Weather: SW force 2, NE 1 early afternoon
The gales of the weekend seemed like a distant memory today as the calm weather prevailed and it warmed up during the afternoon, but the sight of a Bonxie still around reminded us that some birds are still displaced by the recent storm. The Bonxie was firstly sat on sea off the west side drifting up the estuary as tide flooded then flew north to the estuary mouth. Probably the same bird put gulls up off East Hoyle and landed on bird island, then flew south along marsh edge and chased some Shelduck before landing on the beach at West Kirby. Despite the balmy weather winter bird numbers have increased rapidly over the last couple of days. There were no less than 244 Brent counted including 2 dark-bellied, 285 Shelduck, 2,400 Common Scoter out to sea, 8,500 oystercatchers, 850 Cormorants and most surprising of all were a flock of 13 Shags drifting passed the obs on the outgoing tide, we are used to singles or very small numbers.
A male Eider and 2 redhead Goosanders were also around the island. Both Peregrine and Kestrel were present but today a Merlin also came to our notice as did a Raven which is more regular nowadays. No warblers on the island but 2 Wheatears, 2 Goldfinch and 2 Skylarks made an appearance and Meadow Pipits were only in single figures today. Apart from the large numbers of Oystercatchers other waders showing well on the high tide were 25 Grey Plover, 86 Ringed Plover, 320 Curlew, 130 Sanderling, 89 Redshank, 850 Knot, 22 Dunlin, 14 Bar-tailed Godwit and 68 Turnstone.
Some Purple Sandpipers should be here soon. Only 2 Gannets were on the sea but there were 7 Red-throated Divers, a couple of Guillemots and 28 Great Crested Grebes.
Two Grey Herons and 8 Little Egrets decorated the shore.
Photo: SRW
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