29th February 2024

Weather:  SW force 3

A boat visiting the east end of the windfarm put up a wave of Common Scoter moving west, estimated at 10,000. Over by the West Hoyle 8 Merganser were noted, much closer to the island a Dark-bellied Brent was amongst the 324 Pale-bellied .

 Three Little Egret were present today along with a single Grey Heron.

Early morning a flock of 224 Bar-tailed Godwit fed along the shore spread out between Hilbre and Bird Rock, mixed in were 47 of the 300 Grey Plover recorded. The Oystercatcher roost numbered 2,500.

 In Niffy Bay were 30 Redshank and a few of the 2,000 Knot recorded today.

Wrens were recorded singing at 6 sites around the islands and 2 Pied Wagtails were present. If intending to visit Hilbre, please remember to check the tide times and keep an eye on the tide. These people waded to safety but on a higher tide the inshore lifeboat may have been called out, crews of the lifeboats are volunteers and most have day jobs which they have to walk away from to answer a call out.

 Photos AS