20th May 2026 – overcast/rain at times SW3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 51 Sandwich Tern, 49 Manx Shearwater, 40 Guillemot, 39 Kittiwake, 11 Common Scoter, 4 Razorbill and a Fulmar.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Arctic Skuas and Puffins
19th May 2026 – rain at times SSE4/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 50 Sandwich Tern, 8 Gannet, 6 Guillemot, 5 Tufted Duck, 4 Manx Shearwater and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Wigeon remains and waders included 290 Sanderling, 28 Whimbrel and 27 Grey Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 50 Sandwich Tern, 8 Gannet, 6 Guillemot, 5 Tufted Duck, 4 Manx Shearwater and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A Wheatear was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Wigeon remains and waders included 290 Sanderling, 28 Whimbrel and 27 Grey Plover.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Common Tern new for the year
18th May 2026 – early rain clearing V1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 103 Sandwich Tern, 68 Common Scoter, 22 Gannet, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was logged and 2 Wheatear were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
A late Wigeon was seen and waders included 163 Ringed Plover and single Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 103 Sandwich Tern, 68 Common Scoter, 22 Gannet, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A Spotted Flycatcher was logged and 2 Wheatear were seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
A late Wigeon was seen and waders included 163 Ringed Plover and single Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Arctic Skua and Puffins
17th May 2026 – sunny spells W3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 105 Guillemot, 100 Sandwich Tern, 34 Gannet, 33 Common Scoter, 8 Kittiwake, 7 Arctic Tern, 5 Arctic Skua, 2 Puffin and single Red-throated Diver and Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included another Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Wheatear and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Four House Martin were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Wall Brown are now on the wing.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 105 Guillemot, 100 Sandwich Tern, 34 Gannet, 33 Common Scoter, 8 Kittiwake, 7 Arctic Tern, 5 Arctic Skua, 2 Puffin and single Red-throated Diver and Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included another Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Wheatear and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Four House Martin were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The first Wall Brown are now on the wing.
More Puffins
16th May 2026 – bright start/rain later W1/2
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 57 Kittiwake, 34 Common Scoter, 30 Sandwich Tern, 19 Guillemot, 15 Gannet, 3 Arctic Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Puffin and 2 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Three Wheatear were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Two House Martin was amongst a continued trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A late Wigeon and 2 Whimbrel were seen.
Ringing
Details of the Spanish ringed Chiffchaff recaptured on Walney Island on 8th and 14th May 2026 have been received, it had initially been caught, presumably during its autumn migration, at Cartuja baja, Zaragoza, Spain (1,394kn S) on 19th October 2024.
Mammals
Three Bottle-nosed Dolphin and 2 Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 57 Kittiwake, 34 Common Scoter, 30 Sandwich Tern, 19 Guillemot, 15 Gannet, 3 Arctic Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Puffin and 2 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Three Wheatear were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Two House Martin was amongst a continued trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A late Wigeon and 2 Whimbrel were seen.
Ringing
Details of the Spanish ringed Chiffchaff recaptured on Walney Island on 8th and 14th May 2026 have been received, it had initially been caught, presumably during its autumn migration, at Cartuja baja, Zaragoza, Spain (1,394kn S) on 19th October 2024.
Mammals
Three Bottle-nosed Dolphin and 2 Harbour Porpoise were offshore.
Lesser Whitethroats continue to arrive
15th May 2026 – sunny spells NW2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea involved 25 Common Scoter, 23 Kittiwake, 20 Sandwich Tern, 12 Guillemot, 7 Gannet and 4 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Three Wheatear, 2 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Grey Plover and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Offshore
Observations over the sea involved 25 Common Scoter, 23 Kittiwake, 20 Sandwich Tern, 12 Guillemot, 7 Gannet and 4 Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Three Wheatear, 2 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 7 Grey Plover and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Arctic Skua
14th May 2026 – sun and showers NW3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea provided 67 Sandwich Tern, 22 Guillemot, 21 Common Scoter, 19 Gannet, 12 Arctic Tern, 3 Shag, 2 Red-throated Diver and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 2 Chiffchaff and single Wheatear and Blackcap.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Whimbrel were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Offshore
Observations over the sea provided 67 Sandwich Tern, 22 Guillemot, 21 Common Scoter, 19 Gannet, 12 Arctic Tern, 3 Shag, 2 Red-throated Diver and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 2 Chiffchaff and single Wheatear and Blackcap.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Whimbrel were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Puffins
12th May 2026 – overcast/rain clearing WNW5/7
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 65 Guillemot, 52 Sandwich Tern, 40 Gannet, 8 Red-throated Diver, 8 Common Scoter, 7 Kittiwake, 5 Razorbill, 4 Puffin and an Arctic Tern.
