23rd October 2021

 Weather: S force 3, later 4

The Barn Owl showed itself after not being seen for a few days, it is good to know it is still about. The change of wind direction caused more bird arrivals, a big improvement on yesterday. Fourteen Redwing called early overhead, while 5 Skylarks, 2 Chaffinch, a Siskin and 2 Reed Buntings likewise did not stay, but about a dozen Meadow Pipits and 6 Goldfinch hung about the island. 

 A male and female Eider were off the west side briefly before departing towards Hoylake. 

 

High tide produced 7,000 Oystercatchers roosting on Middle, 80 Dunlin, 184 Curlew, 35 Turnstone, 33 Ringed Plover, and a Bar-tailed Godwit. Four Grey Plover were flying west past the island plus another 53 on the shore, while 55 Redshank were in the roost at Niffy Bay.

The southerly wind did not favour sea bird sightings, an exception being a Common Scoter which came close to the island.

There were just 3 Little Egrets and 2 Grey Herons, and a hunting Kestrel. The pale-bellied Brent reached a high number of 248 today.

Photos AS