9th May 2012 – overcast NW1
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0900) produced just 9 Common Scoter 5 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Sandwich Tern and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear decreased markedly with only 15 birds logged along with 3 Willow Warbler and another Redstart – it has been the best spring on Walney for several years for this species. Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler numbers continue to build.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows were again on the move with a steady passage in off the sea through the morning totalling at least 300 birds, also seen were 2 Sand Martin and 2 House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Whimbrel numbers showed a noticeable decline with just 10 birds logged.
Moths
The first Pebble Prominent have emerged.
Whimbrel and Wheatear dominate
8th May 2012 – sunshine and showers S2
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0900) provided variety rather than quantity with 86 Common Scoter, 35 Gannet, 35 Kittiwake, 14 Guillemot, 10 Sandwich Tern, 6 Manx Shearwater, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Razorbill and single Arctic Tern, Little Tern and Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear numbers increased with 76 birds logged otherwise obvious migrants were limited to 3 Willow Warbler and a Redstart. However, a further influx of Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat were noted at breeding localities.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows were again on the move with passage through the morning totalling at least 500 birds, also seen were 2 Sand Martin 2 House Martin and a Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
A recently ploughed field attracted 160 Ringed Plover and 100 Dunlin while 102 Whimbrel were logged.
Ringing
The origins of the colour-ringed Dunlin found on 4th May 2012 have been confirmed, it was ringed at Brito Saltpans, Alcochete, Tagus Estuary, PORTUGAL on 2nd February 2009 (1800km S). Also a colour-ringed Lesser Black-backed Gull holding territory on the island on the same date was ringed at Stoke Orchard Landfill Site, Gloucestershire on 4th December 2004 (251km SSE).
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0900) provided variety rather than quantity with 86 Common Scoter, 35 Gannet, 35 Kittiwake, 14 Guillemot, 10 Sandwich Tern, 6 Manx Shearwater, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Razorbill and single Arctic Tern, Little Tern and Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear numbers increased with 76 birds logged otherwise obvious migrants were limited to 3 Willow Warbler and a Redstart. However, a further influx of Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat were noted at breeding localities.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows were again on the move with passage through the morning totalling at least 500 birds, also seen were 2 Sand Martin 2 House Martin and a Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
A recently ploughed field attracted 160 Ringed Plover and 100 Dunlin while 102 Whimbrel were logged.
Ringing
The origins of the colour-ringed Dunlin found on 4th May 2012 have been confirmed, it was ringed at Brito Saltpans, Alcochete, Tagus Estuary, PORTUGAL on 2nd February 2009 (1800km S). Also a colour-ringed Lesser Black-backed Gull holding territory on the island on the same date was ringed at Stoke Orchard Landfill Site, Gloucestershire on 4th December 2004 (251km SSE).
Black Guillemot and Little Tern
7th May 2012 – hazy sun/rain later SE3/4/5
Offshore
Observations before and after the tide (0800-0900 & 1400-1500) were highlighted by 2 Puffin, 2 Arctic Skua and single Black Guillemot and Little Tern amongst 90 Common Scoter, 27 Sandwich Tern, 24 Gannet, 10 Manx Shearwater, 9 Kittiwake, 9 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Two Yellow Wagtail and single Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff were amongst 56 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Single Siskin and Lesser Redpoll were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 550 Knot, including a few in summer plumage and 67 Whimbrel were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Offshore
Observations before and after the tide (0800-0900 & 1400-1500) were highlighted by 2 Puffin, 2 Arctic Skua and single Black Guillemot and Little Tern amongst 90 Common Scoter, 27 Sandwich Tern, 24 Gannet, 10 Manx Shearwater, 9 Kittiwake, 9 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Two Yellow Wagtail and single Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff were amongst 56 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Single Siskin and Lesser Redpoll were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 550 Knot, including a few in summer plumage and 67 Whimbrel were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Little Ringed Plover new in
6th May 2012 – bright and sunny W2/3
Offshore
Just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Gannet and Sandwich Tern were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatears were again to the fore with 58 birds logged during a late morning influx, along with 7 Willow Warbler and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 50 Pink-footed Geese, 10 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Sand Martin, 3 House Martin and 2 Yellow Wagtail were amongst a further steady passage of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Little Ringed Plover was newly arrived and 80 Whimbrel were recorded.
