Seabirds take the plaudits

20th April 2008 - overcast E5/6
Offshore
Despite the persistent easterly winds of the last few days morning observations on the rising tide (0830-1030) conspired to provide variety if not quantity. Highlights were 4 dark phase Arctic Skua heading into Morecambe Bay along with 2 Little Tern, 2 Arctic Tern and a Black Guillemot resplendent in its summer plumage. Also seen were 255 Sandwich Tern, 140 Razorbill, 20 Guillemot, 16 Common Scoter, 14 Gannet, 11 Red-throated Diver, 3 Shag and 2 Manx Shearwater.
Diurnal Migration
Just small numbers of Swallow and Sand Martin fought their way in off the sea.
Grounded Migrants
Again meagre rations with only 4 Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The group of 34 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain and waders included 500 Golden Plover, 300 Turnstone and a Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A single Merlin was logged.