3rd January 2022

 Weather: SW force 5, increasing 7 by early afternoon.

It was a sunny but windy day on Hilbre today, but not cold. The wind was south west which made the tide higher than it was forecast. There were lots of birds on the middle, 8,000 Oystervatchers etc. but nowhere near enough room for them so there were birds on the south of the main island all the way up to wheatear hill.

Some of the Purple Sandpipers at the north end  roosted for part of the tide on the steps on the east side of the lifeboat station, which is unusual.

 There was also one roosting on Lion Rock with a Turnstone for most of the tide.

  The Shag that has been here lately was showing well while roosting at the north end.

 Present of course were the few wintering birds such as Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin and Wren, but all were elusive as they hunkered down in the strong wind.

Photos JE