Friday 31 July 2020

31st July 2020

Weather: SE force 3, clear overnight, warm and sunny
A Mediterranean Gull flew west across the island first thing this morning and a single Willow Warbler was in the obs garden (another was in the old obs later). Two groups of 20 and 30 Swallows and a single Sand Martin flew through early and 7 Swifts did likewise during the morning. The best wader sighting was a flock of 120 Black-tailed Godwits flying east near the south end of the island chain, while a single of the Bar-tailed variety showed on the shore in its summer plumage. Only small numbers of other waders included 8 Whimbrel, 25 Ringed Plover and 12 Turnstone. Linnets were present in force (34), and there were at least 4 Rock Pipits among the 'residents'. Sandwich and Common terns fished constantly and about 10 Gannets also dived, mostly further distant. A Kestrel was the sole raptor around today. After the tide a report was recieved of a Ruddy Shelduck flying south between the marine lake and the islands, this is in the Hilbre recording area.
Ringed: 1 Linnet.

No comments: