Weather: SE force 3, force 4/5 by noon
The mornings are getting lighter now and there were many more signs of spring today, the highlight being the arrival of an immature Hen Harrier to the island. It was spotted coming in from the north and flew between Middle and hilbre before tracking west towards Wales. Hen Harriers sightings have been very scarce this winter in the lower part of the estuary where they are normally seen, so this was quite a surprise to the observers.
It felt very spring like on the island first thing, Meadow and Rock Pipits displayed, Linnets were in full voice and Stonchats buzzed around the fences,
even a pair of Woodpigeons displayed over the paddocks!
Other early migrants arriving were 2 Stock Doves, 2 Pied and a Grey Wagtail, also 2 Starlings. Waders about included 2,000 Oystercatchers, 56 Curlew, 120 Redshank, 100 Turnstone, 13 Purple Sandpipers, 3 Sanderling, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 4,000 Knot and 20 Dunlin.
Sea birds included 136 Common Scoter and 8 Great Crested Grebes. There were 250 Brent and 10 Shelduck. The Daffodils brightened up the island in the sunshine.
Photos AEH, CJW
