Gave the outfalls a really good check on the incoming tide this morning using a scope from Ocean Edge caravan park
Med Gull - At least 6 adult, 3 3CY and 4 2CY - 10 of them were un-ringed unless there was a metal above the tarsus and four were not seen well enough to be sure. I cannot remember a sample of 10 before where there were no darvic rings on show
Little Egret - 1
Eider - two females onshore in red nab channel
The mist net ride by the office was cleared as regards the ability to put up mist nets and the feeders filled for the first time this 'autumn', but hadn't got the gear for lopping the tops off the branches. Crutches make a useful rake, but it was really hard going and Jean, recovering from a broken toe, did most of it. This is what happens when you couldn't do what you usually do last autumn/winter to keep on top of it. Mist net ride maintenance should be part of a trainee permit - a lot of recent permit holders seem to think they look after themselves :-)
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.