9th February 2022

 Weather: NW force 3

A brief visit to the island to show a member of the SCAN ringing (with whom Hilbre Obs members have helped with wader ringing projects in recent years) the obs and island for the first time. As expected this time of year it was quite quiet. Two Rock Pipits were seen along with the long staying Song Thrush, Robin and Blackbird. A male Kestrel showed really well as it dived onto the ground in front of observers and proceeded to catch and eat a large earthworm! A low flying plane disturbed all the Brents from the north end and the flock splintered so an accurate count wasn’t possible but an estimate of at least 300 was made. As it was low tide the waders were dispersed and busy feeding but three Purple Sandpipers were recorded and a good number of Turnstones. The sea was remarkably quiet with only the long staying female Eider being seen.