The change in wind direction from west yesterday to north west today subtly altered the composition of the species seen on the high tide today, auks were down from over 1,000 to 95, Common Scoter from 7,000 to 5,000, Gannets 500 to 116, Sandwich Tern 47 to 25, and Common Tern 37 to 2.
In compensation however two Black Terns were found immediately on arrival and 4 others during the period and together with 2 Arctic Terns made the unusual total of four tern species on a Hilbre October day.
Other additions were 4 Leach's Petrels, 5 Manx Shearwaters and a Mediterranean Gull. The pick of the other sea birds were 4 Eiders (including a drake), 3 Arctic Skuas, 3 Fulmars, a Red-breasted Merganser and 7 Red-throated Divers (but not the Black-throated Diver of yesterday).
A rare sight on the sea were three Ruff flying at a distance, while waders counted on the shore included 117 Curlew and 18 Bar-tailed Godwit. During the tide a total 60 Meadow Pipits came in from the north in small parties over the sea, as did 2 Pied Wagtails and 3 Skylarks. Also braving the wind were 5 Goldfinches, while already on the ground were 2 Goldcrests and a Wheatear.
We helped visitor Irene who slipped by Middle (and had a suspected fractured wrist), and her husband Mike off the island after the tide, we hope she is ok.
Ringed: Goldcrest [ 581-34]
What will tomorrow bring to the islands?
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