17th December 2024 – overcast/rain by evening SSE2/3
Offshore
The sea provided 39 Shag, 34 Common Scoter, 22 Red-throated Diver and 16 Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 400 light-bellied birds, also seen were 1,108 Wigeon, 899 Teal, 195 Shelduck, 119 Pintail, 11 Shoveler and a Goosander. Waders included 5,436 Oystercatcher, 3,364 Knot, 735 Redshank, 851 Lapwing, 1,000 Dunlin, 592 Curlew, 500 Golden Plover, 157 Turnstone, 142 Grey Plover, 122 Sanderling and 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and birds of prey included 3 Barn Owl and single Merlin and Peregrine.
16th December 2024 – overcast/drizzle at times W3/5
Offshore
The sea provided 39 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush was logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 10 Twite were logged.
14th December 2024 – overcast/drizzle at times W3/5
Rarities
A Lesser Whitethroat trapped and ringed on 1st November 2024 has been positively identified as a Siberian Lesser Whitethroat through DNA analysis – thanks to Professor Martin Collison and his team at Aberdeen University.
13th December 2024 – overcast/calm
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 8 Song Thrush and 4 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 300 Pink-footed Goose and a Grey Wagtail flew through.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Water Rail squealed. At least 3 Barn Owl and 3 Short-eared Owl continue to hunt the island.
12th December 2024 – overcast/calm
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 60 Pink-footed Goose flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Purple Sandpiper was seen.
Miscellaneous
There are now 4 Cetti’s Warbler on the island and another Chiffchaff was seen.
11th December 2024 – overcast NE1
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 7500 Eider, 220 Common Scoter, 39 Shag, 27 Red-throated Diver, 8 Great Crested Grebe and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Shoveler were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and 30 Twite remain.
10th December 2024 – sunny spells NE1/2
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 15 Shag and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 10 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 60 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Stock Dove and a Siskin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Six Woodcock were noted.
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier hunted Teal, the Hooded Crow remains, four Water Rail were logged along with three Cetti’s Warbler and three Barn Owl.
9th December 2024 – sunny spells NE2/3
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 14 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 4 Shag and 4 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
Three Woodcock were seen.
Miscellaneous
The island’s “woodland” held a wintering Chiffchaff, along with 4 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Bullfinch and a Jay.
8th December 2024 – sunny spells N5/7
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 5 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare and a single Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 92 Canada Goose and 4 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Barn Owl continue to hunt the island.
6th December 2024 – overcast/rain later W3/4 then SE4/8
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Redwing and a single Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A group of 15 Twite were the best of the rest.
5th December 2024 – overcast/rain later SW3/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 7 Red-throated Diver, 4 Common Scoter and 2 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved a single Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
Knot numbers begin to build.
Miscellaneous
A pair of Raven and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
4th December 2024 – overcast/rain by evening SE2/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing and 2 Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 10 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
Several Barn Owl were logged.
Ringing
The pair of light-bellied Brent Geese ringed at Axiel Heiberg Island, Canada on 2nd August 2014 were again amongst the Brent Goose flock.
3rd December 2024 – overcast E1/2
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Redwing and a Mistle Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Two Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 12 Shoveler and 3 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Perhaps up to 5 Barn Owl were seen and 30 Twite, 3 Water Rail and a Peregrine were logged.
2nd December 2024 – overcast/rain clearing N3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0815-0915) produced 23 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Shag, 3 Razorbill, 3 Guillemot, 2 Gannet and a Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 300 light-bellied Brent Goose.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Barn Owl were seen.
Ringing
The pair of light-bellied Brent Geese ringed at Axiel Heiberg Island, Canada on 2nd August 2014 have returned for another winter.
1st December 2024 – overcast/rain/showers later S2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0830-0900) produced 6 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, 4 Kittiwake and single Gannet and Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 2 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A Grey Wagtail flew over.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 16 Shoveler and 10 Goldeneye and waders included 16 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 30 Twite are now in residence and raptors included single Merlin and Peregrine.
29th November 2024 – overcast/showers/rain later ESE4/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-0900) produced 38 Common Scoter, 26 Red-throated Diver, 8 Shag, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Guillemot and single Great Northern Diver and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved a single Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 8 Shoveler and a Whooper Swan.
Miscellaneous
An exceptional 5 Barn Owl hunted the island and the Hooded Crow remains.
28th November 2024 – overcast ESE2/3
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 10 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare and 3 Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 30 Pink-footed Goose flew through and 2 Stock Dove were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 16 Shoveler and 12 Goldeneye and waders included 10 Greenshank and 4 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Barn Owl hunted the island and the Hooded Crow remains.
25th November 2024 – overcast WSW5/8
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-0900) produced 42 Kittiwake, 14 Common Scoter, 7 Razorbill, 3 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Little Gull.
