Thursday 23 September 2021

23rd September 2021

Weather: W force 6/7 decreasing 4 by afternoon

A stiff westerly was blowing this morning, so attention was initially on the sea. The best record was a single Manx Shearwater but there was also a Gannet, 2 Red-throated Divers, 6 Guillemots and 52 Common Scoter. Two Ravens and 2 Peregrines were on Middle and the reef south of there,

 they later visited the main island, where the ever reliable Kestrel hunted. The Brent were not seen today and the only duck were 3 Pintail. 

Good wader records for the island were 5 Bar-tailed Godwit and 56 Sanderling, but the most satisfying will go to the Little Stint found near to Little Eye. 

 

 

 Some of the Dunlin were in very smart plumage.

Following the report here yesterday, tonight at dusk came the confirmation that a Barn Owl has been frequenting the island lately. It was flying around the south end before landing on the obs fence. A Barn Owl at Hilbre would still be a first for many long standing members.

Photos SRW

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