14th September 2023

 Weather:  SW force 2/3   rain early

With the large influx of Curlew Sandpiper into the country just now, it was hoped to see some at Hilbre today, and so it transpired, 2 juveniles were in the high tide roost by the south end slipway.

Five others were at the south end of the W.K. marine lake (part of the Hilbre recording area) where there were 7 yesterday.

Waders discovered today included 3,500 Oystercatcher, 1,200 Dunlin, 272 Curlew, 200 Ringed Plover, 85 Sanderling, 80 Redshank, 75 Turnstone,16 Knot and 17 Bar-tailed Godwit. A couple of Willow Warblers, a Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest were present, just like yesterday but Wheatears today numbered 7, which was an increase.

An autumn Skylark arrived over the island. The Brent may have had a good breeding season, out of the 17 birds now here there was a family of 5 (3 juveniles), 6 (4 juveniles) and 3 other pairs.

Undaunted the 3 Eider continue their stay. A Raven was logged and then a Sparrowhawk arrived,

 which made the local Kestrel unhappy at the north end after the tide.

Fourteen Little Egrets were about and 3 Grey Herons; the Grey Herons have made a habit of roosting on the east side cliff top.

About 48 Linnets flock around the island, a good number for this time of year. Sea sightings included 34 Common Scoter, 45 Sandwich Terns and 6 Common Terns. Twelve Red Admirals today.

Photos SRW