A bit of cloud cover with the odd smattering of rain and clear visibility suggested the only option this morning was the sea and it wasn't too bad but I do like summer plumaged Red-throated Divers! Just noticed that we are equal with North Ron on 143 species for the year with a combined list of 177, but I think the missing quality is on North Ron's side - we would gladly swop Blue Tit for Mourning Dove!
Sea 0715-0830
Gannet - 2 in
Sandwich Tern - 27 blogging off the horse paddocks, 15 'in'
Common Scoter - distant gang of 20 in, 7 out
Red-throated Diver - 2, 2, 1, 3 and 5 high in (13 in total)
Great Skua - One out and seemingly across towards Walney 0800hrs
Swallow - 31 in
Kittiwake - distant gang of c15 in
Guillemot still in harbour
Heysham skeer evening low water
Eider c100
Great Crested grebe 5
Whimbrel 7
Bar-tailed godwit 14 (1 turning to sp)
Dunlin 3
Knot 12 (3 almost sp)
Moths
Common Pug was new for year
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.