A wet end to a wet month

31st October 2021 – overcast/rain clearing to showers SE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea as the rain abated (0830-1030) produced 240 Razorbill, 50 Common Scoter, 47 Guillemot, 11 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 3 Kittiwake, 3 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Red-breasted Merganser.

Purple Sandpiper and a late Arctic Tern

30th October 2021 – overcast/rain clearing to showers SW3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea as the rain abated (1030-1130) produced 410 Razorbill, 78 Kittiwake, 45 Common Scoter, 9 Guillemot, 6 Red-throated Diver and single Arctic Tern, Pintail, Tufted Duck and Goosander.
Grounded Migrants
A check of less frequently covered areas of the island produced 15 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Siskin, 2 Coal Tit, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and single Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackcap, Brambling, Redwing and Tree Sparrow.
Diurnal Migration
A himt of movement saw 16 Skylark, 12 Chaffinch and 5 Whooper Swan logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Purple Sandpiper has returned.

Goosander and Hooded Crow

29th October 2021 – overcast/rain/heavy at times SE4/5/6
Offshore
A check of the sea during a less wet interlude (0900-1000) produced 31 Common Scoter, 17 Razorbill, 2 pale-bellied Brent Goose and single Goosander and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Four Redwing were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Seven Shoveler and 2 Black-tailed Godwit were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.

Hooded Crow reappears

27th October 2021 – overcast/rain/heavy at times SW4/5/6
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Song Thrush was logged in the downpour.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Goosander was amongst 12 Red-breasted Merganser and waders included 6 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in its first appearance for a while.

An even better seawatch

26th October 2021 – overcast/rain clearing later SW4/5/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea as the rain cleared (1000-1200) were highlighted by 3 Little Gull (adult + 2 first-winter) and single Long-tailed Duck (first-winter) and Great Northern Diver (adult). Also seen were 81 Common Scoter, 36 Kittiwake, 12 Gannet, 9 Razorbill, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and a Red-throated Diver.

A slightly better seawatch

25th October 2021 – sun and showers SW4/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-1000) produced 152 Kittiwake, 143 Common Scoter, 74 Razorbill, 20 Gannet, 6 Wigeon and 2 Shelduck.
Grounded Migrants
Single Mistle Thrush and Goldcrest were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Six Whooper Swan were logged and the Brent Goose flock held 239 pale and 40 dark-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.

A quiet seawatch

24th October 2021 – overcast/showers SSE5/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (1000-1100) produced 34 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 8 Razorbill and 3 Goldeneye.
Miscellaneous
The movement of Jay’s continues with a further 2 birds logged.

Jay’s on the move

23rd October 2021 – overcast/frequent showers S4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0800-1000) produced 15 Shag, 14 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver and 3 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes were limited to 2 Redwing and a Song Thrush, also seen were 3 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds remain on the move despite the conditions with 8 Jay the highlights while 230 Jackdaw, 18 Chaffinch, 14 Carrion Crow, 10 Meadow Pipit, 6 Greenfinch, 6 Skylark, 3 Rook, 2 Brambling, 2 Siskin and 2 Whooper Swan were also seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A Red Admiral put in a brief appearance.

Little Auk headlines

22nd October 2021 – overcast/frequent showers WNW5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0800-1000) were highlighted by a Little Auk which flew into Morecambe Bay at 0902hrs, also seen were 173 Common Scoter, 29 Razorbill, 19 Kittiwake, 7 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet, 2 Brent Goose, 2 Pintail and a Guillemot.

Scaup fly by

21st October 2021 – bright and sunny NNW3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea (0800-0900) produced 287 Razorbill, 93 Common Scoter, 12 Guillemot, 5 Scaup, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes were limited to 3 Redwing and a Song Thrush, also seen were single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
The skies again provided some variety with 790 Jackdaw, 60 Skylark, 28 Carrion Crow, 28 Rook, 20 Chaffinch, 17 Woodpigeon, 6 Pied Wagtail, 6 Tree Sparrow, 5 Stock Dove, 3 Whooper Swan, 2 Swallow, 2 Siskin and single Brambling and Rock Pipit.
Miscellaneous
Both Hen Harriers continue to hunt the island while Buzzard and Merlin were the best of the rest.

