31st March 2021 – early murk then hazy sun/calm
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is open though the hides and visitor centre remain closed to comply with social distancing measures, please remember the rule of six.
Rarities
At least one Water Pipit, now starting to attain summer plumage, remains in the flooded horse paddocks along Biggar Bank.
Offshore
An early morning scan of the sea revealed 53 Sandwich Tern, 20 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver, 8 Shag and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Yesterday’s Wheatear influx had quickly moved on with today’s sightings providing 12 Goldcrest, 6 Chiffchaff, 6 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Stonechat and a single Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings included 390 Pink-footed Goose, 50 Meadow Pipit, 7 Pied Wagtail and single Swallow and Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 30 Teal were logged.
Mammals
The clam sea revealed 2 Harbour Porpoise.
Observatory reopens
30th March 2021 – early mist/fog then bright and sunny SSW2/1
Notice
After 83 days of closure due to lockdown restrictions a slight relaxation of rules from “stay at home” to “stay local” allows the observatory to resume activities, albeit in a reduced capacity to comply with the social distancing measures that remain in place. Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is open though the hides and visitor centre remain closed.
Rarities
At least one Water Pipit, now starting to attain summer plumage, remains amongst 50 Meadow Pipit and 3 Rock Pipit feeding in the flooded horse paddocks along Biggar Bank over the high tide.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0715-0815) revealed 44 Common Scoter and 17 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
It appears that the birds have timed their arrival to coincide with the reopening of the observatory. Sightings were led by a Ring Ouzel amongst a fall of the commoner species which included: 134 Wheatear, 17 Goldcrest, 14 Chiffchaff and single Fieldfare, Redwing, Blackcap and White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
Meadow Pipit were also on the move with 390 birds logged along with 62 Pink-footed Goose, 20 Linnet, 12 Pied Wagtail and 12 Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 430 pale-bellied birds and waders included: 15,000 Knot and 32 Snipe.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and 3 Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Butterflies
A Small Tortoiseshell was on the wing.
Notice
After 83 days of closure due to lockdown restrictions a slight relaxation of rules from “stay at home” to “stay local” allows the observatory to resume activities, albeit in a reduced capacity to comply with the social distancing measures that remain in place. Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is open though the hides and visitor centre remain closed.
Rarities
At least one Water Pipit, now starting to attain summer plumage, remains amongst 50 Meadow Pipit and 3 Rock Pipit feeding in the flooded horse paddocks along Biggar Bank over the high tide.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0715-0815) revealed 44 Common Scoter and 17 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
It appears that the birds have timed their arrival to coincide with the reopening of the observatory. Sightings were led by a Ring Ouzel amongst a fall of the commoner species which included: 134 Wheatear, 17 Goldcrest, 14 Chiffchaff and single Fieldfare, Redwing, Blackcap and White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
Meadow Pipit were also on the move with 390 birds logged along with 62 Pink-footed Goose, 20 Linnet, 12 Pied Wagtail and 12 Sand Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 430 pale-bellied birds and waders included: 15,000 Knot and 32 Snipe.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin and 3 Water Rail were the best of the rest.
Butterflies
A Small Tortoiseshell was on the wing.
2020 Report now available
15th January 2021 – bright and frosty ESE1/2
Notice
Please note following the advice on essential travel Walney Bird Observatory has closed until further notice.
Miscellaneous
The WBO 2020 Annual Report is now available.
Notice
Please note following the advice on essential travel Walney Bird Observatory has closed until further notice.
Miscellaneous
The WBO 2020 Annual Report is now available.
Much needed funding
6th January 2021 – bright and frosty N1
Notice
Please note following the advice on essential travel Walney Bird Observatory has closed until further notice.
Miscellaneous
We have received the welcome news of a successful grant application from the British Birds Charitable Trust. The grant will be used to replace the dilapidated ringing and recording cabin and will provide a wetherproof structure for ringing activities including the recording and storage of data together with equipment, reference books and reports.
Notice
Please note following the advice on essential travel Walney Bird Observatory has closed until further notice.
Miscellaneous
We have received the welcome news of a successful grant application from the British Birds Charitable Trust. The grant will be used to replace the dilapidated ringing and recording cabin and will provide a wetherproof structure for ringing activities including the recording and storage of data together with equipment, reference books and reports.
Shag congregation
5th January 2021 – overcast/cold NE1
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 revealed a post-roost gathering of 30 Shag.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven, 2 Water Rail and a Pergrine were the best of the rest.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Mute Swan was not of local origin and details are awaited.
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 revealed a post-roost gathering of 30 Shag.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven, 2 Water Rail and a Pergrine were the best of the rest.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Mute Swan was not of local origin and details are awaited.
Colour-ringed Mute Swan
4th January 2021 – sunny spells/cold NNE1/2
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.
Grounded Migrants
A single Redwing was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 35 Pink-footed Geese flew north.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Mute Swan had previously been ringed at Lower Thurnham, Lancashire on 20th August 2015.
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.
Grounded Migrants
A single Redwing was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 35 Pink-footed Geese flew north.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Mute Swan had previously been ringed at Lower Thurnham, Lancashire on 20th August 2015.
Hooded Crow
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.
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.
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