25th September 2023

 Weather: SSW force 4, SW 5 by noon

Quiet again today, the highlight for observers being close views of 3 Mediterranean Gulls between the West Kirby marine lake and Little Eye.

 

There were 2 adults and a second winter bird resting on the shore

 Two Chiffchaffs and a Goldcrest were present, also 2 Wheatears.

 

 No Swallows showed up today but a House Martin sped through the air low overhead.

 

 A dozen Meadow Pipits and 9 Rock Pipits were about, while 4 Pied Wagtails flew south. Sixteen Bar--tailed Godwits fed, also 87 Redshank and 95 Ringed Plover.

 

Wildfowl featured 158 Shelduck, the 3 regular Eiders and 62 Brent.

The sole 'sea bird' was  a Great Crested Grebe. Four Grey Herons were present and Little Egrets are still in high numbers, there were 18 today.

The Kestrel did not fail us today and was here in due course. A count of approximately 800 Black-headed Gulls on the shore made the finding the Mediterranean Gulls all the more impressive. Other gulls included 120 Common, 40 Lesser Black-backs and 18 Greater Black-backs.

Photos AEH, SRW