Pomarine Skua and Black Terns

25th April 2026 – bright and sunny ESE1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0615-0717) revealed 215 Common Scoter, 90 Sandwich Tern, 31 Gannet, 19 Guillemot, 15 Red-throated Diver, 12 Little Tern, 12 Arctic Tern, 8 Black Tern, 7 Shag, 2 Fulmar, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and single Pomarine Skua and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Three Whinchat was amongst 46 Wheatear, also logged were 6 Willow Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 16 Redpoll was logged
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 40 Whimbrel, 80 Sanderling and 2000 Dunlin.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.

Tree Pipit and Whinchats

24th April 2026 – bright and sunny ESE1/2
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 70 Sandwich Tern, 25 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver, 10 Guillemot, 6 Gannet, 6 Little Tern, 2 Shag and a Puffin.
Grounded Migrants
Totals included 4 Whinchat amongst 15 Wheatear, also seen were 18 Willow Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and single Chiffchaff, Grasshopper Warbler and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Five Redpoll were logged and single Tree Pipit and House Martin were amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1100 Dunlin and 32 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Merlin was logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted a Rush Veneer.

Whinchat new in

23rd April 2026 – bright and sunny E3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 115 Sandwich Tern, 16 Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver, 9 Gannet, 5 Little Tern, 3 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat was amongst 7 Wheatear and 8 Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A House Martin was amongst a trickle of Swallow
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 31 Whimbrel and 3 Bar-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.

First Swift arrives

22nd April 2026 – bright and sunny E5/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 120 Sandwich Tern, 16 Common Scoter, 12 Gannet, 10 Red-throated Diver, 6 Guillemot, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Little Tern, 2 Razorbill and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A quieter day with just 3 Wheatear and a Willow Warbler in the very blustery conditions.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of Pink-footed Geese flew through and the first Swift of the spring was seen amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.

Marsh Harrier quickly moves through

21st April 2026 – bright and sunny E3/6
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 160 Sandwich Tern, 28 Manx Shearwater, 6 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, 5 Little Tern, 4 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Totals involved 35 Willow Warbler, 22 Wheatear and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A Marsh Harrier flew northeast, pursued by the local Shelduck population and a single Siskin was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 20 Whimbrel and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.

Yellow Wagtail

20th April 2026 – bright and sunny/calm
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 100 Sandwich Tern, 18 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver, 8 Gannet, 7 Shag and 3 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Newly grounded birds involved 17 Wheatear, 14 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 3 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 White Wagtail, 2 Blackcap and a Lesser Whitethroat.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 300 Pink-footed Geese flew through, along with 2 Lesser Redpoll and the first Yellow Wagtail of the spring.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Short-eared Owl was seen.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Small Copper of the year was logged.

First Common Sandpiper arrive

19th April 2026 – bright and sunny/calm then W3/4
Grounded Migrants
Totals involved 10 Wheatear, 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff and a single Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 600 Pink-footed Geese flew through and 4 Tree Sparrow were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 425 light-bellied birds while waders included: 44 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap hosted Hebrew Character and Pebble Prominent and butterflies included a Painted Lady.

Hooded Crow double

18th April 2026 – sun/showers W3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0900) revealed 205 Common Scoter, 150 Kittiwake, 90 Manx Shearwater, 44 Razorbill, 44 Gannet, 40 Sandwich Tern, 17 Red-throated Diver, 17 Guillemot, 8 Little Tern and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 40 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 320 light-bellied birds and waders included 29 Black-tailed Godwit and 12 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains and was joined by a second individual.
Butterflies and Moths
Three Painted Lady was logged.

First Reed Warbler returns

17th April 2026 – overcast/showers SSE4/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0830) revealed 195 Common Scoter, 29 Gannet, 14 Sandwich Tern, 13 Red-throated Diver, 8 Manx Shearwater, 8 Guillemot and 5 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 13 Wheatear and 2 White Wagtail was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4 Whimbrel and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The first Reed Warbler was back in breeding habitat.

