ColinD
I'm younger than that now
Hilbre apparently had a "fall" of up to 100 Green-veined Whites on Friday.
Have you seen this website BTW?
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Occasional visit to Hilbre (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter ColinD
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Hilbre apparently had a "fall" of up to 100 Green-veined Whites on Friday.
Have you seen this website BTW?
ColinD
I'm younger than that now
1st August 2008 - hundreds of terns and Whimbrel
The rest of the family were out at various places this evening, so I took a spur of the moment decision and headed out to Hilbre Island for the second time in a week. Low tide was 1840, and I arrived at West Kirby 10 minutes earlier, and set off on the 35 minute walk to the main island.
The beach was almost deserted, with just three other people walking a long way ahead of me. At Little Eye I disturbed a couple of Whimbrel, in fact they gave me a bit of a fright as they flew up in front of me with their distinctive 8 note call. Later I saw another two near the main island.
There seemed less birds around than when I visited on Saturday, but when I reached the north tip of Hilbre, I could see that there were really just as many, it was just that they were more grouped together.
I don't normally carry my tripod to the island, so I found a suitable rock to rest my scope on and scanned the flock of terns resting on the sand of the East Hoyle Bank.
They really were a magnificent sight, mainly Sandwich Terns, about 800 I estimated, with a fair mixture of adults and juveniles. With them were Common Terns, and their numbers had clearly risen since Saturday, with at least 100 birds resting. I also managed to pick out four adult Arctic Terns, two on the sand and two flying over.
Apart from the Whimbrel, there were a few other waders which included about 50 Curlew, 300 Oystercatchers, 20 Turnstone (many in stunning summer plumage), 10 Redshank, and a single Knot.
Apart from the birds, I was quite interested in the Rock Sea-lavender which is quite common on the main island, and there were at least 150 Grey Seals on the West Hoyle Bank.
Also today, but not seen by me, three Black Terns. They were probably still there, but it's a big beach at low tide, and there's lots of white dots for as far as the eye can see.
The rest of the family were out at various places this evening, so I took a spur of the moment decision and headed out to Hilbre Island for the second time in a week. Low tide was 1840, and I arrived at West Kirby 10 minutes earlier, and set off on the 35 minute walk to the main island.
The beach was almost deserted, with just three other people walking a long way ahead of me. At Little Eye I disturbed a couple of Whimbrel, in fact they gave me a bit of a fright as they flew up in front of me with their distinctive 8 note call. Later I saw another two near the main island.
There seemed less birds around than when I visited on Saturday, but when I reached the north tip of Hilbre, I could see that there were really just as many, it was just that they were more grouped together.
I don't normally carry my tripod to the island, so I found a suitable rock to rest my scope on and scanned the flock of terns resting on the sand of the East Hoyle Bank.
They really were a magnificent sight, mainly Sandwich Terns, about 800 I estimated, with a fair mixture of adults and juveniles. With them were Common Terns, and their numbers had clearly risen since Saturday, with at least 100 birds resting. I also managed to pick out four adult Arctic Terns, two on the sand and two flying over.
Apart from the Whimbrel, there were a few other waders which included about 50 Curlew, 300 Oystercatchers, 20 Turnstone (many in stunning summer plumage), 10 Redshank, and a single Knot.
Apart from the birds, I was quite interested in the Rock Sea-lavender which is quite common on the main island, and there were at least 150 Grey Seals on the West Hoyle Bank.
Also today, but not seen by me, three Black Terns. They were probably still there, but it's a big beach at low tide, and there's lots of white dots for as far as the eye can see.
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ColinD
I'm younger than that now
After it's recent run of good birds, which included Great Northern Diver and Rough-legged Buzzard, I decided to go out to Hilbre this afternoon. As usual, I was there pretty much "after the Lord Mayors show", but still, I had an excellent day.
Star birds were a couple of very obliging Snow Buntings, the one on Middle Eye was expected since it's been there for a few days, but the bird on Little Eye was something of a surprise. Great little birds, and both quite tame, allowing close approach.
On the rocks at the north end of the main island, the flock of Pale-bellied Brent Geese has reached 104 birds (see photo). Hopefully they may break 200 later in the year. Also on the rocks, a female Eider, 3 Purple Sandpipers, a selection of other waders, a Shag and a Common Seal hauled up. The "Common" Seal of Hilbre is actually the Grey.
The Great northern Diver was seen this morning but I couldn't find it this afternoon. Probably still in the area, but it was low tide when I was there. The Rough-legged Buzzard was last seen yesterday morning.
