30th April 2010 – overcast W1/2
Offshore
A quick check over the sea early morning yielded a dark phase Arctic Skua along with 40 Common Scoter, 30 Sandwich Tern, 10 Gannet, 4 Guillemot and a single Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Newly arrived birds were limited to a handful of Willow Warbler, Wheatear and Blackcap.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 50 Whimbrel roosted over the tide.
Mammals
Two Roe Deer, an unusual sight on the island, were the highlight of the day.
Velvet Scoter and first Swift
29th April 2010 – overcast then sunny spells W2/3
Offshore
Two periods of observation through the morning (0715-0815 & 0900-1000) were highlighted by 3 drake Velvet Scoter. Also seen were 128 Common Scoter, 72 Sandwich Tern, 46 Gannet, 10 Guillemot and 2 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering of newly grounded birds involved 14 Wheatear, 11 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap and a White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
The first Swift of the spring flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pair of Gadwall continue to linger and Whimbrel increased to 72 birds, additional waders included 320 Sanderling, 100 Ringed Plover and 4 Black-tailed Godwit.
Images
Yesterdays V Pug.
Offshore
Two periods of observation through the morning (0715-0815 & 0900-1000) were highlighted by 3 drake Velvet Scoter. Also seen were 128 Common Scoter, 72 Sandwich Tern, 46 Gannet, 10 Guillemot and 2 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Another smattering of newly grounded birds involved 14 Wheatear, 11 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap and a White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
The first Swift of the spring flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pair of Gadwall continue to linger and Whimbrel increased to 72 birds, additional waders included 320 Sanderling, 100 Ringed Plover and 4 Black-tailed Godwit.
Images
Yesterdays V Pug.
Whimbrel influx
28th April 2010 – overcast then sunny spells SSE2
Offshore
Another quiet day over the sea with just small numbers of Common Scoter, Guillemot, Gannet, Red-throated Diver and Sandwich Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
Although an overnight influx of Sedge Warbler into breeding sites on the island was evident it was also generally quiet on the land with just 7 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap and yesterdays lingering Grasshopper Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
An influx of Whimbrel saw 54 birds recorded.
Ringing
Details of two colour ringed Lesser Black-backed Gulls (2WH & DWN) breeding in the gull colony have just been received. Both were initially ringed at Stoke Orchard, Gloucestershire on 21st August 2004 and 6th December 2008 respectively with the former also previously reported outside the breeding season from L’Ile d’Olonne, Vendee, FRANCE; Sidi Akhfennir beach, Laayoune, MOROCCO and Akhfanir, Plage, MOROCCO - the latter site 3030km to the south of Walney Island.
Moths
The first Flame Shoulder of the year was logged and a V Pug was a less than annual visitor to the moth traps.
Offshore
Another quiet day over the sea with just small numbers of Common Scoter, Guillemot, Gannet, Red-throated Diver and Sandwich Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
Although an overnight influx of Sedge Warbler into breeding sites on the island was evident it was also generally quiet on the land with just 7 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap and yesterdays lingering Grasshopper Warbler.
Wildfowl and Waders
An influx of Whimbrel saw 54 birds recorded.
Ringing
Details of two colour ringed Lesser Black-backed Gulls (2WH & DWN) breeding in the gull colony have just been received. Both were initially ringed at Stoke Orchard, Gloucestershire on 21st August 2004 and 6th December 2008 respectively with the former also previously reported outside the breeding season from L’Ile d’Olonne, Vendee, FRANCE; Sidi Akhfennir beach, Laayoune, MOROCCO and Akhfanir, Plage, MOROCCO - the latter site 3030km to the south of Walney Island.
Moths
The first Flame Shoulder of the year was logged and a V Pug was a less than annual visitor to the moth traps.
