Leach's Storm-Petrel tops a decent wind blown bunch

Strong overnight southwesterlies continued into the morning and only eased slightly during the day. Very heavy showers all day, but particularly early on. Some sunny spells.

Pete and Jean managed a morning seawatch - report from Pete:

Seawatch totals 0750-1000 Heysham: 

Arctic tern 1 adult + 1 juvenile 

Leach's Petrel - at least one early on - seen twice between squalls from Knowlys - second time further into bay and further inshore (then zilch visibility to follow up)

Gannet 1 adult + 1 juvenile 

Pintail 28 out in 5 flocks plus single.

Brent geese (prob PBB) on the sea then lost in squall, 

Common Scoter 1 drake

Guillemot 1

(one ‘probable’ Kittiwake miles out!)

Nothing on the outflows as they are not currently fully operational 

South shore (MD)

Mid Morning check.

Rock Pipit 3

Wheatear 2

Stonechat 1 female by the saltmarsh, but very flighty.

Originally it was spooked by the resident Kestrel and I thought it had moved on as I couldn't relocate, but I did get another glimpse in the evening.

By continuity of activity I have assumed the now resident Kestrel to be the emancipated bird photographed 13th September. If that is the case, it is looking much healthier now.

Kestrel - now hunts along foreshore and over the saltmarsh 

Lapwing 59

Little Egret 11

I couldn't see anything on the sea, but this clip of the pilot boat, gives a good indication of this morning's conditions.

I fared a little better on my evening check

Guillemot 1 driven towards the sea wall near No.2 outflow. Hopefully it will be ok after a rest.

Mediterranean gull, at least 1 adult resting on the Mud with Black-Headed Gulls in the lea of No.2 outflow.

Gulls sheltering from the wind

The following were seen from the lighthouse area

Kittiwake 1 adult

Manx Shearwater 1 

Gannet 1 x 1st or 2nd winter

Young Gannet (MD)

This clip is a bit bumpy, but shows the flight line, it starts near the buoys out from the north wall, and ends as it passes beyond the wooden jetty.

Finally, it was the first of October today. 13C with a cool wind, but the sun was warm when it shone and not everything had given up summer. These Common Darters were ovipositoring in the pond behind Red Nab this morning. A short clip as another shower just started.