Heysham Obs
This was a funny day which was not too amusing for the ringers as the Grey Wagtail study missed a good morning due to equipment problems. Yet there were many positives, not the least the relocation of the Chough by Malcolm along the seawall by the outfalls! The other main feature was a very varied display of vis mig during a 3.5 hour period punctuated by requests to write down the ringing details of Blue Tits and other social responsibilities such as coffee making! As usual, the Meadow Pipit total probably suffered the most but there was plenty else to see.
Red Nab/outfalls
The Chough was located tearing at pieces of vegetation along the seawall and eating the contents. It remained all day, despite regular short-term disturbance. Does anyone know where it went to roost, please?
Vis Mig
By the office 0730-1100hrs: ALL heading between SE and SSW
Skylark 1
Chaffinch 135
Song Thrush 6
Jay 5
Meadow Pipit 229
Redpoll spp 3
Siskin 15
Greenfinch 27
alba Wagtail 26
Starling 56
Woodpigeon 5
Coal Tit 8
Goldfinch 37
Reed Bunting 2
Pink-footed Goose 21+12+127
Linnet 14
House Martin 68
Swallow 110
Mistle Thrush 8
Grey Wagtail 12
Sparrowhawk 1
Jackdaw 1
Comments: Jays were recorded on the move elsewhere today. The Chaffinch passage was most unexpected at this site so early. There is often a trickle of rather low-flying birds of presumed British origin but this morning saw the largest numbers for this 'early' in the autumn. The Song Thrush were definite migrants as is not unusual at this time of year (see earlier posting). The Coal Tit were definite migrants and the ringing plus observation also suggested some Blue Tit were also on the move but less 'obviously'. Jackdaw are rare at Heysham! Finally the Redpoll spp were by no means 'obvious' Lesser but no detail, other than vague size estimate, could be seen.
Grounded
3 Chiffchaff & 3 Wheatear but little evidence of anything else from the ringing (2 new Robin and 2 new Goldcrest being the only exceptions)
Misc
Two Raven, initially singly, 'blogging'. Two 2nd W Med Gulls during a short visit to the north harbour wall.
Elsewhere
Pectoral Sandpiper seen by experienced observers on the EM Pool this afternoon and presumed to be a juv, but views a little distant. Great White Egret & c24 Little Egret still on EM Pool along with 2-3 Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper. Drake Greater Scaup or hybrid was on Pine Lake late afternoon but light poor. Bill seemed ok for Scaup but colour tones not easy to discern.
