Records from the archives – On This Day
For week commencing Monday 12th June 2023
12th June
A Cory’s Shearwater was seen offshore at North Walney in 1985 it was the fifth Cumbrian record, a Corncrake was heard at Heads Nook (NY45) in 1998, Hobbies were found at Longtown in 2006 and at Tindale Tarn in 2014 and a female Red-backed Shrike at Snab Point, Walney in 1995 was the 14th Cumbrian record since 1969.
13th June
A Long-tailed Skua was seen off South Walney in 1985 and a Corncrake remained on territory near Isel Bridge (NY13) until 14th July in 1987.
14th June
A Corncrake at Moresby (NX92) from 1st June remained until this day in 1976, a Hudsonian Whimbrel found on Walney remained until 19th August in 2007 it was the first Cumbrian record, later it was removed as a species and sub-species from the British List (Ibis:160:238) then later re-instated as a full species, a Red-necked Phalarope was found on Rockcliffe Marsh in 1981 it was the 25th Cumbrian record, a Caspian Tern found at Killington Reservoir remained overnight also visiting nearby Fisher Tarn on the 15th June 1989 it was the first county record, Roseate Terns were seen on Rockcliffe Marsh in 1990 and on Foulney Island in 1991, an adult Honey-buzzard was seen on Meathop Moss in 2020, a female Golden Oriole was seen at Grune Point in 1981 it was the 20th Cumbrian record, the second Cumbrian record of a Nightingale turned up at South Walney in 1986 and a singing Blyth’s Reed Warbler at Siddick Pond which remained overnight in 2017 was a Cumbrian first.
15th June
An immature Night-heron remained at Dalton-in-Furness until 22nd July in 1987 it was the 14th Cumbrian record, a Crane first seen in April/May frequented North Plain Farm and intermittently until 12th September in 2002 was the 13th Cumbrian record, a Greenish Warbler was trapped and ringed at South Walney in 1997 it was the third Cumbrian record, adult Rose-coloured Starlings were seen at Beckfoot in 2000, in 2020 at Broughton-in-Furness staying until 17th June and at Whale near Shap remaining overnight, these were the first and 15th & 16th Cumbrian records this century and a Common Rosefinch singing at Waterside until 25th July in 1996 was the fourth Cumbrian record.
16th June
The Lesser Scaup that toured North Cumbria in 2003 was last noted at Longtown Ponds and remains the only Cumbrian record of this species to date, in 1996 Spoonbills were found at South Walney, also on 17th July and at Campfield Marsh remaining overnight in 2002, these were the 28th and 38th Cumbrian records, a sub-adult Honey-buzzard was seen on Meathop Moss in 1992, Corncrakes were present in the Winster valley at Hartbarrow (SD49) in 1980 and at Upper Dentdale (SD78) from 1st June until this day in 1990,a Hoopoe was seen at South Walney in 2020 it stayed overnight and was the 19th Cumbrian record this century, a male Golden Oriole frequented Seatoller Bridge until 18th June in 1980 it was the 19th Cumbrian record and the male ‘Channel’ Wagtail was last seen at Heversham Moss on this date in 2007 it was the second Cumbrian occurrence of this hybrid.
17th June
A Glossy Ibis frequented the River Bela at Milnthorpe until 3rd August in 2014 it was the 11th Cumbrian record, a Spoonbill was located at South Walney in 2011, a Corncrake remained at Sedbergh until 29th June in 1984, an Alpine Swift at Grange-over-Sands in 1957 was only the 2nd Cumbrian record, the first was one at Egremont on the 4th July 1842, a Red-backed Shrike was found at Allonby in 1974 it was the first Cumbrian record since 1969, a female/immature Golden Oriole was found at Bardsea in 1988 it was the 27th Cumbrian record, a Hooded Crow was found at St Bees Head in 2019, a Booted Warbler trapped and ringed at South Walney in 1992 remains the only county record, a Melodious Warbler found at South Walney in 1984 was the 12th Cumbrian record, an immature Common Rosefinch at South Walney in 1992 this was only the third Cumbrian record and a White-throated Sparrow at South Walney in 1965 remains the sole Cumbrian record, it was also the third British record.
18th June
A Turtle Dove was seen in a Rampside Garden in 2020 it stayed overnight it was the 12th Cumbrian record this century, a Purple Heron at North Plain Farm in 2001 was the second and most recent county record, the first was at Alston c.1850, Roseate Terns were found at Hodbarrow in 2006 and in 2018, the third and seventh Cumbrian records this century, a Hoopoe remained at Hesket Newmarket until 20th June in 2018 it was the 18th Cumbrian record this century, a male Golden Oriole was found at Armathwaite from 22nd May until this date in 1990 it was the 28th Cumbrian record and an adult Rose-coloured Starling remained at Great Clifton until 2nd July in 2005, it was the fourth Cumbrian record this century.