One got away today, a high flying 'ticker' which looked like a bunting. Much more tangible was a southbound Yellowhammer and we were also in receipt of something unusual for here but seemingly commonplace everywhere else - southbound silent Linnet flocks bombing south/south-east. Quite a few thrushes, including the first migrant Blackbird
Vis mig, mainly Middleton
Redwing - 62 mainly SW
Grey wagtail - at least 6 but also a seemingly local bird confusing things
Reed Bunting - 7 S
alba Wagtail - 34 S
Linnet - 134 SE
Meadow Pipit - not many - 27 SE
Chaffinch - less than expected - 7 S
Yellowhammer - 1 S
Greenfinch - 1 S
Snipe - 2 E and one dropped down from E
Carrion Crow - at least 19 S (inc flock 9)
Crimson Rosella
A very gaudy thing seen by one birder and horse-riders by the entrance to Middleton NR near the cafe/height restricted road to gun club
Grounded Middleton
Chiffchaff - 6 ringed
Goldcrest - just 4 ringed
Blackcap - 3 ringed
Redwing - 30 plus
Blackbird - 20 plus
Song Thrush - at least 8
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.