Great Northern Diver and Arctic Skua

16th April 2026 – bright and sunny SW3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0845) produced 110 Common Scoter, 28 Red-throated Diver, 24 Guillemot, 24 Razorbill, 16 Manx Shearwater, 15 Gannet, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Little Tern and single Great Northern Diver and Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Blackcap was logged.
Diurnal Migration
Two Siskin and a Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 450 light-bellied birds and 168 Shelduck were logged while waders included: 155 Curlew, 154 Sanderling, 132 Ringed Plover, 65 Bar-tailed Godwit, 21 Whimbrel and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap hosted a Silver Y and Dark Swordgrass and butterflies included 3 Painted Lady and a Red Admiral.

First Arctic Tern

15th April 2026 – overcast SSE3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 620 Common Scoter, 49 Guillemot, 10 Gannet, 7 Red-throated Diver 7 Razorbill, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Manx Shearwater and the first Arctic Tern of the year.
Grounded Migrants
A flock of 30 White Wagtails were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
Another Painted Lady was logged.
Ringing
Another day another Goldfinch recovery, a bird ringed on the island on 12th October 2025 was recaught at Sliddery, North Ayrshire on 12th April 2026 (205km NW), reinforcing the Scottish connection of birds moving through Walney Island.

Slow going!

14th April 2026 – overcast/rain soon SE3/5
Offshore
A couple of scans of the sea revealed 65 Common Scoter, 32 Sandwich Tern, 12 Guillemot, 6 Razorbill, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Gannet and a Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Just 6 Willow Warbler, 5 White Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Whitethroat were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Three Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 230 light-bellied birds and a Whimbrel was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and several Lesser Whitethroat are now back on territory.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap hosted a Dark Swordgrass.

Curlew Sandpiper and Whimbrel

13th April 2026 – bright and sunny SE2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 45 Sandwich Tern, 40 Common Scoter, 15 Red-throated Diver, 10 Manx Shearwater, 5 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill, 2 Little Tern, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and single Shag and Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of new arrivals saw 10 Willow Warbler, 4 Wheatear, 3 White Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 54 Pink-footed Geese flew through and single House Martin and Siskin were amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Whimbrel and, more surprisingly, 2 Curlew Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 3 Twite were amongst 54 Linnet. There was an increase in warblers singing in breeding habitat with 6 Sedge Warbler, 5 Grasshopper Warbler and the first Lesser Whitethroat logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted 2 Diamond-back Moths.
Ringing
A Goldfinch ringed on the island on 21st October 2025 was recaught at Leswalt, Dumfries and Galloway on 10th April 2026 (157km NW).

Little Tern

12th April 2026 – overcast then sunny spells SW4/6
Offshore
The seawatching conditions continued and early morning observations on the falling tide (0730-0930) produced 275 Common Scoter, 118 Manx Shearwater, 58 Gannet, 29 Razorbill, 28 Guillemot, 25 Sandwich Tern, 13 Kittiwake, 11 Red-throated Diver and single Little Tern and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Just 3 Wheatear and 2 Blackcap were logged in the windy conditions.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.

Puffin and Arctic Skua

11th April 2026 – early rain clearing to sunny spells SSW4/6
Offshore
Early morning observations on the falling tide as the rain cleared (0730-0930) produced 620 Common Scoter, 140 Sandwich Tern, 101 Gannet, 27 Razorbill, 25 Red-throated Diver, 24 Guillemot, 22 Manx Shearwater, 19 Kittiwake, 15 Red-breasted Merganser and single Puffin and Arctic Skua.

Common Scoters on the move

10th April 2026 – sunny spells W2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 510 Common Scoter, 145 Sandwich Tern, 18 Red-throated Diver, 4 Guillemot, 3 Manx Shearwater, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Razorbill, 2 Kittiwake and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 Willow Warbler and single Coal Tit and Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallows and a Redpoll flew through.
Miscellaneous
A total of 6 Reed Bunting territories was identified.

