25th February 2018

Weather: E  3 increasing to 4 later, vis 4 mls with some mist, temp -1 degree c

When a faint Sparrow like call was heard from the obs balcony, more Tree Sparrows were hoped for, but instead 3 House Sparrows were found around the old obs area. After they left, (flying south) a fourth bird was found in the old obs garden.

A Reed Bunting flew over and a flock of 63 Starlings flew from west to east over an observer arriving on the island just after tide, with 6 more going over as singles during the morning. A single Goldfinch was in the Pittosporum briefly and a Greenfinch was seen to land on the obs fence. Other passerines were 3 Robin, 2 Linnet, 2 Meadow Pipit, a Dunnock, Song Thrush and female Blackbird.

Only 120 Brent Geese were at the North End with the 6 Eider, 98 Common Scoter were counted with

4 close in.

Seven Shelduck flew up the Swash, a group of 3, then 4.

Not many waders were evident but there were 3 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Bar Tailed Godwit, 28 Grey Plover, 12 Knot and 50 Dunlin. Four Sanderling flew low over the island.

A Peregrine flew between Middle and Hilbre.

A Grey Seal was hauled out on the east side of the lagoon and a fox was seen to go over the east wall in Telegraph House garden, too quick for a photo ! 

photos AS