21st September 2022

 Weather:  SE 3, veering SW 4 by mid morning, mostly cloudy

An early start to be there before the tide.

Hopes that migrants would be in the paddocks and gardens were soon dashed and it was not until mid-morning that a Chiffchaff was heard (it was still present in the middle of the afternoon). 

As time went on a few visitors appeared in the form of 2 Pied and 2 Grey Wagtails, a small passage of Meadow Pipits passed south, which for the most part has so far been absent this autumn, but there had been a Wheatear on Middle early on. 

 It was however a excellent wildfowl and wader day starting with distant views over Wirral of 35 Pink-footed Geese going north and a total of 320 Black-tailed Godwits flying in from the estuary towards Newton. About 100 Shelduck flew into the estuary in many small groups, similarly about 30 Wigeon did the same in 8 parties.

The wildfowl were not finished, a group of 4 Teal flew over the east hoyle sands at high tide, another was later also flying south. Early in the day a Common Snipe had been flushed by the west side of Middle and flew up the west side of the main island while calling, but could not be relocated. More usual waders included 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 62 Ringed Plover, 2 Grey Plover, 50 Redshank, 26 Dunlin and 2 Knot. A Guillemot was off the west side, while other sea birds seen were 250 Common Scoter and several Gannets. A Kestrel hovered over the island and a Peregrine flew passed the north end in the morning.

The afternoon was livened up when 3 Ravens spent some time flying around the west side of the island. One picture shows the characteristic tail shape.

 

On the shore all day were 6 Little Egrets and 4 Grey Herons and flying about all day were the itinerent 2 flocks of Linnets, estimated at 140 birds. There still seems to be at least 8 Rock Pipits here, some will be ex breeders and others migrants at this time of year.

Photos AS & SRW