Star birds were a couple of very obliging Snow Buntings, the one on Middle Eye was expected since it's been there for a few days, but the bird on Little Eye was something of a surprise. Great little birds, and both quite tame, allowing close approach.
On the rocks at the north end of the main island, the flock of Pale-bellied Brent Geese has reached 104 birds (see photo). Hopefully they may break 200 later in the year. Also on the rocks, a female Eider, 3 Purple Sandpipers, a selection of other waders, a Shag and a Common Seal hauled up. The "Common" Seal of Hilbre is actually the Grey.
The Great northern Diver was seen this morning but I couldn't find it this afternoon. Probably still in the area, but it was low tide when I was there. The Rough-legged Buzzard was last seen yesterday morning.
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ColinD
I'm younger than that now
22-11-2008 - Five Snow Buntings and 122 Brent Geese
Having just returned from SW Spain and Portugal a few days ago, I was expecting this weekend to be something of an anti-climax from a birding point of view. This morning I looked at bird guides, then at the weather, and neither looked particularly appealing. So I decided to head out to Hilbre Island, because it's a place where I rarely fail, and I was rewarded with some quality birds.
I arrived at West Kirby at 13:30, and started by having a look over the Marine Lake. There were four Red-breasted Mergansers at the south end, including a stunning male, and two Goldeneye, but the bird I was really looking for was the Great Northern Diver which has spent the past week at the north end of the lake. A great big thug of a bird, with an impressive looking forehead and a dagger like bill, it performed well, diving frequently, at close range.
Then I set off for Hilbre. On the way out I failed to find the Snow Buntings which have been around Little Eye and Middle Eye, but did come across two Little Egrets feeding in the channels.
At the north end of the main island there was the usual flock of Brent geese feeding in the tideline rocks. They now number 119 Pale-bellied birds and 3 Dark-bellied. I thought I caught a glimpse of a yellow ring on one of the birds, which may indicate the return of the bird from previous years that breeds in arctic Canada. I couldn't be sure though. Also on these rocks a decent selection of waders, including 5 Purple Sandpipers.
On my return to the mainland, I had another look for the Snow Bunting, and found five birds, two males and three females around Little Eye. They were fabulous birds, quite unconcerned by my presence, I just sat on the rocks and watched them feeding at my feet about 10 feet away. Largely white, black and brown, with orange bills, they are quite dumpy looking buntings with short tails. Little Eye gets more disturbance than any of the islands, because it is the nearest to the mainland and it is just a tiny outcrop of rock, yet these arctic buntings persist in staying here, amongst the shouting, playing kids and dogs off the leash.
Having just returned from SW Spain and Portugal a few days ago, I was expecting this weekend to be something of an anti-climax from a birding point of view. This morning I looked at bird guides, then at the weather, and neither looked particularly appealing. So I decided to head out to Hilbre Island, because it's a place where I rarely fail, and I was rewarded with some quality birds.
I arrived at West Kirby at 13:30, and started by having a look over the Marine Lake. There were four Red-breasted Mergansers at the south end, including a stunning male, and two Goldeneye, but the bird I was really looking for was the Great Northern Diver which has spent the past week at the north end of the lake. A great big thug of a bird, with an impressive looking forehead and a dagger like bill, it performed well, diving frequently, at close range.
Then I set off for Hilbre. On the way out I failed to find the Snow Buntings which have been around Little Eye and Middle Eye, but did come across two Little Egrets feeding in the channels.
At the north end of the main island there was the usual flock of Brent geese feeding in the tideline rocks. They now number 119 Pale-bellied birds and 3 Dark-bellied. I thought I caught a glimpse of a yellow ring on one of the birds, which may indicate the return of the bird from previous years that breeds in arctic Canada. I couldn't be sure though. Also on these rocks a decent selection of waders, including 5 Purple Sandpipers.
On my return to the mainland, I had another look for the Snow Bunting, and found five birds, two males and three females around Little Eye. They were fabulous birds, quite unconcerned by my presence, I just sat on the rocks and watched them feeding at my feet about 10 feet away. Largely white, black and brown, with orange bills, they are quite dumpy looking buntings with short tails. Little Eye gets more disturbance than any of the islands, because it is the nearest to the mainland and it is just a tiny outcrop of rock, yet these arctic buntings persist in staying here, amongst the shouting, playing kids and dogs off the leash.
