20th September 2023

 Weather:  SSW 5, backing SW occasionally 7. 8/8 cloud with rain clearing during middle of day.  Warm.

The day began with a nice group of Shelduck (56) by Little Eye, followed by additional Pale-bellied Brent Geese arriving between the islands with 34 counted today.

Two juvenile Curlew Sandpipers were the highlight of the visit, they were with Dunlin at the north end (centre right in picture)

Unfortunately the flock was disturbed by visitors, however birders will immediately be able to pick out the 2 birds in flight by their white rumps.

 The only small migrants were 2 Swallows, a Chiffchaff and a Wheatear.

Two Arctic Skuas and about 490 Common Scoter were distantly on the sea, while 38 Gannets, 35 Sandwich and 2 Common Terns also came to the observers attention. The usual waders included 13 Bar-tailed Godwits and a Grey Plover.

Not in our recording area but within sight of Hilbre was a Baird's Sandpiper, the first in Wirral for decades which is a local attraction on the beach at Hoylake (here with Redshank).

 

Photos SRW