31st October 2022

 Weather:  ESE force 4

The Brent's were closer around the island in numbers than they have been of late, with over 100 at the North End and another 100+ west of the lagoon.

Three Mute Swan flew from the east between Hilbre and Middle, they looked like they would continue to Wales but were later spotted in the swash west of the island.

About 70 Starlings came through including a flock of 40. Two Skylarks passed and a  late Chiffchaff travelled around the island calling but was too elusive for photos. There were about 10 Blackbirds around the island today and finches also featured with 6 Chaffinches, a Goldfinch and 14 Siskins. Mid-morning a Pallid Swift was found flying at Hoylake and observers at Hilbre were able to pick it up through a telescope at a distance ! (image below from the mainland).

 

A moribund Wigeon was a strange find in the paddocks. The Kestrel was about and a Peregrine was on the sand east of the Gutter. A single Grey Plover was heard calling but not many small waders were about, although as the tide made 5,000 Oystercatcher went up between the Tanskeys and Little Eye.

Ringed: 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Chaffinch

Photos AS