Weather: SW-3, overcast and cool, showers later
A cooler day today than of late, however Phylloscs continued to arrive with at least 12 Chiffchaffs and 1 Willow Warbler present in Lingham lane and the coastal sallows where there were also 5 Blackcap. Goldcrest numbers were up with 8 recorded in Lingham Lane.
Birds on the move today included Snipe (4), Jay (5) Grey Wagtail (18), Reed Bunting (7) and Meadow Pipit (27). Hirrundine numbers continue to decrease day by day with just seven Swallow recorded today. As usual the Greenshank remained faithful to the western groyne,
AMC, DH AND EW
Tuesday, 23 September 2014
Monday, 22 September 2014
Monday 22nd September 2014
Weather; Cloudy start cleared to a warm and sunny day. Winds light north-west.
There was some corvid movement this morning at the lighthouse with a group of 30 Jackdaws flying straight in off the sea. Around 8 Jays were also in the area. Other overhead migrants included 2 Common Snipe, a Teal, 14 Skylarks and 9 Grey Wagtails.
An adult Mediterranean Gull was offshore and 2 Wheatears were on the embankment.
A Spotted Flycatcher was again hunting in the grounds of Greenacres Cottage at the top of Lingham Lane, possibly a different bird from the one there on Saturday. Good numbers of Goldcrests were still in evidence in the area with around 5 near the duck pond and 2 or 3 others along Lingham Lane although there was no sign of either of yesterday's Firecrests despite much searching. A Kingfisher was again at Lingham bridge together with 4 Blackcaps and a Garden Warbler which was seen to fly in from high to the east. Around 8 Chiffchaffs were also in the lighthouse area.
The Linnet flock in the paddocks has built up to over 100 birds. Hirundine passage, however, has dramatically reduced as is usual at this time of year with only occasional small groups Swallows heading purposefully eastwards.
A further 6 Chiffchaffs were seen this evening in willows bordering the eastern side of Kerr's field. Observers; AMC, KD, DH, EW.
There was some corvid movement this morning at the lighthouse with a group of 30 Jackdaws flying straight in off the sea. Around 8 Jays were also in the area. Other overhead migrants included 2 Common Snipe, a Teal, 14 Skylarks and 9 Grey Wagtails.
An adult Mediterranean Gull was offshore and 2 Wheatears were on the embankment.
A Spotted Flycatcher was again hunting in the grounds of Greenacres Cottage at the top of Lingham Lane, possibly a different bird from the one there on Saturday. Good numbers of Goldcrests were still in evidence in the area with around 5 near the duck pond and 2 or 3 others along Lingham Lane although there was no sign of either of yesterday's Firecrests despite much searching. A Kingfisher was again at Lingham bridge together with 4 Blackcaps and a Garden Warbler which was seen to fly in from high to the east. Around 8 Chiffchaffs were also in the lighthouse area.
The Linnet flock in the paddocks has built up to over 100 birds. Hirundine passage, however, has dramatically reduced as is usual at this time of year with only occasional small groups Swallows heading purposefully eastwards.
A further 6 Chiffchaffs were seen this evening in willows bordering the eastern side of Kerr's field. Observers; AMC, KD, DH, EW.
Sunday, 21 September 2014
21st September 2014
Weather: NE-2, warm and sunny
An exciting day started with what was an obvious fall of Goldcrest around the Lighthouse. At least 20 birds were in coastal scrub and Lingham Lane feeding energetically on the southerly migration. At around 09.00 the first of two FIRECREST was found in privet near Lingham bridge. The bird quickly moved through and was not seen subsequently.
Other migrants at the Lighthouse today included Blackcap (4), Chiffchaff (6) and nine Jay moved through mid morning. At approximately 10.00 a second Firecrest was located in a private garden just east of Leasowe Castle Hotel. Again this bird quickly moved through but not before a record shot of this little 'jewel' was managed. Always in the canopy it was a tricky bird to photograph.
Other birds seen today included Teal (6), Greenshank (1) and Kingfisher (1)
JB, AMC, KAD, KD and DH
An exciting day started with what was an obvious fall of Goldcrest around the Lighthouse. At least 20 birds were in coastal scrub and Lingham Lane feeding energetically on the southerly migration. At around 09.00 the first of two FIRECREST was found in privet near Lingham bridge. The bird quickly moved through and was not seen subsequently.
