21st October 2009 - early rain then sunny intervals SE4/5
Offshore
Sightings were limited to a flock of 5 Common Scoter and a handful of Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A few grounded thrushes involved 4 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush and a Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
Little concerted movement was in evidence with just 43 Jackdaw, 6 Redwing and 3 alba Wgtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 19 Greenshank remain and 11 Shoveler were logged.
Moths
Even the moth traps were empty!
Brent Geese and Little Egrets
20th October 2009 - ovecast/rain later SE4/5/6
Offshore
Observations (0815-0915) were to provide little reward with just 69 Common Scoter, 12 Gannet and single Razorbill, Guillemot and Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 54 pale-bellied and 22 dark-bellied individuals as they fled the attentions of wind-surfing activities elsewhere in Morecambe Bay.
Miscellaneous
The 32 Little Egrets remain and include at least one colour-ringed individual. At least one Merlin continues to hunt the island.
Images
Dark-bellied Brent Geese
Slavonian Grebe stars
19th October 2009 - overcast/rain SW4
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide and in persistent rain and low visibility produced just 29 Common Scoter, 5 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill, 3 Gannet and a pale phase Arctic Skua. However, the highlight appeared later in the day when a Slavonian Grebe was found consorting with Great Crested Grebes along the eastern shore on the ebbing tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 18 pale-bellied and 7 dark-bellied birds. Totals from the monthly WeBS count included 7387 Oystercatcher, 2214 Redshank, 1400 Golden Plover, 1144 Wigeon, 1022 Curlew, 413 Teal, 340 Lapwing, 328 Grey Plover, 252 Mallard, 234 Cormorant, 158 Ringed Plover, 41 Red-breasted Merganser, 39 Snipe and 24 Grey Heron.
Miscellaneous
Another Great Spotted Woodpecker continued the excellent recent run of sightings for this species and 11 Twite were logged. A total of 32 Little Egret are now scattered along the island's eastern shore.
Offshore
Morning observations on the rising tide and in persistent rain and low visibility produced just 29 Common Scoter, 5 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill, 3 Gannet and a pale phase Arctic Skua. However, the highlight appeared later in the day when a Slavonian Grebe was found consorting with Great Crested Grebes along the eastern shore on the ebbing tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock contained 18 pale-bellied and 7 dark-bellied birds. Totals from the monthly WeBS count included 7387 Oystercatcher, 2214 Redshank, 1400 Golden Plover, 1144 Wigeon, 1022 Curlew, 413 Teal, 340 Lapwing, 328 Grey Plover, 252 Mallard, 234 Cormorant, 158 Ringed Plover, 41 Red-breasted Merganser, 39 Snipe and 24 Grey Heron.
Miscellaneous
Another Great Spotted Woodpecker continued the excellent recent run of sightings for this species and 11 Twite were logged. A total of 32 Little Egret are now scattered along the island's eastern shore.
Twite numbers begin to build
18th October 2009 - overcast/rain at times SW4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0845-0945) provided 110 Common Scoter, 100 Razorbill, 20 Common Gull, 10 Kittiwake, 4 Gannet, 3 Guillemot, 2 Shag and single Red-throated Diver and Goldeneye.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 10 Blackbird, 3 Redwing and 3 Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Just 5 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Lesser Redpoll were logged in the inclement conditions.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wigeon numbers continue to build with 1030 birds logged, the first Goldeneye reappeared and the Brent Goose flock contained 19 pale-bellied and 2 dark bellied individuals. Waders included 6000 Oystercatcher, 2080 Redshank, 1100 Golden Plover, 23 Greenshank and the first Purple Sandpiper of the winter.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Water Rail remain, good numbers of Little Egret continue to show and the Twite flock contained 30 birds.
Moths
The Figure of Eight was new for the year.
Images
Figure of Eight
Offshore
Early morning observations (0845-0945) provided 110 Common Scoter, 100 Razorbill, 20 Common Gull, 10 Kittiwake, 4 Gannet, 3 Guillemot, 2 Shag and single Red-throated Diver and Goldeneye.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 10 Blackbird, 3 Redwing and 3 Song Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Just 5 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Lesser Redpoll were logged in the inclement conditions.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wigeon numbers continue to build with 1030 birds logged, the first Goldeneye reappeared and the Brent Goose flock contained 19 pale-bellied and 2 dark bellied individuals. Waders included 6000 Oystercatcher, 2080 Redshank, 1100 Golden Plover, 23 Greenshank and the first Purple Sandpiper of the winter.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Water Rail remain, good numbers of Little Egret continue to show and the Twite flock contained 30 birds.
