Some rather inefficient seawatching due to periods of poor visibility and distant birds obscured by wave action suggesting Knowlys Road might have been better
Sea from back of harbour 0735-1000 (latterly joined by Alastair)
Manx Shearwater - 70 out (biggest flock 12)
Common Scoter - 3 in
Razorbill/Guillemot - at the very least 18 in
Guillemot - 5 in
Fulmar - one out
Gannet - 17 out, 14 in prob mainly different
Arctic Skua - lm east then out between showers
Kittiwake - adult plus flock of 16 adult in
Sanderling - flock of 18 in
Unidentified seabirds - c50; all bar two thought to be Manx or auks
Rock Pipit seen with food but not entering nest hole (people within view?)
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.