Monday 4 February 2013

End of the Buzzard-free zone?

Heysham Obs
Two species, Common Buzzard and Jackdaw are not to be found in residence in the Heysham area, other than a few Jackdaw at the southern end of Middleton village.  Therefore migrants can be isolated and recorded which is what you want at an obs.  Former 'migrant-only' species such as Jay have now a very 'fuzzy' status, due to at least one resident pair.  Unfortunately no incoming ferries checked today.

Common Buzzard
One by the bypass roundabout this morning, the first winter record for the recording area, although the reserve staff say they are now 'almost daily' on Heysham Moss NR, from being very scarce for years ago

North harbour wall
Red-throated Diver - one out
Twite - 84, including the usual Machrihanish bird and at least 7 unringed
Goldfinch - increase to 15
Linnet - 10
Med Gull - ad

Outfalls
Little Gull - 7 x 2CY, 2 x Ad
Kittiwake - 2 x 2CY

Mammal
Grey Seal in the harbour by the waterfall!

Moths
Dotted Border (2) and Chestnut, both 'year ticks' for here and the first moths since the first week of January (and the last for a bit?)