14th October 2023

Weather: NNW force 5,  drizzle early morning and early afternoon.

Migration in general was very sparse in the north westerly wind, but there is always something to see at Hilbre. Two Merlins were seen today, one on Middle Eye and another flew towards Red Rocks.

Although not all the Brent were on show it was pleasing to see that there were a fair number of juvenile birds amongst those present.

 

 

 

Eiders have seldom been letting us down recently, 2 adult males were together and a group of 5 immature/female types were diving so often it was difficult to count them,

 

Among the waders 80 Sanderling showed well,

 also 160 Dunlin, 20 Bar-tailed Godwit, 32 Redshank

 

 and 20 Curlew.

 

Just 3 Gannets and a close male Scoter were the sea birds of note while on the shore a Grey Heron gave a good display in flight.

Only a small number of Little Egrets fed in the gutter today.

Three hundered and fifty Cormorants were in the estuary, and a particularly close one showed its colour rings.

Mention showed be made of the 2 Skylarks over the island as so few migrants came through. A Peregrine was seen and the Kestrel showed many times whilst perched.

 Later at the West Kirby Marine Lake the rocks at the site of the old baths held flocks of Redshanks and Turnstones.

 

 

 Photos AEH, PSW