20th October 2025

Weather: E force 3, light drizzle, later SSW  light air

A Short-eared Owl appeared east of middle being mobbed by crows and was watched disappearing high over the mainland at about 1045hrs. Amazingly 4 hours later a second bird was flushed from middle after the tide by dog walkers and briefly alighted on Hilbre twice (south end and west side) headed out towards wales then south before turning back towards middle landing briefly on the reef before disappearing behind middle.

 

 

 

 

 After the appearance of the first owl, a Woodcock was flushed in the 'heli' garden.  It flew into the east side gardens.

As can be seen we are back to the quality of most glimpses of Woodcock at Hilbre as they fly away, so we show another shot from Friday which at least is in focus.

Unlike yesterday views of Chaffinch (just 6 today) and Starling (15) were at a more usual level now that we are in the eye of the low pressure system.

 

Two Chiffchaffs were here, and also 5 Goldcrests sometimes known as the 'Woodcock pilot' especially on the east coast where they often arrive together after crossing the north sea.

 Small species also arriving were 3 Siskin, 11 Linnets, the 6 Chaffinches, a Goldfinch, a Skylark and several Robins and a couple of dozen or so Meadow Pipits. A couple of Dunnocks were probably the leftovers from the small arrival the other day.

 Large numbers of Common Scoter (1100 estimated today) are arriving ahead of winter, several were showing well close to the island.

 Brent were estimated at 260 today, also 120 Shelduck and 11 Red-throated Divers were a decent count but no Gannets were sighted. Six Great Crested Grebes were here also 8 Little Egrets and 3 Grey Herons. Some good wader counts were 7500 Oystercatchers, 145 Curlew, 5,000 Knot, 1200 Dunlin, 250 Sanderling and 65 Grey Plover. The immature male Kestrel was the only raptor today. A late Painted Lady was a pleasing find. 

 Ringing: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Wrens, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Dunnock, 1 Song Thrush.

 Photos: SRW