Saturday 8 October 2016

8th October 2016

Weather: E force 0/1

Another calm morning that looked great for the arrival of somethiong special started just before dawn when a Short-eared owl flew south down the east gutter, it may have roosted on the island last night. Also before dawn 4 Redwings were heard overhead but as the light came it was clear there were few thrushes about, just 2 Song thrushes and a Blackbird although 5 Chiffchaffs and many Wrens and Robins had landed, and a single Goldcrest and a Blackcap in the old obs garden.

A small passage of Meadow Pipits came through also 4 Pied Wagtails, while 4 Rock Pipits and 56 Linnets were present. The quiet sea made sea watching a pleasure and observers were rewarded with 9 Red-throated Divers, 9,000 Common Scoter (distantly), 21 Guillemots, 3 Razorbills, 18 Great Crested Grebes.On the shore to the east of the island were good numbers of Redshanks (108), about 250 Bar-tailed Godwits, and 6 Little Egrets, but the 22 Brent (included a dark-bellied bird) preferred the west side. At noon 2 Magpies flew about the top of the island (scarce at Hilbre and we havent seen any for a good while).
Magpies (CJ)


Ringed: 4 Chiffchaffs, 3 Wrens, 1 Robin, 1 Goldcrest.    [ 439-29 ]



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