3rd November 2024

 Weather: SE force 3  with mist, ESE force 3 later

The Barn Owl still shows itself early morning. A large movement of thrushes came through this morning with 60 Redwing, 

 

 

also 7 Fieldfares, 6 Song Thrushes and 20 Blackbirds seen either overhead or down on the island. Other migrants were 59 Starlings,

 

The were also 14 Skylarks but representing the finches just 3 Goldfinches. The sea held no less than 120 Red-throated Divers with flocks of up to 30 birds.

also 5,000 Scoter were out to sea, while more normal numbers of 8 Gannets, 20 Great Crested Grebes, 25 Guillemots and 40 Razorbills were present. Wildfowl recorded were 230 Brent, 23 Shelduck, 10 Eider and 20 Teal. 

 Two Gadwall were up the estuary and 2 Shoveler in the gutter later in the day. 

Among the waders were 4,500 Knot seen from the island, 15 Ringed Plover, 15 Grey Plover, 4 Purple Sandpipers, roosting with Turnstone.

 

We appreciated the appearance of Golden Plover and a Lapwing (below), both of these being rather scarce at Hilbre.

Seven Little Egret were about as was the Kestrel. Weasel and Fox were both also still leaving signs of presence. Lots of frogs around at the moment, maybe attracting the Barn Owl as well as the Kestrel.

 Ringed: 2 Blackbirds, 1 Redwing.

Photos SRW