Wednesday 19 February 2014

19th February 2014

Weather :- SW force 2, mild for February
Common Scoter  (CJ)
As the tide flooded late morning many Common Scoters passed the island, but with the arrival of a fast boat out towards the wind farm a massive amount of Scoters lifted off out of the water and moved east before disappearing again into the distant sea. There were thought to be at least 7,000 birds as they spanned the whole length of the wind farm as seen from Hilbre and created a long patch of darkness on the water because they were packed so tightly. Twenty five Great Crested Grebes were also on the sea, but no divers noted. A female Goosander arrived from the north west and flew low over the west side of the island, more normal fare were several flocks of Wigeon totalling 70 birds, and the 2 regular Canada Geese flying west after dawn. Five Linnets were back on territory joining the resident 5 Blackbirds, 3 Dunnocks, 5 Wrens and 5 Robins with just a couple of Meadow Pipits calling and a Rock Pipit at the north end. The only visiting passerines were 2 Goldfinches across the island. A Peregrine and the female Kestrel were present and 150 Sanderling flew east in small parties as the tide advanced. The rabbit was seen 3 times this morning, this will frustrate those who have yet to connect!
Grey Heron by the main pond  (CJ)
(DB,CJ)

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