Moths
The Figure of Eight was new for the year.
Images
Figure of Eight
Great Northern Diver, Ring Ouzel and first Brambling
17th October 2009 - bright and sunny/early frost/calm
Offshore
Sightings over calm seas on the falling tide were led by a Great Northern Diver. Also seen were 22 Common Scoter, 21 Razorbill and single Guillemot and pale-bellied Brent Goose.
Grounded Migrants
The first throes of dawn saw thrushes again dominating with 145 Redwing, 55 Blackbird, 12 Song Thrush, 4 Fieldfare and a Ring Ouzel logged, however many quickly moved on as the sun rose. The only additional direct evidence of truly grounded birds involved a single Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
The bright and clear conditions with little wind again saw birds on the move and totals (0800-1030) included: 450 Jackdaw, 195 Pink-footed Goose, 80 Starling, 55 Meadow Pipit, 50 Greenfinch, 28 Linnet, 22 Skylark, 20 alba Wagtail, 17 Whooper Swan, 9 Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 2 Brambling, 2 Tree Sparrow and single Rock Pipit and Swallow.
Miscellaneous
Good numbers of Little Egret remain scattered along the eastern shore of the island and additional sightings of note included 3 Little Owl, 2 Water Rail and 2 Merlin. At least 3 Rock Pipit frequented the maritime shore and a further 3 birds were flushed from the salt marshes by the high tide.
Butterflies
Small numbers of Painted Lady and Red Admiral continue to move through and a late Small Copper was on the wing.
Offshore
Sightings over calm seas on the falling tide were led by a Great Northern Diver. Also seen were 22 Common Scoter, 21 Razorbill and single Guillemot and pale-bellied Brent Goose.
Grounded Migrants
The first throes of dawn saw thrushes again dominating with 145 Redwing, 55 Blackbird, 12 Song Thrush, 4 Fieldfare and a Ring Ouzel logged, however many quickly moved on as the sun rose. The only additional direct evidence of truly grounded birds involved a single Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
The bright and clear conditions with little wind again saw birds on the move and totals (0800-1030) included: 450 Jackdaw, 195 Pink-footed Goose, 80 Starling, 55 Meadow Pipit, 50 Greenfinch, 28 Linnet, 22 Skylark, 20 alba Wagtail, 17 Whooper Swan, 9 Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 2 Brambling, 2 Tree Sparrow and single Rock Pipit and Swallow.
Miscellaneous
Good numbers of Little Egret remain scattered along the eastern shore of the island and additional sightings of note included 3 Little Owl, 2 Water Rail and 2 Merlin. At least 3 Rock Pipit frequented the maritime shore and a further 3 birds were flushed from the salt marshes by the high tide.
Butterflies
Small numbers of Painted Lady and Red Admiral continue to move through and a late Small Copper was on the wing.
Little Egret influx
16th October 2009 - bright and sunny NE2/3
Offshore
Just small numbers of Common Scoter and Razorbill were on the move.
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes were again to the fore with 34 Redwing, 12 Blackbird and 10 Song Thrush logged along with single Fieldfare and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Variety rather than quantity prove to be the result of morning observations with 320 Meadow Pipit, 220 Skylark, 210 Jackdaw, 180 Starling, 110 Linnet, 40 Greenfinch, 16 Redpoll, 15 alba Wagtail, 15 Swallow, 12 Whooper Swan, 5 Siskin, 5 Carrion Crow, 4 Golden Plover, 4 House Sparrow, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Twite, 2 Rook and single Grey Wagtail and Great Spotted Woodpecker amongst the species logged.
Miscellaneous
A noticeable influx in Little Egret produced a total of 26 birds. Also seen were single Water Rail, Merlin and Little Owl.
Butterflies
Migrant species remain on the move in the warm afternoon sunshine with 30 Red Admiral and a Painted Lady seen along with a late Speckled Wood.
Offshore
Just small numbers of Common Scoter and Razorbill were on the move.
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes were again to the fore with 34 Redwing, 12 Blackbird and 10 Song Thrush logged along with single Fieldfare and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Variety rather than quantity prove to be the result of morning observations with 320 Meadow Pipit, 220 Skylark, 210 Jackdaw, 180 Starling, 110 Linnet, 40 Greenfinch, 16 Redpoll, 15 alba Wagtail, 15 Swallow, 12 Whooper Swan, 5 Siskin, 5 Carrion Crow, 4 Golden Plover, 4 House Sparrow, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Twite, 2 Rook and single Grey Wagtail and Great Spotted Woodpecker amongst the species logged.
