Wednesday 29 February 2012

Wildfowl influx and a lone Lapwing

Heysham Obs
A trickle of unringed birds continued to appear at the feeder, including single Long-tailed Tit, Robin, Dunnock Chaffinch and Blue Tit as well as a few Goldfinch and Greenfinch.  Not a massive movement, but indicative that things are beginning to happen

Ringing recoveries
A batch were received from the BTO this afternoon.  Last year's Greenfinches included one from Walney and two to Walney during the course of last autumn, also a winter recovery near Crewe.  A Blue Tit nestling from Burton Wood was caught at Heysham last autumn complementing the one ringed last week (23rd) which was caught two days later (25th) at Brookhouse.  Another Heysham-ringed Blue Tit from last autumn continued along the coast where it was re-caught at Knott End

Migration
See above
Grey Wagtail - one north
Red-throated Diver - one flew out of the bay distantly

North wall
No feedback from observers visiting the harbour mouth
Med Gull - Czech-ringed bird on the seawall railings - it will be off soon, hopefully to return in late July
Twite - 27

Middleton model boat pond
Tufted Duck 19, Pochard male and female, Goldeneye 2
Male Lapwing on territory on the spit early morning, but not later

Moths
A record single-night catch for here of 6 Dotted Border, also the first March Moth of the year and yet another Chestnut. A tiny moth was also found which has yet to be identified.  Watch this space!

Butterflies
Peacock - 1 flying around the outside of the hut early pm.