25th June 2026

Amongst the terns and gulls in the roost between West Kirby marine lake and Little Eye a Roseate Tern was photographed today. A superb shot by Richard Smith.

 

 

 A lot of ringed Roseate Terns are fitted with what is called a 'Roseate Special' metal ring with a four character code which is readable in the field. Although the marks on the special ring were not readable in the photos. However due to the position of the special ring it appears almost certainly to have been ringed at the large breeding colony at Rockabill near Dublin rather than at Coquet island in Northumberland. 

For further details see the dee estuary birding newsletter by Richard Smith. http://www.deeestuary.co.uk/news.htm

22nd June 2026

 Weather: SE force 4/5 ,  later N 2/3, very warm

A visit at the very middle of the year is usually quiet, as was the case today, but as always there is normally something of mention, today it was the passage of 64 Swifts, all in off the north end in a steady influx. More normal was just the odd Swallow on the island and 5 Sand Martins on passage. The other small passerines were mostly the regular breeders. Fourteen Little Egrets were a good number, although they often peak around this time of year. Sandwich Terns were counted at 45 and were the only 'seabirds'. Butterflies about were 8 Small White, 6 Red Admiral and 2 Painted Ladies, while moths flying by day included 4 Silver Y, a Cinnabar and a Burnet. Grey Seals were counter at 180 just before low tide.

 

14th June 2026

 Weather: NW force 3  moderating force 1 in the afternoon

After a windy few days, today was a pleasant surprise with light winds and slightly warmer. It was a typically quiet June day for birds but there were a small movement of Manx Shearwaters (12) early on and also a few Gannets (24). About 20 Sandwich Terns were here and 54 Common Scoter were noted. The female Eider was about, also 4 Shelduck. Naturally there were plenty of Meadow Pipits and Linnets, including their young. There were 5 Little Egrets and 3 Grey Herons, a Kestrel hunted the island while a Swift flew over. Insects are always a feature at this time of year, a Red-tailed (Bombus lapidarius) bee,

 and some Buff-tailed (Bombus terrestris) bees

 

 

 Burnet moths were numerous, one got close and personal.

 

 Photos. CJW. Phil Smith (Burnet moth)