Hen Harriers still in residence

20th October 2021 – bright start then showers W2 then NW3/4
Offshore
A check over the sea revealed 15 Common Scoter and 8 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 8 Redwing and a Song Thrush, also seen were 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
The skies provided the variety of the day with 210 Starling, 160 Goldfinch, 110 Skylark, 92 Jackdaw, 64 Linnet, 43 Chaffinch, 39 Carrion Crow, 35 Rook, 33 Pied Wagtail, 31 Meadow Pipit, 22 Tree Sparrow, 17 Greenfinch, 12 Siskin, 8 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Brambling, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Rock Pipit and single Swallow and Lesser Redpoll.
Miscellaneous
Both Hen Harriers continue to hunt the island while a Merlin was the best of the rest.

Hen Harriers and Kingfisher remain

19th October 2021 – overcast/murk/rain SE2
Offshore
A check over the sea during a drier interlude revealed 8 Common Scoter, 3 Gannet and 3 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a single Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
Despite the conditions a group of 4 Whooper Swan and 2 Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 1150 Wigeon, 282 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 46 Pintail and 7 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
Both Hen Harriers continue to hunt the island while the Kingfisher and single Barn Owl and Merlin were the best of the rest.

Scant fare in poor conditions

18th October 2021 – overcast/murk/rain soon SE3/4
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Redwing and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 19 Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 130 pale-bellied birds and 2 Pink-footed Geese.
Miscellaneous
The leucistic Curlew has returned for another winter.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 7 moths were attracted overnight with 4 Red-line Quaker and single Brick, Angle Shades and Large Yellow Underwing.

Kingfisher puts in another appearance

16th October 2021 – overcast/drizzle at times E1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 22 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 8 Redwing, additional sightings were limited to 5 Goldcrest and 3 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Again a wide variety of birds were on the move and totals through the morning included 140 Jackdaw, 80 Starling, 40 Pied Wagtail, 36 Chaffinch, 30 Goldfinch, 27 Whooper Swan, 26 Linnet, 18 Meadow Pipit, 12 Skylark, 12 Carrion Crow, 10 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Brambling, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Siskin and a Rock Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 11 Greenshank, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and a late Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Kingfisher put in another appearance and single Water Rail, Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.

Hen Harrier double

15th October 2021 – bright and sunny NE1
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 10 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Only 14 Goldcrest, 4 Coal Tit, 2 Chiffchaff and a Redwing were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A wide variety of birds were on the move and totals through the morning included 770 Jackdaw, 385 Pink-footed Goose, 100 Skylark, 90 Meadow Pipit, 80 Swallow, 56 Carrion Crow, 47 Pied Wagtail, 35 Whooper Swan, 26 Linnet, 21 Tree Sparrow, 16 Redwing, 16 Magpie, 10 Siskin, 9 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Reed Bunting, 5 Raven, 4 Jay, 4 Greenfinch, 2 Rook and 2 Collared Dove.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Goldeneye have returned and waders included 2500 Knot.
Miscellaneous
Different ringtail Hen Harriers hunted the island at 1015hrs and 1400hrs – the latter bird was seen to be a satellite tracked individual.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 11 moths of 9 species were attracted overnight with Yellow-line Quaker and Green-brindled Crescent new for the year.

Arctic Skuas and Puffins

14th October 2021 – overcast/light drizzle at times W4/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0830-1030) produced more variety than of late with 430 Common Scoter, 350 Razorbill, 38 Kittiwake, 27 Guillemot, 10 Gannet, 9 Red-throated Diver, 3 Puffin, 2 Arctic Skua and 2 Tufted Duck and single Shag and Pintail.
Grounded Migrants
Just 6 Redwing, 6 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Little evidence of movement in the conditions with just 3 Skylark logged.

Long-eared Owl and Yellow-browed Warbler

13th October 2021 – overcast/drizzle clearing WNW3
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea revealed a post-roost gathering of 12 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A single Long-eared Owl and Yellow-browed Warbler were amongst 28 Redwing – the first of the autumn. Also seen were 4 Coal Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Totals included 40 Pied Wagtail, 28 Meadow Pipit, 25 Chaffinch, 3 Siskin and single Grey Wagtail, Rock Pipit and Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Ruff.
Miscellaneous
Single Water Rail and Merlin were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
Several Red Admiral remain on the wing.

Record numbers of Little Egret

12th October 2021 – overcast/drizzle then sunny spells WNW4/5
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea revealed a post-roost gathering of 16 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
The conditions limited movement to 2 Swallow, 2 Tree Sparrow and a Stock Dove.
Miscellaneous
A record 95 Little Egret were amongst the saltmarshes along the eastern shore.
Dragonflies
Several Migrant Hawker remain on the wing.

