Heysham Obs
What started as a routine count of Red Nab from 0645 onwards changed tack slightly as a small wader flew over my head i.e. from inland and spiralled down to join five Dunlin on the remaining bit of mudflat - a juvenile Little Stint and an incentive to update the Patchwork challenge
Red Nab 0645-1045
Sandwich Tern - one adult
Little Gull - usual moulting adult
Med Gull - 4 x 2CY, 2 x 1CY, 2 x Ad
Little Stint - one juvenile as above
Gannet - two adults far offshore but not really seawatching
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.