Thursday 25 April 2024

25th April 2024

Weather: WNW force 4

A spectacular evening light last night, who can predict what birds will be here tomorrow?

The north westerly meant no Pinkfeet Geese were passing at dawn, just 2 Canada Geese in the gutter, and later the full complement of 9 Eiders were here. The Brent numbered 36 today. Of the ducks, 2 female Goosanders flew west as did a male Red-breasted Merganser. Some of the 35 Gannets also flew west against the wind.

 Also on the sea were 60 Common Scoter, a Guillemot and 120 Sandwich Terns.

 More turnstone arrived today, a few changing to summer plumage.

Always around the shore 8 Little Egrets fed and 14 Whimbrel were scattered in close groups, with most other waders in small numbers now; 25 Ringed Plover, 2 Sanderling, 3 Purple Sandpipers, 6 Redshank, exceptions being 250 Dunlin and 1,280 Knot.

Three of the 5 Swallows were perching and singing, maybe ones settling in at Hilbre for the season.

The male Whitethroat was still about but no new small species were to be seen on the ground.

 Photos AS, SRW

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