Friday, 5 July 2024

5th July 2024

 Weather:W force 4,   NNW 2 later in the afternoon

Before the morning tide a Common Sandpiper was found at the North End, it flew around to the east side calling but was then lost to sight.

Later (in the same place) a partial summer plumaged Purple Sandpiper was found by a visitor (GM), and as is often the case with Purple Sandpipers it was a very confiding bird enabling lots of photos. Single birds in mid-summer have occurred on many occasions over the years.

 

Twenty Turnstone roosted on the west side and 2 Redshank in Niffy Bay, although when the tide had dropped a group of 33 fed at the bottom of the Gutter probably having just arrived.

 

A Common Tern was on the East Hoyle with a few of the 13 Sandwich Tern noted today. Two Gannets and a Great Crested Grebe were also on the sea. There were 8 Eiders here again. On the island there was more juvenile Linnet activity and the 6 Swallow recorded included 2 juveniles so at least one pair have raised a brood in this difficult year for them on Hilbre. One of the fledglings was being fed whilst perched on the obs fence.

 

Photos AS

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