Heysham Observatory
At least 4,000 and probably 5,000 Pink-footed Geese headed purposefully north over the bay about 0925hrs, but an accurate count was not possible due to Twite ringing duties. A single northbound Grey Wagtail was a clear-cut example of early 'vis'. The darvic-ringed Kittiwake is still around.
Coastal areas dawn to 1200hrs
Kittiwake - 5-6 around the harbour/outfalls, including the darvic-ringed bird
Little Gull - 2 x 2CY outfalls
Guillemot - 3 offshore, including one in summer plumage
Red-throated Diver - one offshore
Med Gull - 2 x ad, 1 x 3CY Fishers roof - the same bird as on Middleton the other day. 3CY by the heliport.
Pink-footed Goose - 4000-5000 N at c0925 in one straggling flock, 63 NW later
No sign Purple Sandpiper
Twite - at least 70 - 11 unringed birds caught, all but two of the 30 retraps were from this current winter period
Goldfinch - 2 unringed and 2 ringed birds caught
Linnet - at least 2 around
Grey Wagtail - one purposefully north
Moth
Dotted Border
The observatory was set up in 1980. It involves ringing,'vis mig' counts (including seabirds) and general monitoring in the Heysham Nature reserve/power stations/harbour area. The statutory moth trap is in place and also a daily log for butterflies, dragonflies etc. We share an office, kindly provided by EDF Energy, with the County Wildlife Trust. This is located next to the Nature Reserve car park. Do call in. Please leave sightings in the letterbox, ESPECIALLY 'fly-by' seabirds.