Little Ringed Plover

9th April 2026 – overcast/calm then rain SW2/5
Offshore
An early morning check over the sea produced 60 Sandwich Tern, 25 Common Scoter, 16 Red-throated Diver, 12 Shag, 9 Razorbill, 4 Guillemot, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Gannet and a Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
A quieter day with 4 Blackcap and single Chiffchaff and Wheatear logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Little Ringed Plover was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Merlin and Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.
Ringing
A Goldfinch ringed on the island on 9th October 2025 was recaught at Hoylake, Merseyside on 7th April 2026 (72km S) and a colour ringed Shelduck ringed at Wheldrake, Yorkshire on 31st January 2022 (148km E) has returned to Walney Island for a second successive spring.

Warblers and Wheatears arrive

8th April 2026 – sunny spells V1
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 4,300 Eider, 86 Common Scoter, 80 Sandwich Tern, 30 Red-throated Diver, 8 Shag, 5 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot and single Gannet and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Totals involved 32 Wheatear, 12 Blackcap, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Goldcrest, 2 White Wagtail and a single Chiffchaff. In addition, single singing Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat are now back on breeding sites amongst a noticeable influx of Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 61 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Sand Martin and 4 Swallow flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A Raven and 3 Jay were the best of the rest.
Mammals
Three Harbour Porpoise were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
A Green-veined White was new for the year, along with single Painted Lady and Red Admiral which had presumably overwintered locally. The light trap hosted the first Brown Sliver-line of the year.

Another Marsh Harrier

7th April 2026 – bright and sunny E2/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 45 Sandwich Tern, 34 Common Scoter, 17 Red-throated Diver, 5 Shag, 3 Gannet and 3 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Totals involved 5 Wheatear, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest and single Blackcap, Willow Warbler and White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 250 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Meadow Pipit, 10 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow and a Redpoll flew through.
Miscellaneous
A Marsh Harrier hunted the island and Merlin; Hooded Crow and Red-legged Partridge were the best of the rest. Five Twite remained amongst 28 Linnet.
Butterflies and Moths
Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Large White, Small White, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue and Orange Tip were all in the wing in the warm sunshine.

Marsh Harrier

6th April 2026 – sunny spells SE2/5
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 44 Sandwich Tern, 30 Common Scoter, 8 Shag, 7 Red-throated Diver and 7 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 3 White Wagtail, 2 Wheatear and a single Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 728 Pink-footed Geese and 7 Whooper Swan headed north and a Marsh Harrier flew out to sea.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Merlin was the best of the rest.
Mammals
A Weasel was seen.

Arctic Skua

5th April 2026 – sunny spells W4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0900) produced 80 Common Scoter, 50 Kittiwake, 18 Gannet, 18 Sandwich Tern, 2 Razorbill and single Red-throated Diver, Red-breasted Merganser and Arctic Skua.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 300 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.

Hooded Crow and Red-legged Partridge

4th April 2026 – overcast/rain at times S2/5
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 65 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, 8 Shag, 8 Sandwich Tern, 4 Razorbill, 2 Kittiwake and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Goldcrest and a Collared Dove
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and the Red-legged Partridge reappeared
Butterflies and Moths
A Clouded Drab was the first of the year.

Hooded Crow and Twite

2nd April 2026 – bright and sunny/calm
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 10 Sandwich Tern, 7 Common Scoter, 6 Shag, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Kittiwake and 4 Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 350 Pink-footed Geese flew through along with 5 Sand Martin, 2 Siskin and a Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 405 light-bellied birds and waders included 300 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 22 Twite was seen

First Willow Warbler of the spring

1st April 2026 – overcast SW1/3
Offshore
A scan of the sea produced 69 Common Scoter, 15 Red-throated Diver, 13 Sandwich Tern, 8 Shag, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A single Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff was amongst 6 Goldcrest and a single Fieldfare was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 110 Pink-footed Geese flew in off the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 800 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Red-legged Partridge was seen!
Ringing
Two recent Goldfinch controls involve Mossdale, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland (122km NNW) and Orell, Greater Manchester (67km SSE).
Butterflies and Moths
The Herald was new for the year.

