Heysham Obs
Managed to negotiate the outfalls seawall barrier to be moved back to Heysham 2 outfall (thanks to Mark for most of the work here), therefore viewing from the region of Heysham 2 outfall will now be possible. There will be no access, however from Gate 38 (see sidebar) or any further along the seawall as this is a construction site as they repair Heysham One outfall (which might also send all the birds on to Heysham 2 !)
A bit of poor-quality "windy weather" seawatching this morning in conditions which were too clear, better later on
Sea 0630-1030 on and off, on and off during the day then 1745-1845
Gannet - at least 40
Manx Shearwater - 3 (IOY)
Sandwich Tern - 3
Fulmar - 1
Sanderling - 2 heading south accompanying about 35 Dunlin (IOY)
Swallow - 4 NE
Great Skua - 2 out then perhaps on 1835 hrs
Arctic Skua - dm in 1825hrs
Ocean Edge/non-op land
Wheatear - 8
Little Egret - 3 on Red Nab
Middleton NR
Little Ringed Plover - no sign of yesterdays mating pair in poor weather
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.