First Brambling arrive

11th October 2021 – sunny spells NW3/4
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Blackcap and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Today’s totals included 235 Jackdaw, 100 Tree Sparrow, 90 Chaffinch, 24 Meadow Pipit, 22 Skylark, 20 Carrion Crow, 17 Greenfinch, 12 Pied Wagtail, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Brambling, 2 Siskin and single Great Spotted Woodpecker and Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 187 pale-bellied birds.
Miscellaneous
Two Peregrine and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
Dragonflies
Migrant Hawker and Common Darter remain on the wing.

Remaining slow!

10th October 2021 – sunny spells NW1/2
Offshore
A group of 9 Shag were seen.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Activity was again no more than a trickle with totals of 125 Jackdaw, 72 Tree Sparrow, 45 Pink-footed Goose, 42 Chaffinch, 40 Skylark, 22 Greenfinch, 20 Meadow Pipit, 18 Pied Wagtail, 14 Carrion Crow, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Siskin and 2 Lesser Redpoll.

Still slow going!

9th October 2021 – overcast/mizzle/murk SE1/2
Offshore
A group of 9 Shag were seen.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 27 Robin, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Stonechat, 5 Great Tit, 3 Goldcrest and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Activity was again no more than a trickle with totals of 105 Pink-footed Geese, 140 Starling, 90 Chaffinch, 40 Meadow Pipit, 24 Skylark, 18 Greenfinch, 17 Pied Wagtail, 3 Siskin and single Lesser Redpoll and Grey Wagtail.

Finches begin to move

8th October 2021 – sunny spells SE1
Offshore
A group of 6 Shag were seen.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Goldcrest and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Activity was no more than a steady trickle which provided totals of 155 Pink-footed Geese, 120 Starling, 100 Skylark, 90 Chaffinch, 85 Greenfinch, 80 Meadow Pipit, 67 Jackdaw, 30 Reed Bunting, 27 Tree Sparrow, 23 Pied Wagtail, 8 Siskin, 3 Swallow, 2 Lesser Redpoll and a Grey Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and Barn Owl were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A few Red Admiral and a Comma are still on the wing and the moth trap provided 26 moths of 13 species with Feathered Rannuculus new for the year.

Dawn Pink-feet

7th October 2021 – overcast/rain clearing to showers SSE3/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 23 Common Scoter and 2 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 4 Wheatear, 3 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff – it has been a very poor autumn so far for Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Numerous skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 3300 birds flew into Morecambe Bay at dawn.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.

Buzzard and Mediterranean Gull

6th October 2021 – bright and sunny N1
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
After the inclement conditions of the last week the day dawned bright and calm, however, the anticipated flood of migrants moving through failed to materialise with only 560 Starling, 320 Skylark, 110 Meadow Pipit, 80 Jackdaw, 70 Chaffinch, 34 Tree Sparrow, 24 Swallow, 24 Pied Wagtail, 15 Pink-footed Geese, 7 Reed Bunting, 6 Greenfinch, 5 Grey Wagtail and a Lesser Redpoll logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock continues to increase with 245 pale-bellied birds seen along with 1410 Wigeon, 403 Teal, 56 Pintail and 3 Shoveler. Waders included 5990 Oystercatcher, 1484 Redshank, 1000 Knot, 10 Greenshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A total of 77 Little Egret frequented the saltmarshes along the eastern shore while 2 Merlin and single Buzzard, Peregrine and Mediterranean Gull were the best of the rest.

The sea still fails to produce!

4th October 2021 – overcast/rain then showers SW3/4
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0800-0900) revealed just 180 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver and 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Just 2 Swallow were logged in the inclement conditions.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.

A barren sea!

2nd October 2021 – overcast/rain soon SSE4/5
Offshore
Morning observations over the sea (0700-0900) before the rain arrived again provided just 77 Common Scoter and single Gannet and Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Black-tailed Godwit.

Seawatching provides few rewards!

1st October 2021 – frequent heavy showers then sunny spells W5/6
Offshore
The sea (0900-1100) continues to perplex with just 27 Common Scoter, 10 Guillemot, 4 Gannet, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Shag and single Arctic Tern and Kittiwake logged.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to a solitary Chiffchaff.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in an appearance.
Moths
Large Wainscot and Figure of Eight were new for the year.