Other migrants at the Lighthouse today included Blackcap (4), Chiffchaff (6) and nine Jay moved through mid morning. At approximately 10.00 a second Firecrest was located in a private garden just east of Leasowe Castle Hotel. Again this bird quickly moved through but not before a record shot of this little 'jewel' was managed. Always in the canopy it was a tricky bird to photograph.
Other birds seen today included Teal (6), Greenshank (1) and Kingfisher (1)
JB, AMC, KAD, KD and DH
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| Firecrest (KD) |
Saturday, 20 September 2014
20th September 2014
Weather:NW-2 NE laterl variable. Overcast and warm
The day began slowly; perhaps as would be expected in a northwesterly. Only 5 Goldcrest were recorded today along with just 7 Chiffchaff and 1 Willow Warbler. No Wheatears were recorded. Four Blackcap were in Lingham Lane whilst the Kingfisher made a brief appearance from the bridge.
A single Jay was a sign there was some movement happening and the usual Med Gull and Greenshank were to be found on the foreshore.
A migrant Great spotted Wooddpecker made a brief stop in the 'Greenacres' bungalow garden where a Spotted Flycatcher spent most of the day catching insects from the highest poplar. We have had good numbers through the Lighthouse this autumn. This charismatic bird showed well so the photo opportunity wasn't passed up!!
BB, JB, AMC, KD, DH and SRW
The day began slowly; perhaps as would be expected in a northwesterly. Only 5 Goldcrest were recorded today along with just 7 Chiffchaff and 1 Willow Warbler. No Wheatears were recorded. Four Blackcap were in Lingham Lane whilst the Kingfisher made a brief appearance from the bridge.
A single Jay was a sign there was some movement happening and the usual Med Gull and Greenshank were to be found on the foreshore.
A migrant Great spotted Wooddpecker made a brief stop in the 'Greenacres' bungalow garden where a Spotted Flycatcher spent most of the day catching insects from the highest poplar. We have had good numbers through the Lighthouse this autumn. This charismatic bird showed well so the photo opportunity wasn't passed up!!
BB, JB, AMC, KD, DH and SRW
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| AMC |
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| AMC |
Thursday, 18 September 2014
Thursday 18th September 2014
Weather; A murky morning gave way to a warm sunny day. Winds light easterly's.
An adult Mediterranean Gull was on the beach this morning together with the usual Greenshank.
There were less migrants around today with Chiffchaffs being down to 8 and Willow Warblers, now well past their peak passage period, were down to one. 3 Blackcaps were in the Lingham Lane area. There was also a noticeable reduction in the number of hirundines passing overhead with only a few small groups of mixed Swallows and House Martins moving quickly eastward. Also passing east overhead were 4 Jays, 4 Skylarks,
6 Grey Wagtails. A single Great Spotted Woodpecker was also observed flying very high eastwards, being eventually lost to sight towards Wallasey.
There were some new arrivals, however, including an increase in Goldcrest numbers to 8. A Wheatear and a White Wagtail were at the groyne, a single Whitethroat was in Kerr's field and a Garden Warbler was at Lingham bridge. Observers; AMC, DH, CT, MGT, EW.
An adult Mediterranean Gull was on the beach this morning together with the usual Greenshank.
There were less migrants around today with Chiffchaffs being down to 8 and Willow Warblers, now well past their peak passage period, were down to one. 3 Blackcaps were in the Lingham Lane area. There was also a noticeable reduction in the number of hirundines passing overhead with only a few small groups of mixed Swallows and House Martins moving quickly eastward. Also passing east overhead were 4 Jays, 4 Skylarks,
There were some new arrivals, however, including an increase in Goldcrest numbers to 8. A Wheatear and a White Wagtail were at the groyne, a single Whitethroat was in Kerr's field and a Garden Warbler was at Lingham bridge. Observers; AMC, DH, CT, MGT, EW.
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| Goldcrest, Lingham Lane. EW |
Wednesday, 17 September 2014
17th September 2014
Weather: SE-2, warm and sunny
Another day of migration at the Lighthouse with different birds in from yesterday and a small movement overhead. Most notable today was the movement of Jackdaw moving south. A total of 65 birds were recorded in three separate flocks the largest of which numbered 30. Jackdaws at the Lighthouse are always a sign of autumn as are Jays, six of which also moved south.
