6th January 2010

This prolonged cold spell has so far produced better quality records at Hilbre than has been normal in recent 'mild' winters. Still present today were the 2 Ravens and the Snipe by the island pond, also by the pond briefly were 2 Fieldfares that soon moved towards the Newton trap and then off to the north. Other thrushes were in good numbers with 12 Song Thrushes, 6 Blackbirds and 4 Redwings passing through. Twenty five Skylarks went low across the snow peppered island followed later by another 7.
Two Scaup and a Tufted Duck were off the west side (right), Scaup are a scarce sight in recent years and Tufted always have been, likewise 5 Common Scoter favoured this side of the island.
The Brent were more compact than yesterday enabling a count of 140, while 520 Grey Plover were in contrast to the single Golden Plover seen today.




Footprints of a Grey Heron in the snow was an unusual sight on top of the island (left).
Ringed today:- 2 Song Thrushes, 1 Redwing (right).
(DB,CJW) [ 8 ] photos CJW