30th September 2021 – overcast/murk/rain then frequent showers SW4/5/6
Offshore
Another excruciating morning spent looking over the sea. Morning observations as the rain cleared to showers (1030-1230) produced just 23 Common Scoter, 14 Pintail, 5 Red-throated Diver and 4 Gannet.
A spot of seawatching!
29th September 2021 – overcast/frequent showers WNW4/5/6
Offshore
It can be a frustrating time looking over the sea in the windy conditions that often dominate at this time of the year, and so it proved today. Early morning observations (0730-1030) produced just 500 Common Scoter, 23 Red-throated Diver, 10 Razorbill, 10 Gannet, 3 Brent Goose and single Great Skua and Mediterranean Gull.
Offshore
It can be a frustrating time looking over the sea in the windy conditions that often dominate at this time of the year, and so it proved today. Early morning observations (0730-1030) produced just 500 Common Scoter, 23 Red-throated Diver, 10 Razorbill, 10 Gannet, 3 Brent Goose and single Great Skua and Mediterranean Gull.
New Ringing Cabin
27th September 2021 – heavy rain W2/3
Miscellaneous
After the welcome news earlier in the year of a successful grant application from the British Birds Charitable Trust. The first phase of the replacement of the observarory ringing cabin has now been completed. After c200 manhours the cabin has now been erected and weatherproofed. Phase 2 which will involve the installation of services and the internal fitting out will begin later in the year once autumn migration is completed. Thanks to all who helped in the first Phase.
Miscellaneous
After the welcome news earlier in the year of a successful grant application from the British Birds Charitable Trust. The first phase of the replacement of the observarory ringing cabin has now been completed. After c200 manhours the cabin has now been erected and weatherproofed. Phase 2 which will involve the installation of services and the internal fitting out will begin later in the year once autumn migration is completed. Thanks to all who helped in the first Phase.
First Whooper Swans of the autumn
26th September 2021 – overcast/murky/rain clearing S2
Notice
Please note, after investigation, the report of a Blue-winged Teal received from an external source is now considered to be erroneous.
Offshore
A couple of Shag were the only interest in the early morning checks over the sea.
Diurnal Migration
A flurry of activity which produced 410 Meadow Pipit, 73 Pied Wagtail, 11 Grey Wagtail, 11 Chaffinch, 7 Reed Bunting and 5 Pink-footed Geese was quickly subdued by the rain moving in.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 2 Whooper Swan of the autumn were recorded.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Notice
Please note, after investigation, the report of a Blue-winged Teal received from an external source is now considered to be erroneous.
Offshore
A couple of Shag were the only interest in the early morning checks over the sea.
Diurnal Migration
A flurry of activity which produced 410 Meadow Pipit, 73 Pied Wagtail, 11 Grey Wagtail, 11 Chaffinch, 7 Reed Bunting and 5 Pink-footed Geese was quickly subdued by the rain moving in.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 2 Whooper Swan of the autumn were recorded.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Brent Goose numbers continue to build
25th September 2021 – overcast/murky/drizzle at times/calm
Offshore
The early morning checks over the sea (0700-0800) produced just 19 Common Scoter, 8 Shag, 5 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds on offer with 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat and single Goldcrest, Blackcap and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Passage continues to stall with only 270 Meadow Pipit, 60 Skylark, 45 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Swallow, 23 Grey Wagtail, 21 Pied Wagtail, 8 Reed Bunting, 8 Chaffinch, 6 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin and a Sand Martin moving in the calm conditions.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock continues to build with 142 pale-bellied birds recorded.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Mammals
Two Otter and 2 Harbour Porpoise were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
A few Red Admiral are still on the wing and the moth trap provided 23 moths of 14 species with Ashy Button new for the year.
Offshore
The early morning checks over the sea (0700-0800) produced just 19 Common Scoter, 8 Shag, 5 Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A few birds on offer with 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat and single Goldcrest, Blackcap and Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Passage continues to stall with only 270 Meadow Pipit, 60 Skylark, 45 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Swallow, 23 Grey Wagtail, 21 Pied Wagtail, 8 Reed Bunting, 8 Chaffinch, 6 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin and a Sand Martin moving in the calm conditions.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock continues to build with 142 pale-bellied birds recorded.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow is still in residence.
Mammals
Two Otter and 2 Harbour Porpoise were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
A few Red Admiral are still on the wing and the moth trap provided 23 moths of 14 species with Ashy Button new for the year.