First Ring Ouzel and Swallow of the year

31 March 2026 – over/calm then SW1/2
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 9 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Common Scoter, 5 Shag, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A sprinkling of sightings included 2 Chiffchaff and single Ring Ouzel, Mistle Thrush and Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
The first Swallow flew through amongst a trickle of Meadow Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1000 Golden Plover and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and additional sightings included 2 Sparrowhawk and a Water Rail.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap attracted the first Dark Swordgrass of the year.

Seabirds dominate

28th March 2026 – bright and sunny/rain later W5/7
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 83 Kittiwake, 37 Gannet, 23 Sandwich Tern, 22 Common Scoter, 7 Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 20 Meadow Pipit flew in off the sea.
Ringing
A Greenfinch ringed in the observatory garden on 8th October 2025 was recaught on 21st March 2026 at Sharperton, Northumberland (160km NNE).

First Blackcap arrives

27th March 2026 – overcast/rain/drizzle WNW3/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed just 4 Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included single Redwing, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 20 Twite were the best of the rest.

Sandwich Tern numbers begin to build

23rd March 2026 – sunny spells V1/2
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 16 Shag, 10 Sandwich Tern, 8 Red-throated Diver, 8 Common Scoter, 6 Guillemot and single Razorbill and Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 21 Pied Wagtail, 4 Goldcrest and a Great Tit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 400 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and single Merlin, Peregrine and Short-eared Owl were the best of the rest.

First Brambling of the year

22nd March 2026 – early fog then murk ESE1
Grounded Migrants
Just 6 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 4 Siskin and a Brambling flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 400 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and additional sightings included a Merlin.

Water Pipits

21st March 2026 – early mist then hazy sun V1
Grounded Migrants
Just 4 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 5 Whooper Swan and 2 Siskin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Gadwall and Black-tailed Godwit remain.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and additional sightings included 2 Water Pipit.
Butterflies and Moths
Red Swordgrass and Early Thorn were the first of the year.

First Arctic Skua and Redpoll control

20th March 2026 – hazy sun SE1
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed the first Arctic Skua of the year along with 41 Common Scoter, 8 Shag and 6 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 2 Goldcrest and a White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 7 Whooper Swan flew through along with 2 Fieldfare and single Grey Wagtail and Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 800 Golden Plover, 10 Purple Sandpiper and single Black-tailed Godwit and Jack Snipe. A Gadwall was also logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Merlin was the best of the rest.
Ringing
The first Lesser Redpoll of the year was found to be already ringed and had been previously marked at Lindow Moss, Cheshire on 16th November 2025 (102 km SE).

Water Pipits

19th March 2026 – bright and sunny V1
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 24 Common Scoter, 14 Shag and 6 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 18 Goldcrest, 3 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Long-tailed Tit and a Fieldfare were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Totals of 165 Whooper Swan, 78 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Siskin and a Sand Martin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 394 light-bellied birds and additional wildfowl included 202 Teal, 156 Shelduck, 127 Wigeon, 34 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Goldeneye and 3 Shoveler. Waders included 1423 Oystercatcher, 850 Golden Plover, 560 Redshank, 263 Curlew and 11 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and additional sightings included 35 Twite, 2 Water Pipit and a Marsh Harrier while the island’s “woodland” held 65 Coal Tit, 8 Goldcrest and 7 Chiffchaff.
Butterflies and Moths
Red Swordgrass and Early Thorn were the first of the year.

Spring migration kicks in

18th March 2026 – warm and sunny after cloudy start ESE1/2
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 10,000 Eider, 11 Common Scoter, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Shag and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 21 Goldcrest was logged, along with 4 Stonechat, 4 Robin, 2 Wheatear and a Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 42 Woodpigeon flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 800 Golden Plover and 4 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and additional sightings included 4 Water Pipit, 40 Twite and a Merlin. The island’s “woodland” added 8 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest and 3 Coal Tit.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held a Dotted Border, Mottled Grey, Common Quaker and Red Chestnut while the first Brimstone, Peacock and Comma were on the wing.

