16th October 2020

Weather: NE force 1

Observers were lucky enough to see a herd of 16 Whooper Swans flying low between Hilbre & Middle Eye early morning. A Raven was noted again early on, and as has been the norm recently a large flock of 60+ Linnets were moving between Hilbre & Middle Eye before splitting into smaller groups after the tide. A Reed Bunting and a couple of Song Thrushes were on the Island and one was caught and ringed later in the afternoon.

The ringed female Kestrel continued to show well as she hunted for voles over the island.

Later in the afternoon a Short-eared Owl was seen flying in off the sea from the Welsh side of the estuary before pitching down briefly in one of the paddocks and then continuing north where it appeared to land in the bracken.

Ringed: 1 Song Thrush. 

photos PSW