Weather: SE force 4 , later ESE 4
A pleasant day on the island and clear skies meant lots of overhead migration. Chaffinch (13), Brambling (2), Redpoll (2), Siskin (11), Goldfinch (14), Skylark (4) and good numbers Starlings (162) were logged flying over the island but the good weather meant none dropped in - apart from a Reed Bunting that briefly landed in the Pittosporum in the obs garden, also a couple of Chaffinches. A late Chiffchaff that spent the day fly-catching in the obs garden was a nice surprise. Other passerines seen included the resident Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens and Song Thrush.
Five Rock Pipits were recorded between Middle Eye and the north end of Hilbre but most of the Meadow Pipits have moved off to the mainland. A single Lapwing flew over, a scarce species at Hilbre. There was plenty to look at on the sea as well with 6 Goosander reported initially as being seen flying passed Seaforth and heading towards Wirral, 5 of them dropping in briefly opposite the Obs as the tide was ebbing.
A little later a male Goosander, the last of the group was spotted between Hilbre and Middle, he then got out to preen on the rocks. Wader numbers are increasing with a significant increase in the number of Knot and Dunlin being seen. Purple Sandpiper numbers increased to 16 and they all roosted on the west side cliffs.
The sight of a few Red-throated Diver from the Obs encouraged a sea watch from the north end. Thirty Red-throated Divers, 30 Guillemot and 10 Razorbill were counted on the sea and the long staying female Eider was at the north end and later in the gutter. A small number of Gannets were fishing out towards the wind farm and a few Common Scoter were also seen. This large frog was found in the SK paddock.
The end of a very good day for the middle of November.
Photos AS, PSW
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