Water Pipits

17th March 2026 – sunny spells S3/5
Offshore
Observations (0715-0815) produced 26 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and single Shag and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A few Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtail were on the move along with 40 Whooper Swan.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Water Pipit, a Scandinavian Rock Pipit, 12 Twite and single Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A Red Chestnut was the first of the year.

Scandinavian Rock Pipit

16th March 2026 – overcast/rain later SW3/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) revealed 32 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Kittiwake and a Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 300 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
A Scandinavian Rock Pipit, 40 Twite and a Merlin were the best of the rest.

Tawny Owl surprise

14th March 2026 – bright and sunny W2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) revealed 13 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Shag and a Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Just a solitary Goldcrest was logged.
Diurnal Migration
Single Redpoll and Siskin were amongst 50 Meadow Pipit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and the island’s “woodland” held 16 Coal Tit, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff and single Tawny Owl and Jay.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Small Tortoiseshell are now on the wing.

Seabirds

11th March 2026 – bright and sunny W4/6
Offshore
Observations (0700-0900) produced 152 Kittiwake, 69 Common Scoter, 20 Red-throated Diver, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Gannet, 3 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot, 2 Sandwich Tern and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A White Wagtail was amongst 8 Pied Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.

Mediterranean Gull and first Sandwich Tern

10th March 2026 – overcast S3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0715-0815) revealed 53 Common Scoter, 9 Kittiwake, 9 Red-throated Diver, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Gannet and single Mediterranean Gull and Sandwich Tern – the latter the first of the year.
Grounded Migrants
Just a solitary Goldcrest was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 380 Golden Plover and 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.

Hooded Crow and Twite

9th March 2026 – mist/murk/mizzle SSE1/2
Offshore
Just 10 Shag and 2 Red-throated Diver appeared out of the gloom.
Diurnal Migration
A few Pied Wagtail and Meadow Pipit moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and 55 Twite were the best of the rest.

Crossbill and Ring-necked Parakeet

8th March 2026 – dense fog then murk/mizzle E1/2
Grounded Migrants
Dense fog at dawn grounded 2 Crossbill and a Ring-necked Parakeet, however there was little else of note.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 21 Pink-footed Goose flew through.
Miscellaneous
The island’s “woodland” held 6 Coal Tit and single Great Spotted Woodpecker and Treecreeper. Barn Owl and Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A Badger revealed its presence through a trail of footprints.

Hooded Crow and Twite

7th March 2026 – early fog then sunny spells E1/2
Grounded Migrants
Four Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Siskin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 2 Water Rail and 25 Twite were the best of the rest.

First Sand Martin flies through

6th March 2026 – sunny spells/calm
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) produced 101 Common Scoter, 60 Red-throated Diver 50 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Gannet and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Five Goldcrest, 4 Stonechat and a Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Sand Martin flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1,000 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and additional sightings included 2 Water Rail and 12 Twite.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held a Dotted Border.

First Wheatear of the spring

5th March 2026 – sunny spells SE1/2
Grounded Migrants
Four Stonechat, 3Goldcrest and single Wheatear and Chiffchaff were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 19 Woodpigeon flew through along with 6 Pink-footed Geese and a Woodcock.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a Woodcock.
Miscellaneous
At least one Water Pipit remains and a Water Rail was the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held a Mottled Grey.

First Chiffchaff arrives

4th March 2026 – sunny spells SE32
Offshore
A check of the sea produced 17 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver and 5 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
The first Chiffchaff of the year was logged along with 3 Stonechat.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 160 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 441 light-bellied birds and waders included 600 Golden Plover, 350 Redshank, 300 Dunlin, 300 Knot – the latter species has been unusually scarce this winter and 11 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Three Water Pipit and 40 Twite were logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held a Common Quaker – the first of the year.

2025 Report now published

1st March 2026 – overcast/showers later SSE3/5
Notices
The 2025 WBO Report has now been published and is now available for £8.00 including postage and packing.

