24th June 2008

A typically quiet mid-summer day, without even an onshore wind to bring seabirds, although some common and sandwich terns were visible on the west hoyle bank. A female Peregrine flew over carrying lunch to eat on the beach.

Two Little Egrets were present around the main island all morning and 11 Swifts arrived in from the northwest just before noon. A late (or early?) Northern Wheatear was glimpsed briefly on the west side of Middle before disappearing down the cliff, not to be relocated.

(CJ)

22nd June 2008

With a wild west-south-west wind blowing above force eight sea-watching was the order of the day! 2 Little Egrets on the way over in the gutter are now almost expected mid-summer sightings!

The sea-watch was productive with over 800 Gannets, 79 Manx Shearwaters, 180+ Common, 59 Sandwich and 3 Little Terns. 7 Fulmar, 1 Razorbill, 6 Guillemot, an adult Kittiwake, 8 Common Scoter and a drake Eider provided some variety but there were no hoped-for Stormies despite the observers being trapped in the hide as the sea swept over the North End rocks behind (photo by Phil Woollen).

The only other bird of note was a Grey Heron which was battered by the wind as it made its way across the mouth of the Dee.

Waders seen on the sea-watch included c300 Knot (only a handful in summer plumage), 5 Grey Plover, Whimbrel and an Oystercatcher and on the way off c35 Turnstone appeared sheltering in amongst the rocks and seaweed by Middle.

1st June 2008

Incredibly another two Ospreys were seen passing over the North End of Hilbre at c13.00hrs before they headed out over Liverpool Bay towards Formby Point. These are the sixth record (now seven birds) over the recording area this spring ...with three sightings since 21st May perhaps there are a couple of birds hanging around the area?