2021 – sunny spells SE2/3
Offshore
A flock of 17 Pintail were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Small numbers of newly arrived migrants were in evidence with Spotted Flycatcher, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Whitethroat all recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Some species are now on the move with totals of 325 Tree Sparrow, 50 Swallow, 30 Tree Pipit, 30 Grey Wagtail, 20 Meadow Pipit, 11 Pied Wagtail, 8 House Martin, 2 Sand Martin and 2 Yellow Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff and single juvenile Little Stint.
Butterflies and Moths
A few Red Admiral were seen and the moth trap attracted 42 moths of 24 species including Drinker, Burnished Brass and Frosted Orange.

Little Stint remains

4th September 2021 – overcast E1
Offshore
The quiet spell over the sea continues, early morning produced just 15 Common Scoter, 10 Gannet, 7 Teal, 2 Pintail, 2 Shelduck and 2 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Warblers logged today involved 11 Willow Warbler, 9 Whitethroat, 8 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Again generally quiet with just 50 Swallow, 30 Meadow Pipit, 14 Grey Wagtail, 4 Sand Martin and single Tree Pipit, House Martin and Tree Sparrow logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff and single juvenile Little Stint.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 30 Speckled Wood were seen and the moth trap attracted 36 moths of 16 species overnight with Small Wainscot new for the year.

First Little Stint arrives

3rd September 2021 – overcast NNE1
Offshore
An early morning check over the sea produced just 180 Common Scoter and 21 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds involved 14 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Wheatear and a Sedge Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Generally quiet with just 60 Swallow, 20 Tree Sparrow, 12 Grey Wagtail and 3 Tree Pipit logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 21 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ruff and single Whimbrel and a juvenile Little Stint.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.

First Red-throated Diver of the autumn

2nd September 2021 – overcast NE1
Offshore
An early morning check over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 153 Common Scoter, 24 Gannet, 2 Shag and the first Red-throated Diver of the autumn.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of birds involved 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and single Goldcrest and Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 146 Tree Sparrow was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Teal numbers continue to build with 130 birds logged. Waders included 10 Greenshank and 4 Black-tailed Godwit.

Curlew Sandpiper still in residence

1st September 2021 – overcast NE1
Offshore
An early morning check over the sea produced just 40 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet and 4 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds were limited to two Willow Warbler and single Wheatear, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff and Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A Yellow Wagtail was amongst 15 Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 14 Greenshank, 12 Black-tailed Godwit and single Curlew Sandpiper and Ruff.