ColinD
I'm younger than that now
3rd January 2009 - Ice, Brent Geese, Snow Bunting and Jack Snipe
What a great morning to be on Hilbre! The sky was brilliant blue, the sand was red and the sea was like a mirror, with not a breath of wind. Most remarkably, there was ice on the sand and when I reached the main island, there were icicles upto a metre long hanging from the cliffs, and the track up to the island was like a skating rink, and dangerous to walk on. Even some rock pools were iced over. I've never seen it like that before.
It was so quiet that I could hear the Brent Geese calling from nearly a mile away. I found the flock on the north tip of the main island, now grown to 131, they showed really well in the bright sunlight.
There have been good numbers of Purple Sandpipers this winter, with over 20 counted, but today I only managed to see two. Also from the north tip, many Oystercatchers and Turnstones, and a few Grey Plovers, Knot and Sanderling. Out on the West Hoyle Bank, I could hear around 100 Grey Seals moaning. It really was a haunting sound this morning, in those conditions, and with no other person on the island.
I had parked the car in West Kirby, but half way back, I decided to head for Hoylake Red Rocks instead, where there had been a Black Redstart recently. No sign of the Redstart today, but I did manage to find a Snow Bunting perched on a wall.
The walk back to West Kirby was along the saltmarsh, where thanks to various dogs off the leash and running wild, I managed to see two Jack Snipe, flushed off the marsh.
What a great morning to be on Hilbre! The sky was brilliant blue, the sand was red and the sea was like a mirror, with not a breath of wind. Most remarkably, there was ice on the sand and when I reached the main island, there were icicles upto a metre long hanging from the cliffs, and the track up to the island was like a skating rink, and dangerous to walk on. Even some rock pools were iced over. I've never seen it like that before.
It was so quiet that I could hear the Brent Geese calling from nearly a mile away. I found the flock on the north tip of the main island, now grown to 131, they showed really well in the bright sunlight.
There have been good numbers of Purple Sandpipers this winter, with over 20 counted, but today I only managed to see two. Also from the north tip, many Oystercatchers and Turnstones, and a few Grey Plovers, Knot and Sanderling. Out on the West Hoyle Bank, I could hear around 100 Grey Seals moaning. It really was a haunting sound this morning, in those conditions, and with no other person on the island.
I had parked the car in West Kirby, but half way back, I decided to head for Hoylake Red Rocks instead, where there had been a Black Redstart recently. No sign of the Redstart today, but I did manage to find a Snow Bunting perched on a wall.
The walk back to West Kirby was along the saltmarsh, where thanks to various dogs off the leash and running wild, I managed to see two Jack Snipe, flushed off the marsh.
rb_stern
Richard stern
Thanks for posting all that. Takes me back to my childhood, where I grew up in West Kirby (I was born there, but I don't remember that!). Although I wasn't a birder in those days my friends and I used to spend hours and days crossing to Hilbre and the Little Eye. In those days there were donkey-drawn carts that took the winkle and cockle -fishers out. We played cricket on the sands between West Kirby and Hoylake, and as small kids had competitions as to who could jump the farthest off the Red Rocks. All that was in the 1950s and 60s. I have visited the area a few times since, as I have family living in Lancashire, but alas I only became a birder long after, and shortly before emigrating to Canada in 1978.
Richard
Richard
ColinD
I'm younger than that now
18-01-2009 Pink-footed Geese and Red-breasted Merganser
Another tremendous visit to the islands today. It was a gloriously sunny morning, though there was a stiff, cold wind.
As I approached Little Eye at about 9:30, a flock of about 150 geese went up from the sands behind the island. At first I thought that they were the wintering Brents, but such thoughts were immediatly dispelled because the call was clearly Pink-foot. The light was perfect, and they flew right in front of me and then away north towards Southport. I've never seen Pinks at Hilbre before, and presumably these were Norfolk birds returning north to Lancashire. A wonderfully atmospheric sight.
On the main island, there were about 120 Brent Geese, mainly Pale-bellied, but there were at least two Dark-bellied. The usual 1st winter Shag was sitting on the rocks, but the real surprise was a wonderful drake Red-breasted Merganser which swam past the north tip of the island. A genuinely stunning bird, green head with a scarlet red bill and eye, an orange breast and a body / upperparts which was a subtle combination of grey, black and white. And such a wild, reptilian looking bird. I really could imagine that this was descended from dinnosaurs! Is there a more beautiful bird on the British list?