Wildfowl and Waders
Eight Shoveler were logged.
Miscellaneous
A ringtail Hen Harrier hunted the island.
22nd November 2024 – wintery showers NW2/3
Offshore
The sea provided 8 Common Scoter, 4 Pintail, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved single Fieldfare and Song Thrush. A Cetti’s Warbler was also newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
Two Whooper Swan and a Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Eight Shoveler were logged.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl and 4 Water Rail were logged.
21st November 2024 – bright and frosty/calm then NNW/8
Offshore
A congregation of 30 Shag were offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 12 Redwing and 5 Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Woodcock were indicative of cold weather movement.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 3 Water Rail were logged.
20th November 2024 – bright and frosty NNW2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0745-0845) provided 20 Red-throated Diver, 12 Shag, 8 Common Scoter, 8 Razorbill and 2 Kittiwake.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
19th November 2024 – overcast/cold N2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0745-0845) produced 22 Common Scoter, 12 Razorbill, 8 Red-throated Diver, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Shag and 2 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 4 Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 6 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was the best of the rest were the best of the rest.
18th November 2024 – overcast/cold E1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 35 Shag, 8 Guillemot and 8 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 14 Blackbird and 14 Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 9 Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 3,357 Wigeon, 576 Teal, 518 light-bellied Brent Goose and 247 Pintail while waders included 5,600 Oystercatcher, 1,685 Dunlin, 1,186 Redshank, 400 Golden Plover, 192 Grey Plover, 21 Greenshank, 2 Jack Snipe and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 56 Little Egret, two Water Rail and single Barn Owl and Merlin were the best of the rest.
17th November 2024 – rain/showers NNW3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-0900) produced 34 Common Scoter, 16 Razorbill, 14 Red-throated Diver, 7 Gannet and single Black Guillemot, Great Northern Diver and Mediterranean Gull.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 14 Barnacle Goose and 6 Shoveler were logged.
Miscellaneous
Raven, Peregrine and Merlin were the best of the rest.
16th November 2024 – early rain clearing to sunny spells NNW3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0745-0845) produced 57 Common Scoter, 52 Razorbill, 27 Kittiwake 22 Gannet, 16 Guillemot, 9 Red-throated Diver, 3 Shag and a Great Northern Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 4 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 27 Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Greenshank and a Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Merlin were the best of the rest.
15th November 2024 – overcast/mist/murk/mizzle SW2/3
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 10 Blackbird and a Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 457 light-bellied and a single dark-bellied bird and waders included 10 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin and a Barn Owl were the best of the rest.
13th November 2024 – sunny spells/calm
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 17 Blackbird, 12 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush and single Brambling, Mistle Thrush and Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
The morning produced: 100 Jackdaw, 80 Woodpigeon, 10 Lesser Redpoll, 8 Whooper Swan, 2 Brambling and single Siskin and Stock Dove.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Woodcock and 6 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
Two Cetti’s Warblers included a singing male; several Barn Owl were hunting the island at dawn and 3 Water Rail called. The island’s “woodland” added 36 Redwing, 11 Fieldfare, 2 Brambling and single Goldcrest and Mistle Thrush.
12th November 2024 – sunny spells/calm
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 18 Common Scoter, 14 Shag and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 25 Redwing, 24 Blackbird, 10 Fieldfare and 5 Song Thrush, also logged was a single Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
The morning produced: 500 Woodpigeon, 160 Pink-footed Goose, 100 Jackdaw, 3 Stock Dove, 2 Siskin and single Rock Pipit and Lesser Redpoll.
Miscellaneous
Single Short-eared Owl and Barn Owl were hunting the island at dawn and 2 Water Rail called.
11th November 2024 – sunny spells V1
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 26 Redwing, 20 Blackbird and a Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A few species were again on the move with 260 Pink-footed Goose, 90 Jackdaw, 50 Woodpigeon, 10 Whooper Swan, 6 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Stock Dove and 2 Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Woodcock was seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
9th November 2024 – overcast/murky SE2
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 40 Redwing and 9 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A few species remain on the move with 1390 Woodpigeon, 13 Whooper Swan and 5 Lesser Redpoll logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 5 Jack Snipe were seen.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl was hunting at dawn. The island’s woodland held 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap and a Goldcrest.
Mammals
Recent sightings involve 3 Roe Deer, 3 Grey Squirrel and an Otter.
8th November 2024 – overcast/murky SE3
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 72 Redwing and 3 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Birds were again on the move with 880 Woodpigeon, 600 Fieldfare and 3 Redwing logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Another Woodcock was logged.
Miscellaneous
A Raven was the best of the rest.
