Thursday, 28 September 2023

28th September 2023

 Weather:  SW force 4, backing S 4 by noon.

Three Swallows flew south early morning, two each of Goldcrest, Chiffchaff and Wheatear were on the ground with 6 Rock Pipits about the islands but only 3 Meadow Pipit were recorded.

A good light enabled a count of 123 Shelduck between Little Eye and the shore along with 250 Curlew , then as the tide rose 105 Brent Geese were washed off of the reef towards the Eye. A Redhead Goosander was noted east of Middle and the 2 female type Eider fed in the lagoon area. Two Shag were recorded, one east of Hilbre and the other to the west.

 

A Red-throated Diver flew west, 140 Scoter and 30 Gannet were out towards the wind farm and  a single Great-creasted Grebe was off the North End.

 Small wader counts were 1,500 Dunlin, 800 Knot, 250 Curlew, 45 Ringed Plover. Five Bar-tailed Godwits were noted while in Niffy bay a Whimbrel roosted with 40 Redshank and 60 Turnstone.

 There are plenty of Blackberries and Rose Hips ready and waiting for the winter thrushes.

 Photos AS

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