26th February 2021

Weather: WSW force 1    clear sky, becoming warm and sunny

 A Blue Tit was heard in the obs garden first thing, and it soon became clear that there were in fact 3 in the pittosporum, although they were all gone within half an hour. Blue Tits appear about twice a year at Hilbre, usually at this time of late winter/early spring.

An extensive sea watch produced records of 2 Velvet Scoter flying passed the north end, while most of the Common Scoters were in small numbers, occasionally in groups close to the island. Good numbers of Red-throated Divers (15), Great Crested Grebes (50) and several dozen auks including at least 1 Razorbill were also in the mix. Less predictable birds seen on the sea were a Shag and 2 Mallards. Our Kestrel excelled itself this morning by sitting by the steps below the obs and dining on a Short-tailed field vole.

Some of the 15 Purple Sandpiers sat on the life boat house wall at high tide

At least 2 Rock Pipits are present, the only small 'migrants' discounting Blue Tits was a Skylark and a Goldfinch.

Thanks to Graham Jones for the sea watch records