16th October 2023

Weather: SE force 2/3   

A first look around the island found a seal pup resting by the lifeboat slip on the north end of the island. This is not normal behaviour and the animal may not be too well.

Footprints of a Red Fox were on the sands across to the island, even if they are not here permanently it seems they come and go quite often. After a slow start it turned out to be a good day for birds and we will give the highlights first. A photogenic Short-eared Owl, our first of the autumn, flew passed the obs garden before landing on Middle island and then reappeared later over the main island.

 

 

Even more in scarcity value was the arrival of a Great Spotted Woodpecker on the island, these birds while common on the mainland appear on average about once a year on Hilbre, and October is certainly the best month to see one.

 On the ground this morning were 3 Goldcrests and a Chiffchaff, and in addition to a small passage of Meadow Pipits (90) coming through today, we saw a flock of 8 Siskins flying south, 6 Pied Wagtails, at least 14 Skylarks, a few extra Robins and Wrens, a Goldfinch and 6 Chaffinch.

Two Ravens flew over very high going west. Present were 8 Little Egrets and 3 Grey Herons A Merlin flew west late afternoon, while earlier a Peregrine disturbed the roosting waders.

Wildfowl also produced good records, the regular group of Eiders seen reached a remarkable 13 today which included the 2 adult males. Brent were counted at 187 with 72 Shelduck plus 300 Common Scoter and less expected was a flock of 10 Greylag Geese flying to the north east.

All the normal waders were seen including 200 Dunlin, 120 Sanderling, 100 Knot and 5 Bar-tailed Godwits also a visiting Black-tailed Godwit.

Best of the sea birds were 4 Red-throated Divers and 4 Gannets. A late Red Admiral flew from the bushes this morning.

Photos SRW