The Great Cumbrian Bird Race 2008

6th January 2008 - bright and sunny W4/3
Offshore
A brief look over the sea produced a drake Long-tailed Duck along with Shag, Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, Kittiwake and Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of pale-bellied Brent Geese remain and waders included 6 Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Jack Snipe and Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 12 Little Egret remain and both Merlin and Peregrine were logged.

A team representing Walney BO took part in the Great Cumbrian Winter Bird Race 2008. Starting on Walney Island at first light the team managed to accumulate a total of 111 species by the time they reached the finish line at Eamont Bridge near Penrith at 1700hrs. The total was mainly made up of the traditional species expected to be seen at this time of the year but also included a few interesting highlights. In addition to the above Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Little Stint and Green Sandpiper were all seen. Perhaps surprising was the failure to find Fieldfare, Rock Pipit and Lesser Redpoll.