There are plenty of Mediterranean gulls around at the moment, but location of high tide roosts can be tricky on these neap tides.
There were nine on beach between wooden jetty and No.1 outflow, four hours before high water this evening. Unfortunately, the sand mason worms are not being caught on the dry beach yet, so gulls are following the tide in. This makes for difficult observations in evenings when sun is low.
There were also two out from the harbour mouth.
Best estimate of todays birds
2cy 2
3cy 3
Adult 6
No sign of Rock pipits this afternoon.
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.