19th October 2020

 Weather: SE force 2/3 

A Peregrine was flushed at dawn from the south end near the obs, but after that excitement things were very quiet with no overhead migrant action. A couple of Blackbirds were about and 2 Grey Wagtails appeared later. Despite the large movements of Chaffinches etc. down the Wirral coast, Hilbre was deprived of this spectacle, although the odd Chaffinch (actually 6) did appear here as stragglers along with a Goldfinch. Regulars on the island were 2 Rock Pipits and 7 Wrens.

 

Two hundred and sixty Common Scoter and 8 Little Egrets were noted, while wader counts included 7,000 Oystercatchers, 44 Grey Plover, 800 Dunlin, 80 Knot, 16 Ringed Plover and 105 Turnstone. Only 110 Brent were in position to be counted today. The Kestrel showed well again.

The best of the day was saved until the last when the observer put up a Short-eared owl from Middle Eye on the way off the island. It flew north and seemed to land at the north end of the main island. It could possibly be the same bird that was here 3 days ago.

photos AS