3rd January 2021 – sunny spells/cold N1/2
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea again produced small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter and Razorbill.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow put in its first appearance of the year.
Walney Winter Bird Race
2nd January 2021 – bright and frosty N1
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea produced small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, Razorbill, Shag and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Four Redwing were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Some evidence of cold weather movement with 120 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Barnacle Goose, 7 Whooper Swan and a Buzzard recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 redhead Goosander remain and waders included 17 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
With the traditional CBC Winter Bird Race cancelled in 2021 due to the ongoing covid-19 lockdown restrictions a socially distanced Bird Race was suggested as a substitute with a set of rules aimed at practising social distancing and limiting travel to the observers local area. Two members of Walney BO were up for the challenge and on 2nd January 2021 both set out to independently scour Walney Island for as many species as possible. Colin Raven selected a route that involved a leisurely stroll around the centre of the island whilst Chris Turner decided on a more adventurous cycle route that also encompassed the nature reserves situated at both ends of the island. Remarkably despite the different modes of transport and routes both amassed 80 species in the day and a total of 92 species were recorded. Additional highlights to those above included: Merlin, Peregrine, Little Owl, Water Rail, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Treecreeper, Goldcrest and Siskin.
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Early morning observations over the sea produced small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, Razorbill, Shag and Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Four Redwing were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Some evidence of cold weather movement with 120 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Barnacle Goose, 7 Whooper Swan and a Buzzard recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 3 redhead Goosander remain and waders included 17 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe and Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
With the traditional CBC Winter Bird Race cancelled in 2021 due to the ongoing covid-19 lockdown restrictions a socially distanced Bird Race was suggested as a substitute with a set of rules aimed at practising social distancing and limiting travel to the observers local area. Two members of Walney BO were up for the challenge and on 2nd January 2021 both set out to independently scour Walney Island for as many species as possible. Colin Raven selected a route that involved a leisurely stroll around the centre of the island whilst Chris Turner decided on a more adventurous cycle route that also encompassed the nature reserves situated at both ends of the island. Remarkably despite the different modes of transport and routes both amassed 80 species in the day and a total of 92 species were recorded. Additional highlights to those above included: Merlin, Peregrine, Little Owl, Water Rail, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Treecreeper, Goldcrest and Siskin.
Happy New Year
1st January 2021 – bright and frosty NW2
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 16 Purple Sandpiper and 2 Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 30 Twite and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 16 Purple Sandpiper and 2 Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 30 Twite and 2 Raven were the best of the rest.
Cetti's Warbler and Otter
30th December 2020 – frosty start/sunny spells/showers V1
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Rarities
The Cetti's Warbler is still in residence, calling occasionally early morning amongst the reeds and scrub in the corner of Creephaw Marsh.
Grounded Migrants
A Woodcock provided a further hint of cold weather movement.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 22 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 380 pale-bellied birds and waders included 6 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Mammals
An Otter was seen mid-morning.
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Rarities
The Cetti's Warbler is still in residence, calling occasionally early morning amongst the reeds and scrub in the corner of Creephaw Marsh.
Grounded Migrants
A Woodcock provided a further hint of cold weather movement.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 22 Pink-footed Geese flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 380 pale-bellied birds and waders included 6 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Mammals
An Otter was seen mid-morning.
Cetti's Warbler still in residence
28th December 2020 – cold start/sunny spells NNE2
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Rarities
The Cetti's Warbler is still in residence, calling and showing occasionally amongst the reeds and scrub in the corner of Creephaw Marsh.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush provided a hint of cold weather movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
The three redhead Goosander put in another appearance and waders included 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine and 25 Twite were the best of the rest.
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Rarities
The Cetti's Warbler is still in residence, calling and showing occasionally amongst the reeds and scrub in the corner of Creephaw Marsh.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush provided a hint of cold weather movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
The three redhead Goosander put in another appearance and waders included 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine and 25 Twite were the best of the rest.
Storm Bella closes in
26th December 2020 – overcast/rain later SW5/6
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Early morning observations as Storm Bella approached (0900-1000) produced 77 Common Scoter, 17 Red-throated Diver, 12 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Guillemot and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Early morning observations as Storm Bella approached (0900-1000) produced 77 Common Scoter, 17 Red-throated Diver, 12 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Guillemot and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Great Northern Diver still
24th December 2020 – bright and frosty N2
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0830-0930) produced a Great Northern Diver along with 33 Razorbill, 14 Red-throated Diver, 11 Common Scoter and 5 Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 11 Pink-footed Geese flew through .
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were the best of the rest.
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0830-0930) produced a Great Northern Diver along with 33 Razorbill, 14 Red-throated Diver, 11 Common Scoter and 5 Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 11 Pink-footed Geese flew through .
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were the best of the rest.
Great Northern Diver and Snow Bunting
22nd December 2020 – sunny spells/calm
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
A check of the sea produced a Great Northern Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A single Snow Bunting flew through late morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
Six Shoveler and 3 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin, 2 Water Rail and single Barn Owl and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
A check of the sea produced a Great Northern Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A single Snow Bunting flew through late morning.
Wildfowl and Waders
Six Shoveler and 3 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
Two Merlin, 2 Water Rail and single Barn Owl and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Late Gannets
19th December 2020 – sunshine and showers SSE4/5/6
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0900-1000) produced 13 Common Scoter, 8 Razorbill, 7 Kittiwake, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Red-throated Diver, and 3 Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
Three colour-ringed birds were identified amongst the Knot flock.
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve remains open (1000-1600hrs) though the hides and visitor centre are closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0900-1000) produced 13 Common Scoter, 8 Razorbill, 7 Kittiwake, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Red-throated Diver, and 3 Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
Three colour-ringed birds were identified amongst the Knot flock.
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