24th October 2019

SE  1-2  Good visibility

A pre dawn start was made in order to beat the tide, with 8 Redwing heard passing over. A second observer following the tide out heard a Golden Plover call and 2 Raven were seen to head west by Little Eye, 306 Shelduck were between the Eye and  the Tanskeys. A Snow Bunting was again around the Eye with the last sighting of the day at dusk.

A count of 126 Brent Geese included a colour ringed bird returning to Hilbre for its second winter. On the main island were a couple of Goldcrest, 3 Blackbird and a few each of Linnet, Wren and Robin, 62 Meadow Pipit went through and 3 Rock Pipit were at the North End.

A sea watch produced 20 Red-throated Diver, 64 Common Scoter and 5 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Razorbill flew in and landed close to the west side but only stayed briefly, 5 Guillemot were also noted.

There were 14 Bar-tailed Godwit on the East Hoyle, a good count was made of 1700 Knot and Curlew numbered 210.

Other waders included 800 Dunlin, 6 Grey Plover, 240 Sanderling and good numbers of both Redshank and Turnstone.

photos AS