Other overhead birds were Grey Wagtail (7), Meadow Pipit 37, Skylark (3) and Pied Wagtail (4).
Expectations were high on the grounded migrant front and whilst numbers were not high the variety was good. Wheatear returned today following a period of no records. Two birds were in the paddocks mid morning. A single Spotted Flycatcher was in Sycamores next to stone cottage and the first 'Acro' for a while; a juvenile Reed Warbler was in the nature trail. Other warblers today included Willow Warbler (5), Chiffchaff (18), Blackcap (4), Lesser Whitethroat (1) and five Goldcrest.
Other birds recorded were Peregrine (1) and the ususal Greenshank at the western groyne.
AMC, KAD, KD, DH and EW
Another day of migration at the Lighthouse with different birds in from yesterday and a small movement overhead. Most notable today was the movement of Jackdaw moving south. A total of 65 birds were recorded in three separate flocks the largest of which numbered 30. Jackdaws at the Lighthouse are always a sign of autumn as are Jays, six of which also moved south.
Other overhead birds were Grey Wagtail (7), Meadow Pipit 37, Skylark (3) and Pied Wagtail (4).
Expectations were high on the grounded migrant front and whilst numbers were not high the variety was good. Wheatear returned today following a period of no records. Two birds were in the paddocks mid morning. A single Spotted Flycatcher was in Sycamores next to stone cottage and the first 'Acro' for a while; a juvenile Reed Warbler was in the nature trail. Other warblers today included Willow Warbler (5), Chiffchaff (18), Blackcap (4), Lesser Whitethroat (1) and five Goldcrest.
Other birds recorded were Peregrine (1) and the ususal Greenshank at the western groyne.
AMC, KAD, KD, DH and EW
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| Wheatear (DH) |
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| Juvenile Reed Warbler (AMC) |
Tuesday, 16 September 2014
16th September 2014
Weather: SE-2, warm and sunny
In the first couple of minutes this morning it was obvious there had been a small overnight fall of Warblers, Thrushes and Chats. As usual Lingham Lane was the best site which held Willow Warbler (2), Chiffchaff (7) and Blackcap (14). Numbers of Robins were higher today than of late and a small arrival of thrushes included Blackbird (11) and Song Thrush (5). 2 Whinchat dropped in mid-afternoon near the western Kissing gate whilst 3 Goldcrest were in the nature trail. A single Lesser Whitethroat was in coastal scrub near the Lighthouse pond mid afternoon.
Other migrants on the move today included Grey Wagtail (11), Meadow Pipit (45), Jay (4), Snipe (2) and Jackdaw (11)
Raptors on the move included Buzzard (7), Sparrowhawk (3), Kestrel (1), Peregrine (2) and a Short eared Owl flew high southwest.
Other birds seen today were Med Gull (2), Kingfisher and Greenshank (1)
So no surprises today but a lovely day with plenty of nice birds to see on a beautiful September day.
AMC MS-C,KD,DH and LH
In the first couple of minutes this morning it was obvious there had been a small overnight fall of Warblers, Thrushes and Chats. As usual Lingham Lane was the best site which held Willow Warbler (2), Chiffchaff (7) and Blackcap (14). Numbers of Robins were higher today than of late and a small arrival of thrushes included Blackbird (11) and Song Thrush (5). 2 Whinchat dropped in mid-afternoon near the western Kissing gate whilst 3 Goldcrest were in the nature trail. A single Lesser Whitethroat was in coastal scrub near the Lighthouse pond mid afternoon.
Other migrants on the move today included Grey Wagtail (11), Meadow Pipit (45), Jay (4), Snipe (2) and Jackdaw (11)
Raptors on the move included Buzzard (7), Sparrowhawk (3), Kestrel (1), Peregrine (2) and a Short eared Owl flew high southwest.
Other birds seen today were Med Gull (2), Kingfisher and Greenshank (1)
So no surprises today but a lovely day with plenty of nice birds to see on a beautiful September day.
AMC MS-C,KD,DH and LH
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| Greenshank on the flood tide (KD) |
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| One of several Chiffchaffs fly catching from the Lingham ivy hedges (AMC) |
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