Just a few seabirds
24th September 2021 – overcast/drizzle at times SW 3/4
Offshore
The early morning checks over the sea (0730-0930) produced 260 Common Scoter, 65 Gannet, 36 Red-throated Diver, 6 Razorbill, 2 Arctic Tern, 2 Guillemot and a Great Crested Grebe.
Offshore
The early morning checks over the sea (0730-0930) produced 260 Common Scoter, 65 Gannet, 36 Red-throated Diver, 6 Razorbill, 2 Arctic Tern, 2 Guillemot and a Great Crested Grebe.
Brent Goose numbers begin to build
23rd September 2021 – overcast WNW3/4
Offshore
The early morning checks over the sea (0730-0930) produced 770 Common Scoter, 54 Gannet, 42 Red-throated Diver, 15 Razorbill, 6 Shag, 5 Guillemot, 3 Kittiwake and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Again very little on offer in the conditions with just 2 Chiffchaff logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock continues to build with 111 pale-bellied birds recorded. Additional sightings included 500 Sanderling and 34 Pintail.
Miscellaneous
The Kingfisher is still in residence along with the adult Mediterranean Gull.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Great Black-backed Gull marked as a pullus at South Walney earlier in the year was seen at Sandside on the Kent Estuary on 22nd September 2021.
Offshore
The early morning checks over the sea (0730-0930) produced 770 Common Scoter, 54 Gannet, 42 Red-throated Diver, 15 Razorbill, 6 Shag, 5 Guillemot, 3 Kittiwake and an Arctic Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Again very little on offer in the conditions with just 2 Chiffchaff logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock continues to build with 111 pale-bellied birds recorded. Additional sightings included 500 Sanderling and 34 Pintail.
Miscellaneous
The Kingfisher is still in residence along with the adult Mediterranean Gull.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Great Black-backed Gull marked as a pullus at South Walney earlier in the year was seen at Sandside on the Kent Estuary on 22nd September 2021.
Kingfisher and Hooded Crow
22nd September 2021 – sunny spells W3
Offshore
The early morning checks over the sea (0730-0930) produced 460 Common Scoter, 88 Gannet, 26 Kittiwake, 18 Red-throated Diver, 9 Razorbill, 4 Manx Shearwater and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Again very little on offer with just 2 Blue Tit logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit
Miscellaneous
The Kingfisher is still in residence along with the long-staying Hooded Crow.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Cormorant had been marked at Hale Duck Decoy, Cheshire on 26th May 2021.
Offshore
The early morning checks over the sea (0730-0930) produced 460 Common Scoter, 88 Gannet, 26 Kittiwake, 18 Red-throated Diver, 9 Razorbill, 4 Manx Shearwater and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
Again very little on offer with just 2 Blue Tit logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit
Miscellaneous
The Kingfisher is still in residence along with the long-staying Hooded Crow.
Ringing
A colour-ringed Cormorant had been marked at Hale Duck Decoy, Cheshire on 26th May 2021.
Kingfisher still in residence
21st September 2021 – overcast WNW2
Offshore
An early morning check over the sea (0715-0815) produced 340 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver, 9 Gannet, 5 Shag and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Again very little on offer with just 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Wheatear logged.
Diurnal Migration
Generally quiet with just 550 Meadow Pipit, 37 Pied Wagtail, 12 Skylark, 11 Grey Wagtail, 6 Swallow and 3 Reed Bunting recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Brent Geese continue to arrive with 68 pale-bellied birds seen. Additional wildfowl included 1160 Wigeon, 25 Pintail and 5 Shoveler while 5 Black-tailed Godwit were the best of the waders
Miscellaneous
The Kingfisher is still in residence and an adult Mediterranean Gull was recorded.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 22 moths of 13 species with Red-line Quaker new for the year.
Offshore
An early morning check over the sea (0715-0815) produced 340 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver, 9 Gannet, 5 Shag and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Again very little on offer with just 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Wheatear logged.
Diurnal Migration
Generally quiet with just 550 Meadow Pipit, 37 Pied Wagtail, 12 Skylark, 11 Grey Wagtail, 6 Swallow and 3 Reed Bunting recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Brent Geese continue to arrive with 68 pale-bellied birds seen. Additional wildfowl included 1160 Wigeon, 25 Pintail and 5 Shoveler while 5 Black-tailed Godwit were the best of the waders
Miscellaneous
The Kingfisher is still in residence and an adult Mediterranean Gull was recorded.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap attracted 22 moths of 13 species with Red-line Quaker new for the year.
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