7th November 2024 – overcast/drizzle at times SE3/5
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea revealed 50 Razorbill and 2 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 20 Redwing, 25 Fieldfare, 14 Blackbird and single Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Birds were again on the move through the morning with 410 Woodpigeon, 250 Fieldfare, 140 Redwing, 120 Starling and 10 Chaffinch logged through the morning.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow continues its residency and 5 Rook were logged. The island’s “woodland” added single Woodcock and Chiffchaff.
6th November 2024 – overcast/murk/drizzle at times ESE2/3
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 60 Redwing, 51 Fieldfare, 14 Blackbird, 5 Song Thrush and 2 Mistle Thrush. Also seen were 7 Stonechat.
Diurnal Migration
Birds were again on the move through the morning with 330 Fieldfare, 300 Starling, 295 Redwing, 265 Woodpigeon, 90 Jackdaw, 20 Chaffinch, 12 Siskin, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Rock Pipit and a Stock Dove logged through the morning.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow continues its residency and single Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl Merlin, Peregrine and Water Rail were also seen.
5th November 2024 – overcast/murk/light drizzle ESE1/2
Grounded Migrants
Grounded thrushes in the early morning murk involved 80 Redwing, 10 Fieldfare and 4 Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
The skies added a further 70 Fieldfare, 20 Redwing, 12 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Mistle Thrush and 2 Siskin.
Miscellaneous
Best of the rest were 2 Water Rail and single Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl and Merlin.
4th November 2024 – overcast E1/2
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea revealed 55 Razorbill, 39 Shag, 14 Common Scoter, 10 Guillemot and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded thrushes early morning involved 21 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare, 10 Blackbird and 4 Song Thrush. Also seen were 8 Stonechat.
Diurnal Migration
The skies again led the way with 250 Fieldfare, 60 Pink-footed Goose, 18 Lesser Redpoll, 12 Siskin, 12 Whooper Swan and 10 Redwing.
Miscellaneous
Best of the rest were 10 Twite, 3 Water Rail, 2 Short-eared Owl and single Barn Owl and Peregrine. However, it was disappointing that time had to be spent this morning litter picking after weekend visitors to the Short-eared Owl viewpoint.
3rd November 2024 – overcast/calm/light drizzle at times
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea revealed 300 Razorbill, 150 Common Scoter, 37 Shag, 10 Guillemot, 4 Red-throated Diver and 3 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded thrushes early morning involved 100 Redwing, 10 Fieldfare, 7 Blackbird and 2 Song Thrush. Also seen were single Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Another busy day in the skies with 700 Woodpigeon, 640 Pink-footed Goose, 470 Fieldfare, 60 Redwing, 30 Chaffinch, 20 Whooper Swan, 14 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Brambling and 2 Siskin logged through the morning.
Miscellaneous
Best of the rest were 4 Water Rail, 2 Raven, 2 Merlin and a Barn Owl. A check of the island’s woodland added a further 56 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare and single Woodcock, Jay and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
2nd November 2024 – overcast/light drizzle at times SSE2/3
Grounded Migrants
Grounded thrushes early morning involved 10 Redwing and 2 Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
A busy day in the skies with 1100 Woodpigeon, 510 Starling, 500 Redwing, 120 Jackdaw, 70 Fieldfare, 12 Chaffinch, 6 Brambling, 6 Siskin, 4 Lesser Redpoll and single Mistle Thrush and Stock Dove logged through the morning.
Miscellaneous
Best of the rest were 4 Raven, 2 Water Rail and single Merlin and Barn Owl.
1st November 2024 – overcast/early drizzle W2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 70 Razorbill, 54 Shag, 56 Common Scoter, 4 Guillemot and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 11 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare and 2 Song Thrush. Also seen was a late Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move with 3 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Siskin logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The group of Shoveler increased to 16 birds and 2 Black-tailed Godwit were seen.
Miscellaneous
Raptors included 2 Short-eared Owl and 2 Water Rail squealed.
31st October 2024 – overcast/mizzle at times WSW2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 47 Shag, 8 Common Scoter and single Great Northern Diver, Kittiwake and Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 43 Redwing, 12 Fieldfare, 12 Blackbird and 5 Song Thrush. Also seen were a Black Redstart amongst 9 Stonechat and single Cetti’s Warbler, Goldcrest and Yellow-browed Warbler – the latter the sixth of the autumn.
Diurnal Migration
Few birds were on the move in the conditions although 35 Chaffinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll and a Rock Pipit were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 15 Shoveler remain and 6 Red-breasted Merganser were logged while waders included 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and 2 Twite remain and raptors included 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 Barn Owl and single Merlin and Peregrine. A Water Rail squealed.
