Friday 15 September 2017

15th September 2017

Weather: NNW force 3  vis 60 mls

After all the excitement of yesterday it was expected to be quieter today on the lighter winds, and so it proved, despite the rainbow there was no 'pot of gold' in birding terms.


A short sea watch failed to find any Leach's petrels but one of the three Peregrines south of Middle certainly did, as it was seen to be carrying one as prey, a sight not unknown in the area but rarely if ever photographed.



The best sea bird of the day in the form of Bonxie glided along the north shore scattering the gulls and waders resting there, came towards Hilbre and off passed the north end. Other seabirds were scarce although 2 Fulmars appeared distantly with a dozen Gannets and 2,000 or so Common Scoters which were far out as usual.


A few Goldcrests were again in the paddocks and 2 were ringed today. Goldcrests have been noted before arriving on north or north westerlies when other small migrants seldom appear. A Wheatear landed on 'Wheatear Hill' opposite the obs at about midday. Other birds counted today included 7 Little Egrets, 98 Shelduck, 84 Curlew, 70 Grey Plover, 42 Redshank. There was no sign of the first Brent seen yesterday. Some of the Sandwich Terns may have taken advantage of the northerlies and headed off south, only about 90 were seen this morning.

Summer hung on with a Red Admiral and a Small White butterfly in the air.

Ringed: 2 Goldcrests, 1 Robin [478-32 ]

No comments: