Heysham Obs
A bits and pieces day which added up to quite a reasonable one, despite more rubbish weather from the north-west
Ringing
An early morning ringing session 0615-0800 specifically targeted Grey Wagtail as part of a colour ringing programme and eleven southbound migrants were caught, the highest number ringed here in a day, all 1st winter birds. It was not possible, however, to 'do' vis at the same time. Two lightweight migrant Robin were the only other captures in what was a short and very sweet visit!
Vis/grounded
About 12 Chiffchaff and a minimum of 6 Wheatear but no sign of any sylvia warblers. Vis was undertaken c1030-1130 and comprised 45 Meadow Pipit (but some perhaps missed at great height), one Grey Wagtail, 5 alba Wagtail, 11 Swallow and 2 House Martin. This was very similar to the results from earlier vis. on Caton Moor and Ashley's Farm (Tatham)
Outfalls/Red Nab
Adult Little Gull, adult Med and juv/1st W Med but not many BHG at all.
North harbour wall
Didnt have time to check the wooden jetty and just saw (one of still??) the 2nd W Med in a very short visit.
Elsewhere
A juv Curlew Sandpiper influx to the Lune Estuary saw a report of 11+ and perhaps including these was a later flock of 5 at Sunderland and two on the Conder side. Not reflected at the EM Pools, but small waders difficult to observe, with just one juv Curlew andpiper. Yesterdays apparent reduction in Little Egret was a false alarm and there were 24 today along with the Great White Egret. The adult Yellow-legged Gull was still at Glasson. Finally a Hobby successfully targeted the Melling swallow roost again this evening (c1,200 Swallow).