30th October 2024 – overcast/light drizzle at times W1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 85 Common Scoter, 18 Razorbill, 14 Shag, 6 Guillemot and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 31 Redwing, 20 Fieldfare and 6 Song Thrush. Also seen were 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds remain on the move with 140 Jackdaw, 11 Tree Sparrow, 3 Lesser Redpoll and single Brambling and Swallow logged through the morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 14 Shoveler remain and waders included 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Two Twite were amongst 53 Linnet and raptors included 2 Merlin, 2 Short-eared Owl and a Barn Owl.
29th October 2024 – overcast/drizzle at times NW2/4
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 50 Razorbill, 10 Guillemot, 9 Shag, 9 Gannet, 8 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 32 Redwing and 2 Song Thrush while a Bullfinch was unusual. Also heard was the lingering Cetti’s Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move with 300 Jackdaw, 16 Meadow Pipit, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Twite and single Yellowhammer, Siskin and Rock Pipit logged through the morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 12 Shoveler remain and waders included single Woodcock and Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
At least one Water Rail remains and raptors involved Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
28th October 2024 – overcast/mist/murk/mizzle SW3/4
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved just 2 Song Thrush and a Redwing. Also seen was a single Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Limited to a single Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Goldeneye of the winter has returned and additional sightings included 600 Golden Plover, 12 Greenshank and 12 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
The heavy overnight rain caused numerous flashes in the waterlogged fields and each was seemingly attended by a Little Egret with 29 birds logged. Also seen were 2 Merlin and single Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl and Peregrine.
27th October 2024 – bright and sunny/rain later S2/3
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed just a single Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 4 Redwing and a Song Thrush. Also recorded was a single Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
The skies produced 1580 Jackdaw, 165 Woodpigeon, 8 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Siskin and single Brambling, Grey Wagtail, Rock Pipit, Whooper Swan and Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 14 Shoveler and 3 Goosander.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and 4 Water Rail were logged. A Barn Owl was active at dawn and additional raptors involved 3 Merlin, 3 Kestrel and single Peregrine and Sparrowhawk. A check of the “wooded areas” added 4 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Jay and a Treecreeper.
26th October 2024 – bright and sunny S2/3
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 40 Redwing, 16 Song Thrush, 10 Blackbird and a Mistle Thrush. Also recorded were single Cetti’s Warbler and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
The skies were quieter this morning with 400 Jackdaw, 23 Whooper Swan, 30 Meadow Pipit, 5 Woodpigeon, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Siskin and a Stock Dove logged.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow and at least 2 Water Rail remain. A Short-eared Owl was active at dawn and dusk and a Barn Owl at dusk.
25th October 2024 – overcast/early showers E2/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 10 Shag and 6 Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Redwing, 2 Blackbird and 2 Song Thrush. Also seen were 2 Goldcrest
Diurnal Migration
Birds remain on the move with 1650 Jackdaw, 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 210 Starling, 54 Whooper Swan, 18 Meadow Pipit, 18 Carrion Crow, 8 Lesser Redpoll, 6 Tree Sparrow and a Brambling logged through the morning.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow and 2 Raven were the best of the rest. A Barn Owl was active at dawn.
24th October 2024 – bright and sunny SE4/5
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed a few Common Scoter and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded thrushes early morning involved 4 Redwing and 6 Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move with 140 Jackdaw, 3 Stock Dove and a Lesser Redpoll recorded.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow and 2 Raven were the best of the rest. A visit to the island’s “woodland” added 6 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Bullfinch, 2 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest.
23rd October 2024 – bright and sunny WSW2/3
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 8 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded thrushes early morning involved 8 Redwing and 5 Song Thrush, also seen were 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds were on the move with 390 Jackdaw, 200 Starling, 70 Meadow Pipit, 20 Chaffinch, 18 Greenfinch, 6 Siskin and 6 Reed Bunting logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Woodcock of the autumn was seen.
Miscellaneous
Single Peregrine and Water Rail were the best of the rest.
22nd October 2024 – bright and sunny WSW2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea revealed 47 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Grounded thrushes early morning involved 5 Soung Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Jackdaw were on the move with 1660 birds logged. Also seen were 5 Tree Sparrow, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Swallow and single Siskin and Whooper Swan.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 12 Shoveler were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and 2 Water Rail were the best of the rest. However, the approach road to South Walney Nature Reserve still remained impassable due to flooding.
21st October 2024 – early showers WSW4/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0900-1100) produced 67 Common Scoter, 46 Razorbill, 13 Gannet, 8 Kittiwake, 4 Guillemot, 3 Shag, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Red-breasted Merganser and first-winter Little Gull.
Miscellaneous
The south end of the island took the full force of Storm Ashley with the morning revealing damage and flooding with the approach road to South Walney Nature Reserve impassable and the new “seawatching” hide on its head.
