23rd August 2023

 Weather: SW force 3, intermittent rain early

 A quiet day with the only obvious migrant being a Wheatear which may be the one from yesterday.

 

There were 4000 oystercatchers roosting on the beach between the golf course and Hilbre, which was a spectacular sight even in the semi-dark. There was a large flock of Linnets this morning, making about 40 in total, also quite a few Meadow Pipits and Rock Pipits, 2 of the Rock Pipits had rings from our colour ringing scheme. Only 2 birds ringed today, a Meadow Pipit showing its long hind claw distinguishing it from a Tree Pipit  ...

 and the other was a Wren, showing the yellow gape of a juvenile.

 Twenty Swallows were feeding over the island, some will have been passing visitors.
Little Egret and Grey Heron are both now seen regularly and when they are together the size difference is obvious.

The Shag has been about for some time in addition to the usual Cormorants.

Photos JE