Tuesday 31 August 2010

Clear calm and quiet

Heysham Obs
The only interest this morning was a little flurry of Grey Wagtails rather later than might be expected between 1915 and 1940hrs (delay due to mist over the bay?).  Today saw Sean's final visit covering the tidal cycle along the north harbour wall.  Thanks for your company the last twelve months, Sean and hope to see you again in the near future

North harbour wall
Another Sandwich tern gathering on the incoming tide with 26 birds seen
The Ringed Plover chicks (2) have now fledged - this is the second brood
Eider - 26 offshore

Heysham office area vis
Grey Wagtail - flock of 6, then 2, then one SE (just 3 ringed - problems with sun on the nets at this time)
Swallow - just 25 SE
House Martin - just 7 SE
no pipits of any description heard!

Grounded birds in the office area amounted to a meagre 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap, some of which may have been 'leftovers'.  No Whitethroat species seen/heard by 1045hrs, but two unringed Common Whitethroat appeared at 1200hrs along with a calling Lesser Whitethroat

Middleton NR
Probably the same Grey Wagtails as above with just the one ringed.
Reed Warbler - one retrap juvenile from the other day
Lesser Whitethroat - one ringed
Whitethroat -  ringed
Chiffchaff & Willow Warbler - low single figures