Whinchat appears amongst Wheatear influx
27th April 2010 – bright start then overcast SE1/2
Offshore
A rather mundane early morning seawatch (0700-0800) produced 64 Common Scoter, 19 Sandwich Tern, 11 Gannet, 11 Razorbill, 6 Guillemot, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
The numbers of territorial Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler continue to increase and a male Whinchat – the first of the year - was amongst a fall of 50 Wheatear, also seen were 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and single Grasshopper Warbler and White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
A late movement saw several skeins of Pink-footed Geese, totalling 210 birds, heading north.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 92 Golden Plover, 26 Whimbrel, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Ringing
Remarkably, the only Willow Warbler trapped was found to be bearing a foreign ring and sporting the address Arnhem-VT, Holland suggesting it had previously been ringed in The Netherlands.
Offshore
A rather mundane early morning seawatch (0700-0800) produced 64 Common Scoter, 19 Sandwich Tern, 11 Gannet, 11 Razorbill, 6 Guillemot, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
The numbers of territorial Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler continue to increase and a male Whinchat – the first of the year - was amongst a fall of 50 Wheatear, also seen were 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and single Grasshopper Warbler and White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
A late movement saw several skeins of Pink-footed Geese, totalling 210 birds, heading north.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 92 Golden Plover, 26 Whimbrel, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.
Ringing
Remarkably, the only Willow Warbler trapped was found to be bearing a foreign ring and sporting the address Arnhem-VT, Holland suggesting it had previously been ringed in The Netherlands.
Excellent variety over the sea
26th April 2010 – overcast then sunny WSW2/3
Offshore
The highlights of early morning observations (0730-0830) were 3 Velvet Scoter, 2 Arctic Skua (dark phase) and 2 Little Tern – the latter the first of the year. The supporting cast involved 87 Common Scoter, 80 Sandwich Tern,. 75 Gannet, 11 Razorbill, 7 Red-throated Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 4 Guillemot, 3 Kittiwake and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
An increase was noted in the number of territorial Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler and another smattering of grounded birds involved 10 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and single White Wagtail, Robin, Goldcrest and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A solitary House Martin was noted amongst another trickle of Swallow coming in off the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Small numbers of Wigeon, Teal and the pair of Gadwall continue to linger and waders included 2 Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Raven was the best of the rest.
Moths
The first Nutmeg of the year appeared in the moth traps.
Offshore
The highlights of early morning observations (0730-0830) were 3 Velvet Scoter, 2 Arctic Skua (dark phase) and 2 Little Tern – the latter the first of the year. The supporting cast involved 87 Common Scoter, 80 Sandwich Tern,. 75 Gannet, 11 Razorbill, 7 Red-throated Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 4 Guillemot, 3 Kittiwake and a Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
An increase was noted in the number of territorial Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler and another smattering of grounded birds involved 10 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and single White Wagtail, Robin, Goldcrest and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A solitary House Martin was noted amongst another trickle of Swallow coming in off the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Small numbers of Wigeon, Teal and the pair of Gadwall continue to linger and waders included 2 Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
A Raven was the best of the rest.
Moths
The first Nutmeg of the year appeared in the moth traps.
Osprey and Ring Ouzel
25th April 2010 –early rain/mist/murk/sunny later S2/3
Offshore
Just small numbers of Gannet, Red-throated Diver and Sandwich Tern were noted.
Grounded Migrants
Early rain grounded a few migrants with Ring Ouzel and Redstart the pick of the bunch, also seen were 26 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and single White Wagtail and Grasshopper Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey headed north and small numbers of Swallow and Sand Martin continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel.
Moths
Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet and Double Striped Pug were new for the year.
Images
Redstart and Ring Ouzel
Offshore
Just small numbers of Gannet, Red-throated Diver and Sandwich Tern were noted.
Grounded Migrants
Early rain grounded a few migrants with Ring Ouzel and Redstart the pick of the bunch, also seen were 26 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and single White Wagtail and Grasshopper Warbler.