Moths
The first Rustic Shoulder-Knot have emerged.
Offshore
Just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Gannet and Sandwich Tern were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatears were again to the fore with 58 birds logged during a late morning influx, along with 7 Willow Warbler and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 50 Pink-footed Geese, 10 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Sand Martin, 3 House Martin and 2 Yellow Wagtail were amongst a further steady passage of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Little Ringed Plover was newly arrived and 80 Whimbrel were recorded.
Moths
The first Rustic Shoulder-Knot have emerged.
First Cuckoo of the spring
5th May 2012 – bright and sunny N2
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced 28 Gannet, 12 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatears increased with 43 birds logged along with 15 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Redstart and single Cuckoo, Fieldfare, White Wagtail and Whinchat. Increased numbers of birds are now in breeding haunts with 20 Whitethroat, 12 Sedge Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler and 2 Grasshopper Warbler recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift and single Lesser Redpoll and Siskin were amongst a steady passage of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1260 Dunlin, 430 Knot, 134 Whimbrel, 130 Sanderling and 2 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced 28 Gannet, 12 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatears increased with 43 birds logged along with 15 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Redstart and single Cuckoo, Fieldfare, White Wagtail and Whinchat. Increased numbers of birds are now in breeding haunts with 20 Whitethroat, 12 Sedge Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler and 2 Grasshopper Warbler recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift and single Lesser Redpoll and Siskin were amongst a steady passage of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1260 Dunlin, 430 Knot, 134 Whimbrel, 130 Sanderling and 2 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Mediterranean Gull
4th May 2012 – overcast E2/3 occasional showers
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0845) provided a first-summer Mediterranean Gull and 10 Arctic Tern along with 14 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Gannet and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear numbers continue to fall with just 25 birds logged along with 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler and single Fieldfare and Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
Just a few Swallow were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wader sightings included 350 Knot, 24 Whimbrel and 2 Purple Sandpiper.
Ringing
A mixed flock of Sanderling and Dunlin roosting over the tide held the third colour-ringed Sanderling of the spring, it had originally been ringed at Sandgeroi, ICELAND on 22nd May 2011 (1240km NW). In addition a colour-ringed Dunlin was also found – initial enquires suggest that this had been ringed on the Tagus Estuary, PORTUGAL.
Mammals
Two Bottle-nosed Dolphins were seen in Piel Channel before they headed back out into Morecambe Bay under the accompaniment of a large flock of gulls.
Moths
White Ermine, Cinnabar and Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet were newly emerged.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0845) provided a first-summer Mediterranean Gull and 10 Arctic Tern along with 14 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Gannet and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear numbers continue to fall with just 25 birds logged along with 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler and single Fieldfare and Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
Just a few Swallow were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wader sightings included 350 Knot, 24 Whimbrel and 2 Purple Sandpiper.
Ringing
A mixed flock of Sanderling and Dunlin roosting over the tide held the third colour-ringed Sanderling of the spring, it had originally been ringed at Sandgeroi, ICELAND on 22nd May 2011 (1240km NW). In addition a colour-ringed Dunlin was also found – initial enquires suggest that this had been ringed on the Tagus Estuary, PORTUGAL.
Mammals
Two Bottle-nosed Dolphins were seen in Piel Channel before they headed back out into Morecambe Bay under the accompaniment of a large flock of gulls.
Moths
White Ermine, Cinnabar and Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet were newly emerged.
Hooded Crow flies through
3rd May 2012 – bright and sunny NE3 the NW2/3
Offshore
A quick check over the sea revealed just small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Although 140 Wheatear were logged the supporting cast was less spectacular compared to the excesses of yesterday with just 17 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whinchat, 2 Chiffchaff and a Whitethroat seen.
Diurnal Migration
A steady trickle of hirundines through the morning involved 110 Swallow, 12 House Martin and a Sand Martin while a Hooded Crow flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wader sightings included 53 Whimbrel and a late Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
While migrant species are still moving through the resident species are now feeding young with the first broods of Dunnock and Stonechat now fledged.
