7th October 2011

As yesterday's westerlies backed to the north west, a sea watch from dawn until late afternoon produced the goods to satisfy the members who ventured across in the dark to beat the early tide. There were not as many skuas seen today, only 2 Arctics and 2 distant birds not identified but 6 Bonxies and a superb pale juvenile Long-tailed Skua were fine compensation. The Long-tailed Skua was found after being located from Hoylake (thanks, JET), and gave good views at medium range for several minutes and again a little later. If skuas were fewer then petrels were definitely many more than yesterday, totalling 54, most coming after the high tide in a steady stream from the east (middle right). A single late Storm Petrel joined the procession and showed closely off the north end. The other star bird of the day was a juvenile Sabines Gull (above and below left) which appeared from the west and then stayed in the general area to give close views on several occasions spanning 3 or 4 hours. Others noted on the sea watch were 3 Fulmars (which have been scarce lately), 5 Manx Shearwaters, 3 Kittiwakes, a Little Gull, 30 Guillemots, 25 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Razorbills, 18 Common Scoters, 12 Common Terns, 2 Sandwich Terns, and just a single Gannet. Most of that list was expected, but slightly less so were 3 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, a Teal and 5 Pale-bellied Brent that flew in from the north (bottom right), obviously freshly arrived. The only notable passerines were a constant arrival of Meadow Pipits in small numbers off the sea and a single Chaffinch that made it to the island to be the only bird ringed. In the afternoon more excitement as a female Goosander and then 6 Barnacle Geese flew past, bringing the species total to 48 for the day, which is excellent for Hilbre at this time of year. (DB,CJ,KMc,et al) + John Coupe [868-43] photos CJ et al

Sea-watching today was from dawn to an hour before sunset (c10 hours) - the sand still blowing across the beach and the sun dropping in a typical Hilbre autumn sky (see below).