Diurnal Migration
An Osprey headed north and small numbers of Swallow and Sand Martin continue to trickle through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel.
Moths
Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet and Double Striped Pug were new for the year.
Images
Redstart and Ring Ouzel
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Sedge Warbler new in
24th April 2010 –hazy sun E1
Offshore
A flock of 5 Arctic Tern headed into Morecambe Bay, otherwise just small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern, Red-throated Diver and Guillemot were noted offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Although a Sedge Warbler was new for the year there was little evidence of grounded birds with just 10 Wheatear, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap and a White Wagtail logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow and Sand Martin continue to trickle through along with 2 House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Whimbrel and 4 Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
A Herald was a less than annual visitor to the moth trap.
Images
Herald
Offshore
A flock of 5 Arctic Tern headed into Morecambe Bay, otherwise just small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern, Red-throated Diver and Guillemot were noted offshore.
Grounded Migrants
Although a Sedge Warbler was new for the year there was little evidence of grounded birds with just 10 Wheatear, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap and a White Wagtail logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow and Sand Martin continue to trickle through along with 2 House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 8 Whimbrel and 4 Black-tailed Godwit.
Moths
A Herald was a less than annual visitor to the moth trap.
Images
Herald
First Whitethroat returns
Offshore
Just small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Razorbill were noted over the sea.
Grounded Migrants
A territorial Whitehroat was new for the year and 2 Lesser Whitethroat now hold territory, migrants included a total of 24 Wheatear along with 4 White Wagtail and 2 Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow and Sand Martin trickled through.
Wildfowl and Waders
There are now 4 Gadwall present and waders included 3 Purple Sandpiper amongst 500 Turnstone, 17 Golden Plover and 5 Whimbrel.
Moths
Dotted Border and Pale Pinion were new in the moth trap – the latter the first for the island and following rapidly on from the island’s first Tawny Pinion.
Images
Pale Pinion
Just small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Razorbill were noted over the sea.
Grounded Migrants
A territorial Whitehroat was new for the year and 2 Lesser Whitethroat now hold territory, migrants included a total of 24 Wheatear along with 4 White Wagtail and 2 Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow and Sand Martin trickled through.
Wildfowl and Waders
There are now 4 Gadwall present and waders included 3 Purple Sandpiper amongst 500 Turnstone, 17 Golden Plover and 5 Whimbrel.
Moths
Dotted Border and Pale Pinion were new in the moth trap – the latter the first for the island and following rapidly on from the island’s first Tawny Pinion.
Images
Pale Pinion
Little Gull leads early morning sightings
22nd April 2010 – early frost/calm, then sunny W1/2
Offshore
The highlight of early morning observations (0615-0715) were provided by a summer plumaged adult Little Gull while the flat calm sea also yielded 150 Razorbill, 70 Guillemot, 36 Common Scoter, 32 Red-throated Diver, 10 Gannet, 10 Sandwich Tern and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of grounded birds involved 19 Wheatear, 15 Willow Warbler and 2 Blackcap.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pair of Gadwall continue to linger and waders included 14 Golden Plover, 10 Whimbrel and 4 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 27 Twite were recorded.
Images
If visiting the island please avoid walking along the tide line during the breeding season, Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover (see below) are now starting to nest.
Offshore
The highlight of early morning observations (0615-0715) were provided by a summer plumaged adult Little Gull while the flat calm sea also yielded 150 Razorbill, 70 Guillemot, 36 Common Scoter, 32 Red-throated Diver, 10 Gannet, 10 Sandwich Tern and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
A smattering of grounded birds involved 19 Wheatear, 15 Willow Warbler and 2 Blackcap.
Wildfowl and Waders
The pair of Gadwall continue to linger and waders included 14 Golden Plover, 10 Whimbrel and 4 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 27 Twite were recorded.
Images
If visiting the island please avoid walking along the tide line during the breeding season, Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover (see below) are now starting to nest.
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