Butterflies
The first Wall Brown and Large White are now on the wing.
Offshore
A quick check over the sea revealed just small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Although 140 Wheatear were logged the supporting cast was less spectacular compared to the excesses of yesterday with just 17 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whinchat, 2 Chiffchaff and a Whitethroat seen.
Diurnal Migration
A steady trickle of hirundines through the morning involved 110 Swallow, 12 House Martin and a Sand Martin while a Hooded Crow flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wader sightings included 53 Whimbrel and a late Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
While migrant species are still moving through the resident species are now feeding young with the first broods of Dunnock and Stonechat now fledged.
Butterflies
The first Wall Brown and Large White are now on the wing.
Birds Galore!
2nd May 2012 – overcast/calm then sunny spells V2
Offshore
There was little time to look over the sea and consequently sightings were limited to 14 Sandwich Tern, 8 Common Scoter, 6 Gannet, 2 Arctic Tern and single Red-throated Diver and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
The day dawned to calm and overcast conditions and it quickly became evident that one of the best falls ever witnessed on the island in the spring, due to the variety and numbers involve, had taken place. Nearly every bush, hedgerow, field and fence line seemed to hold birds and final totals involved 310 Willow Warbler, 255 Wheatear, 46 Blackcap, 12 Whinchat, 12 Chiffchaff, 9 Sedge Warbler, 8 Redstart, 8 Whitethroat, 7 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Tree Pipit and single White Wagtail, Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Although somewhat overlooked the skies added to the variety with 500 Pink-footed Geese, 200 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 3 Lesser Redpoll and single Sand Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Siskin and Swift.
Wildfowl and Waders
A few Teal continue to linger and wader sightings were led by 57 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Both Barn and Short-eared Owl continue to hunt the island, 2 Little Egret and 2 Peregrine were seen and a Raven was logged.
Offshore
There was little time to look over the sea and consequently sightings were limited to 14 Sandwich Tern, 8 Common Scoter, 6 Gannet, 2 Arctic Tern and single Red-throated Diver and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
The day dawned to calm and overcast conditions and it quickly became evident that one of the best falls ever witnessed on the island in the spring, due to the variety and numbers involve, had taken place. Nearly every bush, hedgerow, field and fence line seemed to hold birds and final totals involved 310 Willow Warbler, 255 Wheatear, 46 Blackcap, 12 Whinchat, 12 Chiffchaff, 9 Sedge Warbler, 8 Redstart, 8 Whitethroat, 7 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Tree Pipit and single White Wagtail, Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Although somewhat overlooked the skies added to the variety with 500 Pink-footed Geese, 200 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 3 Lesser Redpoll and single Sand Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Siskin and Swift.
Wildfowl and Waders
A few Teal continue to linger and wader sightings were led by 57 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Both Barn and Short-eared Owl continue to hunt the island, 2 Little Egret and 2 Peregrine were seen and a Raven was logged.
Weather deteriorates again
1st May 2012 – overcast/rain later NE4/5
Offshore
Again just small numbers of birds were on the move (0815-0915) with 40 Sandwich Tern, 8 Red-throated Diver, 4 Arctic Tern, 4 Gannet, 3 Razorbill and single Red-breasted Merganser, Manx Shearwater and Guillemot logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat and 4 Willow Warbler were amongst 16 Wheatear as the weather reverted to the cold and windy conditions typical of much of this spring.
Diurnal Migration
Hirundines were again coming in off the sea early morning with 100 Swallow, 18 House Martin and a Sand Martin logged along with 70 Meadow Pipit and 20 Linnet.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 34 Whimbrel.
Offshore
Again just small numbers of birds were on the move (0815-0915) with 40 Sandwich Tern, 8 Red-throated Diver, 4 Arctic Tern, 4 Gannet, 3 Razorbill and single Red-breasted Merganser, Manx Shearwater and Guillemot logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat and 4 Willow Warbler were amongst 16 Wheatear as the weather reverted to the cold and windy conditions typical of much of this spring.
Diurnal Migration
Hirundines were again coming in off the sea early morning with 100 Swallow, 18 House Martin and a Sand Martin logged along with 70 Meadow Pipit and 20 Linnet.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 34 Whimbrel.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)