Miscellaneous
A noticeable influx in Little Egret produced a total of 26 birds. Also seen were single Water Rail, Merlin and Little Owl.
Butterflies
Migrant species remain on the move in the warm afternoon sunshine with 30 Red Admiral and a Painted Lady seen along with a late Speckled Wood.
Image
Song Thrush and Speckled Wood
Disappointing day!
15th October 2009 - early fog/calm then sunny spells W1
Grounded Migrants
A total of 14 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush and single Fieldfare and Chiffchaff were a scant reward for the promising early morning conditions.
Diurnal Migration
After a slow start a few birds moved through as the conditions cleared. Sightings included 55 alba Wagtail, 45 Pink-footed Goose, 45 Meadow Pipit, 40 Starling, 30 Skylark, 28 Linnet, 25 Greenfinch, 12 Chaffinch, 4 Redpoll, 3 Siskin, 3 Grey Wagtail and single Twite and Swallow.
Miscellaneous
The Water Rail remains.
Moths
Migrants attracted to the moth traps overnight involved 2 Rush Veneer, 2 Silver Y and a Pearly Underwing - the latter the first of the year.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 14 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush and single Fieldfare and Chiffchaff were a scant reward for the promising early morning conditions.
Diurnal Migration
After a slow start a few birds moved through as the conditions cleared. Sightings included 55 alba Wagtail, 45 Pink-footed Goose, 45 Meadow Pipit, 40 Starling, 30 Skylark, 28 Linnet, 25 Greenfinch, 12 Chaffinch, 4 Redpoll, 3 Siskin, 3 Grey Wagtail and single Twite and Swallow.
Miscellaneous
The Water Rail remains.
Moths
Migrants attracted to the moth traps overnight involved 2 Rush Veneer, 2 Silver Y and a Pearly Underwing - the latter the first of the year.
First Fieldfares arrive
14th October 2009 - mist/drizzle/calm then overcast SW1
Grounded Migrants
The conditions produced a scattering of grounded birds including 4 Blackbird, 4 Song Thrush, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Rock Pipit and single Blackcap, Wheatear and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Several small waves of winter thrushes arrived through the course of the morning, pausing only briefly before moving on. Totals involved 106 Redwing and 17 Fieldfare along with 2290 Starling, 17 Meadow Pipit, 5 alba Wagtail, 3 Siskin, 2 Rock Pipit and 2 Raven.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 7 Greenshank remain.
Miscellaneous
At least 13 Little Egret and a Water Rail continue to linger.
Butterflies
Small numbers of Red Admiral and Painted Lady continue to move through.
Moths
Attractions to the moth traps included a Red green Carpet - the second island record and the first since 1985!
Images
Red green Carpet and Redwing.
.JPG)
Stock Dove tops the bill
13th October 2009 - overcast SE1/2
Grounded Migrants
A Stock Dove provided the highlight of the day with additional sightings limited to single Redwing, Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
The main focus of attention was again on the skies where birds were again on the move from first light with morning totals of 354 Jackdaw, 240 Meadow Pipit, 82 alba Wagtail, 54 Greenfinch, 45 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Skylark, 23 Chaffinch, 18 Redpoll, 25 Linnet, 20 Starling, 5 Swallow, 4 Siskin, 2 Raven, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail and a solitary Whooper Swan.
Miscellaneous
At least 8 Little Egret remain and a Water Rail was logged. Both Barn and Little Owl remain in residence.
Moths
The moth traps held the first Chestnut of the year.
Grounded Migrants
A Stock Dove provided the highlight of the day with additional sightings limited to single Redwing, Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
The main focus of attention was again on the skies where birds were again on the move from first light with morning totals of 354 Jackdaw, 240 Meadow Pipit, 82 alba Wagtail, 54 Greenfinch, 45 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Skylark, 23 Chaffinch, 18 Redpoll, 25 Linnet, 20 Starling, 5 Swallow, 4 Siskin, 2 Raven, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail and a solitary Whooper Swan.
Miscellaneous
At least 8 Little Egret remain and a Water Rail was logged. Both Barn and Little Owl remain in residence.
Moths
The moth traps held the first Chestnut of the year.
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