31st December 2013

Three Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Robins, 1 Linnet.
(DB+ESCA, Brian Henshaw, Kim Baker and Simon)- all seeing in the new year at Hilbre

28th December 2013

A quick visit to the island before the tide to check on any storm damage thankfully revealed the island & Obs had survived virtually intact. The Brent Geese flock totalled 173 birds including one Dark-bellied Brent. Both recent colour ringed birds were still present as was the obligingly photogenic Snow Bunting. The only other passerines seen were the resident Dunnocks, Robins, Wrens & Blackbirds. Despite the recent false there were no rare alcids - not even a common guillemot! However, two Great-crested Grebes & a Red-throated Diver were recorded.
(PSW)   photos PSW

25th December 2013

The Snow Bunting still present for Christmas, 197 pale bellied Brent and a single dark bellied.
(DB,AAB,SRW)

Winter on the Dee estuary

Please see link to a short film 'Winter on the Dee estuary' made for the RSPB by budding wildlife photographer and filmmaker Scott Reid including footage taken at Hilbre.

http://vimeo.com/m/77881908

20th December 2013

Female Kestrel, female Peregrine, 6 Purple Sandpipers, 2 Little Egrets, and the Snow Bunting at Little Eye.
(DB)

19th December 2013

Male and female Red-breasted Merganser, 140 Grey Plover (east hoyle), 270 Curlew (Little Eye), 4 Robins, 2 male and a female Blackbird.
(DB)

17th December 2013

Weather:- SSE 2/3 sun

Snow Bunting (CJ)

Two male and 1 female Pintail, the Snow Bunting still at Little Eye (a brief video of the Snow Bunting can be found here http://youtu.be/kQxJmiwTKnI).  A distant flying diver, probably Great Northern, 9 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Purple Sandpiper ( numbers low so far this winter) 1 Starling, 8 Linnets (the first for a month).

Purple Sandpiper (CJ)

(DB,CJ)

14th December 2013

Weather:- SW 5/6, reaching force 8 with squalls
Snow Bunting still at Little Eye, 1 Canada Goose, 1 Song Thrush.
(DB) RSPB party