Heysham Obs
Not quite right for Heysham this morning with a big clear slot, whilst much tastier conditions seemed to be in the distance - Walney looked more promising than of late today unless the cloud was deceptively further into the Irish Sea.
Vis Mig (three of us including Andrew Cornall)
Jackdaw - heard once
Rook - 4 N
Carrion Crow - 6 N
Raven -2 N
Redwing - 350 - biggest flock 96
Fieldfare - 1
Linnet - 5
Mistle Thrush - 5 NE
Bullfinch - 2
Skylark - 3 x H
Siskin - 3+
Redpoll - 2 (but 18 ringed Middleton as the flightline is to the east of the reserve)
Jay - 1
Grey Wagtail - 1
Pink-footed Goose - 110+65 S
alba Wagtail - 4
Coal Tit - 6
Chaffinch - only 7!
Greenfinch - 3
Meadow Pipit - 2
Grounded (office area only)
Goldcrest - c10
Chiffchaff - 1-2 plus one caught Middleton
Song Thrush - 8
Blackbird - 5
Ringing (combined Heysham/Middleton)
Wren (2), Long-tailed Tit (4), Bullfinch (3), Greenfinch (1), Chiffchaff (2), Goldcrest (8), Blue Tit (2), Blackbird (1), Coal Tit (3), Lesser Redpoll (18), Redwing (5), Reed Bunting (1)
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.