24th October 2021

Weather:  SE force 4

The Barn Owl was out hunting before dawn again this morning, but it turned out to be not the only owl on view today. A Short-eared Owl was later seen being mobbed by Oystercatchers and apparently flying towards Hoylake but turned towards the east side of the island, and after landing briefly near the Newton trap it flew north due to being moved on by some Crows, and may have landed again towards the north end of the island.The lucky observer is possibly the first person to see two owl species here in one day, (unless anyone knows to the contrary) as any owl is scarce at Hilbre.

The problem over the last few days has been the excellent visibility which keeps the birds moving over the island rather than dropping down ( below Great Orme visible ).

A group of 14 and then a further 17 Siskin went west over the island but later 14 went south, also going south was a flock of 16 Goldfinch. Two Reed Buntings, a Skylark and a Chaffinch were also noted. A male Blackcap was found skulking in the obs garden. Over the tide waders present were 48 Redshank, 33 Turnstone, 140 Grey Plover, and 7 Bar-tailed Godwit were on the shore as the tide made.

Ten Little Egrets were on the shore with 243 Brent today, and amongst them was ringed bird 74 NW which was ringed in Ireland 26th September 2019 and turned up on Hilbre for the first time on 31st October that year.

 Photos AS