Diurnal Migration
A House Martin was amongst a continued trickle of Swallow.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 65 Guillemot, 52 Sandwich Tern, 40 Gannet, 8 Red-throated Diver, 8 Common Scoter, 7 Kittiwake, 5 Razorbill, 4 Puffin and an Arctic Tern.
Diurnal Migration
A House Martin was amongst a continued trickle of Swallow.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Jay provides surprise
10th May 2026 – bright and sunny NE2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea provided 30 Sandwich Tern, 29 Common Scoter, 29 Guillemot, 10 Gannet, 3 Shag and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 5 Wheatear, along with single Reed Warbler and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A Jay was a surprise with 2 Redpoll and a Tree Sparrow also seen amongst another trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A late Wigeon was seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
Migrant butterflies involved Red Admiral and Painted Lady.
Offshore
Observations over the sea provided 30 Sandwich Tern, 29 Common Scoter, 29 Guillemot, 10 Gannet, 3 Shag and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 5 Wheatear, along with single Reed Warbler and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
A Jay was a surprise with 2 Redpoll and a Tree Sparrow also seen amongst another trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A late Wigeon was seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
Migrant butterflies involved Red Admiral and Painted Lady.
Pomarine Skua
9th May 2026 – sunny spells ENE2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea were led by a Pomarine Skua heading into the bay at 07005hrs. Also seen were 50 Sandwich Tern, 40 Gannet, 12 Guillemot, 3 Shag, 2 Kittiwake and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A Garden Warbler and Cuckoo were the highlight amongst 5 Wheatear and single Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings involved 5 House Martin amongst a trickle of Swallow and single Redpoll and Tree Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 13 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Offshore
Observations over the sea were led by a Pomarine Skua heading into the bay at 07005hrs. Also seen were 50 Sandwich Tern, 40 Gannet, 12 Guillemot, 3 Shag, 2 Kittiwake and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A Garden Warbler and Cuckoo were the highlight amongst 5 Wheatear and single Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings involved 5 House Martin amongst a trickle of Swallow and single Redpoll and Tree Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 13 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Spanish Chiffchaff
8th May 2026 – overcast NW2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 40 Sandwich Tern, 38 Common Scoter, 21 Gannet, 19 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Shag and an Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 2 Wheatear and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Two Redpoll were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Ringing
Surprise of the day involved a Chiffchaff bearing a Spanish ring – details awaited.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held a Waved Umber.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 40 Sandwich Tern, 38 Common Scoter, 21 Gannet, 19 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Shag and an Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 2 Wheatear and a Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Two Redpoll were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Ringing
Surprise of the day involved a Chiffchaff bearing a Spanish ring – details awaited.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held a Waved Umber.
Good numbers of Lesser Whitethroat hold territory
7th May 2026 – overcast SE2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0615-0745) produced 200 Sandwich Tern, 44 Common Scoter, 24 Gannet, 7 Guillemot, 7 Red-throated Diver, 2 Puffin, 2 Razorbill and an Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 3 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 20 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and around 30 territorial Lesser Whitethroat are on the island.
Butterflies and Moths
Painted Lady and Red Admiral continue to be recorded.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0615-0745) produced 200 Sandwich Tern, 44 Common Scoter, 24 Gannet, 7 Guillemot, 7 Red-throated Diver, 2 Puffin, 2 Razorbill and an Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 3 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 20 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and around 30 territorial Lesser Whitethroat are on the island.
Butterflies and Moths
Painted Lady and Red Admiral continue to be recorded.
Common Scoter dominate
5th May 2026 – overcast NW2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 250 Common Scoter, 17 Guillemot, 16 Gannet, 8 Shag and a Red-throated Diver. In addition, the Common Scoter flock in the mouth of the bay held at least 3000 birds.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 2 Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 20 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
Painted Lady and Red Admiral continue to be recorded.
Offshore
Observations over the sea produced 250 Common Scoter, 17 Guillemot, 16 Gannet, 8 Shag and a Red-throated Diver. In addition, the Common Scoter flock in the mouth of the bay held at least 3000 birds.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 2 Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 20 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
Painted Lady and Red Admiral continue to be recorded.
Garden Warbler and Velvet Scoters
4th May 2026 – overcast E1
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) provided 3250 Common Scoter, 50 Sandwich Tern, 14 Gannet, 14 Shag, 14 Guillemot, 2 Velvet Scoter and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 5 Wheatear, 5 Willow Warbler and single Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Garden Warbler – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows continue to trickle flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 68 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Mammals
A Short-tailed Vole was pursued by a Weasel.
Butterflies and Moths
Migrant butterflies involved 30 Red Admiral and 26 Painted Lady and 3 Small Mottled Willow were in the moth trap.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) provided 3250 Common Scoter, 50 Sandwich Tern, 14 Gannet, 14 Shag, 14 Guillemot, 2 Velvet Scoter and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Sightings included 5 Wheatear, 5 Willow Warbler and single Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Garden Warbler – the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows continue to trickle flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 68 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Mammals
A Short-tailed Vole was pursued by a Weasel.
