Records from the archives – On This Day
For week commencing Monday 6th May 2024
6th May
A Black-winged Stilt was found on Rockcliffe Marsh in 2023, it was the third Cumbrian record, a Glossy Ibis that remained at Ulpha Meadows until 9th May in 2012 was the eighth Cumbrian record, a Turtle Dove was seen at South Walney in 1995, a White Tailed Eagle was seen at Hayton near Brampton in 2020, it was the third Cumbrian record since 2009, two Bee-eaters at Seathwaite in 2003 constituted the seventh Cumbrian record and the 13th and 14th individual birds, a singing Wryneck was found in Natland in 2000 it was the first Cumbrian record this century, a Woodchat Shrike at Torver, Coniston in 2006 was the seventh Cumbrian record, , a Bearded Tit at Fellfoot, Lake Windermere in 1995 was the sixth Cumbrian record since 1978, a Water Pipit was seen on Lonscale Fell in 1987 and a Corn Bunting on Walney in 2018 was the first Cumbrian record since 2002.
7th May
A White Stork that toured Watercrook, Sizergh Castle and Gilpin Bridge in 1993 constituted the 13th Cumbrian record, four adult Long-tailed Skuas were seen off Bowness-on-Solway in 1998, a Shore Lark at Skinburness in 1920 was the eighth Cumbrian record and the only Cumbrian record of a Western Bonelli’s Warbler comes from Walney Island in 1984.
8th May
A female Red-crested Pochard at Greenodd in 1994 was the 11th Cumbrian record, a Spoonbill at South Walney in 2016 was approximately the 62nd Cumbrian record, a Crane seen at South Walney then off St Bees Head in 1999 constituted the 11th & 12th Cumbrian records, a Kentish Plover at Hodbarrow in1988 was the first Cumbrian record, a Temminck’s Stint on Rockcliffe Marsh, remained overnight in 1995 it was the 15th Cumbrian record, a Marsh Sandpiper on Rockcliffe Marsh in 2022 was judged to be the returning bird from 2021, a Long-tailed Skua was seen off Bowness-on-Solway in 1992 with two seen there on this day in 2007, a Turtle Dove was seen at South Walney in 2016 and a female Serin at South Walney from 4th May in 2007 remained until this day in 2007 it was the second Cumbrian record.
9th May
Four Egyptian Geese on the Kent Estuary, from 2nd May that remained until this day in 1988 were the first modern day Cumbrian record of this species , a Kentish Plover at Bowness-on-Solway in 2011 was the fourth Cumbrian record, a Long-billed Dowitcher at Hodbarrow until 12th May in 2012 was the seventh Cumbrian record, a 2nd summer Ring-billed Gull at Halforth in 1987 was the fourth Cumbrian record, a Turtle Dove was seen at Talkin in 1992, Hoopoes were seen on Little Asby (NY61) in 1997 and at Bowness-on-Windermere in 2008 constituting the fifth and 16th Cumbrian records since 1992 and a male Ortolan Bunting was seen at South Walney in 2010 it was the sixth Cumbrian record.
10th May
Two Spoonbills on the Kent Estuary in 1970 constituted the ninth Cumbrian record, a Whiskered Tern seen off the viaduct at Bowness-on-Solway in 2009 it was the fifth Cumbrian record, Long-tailed Skuas were evident off Bowness-on-Solway with one seen in 2003, five in 2007 and one in 2014, a Hoopoe was seen at Walney airfield in 1992, this was the first Cumbrian record of the 90’s, a White-spotted Bluethroat was at Loweswater in 1985 it was the second Cumbrian record of this race, a male ’Channel’ Wagtail was seen on Heversham Moss in 2007 and a male Red-headed Bunting was caught and ringed at South Walney it stayed until 17th May in 1991, it was the first example of this species although it was treated as an escape from captivity.
11th May
A Black-throated Diver was seen off Bowness-on-Solway in 2011, a Black Stork at Skirwith (NY63B) in 2008 was the sixth Cumbrian record, a Black Kite at Hodbarrow in 2016 was the third Cumbrian record, a Long-tailed Skua was seen off Hilpsford Point, Walney in 2011, ), an adult Roseate Tern was seen feeding off Biggar Bank in 2022 it was the 12th Cumbrian record this century all of them coming from the extreme SW of the county between Hodbarrow and Walney Island and a Turtle Dove was found at Hincaster (SD58) in 1992.
12th May
A Cattle Egret was found at Scotby Holmes (NY4357) in 1987 it was the third Cumbrian record, a Corncrake was calling at Whinfell Park, Penrith in 1987, four Long-tailed Skuas were seen off Bowness-on-Solway in 1992, a Broad-billed Sandpiper found at Bowness-on-Solway remained until 13th May 2011 it was the third Cumbrian record, a Temminck’s Stint remained at Walby Flash until 13th May 2019 it was the 17th Cumbrian record, a displaying Marsh Sandpiper was found on Rockcliffe Marsh in 2021 it held territory and remained until 27th May, it was the first Cumbrian record and a Hoopoe at South Walney in 2023 was possibly the one that appeared later at Aldingham in September, its only seven miles away!
Ronnie Irving
Ex-Secretary CBC Records Panel (2015- 2024)
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