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.
20th October 2024 – overcast/showers SSE5/8 then SSW6/8, gusting to 60mph
Offshore
Observations over the sea revealed 300 Razorbill, 200 Gannet, 60 Common Scoter and 4 Red-throated Diver between the heavy showers and over rough seas.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
19th October 2024 – sunny spells/calm
Rarities
The first Water Pipit has returned and a Yellow-browed Warbler was on the island – the fifth of the autumn.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 30 Redwing and 8 Goldcrest and 4 Chiffchaff were also seen.
Diurnal Migration
Four Swallow, 2 Siskin and single Lesser Redpoll and Tree Sparrow were logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 3 Water Rail and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
18th October 2024 – overcast/rain later SSE3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) produced 500 Razorbill, 158 Common Scoter, 120 Gannet and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 21 Redwing and a Chiffchaff was seen.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 1000 Starling and 300 Jackdaw were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 180 light-bellied birds
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Water Rail were the best of the rest.
17th October 2024 – sun and showers SW2/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea produced 54 Razorbill, 25 Common Scoter, 3 Gannet and 2 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 800 Starling, 300 Jackdaw, 2 Whooper Swan and a Rock Pipit flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 2960 Wigeon, 601 Teal, 457 light-bellied Brent Goose, 175 Shelduck, 164 Pintail, 117 Mallard and 5 Shoveler and waders included 4733 Oystercatcher, 1550 Redshank, 677 Curlew, 309 Turnstone, 114 Sanderling, 34 Snipe and 14 Greenshank
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and raptors involved 4 Sparrowhawk, 2 Peregrine and 2 Merlin.
15th October 2024 – overcast/light drizzle at times ESE3/5
Offshore
Sightings over the sea (0830-0930) involved 89 Razorbill, 63 Gannet, 21 Common Scoter, 3 Shoveler, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 14 Redwing, otherwise limited to a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 20 Pied Wagtail and single Grey Wagtail and Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
14th October 2024 – bright and sunny E2/3
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0730-0830) revealed 202 Razorbill, 40 Gannet, 20 Common Scoter and 3 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 4 Goldcrest and 3 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 520 Jackdaw, 120 Pink-footed Goose, 16 Skylark, 10 Pied Wagtail, 6 Tree Sparrow and 2 Siskin flew through.
Miscellaneous
Raptors involved 3 Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawk and single Merlin and Kestrel.
13th October 2024 – overcast N1
Offshore
Just 2 Gannet were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Not often considered as a migrant an influx of Wren was apparent with 19 birds logged.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 110 Jackdaw, 15 Whooper Swan, 15 Skylark, 5 Siskin and 2 Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Water Rail and a Barn Owl were the best of the rest.
12th October 2024 – sun and showers W3/8
Offshore
A check of the sea early morning (0730-0930) produced 1295 Razorbill, 190 Common Scoter, 92 Gannet, 10 Guillemot, 6 Kittiwake, 5 Red-throated Diver and single Shag and Sandwich Tern.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
11th October 2024 – sunny spells W2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) produced 620 Razorbill, 150 Common Scoter, 22 Gannet, 5 Red-throated Diver and a Great Northern Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 3 Song Thrush. Additional sightings were limited to single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Two Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and 2 Water Rail remain.
10th October 2024 – bright and sunny N1
Offshore
A check of the sea early morning (0730-0830) produced 1050 Razorbill, 40 Common Scoter, 30 Gannet, 16 Shag and single Red-throated Diver and Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 3 Song Thrush and a Redwing. Additional sightings involved 9 Chiffchaff, 9 Goldcrest, 4 Stonechat and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
The first 10 Whooper Swans headed south and low-key movement through the morning added 80 Meadow Pipit, 50 Skyark, 35 Jackdaw, 25 Pink-footed Goose, 16 Chaffinch, 10 Greenfinch, 8 Pied Wagtail, 8 Carrion Crow, 6 Rook and 2 Siskin.
Miscellaneous
Two Water Rail and a Barn Owl were the best of the rest while the “woodland” added Great Spotted Woodpecker and Treecreeper.
9th October 2024 – rain NNE2/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed low numbers of Common Scoter, Razorbill, Gannet and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings involved 3 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 30 Pintail and 5 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
8th October 2024 – early rain clearing SSE2/4
Rarities
Two more Yellow-browed Warblers showed well on the island mid-morning as the rain relented.
Grounded Migrants
Additional sightings involved 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A Buzzard flew through along with 110 Meadow Pipit, 20 Skylark, 6 Swallow and 2 Grey Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
Two Water Rail and single Kingfisher and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
7th October 2024 – sun and showers SSE2/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea produced small numbers of Gannet and Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to single Wheatear, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Two Brambling were logged amongst 100 Meadow Pipit, 45 Jackdaw, 12 Skylark, 10 Chaffinch, 10 Swallow and single Siskin and House Martin.
Miscellaneous
Single Water Rail, Barn Owl and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
6th October 2024 – overcast/showers ESE3/5
Rarities
Another Yellow-browed Warbler was on the island.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0745-0945) produced 340 Common Scoter, 300 Gannet, 95 Razorbill, 7 Pintail, 6 Guillemot, 5 Wigeon and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
A single Grey Wagtail was on the move amongst a few Pied Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and Peregrine remain.
5th October 2024 – bright and sunny SE3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0745-0845) produced an exceptional 4 Great Northern Diver close inshore along with 360 Common Scoter, 160 Razorbill, 108 Gannet, 10 Guillemot, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and single Great Crested Gebe and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Wheatear were recorded although 5 Chiffchaff were still in the island’s “woodland”.
Diurnal Migration
Just a single Grey Wagtail was on the move.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and Peregrine remain.
4th October 2024 – sunny spells SE3/5
Rarities
A Yellow-browed Warbler was on the island early morning.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) produced 520 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Additional sightings involved 2 Wheatear and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Just low numbers of Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail and Grey Wagtail were on the move through the morning.
Miscellaneous
A Hen Harrier was the best of the rest along with the Hooded Crow and a Peregrine.
3rd October 2024 – bright and sunny ENE2/4
Grounded Migrants
The first 3 Redwing of autumn were present at dawn, otherwise newly arrived birds involved just single Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 535 Pink-footed Goose, 250 Meadow Pipit, 50 Swallow, 40 Skylark, 20 Linnet, 6 Siskin and a Grey Wagtail flew through during the morning.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance and 2 Barn Owl and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
2nd October 2024 – sunny spells/light showers NE3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) revealed 385 Common Scoter, 27 Razorbill, 11 Gannet, 8 Guillemot, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and single Red-throated Diver and Great Crested Grebe.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds involved 4 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 590 Pink-footed Goose, 180 Meadow Pipit, 150 Skylark, 35 Linnet, 14 Pied Wagtail, 10 Chaffinch, 3 Swallow, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Siskin and a Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 440 light-bellied Brent Goose, 200 Wigeon and 39 Pintail.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance and a flock of 450 Linnet, 2 Water Rail and 2 Peregrine were the best of the rest.
