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.
Monday, 19 January 2015
Goldeneye top the bill
Heysham Obs
Circuits of the reserve and Middleton today plus some low tide offshore coverage in the afternoon. Thanks Malcolm.
Thrushes
3 Blackbird and a Song Thrush in SD35 by gate 38 yesterday with at least 2 Blackbird today. Two Blackbird NHW today. No other indication of any possible CWM other than Malcolm's Redwing at Middleton today
Offshore low tide
Red-throated Diver - 1
Goldeneye - 2 males
Duck - 7 at extreme range were probably 2m, 5f Scaup but couldn't clinch in slight 'heat' haze - worth checking for tomorrow?
Eider - 147
Harbour
2CY Shag by grill again
Heysham NR wetland circuit
Woodcock - one alder woodland
Reed Bunting - one male (unusual)
Jay - 2
Water Rail - at least one, prob two
Middleton NR
Only isolated pockets of open water
4 adult + 6 2CY mute swan
2 mallard
16 teal
1 pheasant
3 bullfinch
5 redwing
OE saltmarsh (2 hours after high tide)
7 mallard
2 little egret
10 common snipe
1 jack snipe
2 reed bunting
No sign of the Bluebottle in HNR kitchen today.
SUNDAY 18th January
Heysham Obs
A freezing cold afternoon walk to the wheel saw the 2CY Shag feeding by the 'grill' and the Purple Sandpiper feeding on the rocks below the lighthouse with 4 Turnstone
A freezing cold afternoon walk to the wheel saw the 2CY Shag feeding by the 'grill' and the Purple Sandpiper feeding on the rocks below the lighthouse with 4 Turnstone
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)