18th May 2009

The wind is just not abating - and to add to our frustration bands of rain passed through over night and this morning. The only warbler on the island was a Willow from yesterday indicating that birds had not really been on the move much. However, efforts were rewarded with a nice Common Sandpiper on the West side near Lady's Cave (apologies for terrible record shot - above left) and an unusual record of an immature Kittiwake on the east side rocks below the Old Obs (see below).

Interestingly the only new bird caught was an adult Robin?!?

Meanwhile back on the mainland the West Kirby Marine Lake has once again been drained (see below) and is providing excellent habitat for feeding gulls, waders and egrets.

Five Little Egrets (nine last night) were present this morning along with 7 Whimbrel (see opposite).

(DB et al) [392]

(Photo below of West Kirby Marine Lake with Whimbrel in foreground, Little Egret centre and Hilbre in background)