Butterflies and Moths
Migrant butterflies involved 30 Red Admiral and 26 Painted Lady and 3 Small Mottled Willow were in the moth trap.
Cuckoo and Velvet Scoter
3rd May 2026 – overcast/rain clearing NE1/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) produced 52 Sandwich Tern, 20 Common Scoter, 14 Gannet, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot and a Manx Shearwater. In addition, the Common Scoter flock in the mouth of the bay held at least two Velvet Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by the first Cuckoo of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included Shoveler while waders included 67 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap was dominated by Brown Silver Line while Green Carpet, Least Black Arches and Rustic Shoulder Knot were new for the year. Additionally, and unusually for the time of the year, a total of four Small Mottled Willow were attracted overnight.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) produced 52 Sandwich Tern, 20 Common Scoter, 14 Gannet, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot and a Manx Shearwater. In addition, the Common Scoter flock in the mouth of the bay held at least two Velvet Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by the first Cuckoo of the year.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included Shoveler while waders included 67 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap was dominated by Brown Silver Line while Green Carpet, Least Black Arches and Rustic Shoulder Knot were new for the year. Additionally, and unusually for the time of the year, a total of four Small Mottled Willow were attracted overnight.
Spotted Flycatcher and Whinchat
2nd May 2026 – overcast SW2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea provided 170 Sandwich Tern, 91 Common Scoter, 75 Gannet, 56 Guillemot, 14 Red-throated Diver, 6 Manx Shearwater, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Puffin, 2 Kittiwake and single Arctic Tern and Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Single Whinchat and Spotted Flycatcher were amongst 11 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows continue to trickle flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Whimbrel and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Offshore
Observations over the sea provided 170 Sandwich Tern, 91 Common Scoter, 75 Gannet, 56 Guillemot, 14 Red-throated Diver, 6 Manx Shearwater, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Puffin, 2 Kittiwake and single Arctic Tern and Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Single Whinchat and Spotted Flycatcher were amongst 11 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows continue to trickle flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Whimbrel and a Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Velvet Scoter
1st May 2026 – bright and sunny/rain later NE2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea provided 220 Common Scoter, 140 Sandwich Tern, 36 Guillemot, 7 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Shag, 2 Gadwall and single Manx Shearwater and Velvet Scoter. In addition, flocks of 3000 Eider and 1000 Common Scoter were in the mouth of the bay.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 8 Wheatear and 3 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Four Redpoll and a Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Shoveler continue to linger while waders included 27 Whimbrel and single Common Sandpiper, Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and Sedge Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat are now well distributed across the island, however Whitethroat are only thinly spread.
Butterflies and Moths
Highlight in the light trap was a Rush Veneer.
Offshore
Observations over the sea provided 220 Common Scoter, 140 Sandwich Tern, 36 Guillemot, 7 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Shag, 2 Gadwall and single Manx Shearwater and Velvet Scoter. In addition, flocks of 3000 Eider and 1000 Common Scoter were in the mouth of the bay.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 8 Wheatear and 3 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Four Redpoll and a Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Shoveler continue to linger while waders included 27 Whimbrel and single Common Sandpiper, Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and Sedge Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat are now well distributed across the island, however Whitethroat are only thinly spread.
Butterflies and Moths
Highlight in the light trap was a Rush Veneer.
Puffin
29th April 2026 – bright and sunny ENE4/6/8
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 32 Sandwich Tern, 28 Guillemot, 15 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 7 Gannet, 7 Little Tern and a Puffin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 2 Gadwall and 2 Shoveler while waders included 9 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
Several Red Admiral were seen.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) revealed 32 Sandwich Tern, 28 Guillemot, 15 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 7 Gannet, 7 Little Tern and a Puffin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 2 Gadwall and 2 Shoveler while waders included 9 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
Several Red Admiral were seen.
Arctic Skua
28th April 2026 – sunny spells NE2/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) revealed 35 Sandwich Tern, 34 Guillemot, 18 Common Scoter, 16 Little Tern, 15 Gannet, 7 Shag, 7 Kittiwake, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Arctic Tern and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Very quiet, limited to 2 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff and single Blackcap and Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Whimbrel and 2 Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Merlin was logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held the first Sandy Carpet of the year and a Dark Swordgrass was logged.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0630-0730) revealed 35 Sandwich Tern, 34 Guillemot, 18 Common Scoter, 16 Little Tern, 15 Gannet, 7 Shag, 7 Kittiwake, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Arctic Tern and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Very quiet, limited to 2 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff and single Blackcap and Willow Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 6 Whimbrel and 2 Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains and a Merlin was logged.
Butterflies and Moths
The light trap held the first Sandy Carpet of the year and a Dark Swordgrass was logged.
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