Sunday, 23 June 2013

23rd June 2013

A brisk WNW gale force 7 gusting 8 greeted  the intrepid Obs members who decided on a sea watch today. A Storm Petrel is a good 'summer' possibility in such conditions. With Manx Shearwaters streaming past Bardsey and news from Hoylake of good numbers yesterday expectations were high. We weren't disappointed. Manxies literally streamed past in small groups  sometimes coming quite close to the hide.


Gannets were also seen in good numbers and 5 Fulmars boosted the spring count for the year.


A single Arctic Skua was seen distantly out towards the wind farms but terns were generally scarce. 


A few lingering Common Scoters and Great Crested Grebes were logged as were 7 Kittiwakes - all adults apart from one second summer bird. 


Although the day belonged to the seabirds a Collared Dove that landed briefly in the Obs garden was a surprise. Unfortunately no Storm Petrels were seen but no one was complaining - the sheer numbers of Manx Shearwaters made the whole sea watch worthwhile.


In total we logged in excess of 5,000. It was difficult to comprehend and count the numbers as you were aware of birds passing more distantly through your field of view whilst counting the nearer ones! 

After the tide three Bonxies passed over one observer on the shore before they headed over Little Eye.

(DB, PSW + MP) Photos PSW

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