There was no surprise at the lack of large numbers of migrants as the weather had been clear overnight with good visibility. Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Goldcrests, White Wagtails and Wheatears were all in single figures and passage of Meadow Pipits (35) and Goldfinches (15) were well down on some recent days. No hirundine passage either today, just a single Swallow moving through at 10.00hrs. Sandwich terns however are now in some force, with 150 calling and feeding around the islands, truly the sound of summer. Four Little Terns rested with the Sandwich terns on the east hoyle after the tide. 
Just after dawn 450 Pink-footed Geese flew out of the estuary followed later by groups of 250 and 31 (above), presumably all from the flock that has wintered further up the Dee, and now leaving for their breeding areas further north. A group of Brent took off at one stage and later just a single could be found, it remains to be seen whether it is now the only bird remaining. No sea watch was conducted although 2 Gannets, 2 Guillemots and a Razorbill came to attention. A Greylag Goose was in the east gutter before flying off towards the West Kirby shore (right).
Ringed :- 4 Goldcrests, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs [ 232-21 ]
(CJ,CJW,RTW,SRW+1,TGW) photos CJ
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