Monday, 8th May 2017

An unprecedented count of 5 Puffins were seen this morning. The first two birds flew east shortly followed by two more accompanying four Razorbills, and a little later a single bird flew in. This species is just about annual here, but there seems to have been an influx with several sightings off the Lancashire coast during the month. There was also another good movement of Hirundines and the first Hobby of the year was recorded.

Offshore

46 Common Scoters east, 14 Red-throated Divers east, 2 Manx Shearwaters east, 17 Gannets east, 1 Arctic Skua east, 5 Puffins east - 2 in at 0625, 2 in at 0650 and a single in at 0705, 4 Razorbills east, 7 Guillemots east, 22 Auk sp. east, 2 Little Terns east, 7 Sandwich Terns and 11 Arctic Terns east.

 

 Gannets

 

 Arctic Skua

Visible Migration 

31 Pink-footed Geese north, 12 Whimbrels east, 1 Wood Pigeon east, 5 Swifts north-east, 1 Hobby north, 17 Sand Martins north-east, 656 Swallows north-east, 96 House Martins north-east, 1 Willow Warbler in-off and landed on the embankment before departing inland, 1 Yellow Wagtail east, 1 Alba Wagtail north-east, 4 Tree Pipits north-east, 1 Meadow Pipit north-east, 2 Linnets east, 11 Redpolls east, 10 Goldfinch east and 1 Siskin east.

Grounded Migrants 

2 Willow Warblers, 3 Whinchats and 5 Wheatears.

Others 

170 Ringed Plovers, 8 Whimbrels, 17 Turnstones, 130 Sanderlings, 700 Dunlins and 3 Common Sandpipers.

 

 Whimbrels

 

 Whitethroat