30th October 2013

Weather:- light winds  S/SW
At high water (at about 07.15) 2 Great White Egrets flew south across the east gutter at Middle Eye and continued down the estuary. This is the second record of this species at Hilbre. There was a small movement of Goldcrests overnight with 6 in the trapping area, while a Chiffchaff, 5 Skylarks, 3 Rock Pipits and a Pied Wagtail were also noted. Two Red-throated Divers swan down the east side of the island and showed well from the obs. The Brent were counted at a record high for this season of 121 pale-bellied and 1 dark bellied and Shelduck increased to 420 in this part of the estuary, other duck seen today was a party of 5 Wigeon.  Purple Sandpipers numbered 6 at the north end and no less than 14 Grey Herons were in the Little Eye area. A late Red Admiral butterfly was on the island.
(DB)