Heysham Bird Observatory: Siberian Chiffchaff and BRS top an interesting day

Another dryish day that never really got light. A very light SE breeze

Middleton Nature Reserve

Report by John:

Nets set again this morning in not ideal conditions. Quite still, but light drizzle for much of the period. Numbers of Redwings seen was low, so catching ten of them was a good result. Few other birds around. There was an influx of some Blackbirds mid-morning, although none were caught. The catch comprised:

Redwing 10

Blue Tit 3

Redpoll 2 and singles of Chiffchaff, Robin and Dunnock

Heysham skear - low water 07:30 (Malcolm)

It was barely light as I was walking out, it was eerily quiet. Then about 07:30, when possibly it was slightly lighter, something triggered the waders to say that it was dawn, and the normal clamour began. There was a fine drizzle all the while I was out.

Six species of duck seen:

Shelduck 4 initially on the sea then north.

Red-breasted Merganser 5 at least

Eider 3 at least

Common Scoter 1 female type

Common Scoter

Wigeon 4 on the sea

Shoveler 3 (1 male) on the sea.

Shoveler

Great Crested grebe 3 at least

Grey Heron 1

Little Egret 4

Oystercatcher definitely more than recent c2,500

Curlew 40

Redshank 60

Knot 600 in several very mobile flocks

Janet checked from the promenade later in the tide, when it was slightly brighter.

Knot

Curlew

The Curlew headed to the south side.
Janet also reported a large flock of them landing in the field near Heysham Moss

South shore (Malcolm)

Just a short walk after lunch from the saltmarsh to Red Nab.

Shelduck 37

Wigeon 120

Then back through the Nature Park.

I spotted a greyish Chiffchaff in the bushes and trees near the circle of stones. I eventually managed some decent diagnostic shots confirming it to be a Siberian Chiffchaff