Hooded Crow and Twite

28th February 2026 – overcast/rain soon/calm
Offshore
A check of the sea (0800-0900) produced 130 Common Scoter, 15 Red-throated Diver, 12 Red-breasted Merganser and a Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 82 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and 40 Twite were logged.
Moths
The light trap held single Mottled Grey and Dotted Border.

Stonechats and Stock Doves

27th February 2026 – sunny spells NW1
Offshore
A check of the sea (0730-0830) produced 43 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
An impressive total of 67 Stonechat was logged as the island’s wintering birds were bolstered by a large influx of passage birds.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 6 Stock Dove flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Tufted Ducks of the year were logged and waders included 3 Greenshank and 2 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow remains while 2 Water Rail and a Short-eared Owl were the best of the rest.

Pochard and Great Northern Diver

25th February 2026 – overcast/mizzle at times SSE3/4
Offshore
A check of the sea (0730-0830) produced 30 Common Scoter, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver and single Pochard, Great Northern Diver and Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Further hints of spring were provided by 4 Stonechat and 2 Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 35 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.

Water Pipits reappear

21st February 2026 – overcast/murky/rain later SW2/4
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 18 Shag, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and the first Gannet of the year.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 21 Woodpigeon and 4 Pied Wagtail suggested that the first hints of spring are underway.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 2 Shoveler.
Miscellaneous
Three Water Pipit were amongst 15 Rock Pipit and single Merlin and Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Curlew had previously been ringed at Ynyshir on the Dyfi Estuary in Wales on 8th October 2021.

Wildfowl and Waders

17th February 2026 – bright and frosty N1/2
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 23 Shag, 9 Red-throated Diver and 3 Common Scoter.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 109 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Counts included 2,450 Oystercatcher, 1,237 Dunlin, 1,096 Redshank, 807 Curlew, 717 Wigeon, 654 Teal, 195 Shelduck, 165 Grey Plover, 140 Lapwing, 100 Golden Plover, 97 Turnstone, 96 Ringed Plover, 82 Pintail, 46 Snipe, 34 Red-breasted Merganser, 13 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail was the best of the rest.

Marsh Harrier and Mediterranean Gull

14th February 2026 – bright and frosty/calm
Offshore
An adult Mediterranean Gull was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 100 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 200 Bar-tailed Godwit and 4 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Single Marsh Harrier and Merlin were the best of the rest.

White-fronts and Pink-feet

7th February 2026 – sunny spells E2/3
Wildfowl and Waders
Geese included 81 light-bellied Brent Goose, 64 Pink-footed Goose, 35 Russian White-fronted Goose, 44 Canada Goose, 10 Barnacle Goose, 2 Greylag Goose and a dark-bellied Brent Goose.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow and 2 Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Mammals
An Otter was seen.

Goosander

1st February 2026 – overcast/mizzle/murk/calm
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 240 light-bellied Brent Goose, 150 Pintail and a Goosander.
Miscellaneous
A wintering Grey Wagtail was unusual while Merlin and the long-staying Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
A Chestnut was the first moth to be attracted to the light trap this year.

Little Gulls and Great Northern Diver

31st January 2026 – overcast/rain at times ESE3/5
Offshore
The Great Northern Diver remains and additional sightings involved 17 Common Scoter, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Little Gull, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 200 light-bellied Brent Goose, 32 Canada Goose, 10 Barnacle Goose – including 6 colour-ringed birds, 5 Pink-footed Goose and 3 Greylag Goose. While 2 Shoveler were the best of the rest.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains while finch flocks included 40 Linnet, 40 Goldfinch and 35 Twite.

Gadwall and Black-tailed Godwit

27th January 2026 – overcast/rain then showers E6/8
Offshore
The sea provided 112 light-bellied Brent Geese, 15 Shag, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver, 3 Razorbill and a Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 3 Shoveler and 2 Gadwall, a Black-tailed Godwit was the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains while 2 Raven and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Ringing
The pair of Brent Geese ringed at Stang Bay on the northern end of Axel Heiburg Island, Canada on 2nd August 2014 have returned for another winter.