Thursday 19 April 2012

More Arctic Terns on the move and a single Bonxie

Heysham Obs
A quieter morning, but Arctic Tern numbers increase & a Bonxie appeared at about 1020hrs


This 2CY Kittiwake was the only obvious 'oddity' amongst the masses of gulls on both the outfalls and round the harbour waterfall.  There has to be something good soon - please keep checking as the 'something good' may only stay for a few minutes....!  Thanks for the pic Janet
Typical of the airspace around the harbour/outfalls at the moment.  Thanks Janet

Seawatch north wall 0700-0900 all 'in', c1000 onwards
Sandwich Tern - 80
Arctic Tern - 71 (largest flock 24)
Gannet - 22
Auk spp - 16
Razorbill - 8
Guillemot - 1
Kittiwake - 1 2CY
Common Scoter - 1
Tufted Duck - 3 in and across (rare here)
Meadow Pipit - 3
Swallow - 1
alba Wagtail - 1
Bonxie (Great Skua) - one in, then on sea 1020ish
Shag - 2CY still around close inshore
no divers


Heysham 2 outfall
Large number of gulls.  Well worth someone grilling these.  Just time for a quick scan from Ocean Edge:
Common Gull - 440-460
Large gulls - 250
Black-headed Gull - c50
Kittiwake - 1 2CY

Office area
The male Lesser Whitethroat continues to sing to itself