12th February 2015

Weather: SE force 2/3, mist around coasts

Cormorants flying out of the estuary (CJ)

Dark-bellied Brent, near left (CJ)

The colour ringed Brent that has returned to the island for several years (CJ)

While watching the Cormorants fly out after dawn ( just 785 today), 25 pink-footed Geese were picked up by call going north-east up the West Kirby side of the estuary. Soon afterwards a male Blackbird flew directly off the island towards Red Rocks, perhaps we had a movement of thrushes at last? The hope was short lived although a couple of hours later 2 Song Thrushes were seen, probably fresh in, with 1 becoming the first bird to be ringed this year, such is the scarcity of bird movements in the middle of winter. Two flocks of Bar-tailed Godwits totalling 350 flew from the west side across the north end to the north east, and seemed to have continued on as there was no sign of birds on the north shore. A fairly accurate count of the Brent was possible as the flock grouped obligingly off the east side, and unless there were more elsewhere unseen, 184 pale and 1 dark- bellied Brent was the total. Two Rock Pipits first found at the south end moved around the rocky edges of the island during the morning. Towards midday a Peregrine sat on the sands to the east of the island, and a Raven (the first seen this year) was first heard and then seen flying distantly from the Red Rocks area away to the north east. The sea held 10 Great Crested Grebes (many in summer plumage) and a single male Common Scoter but little else.

Song Thrush (CJ)

Snowdrops almost in flower (CJ)

Knot at the north end, with an exceptionally pale bird (CJ)

 Ringed: 1 Song Thrush        [ 1-1 ]
(DB,AEH,CJ,)         photos CJ