Friday 28 September 2012

Bonxie provides a second-rate 'b'-word

Heysham Obs
Nothing to compete with nearby Fleetwood's Blyth's Reed Warbler although I don't think anyone has really searched for any passerines after yesterday's unproductive blitz and this morning's stiff westerly.

Office area early on
Meadow Pipit - c50 SE
No other vis noted other than 2 alba wagtail SE on the walk round early pm

Sea early morning
Pintail - 6 out (first of autumn)
Greylag - 3 out

Sea mid-morning at high tide
Great Skua - one flew into the Bay and across towards Ulverston
Common Tern - now three juvs on the outfalls
Med Gull - 2 1CY outfalls, 2 Ads also around
Little Gull - sat on the sea off Ocean Edge saltmarsh

Thanks Janet - will add the rest tomorrow

Heysham NR
3 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff the best which could be eaked out of rather windswept cover

Moths & other insects
Red-line Quaker new for the year.  8 Speckled Wood and a Peacock on the butterfly census route also 1 Migrant Hawker and one Common Darter

Sunday migration event cancelled
The worst conditions here for nothing happening in atrocious conditions are a southerly gale (to the south of south-west) and driving rain.  This is well-forecasted for Sunday covering the whole time-period of the proposed event.  Therefore there is no point even attempting to run it as it is an outdoor field event with no indoor contingency.  Anyone who was intending to come and contact me during today, please leave your details and I'll suggest a better day to come along and experience the routine coverage we try and give the area every morning during migration periods.  Please indicate whether you are available weekdays or weekends only.