31st October 2020 – overcast/rain at times SE6/7/8 then SW7/8
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
A check of the sea before the showers set in (0730-0830) revealed 50 Common Scoter, 14 Razorbill, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Kittiwake and a Red-throated Diver. A Long-tailed Duck sheltered along the eastern shore at high tide.Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Fieldfare and 3 Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 4000 Knot, 4000 Oystercatcher and 41 Bar-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Merlin and Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.
30th October 2020 – overcast/light rain clearing later W3/2
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Grounded Migrants
There was little evidence of any newly grounded birds apart from a single Mistle Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 390 Pink-footed Geese in two skeins headed south while 16 Chaffinch and single Tree Sparrow and Swallow were also logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 17 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow put in an appearance along with 2 Merlin and a Short-eared Owl.
28th October 2020 – overcast/showers SW4/5/6
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) provided just 15 Common Scoter and a male Goosander. The Great Northern Diver remains along the sheltered eastern shore.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swallow flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 8000 Knot were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and a group of 10 Twite were the best of the rest.
27th October 2020 – overcast/rain at times SE4/5/6
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Rarities
A Great White Egret, just the fourth island record was located on Wylock Marsh early afternoon.Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) provided 138 Common Scoter, 23 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Shag. The Great Northern Diver remained along the sheltered eastern shore.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Fieldfare
Diurnal Migration
A family party of 4 Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included the first Goldeneye of the autumn and 5000 Knot were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Peregrine were the best of the rest.
26th October 2020 – sun and showers W4/5/6
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0900) were highlighted by two Long-tailed Duck and 2 Puffin amongst 254 Common Scoter, 127 Razorbill, 38 Kittiwake, 5 Guillemot, 4 Red-throated Diver and 2 Shag. Additionally a Great Northern Diver was off the sheltered eastern shore.
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow put in an appearance.
25th October 2020 – sun and showers SSW4/5/6
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-1000) were highlighted by single Great Northern Diver and Great Skua amongst 152 Common Scoter, 133 Kittiwake, 63 Razorbill, 11 Gannet, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Shag, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Fulmar.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 8 Redwing flew through.
24th October 2020 – overcast/rain/clearing later SSE5/6 then SW3/4
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
A repeat of yesterday's weather pattern saw another check of the sea as the rain cleared (1300-1400) but even fewer birds were on offer with just 25 Common Scoter, 6 Razorbill, 2 Gannet, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Great Crested Grebe and a Shag logged.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 18 Whooper Swan flew through.
23rd October 2020 – overcast/rain/clearing later SSE3 then W3/4
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
A check of the sea as the rain cleared (1300-1400) produced 86 Common Scoter, 47 Razorbill, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Gannet and single Great Crested Grebe and Red-breasted Merganser.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 6 Whooper Swan flew through.
22nd October 2020 – overcast/rain at times W4/5
Notice
Please note that South Walney Nature Reserve is now open though the hides, visitor centre and toilets remain closed to comply with social distancing measures.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) before the rain set in produced 203 Common Scoter, 46 Kittiwake, 36 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot, 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese and single Red-breasted Merganser and Great Crested Grebe.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 14 Whooper Swan flew through.
