A murky morning with lowish cloud saw all the movement from the direction of Heysham Head and it contained two conspicuous absences which normally feature more regularly in 'cross bay vis' (Meadow Pipit and Grey Wagtail). The poor visibility led to nothing from that direction unless it went south of the power station
Late news
The Swallow roost at Middleton contained at least 350-400 birds but seemingly very few Sand Martin this evening. 70 juvenile Swallow and one juvenile Sand Martin were ringed during a carefully controlled operation which saw the net closed before dusk and catch dealt with by 2025hrs. You have to be so careful not to overstretch when roost-ringing this species. Thanks to Jean and Louise for help.
Pink-footed Goose - smallish flock flew south after dark (2030hrs ish) as heard from Heysham NR carpark
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Crossbill - two together SW at 0830hrs - both 'greenish'
Chaffinch - 22 SW
Swallow - c45 south - started moving quite early
House Martin - 9 south
Goldfinch - 6 SW
Siskin - 2 SW
Linnet - one SW
Grounded: at least one Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, two Goldcrest and at least one 'new' Chiffchaff. Ringing produced very little in the 1.5hrs available, not helped by the feeders being empty all day yesterday! (single Goldcrest & Chiffchaff the highlights)
One that got away
Here is a record shot from Phil Slade of a Marsh harrier heading for our recording area on 3rd September. Does it count?! Thanks Phil
Moths
July Highflyer and Dun-Bar were late, otherwise mainly Treble Bar, Silver Y and Common Marbled Carpet with low double-figures of each. Two Light-brown Apple Moth were my first of the autumn
Butterflies
Here are some excellent pics taken by Janet yesterday. Don't forget to vote for one of Janet's pics in the local newspaper (Guardian and Visitor) photo competition! Thanks Janet
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