9th April 2024

 Weather: NNW force 5 increasing WSW 8 by noon (high tide)

 Our members were present for one of the highest tides of the year which caused controversy at West Kirby as the water flooded over the new sea wall. Things were just as spectacular on the island as some areas could not be visited during the height of the storm.

 

 Migrants did not entirely desert us in these challenging conditions, a Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaffs and a Willow Warbler were here, also 3 Wheatears.

 A Woodpigeon was a less surprising visitor. Newly arrived Sandwich Terns rested low on the rocks for shelter, there were 260 today.

Elsewhere on the sea 1,500 Common Scoter flew about towards the wind farms, there were 5 Gannets flying and scarcest of all was a single Fulmar, sightings of which have become increasingly irregular over the last few years. The 4 Eiders made their usual appearance and a bonus was a male Red-breasted Merganser. A few of the Scoters gave close views by the island.

Most of the waders were unable to roost on the islands because of the huge tide, but some numbers were seen/estimated at other times. There were 96 Bar-tailed Godwit, 160 Turnstone, 18 Purple Sandpiper, 600 Knot, 150 Dunlin, 10 Grey Plover, 20 Ringed Plover and 25 Redshank. Just 2 Shelduck and a single Little Egret today. There was fresh evidence that the Fox is still with us.

Photos  CJW