23rd March 2024

 Weather: W force 7/8    squalls

Recording and photos were difficult today as everything was hunkered down as the gusts hit force 9 on several occasions and spray was everywhere (and it was not even a particularly big tide).

 It seemed to us that a wind turbine may have lost a blade in the storm ?

A Wheatear greeted us as it sheltered amongst the rocks on middle, 5 Goosander and a pair of Red breasted Mergansers spent some time in the gutter away from the Westerly blow.

 Five Eiders also spent the tide here.

 Naturally on a day like today a sea watch was called for and records were decent, producing 72 Gannets, 4 Red throated Diver a single Kittiwake, over 1500 Scoter and 6 Little Gulls as well as movements of Black-headed and Lesser Black-Backed Gulls. The strong westerlies meant that niffy bay was the roosting spot of choice for some of the small waders.

 

A Sea Salter (ligia oceanica) was located, they are often found at the north end rocks and life boat station area. They are related to woodlice but are larger and mostly confined to coastal areas. At Hilbre they are colloquially known as 'Jaspers'.

 

 Photos  CJW