After leaving the island, I decided to head south down the Dee. My first stop was Thurstaston shore, near the Wirral country park visitor centre. It took me a while to get onto the flock of 13 Twite which have been hanging around Tinkers Dell steps, but the wait was worth it, with thousands on waders, and hundreds of Pintail on the estaury, and a Peregrine periodically spooking the lot. It's difficult to say exactly how many waders there were of each species, but there must have been 15,000 birds in total, mainly Oystercatchers, but also thousands of Knot and at least 1000 Black-tailed Godwits.
The Pintail were magnificent, hundreds of them hauled out on the bank, as I watched, the tide was coming in, and was forcing them to fly, a real spectacular sight!
Next I moved down to Burton Marsh. Here I saw a magnificent adult Peregrine powering its way across the marsh, until suddenly a Short-eared Owl rose from the ground and made the Peregrine swerve away. The falcon rose high, and then swooped at the Owl, which narrowly avoided its assailant. Also here, a flock of 14 Bewick's Swans.
Finally, I ended the day at the RSPB reserve, Inner Marsh Farm. It was fairly quiet, I even had the hide to myself, but just as I was about to leave a flock of 31 Whooper Swans flew in and landed. They all raised their heads high, then lowered them to drink some water, then raised them again. They did this continoulsy for about 5 minutes, before they relaxed and started preening. The end of an excellent day!
Hilbre deserves a few more photos on this thread, but I usually forget to take my camera. However, I did take some shots a couple of years back at this time of year, so I thought I'd attach them just in case anybody is not familiar with the place.
Another tremendous visit to the islands today. It was a gloriously sunny morning, though there was a stiff, cold wind.
As I approached Little Eye at about 9:30, a flock of about 150 geese went up from the sands behind the island. At first I thought that they were the wintering Brents, but such thoughts were immediatly dispelled because the call was clearly Pink-foot. The light was perfect, and they flew right in front of me and then away north towards Southport. I've never seen Pinks at Hilbre before, and presumably these were Norfolk birds returning north to Lancashire. A wonderfully atmospheric sight.
On the main island, there were about 120 Brent Geese, mainly Pale-bellied, but there were at least two Dark-bellied. The usual 1st winter Shag was sitting on the rocks, but the real surprise was a wonderful drake Red-breasted Merganser which swam past the north tip of the island. A genuinely stunning bird, green head with a scarlet red bill and eye, an orange breast and a body / upperparts which was a subtle combination of grey, black and white. And such a wild, reptilian looking bird. I really could imagine that this was descended from dinnosaurs! Is there a more beautiful bird on the British list?
After leaving the island, I decided to head south down the Dee. My first stop was Thurstaston shore, near the Wirral country park visitor centre. It took me a while to get onto the flock of 13 Twite which have been hanging around Tinkers Dell steps, but the wait was worth it, with thousands on waders, and hundreds of Pintail on the estaury, and a Peregrine periodically spooking the lot. It's difficult to say exactly how many waders there were of each species, but there must have been 15,000 birds in total, mainly Oystercatchers, but also thousands of Knot and at least 1000 Black-tailed Godwits.
The Pintail were magnificent, hundreds of them hauled out on the bank, as I watched, the tide was coming in, and was forcing them to fly, a real spectacular sight!
Next I moved down to Burton Marsh. Here I saw a magnificent adult Peregrine powering its way across the marsh, until suddenly a Short-eared Owl rose from the ground and made the Peregrine swerve away. The falcon rose high, and then swooped at the Owl, which narrowly avoided its assailant. Also here, a flock of 14 Bewick's Swans.
Finally, I ended the day at the RSPB reserve, Inner Marsh Farm. It was fairly quiet, I even had the hide to myself, but just as I was about to leave a flock of 31 Whooper Swans flew in and landed. They all raised their heads high, then lowered them to drink some water, then raised them again. They did this continoulsy for about 5 minutes, before they relaxed and started preening. The end of an excellent day!
Hilbre deserves a few more photos on this thread, but I usually forget to take my camera. However, I did take some shots a couple of years back at this time of year, so I thought I'd attach them just in case anybody is not familiar with the place.
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ColinD
I'm younger than that now
Perhaps I should rename this thread "Regular visit to Hilbre", since this is the 3rd time I've been this year. But what a glorious day to be on the island! Obviously there weren't many who agreed with me, because I had the island almost to myself, which made it even more of a pleasure to be there!
The sky was blue, the sand and cliffs red, the rocks covered in green, and in the distance snow coverered the Clwydian hills. A really colourful scene. Down on the sand, the Pale-bellied Brent Goose flock has reached 137. I only had the bins with me today, so I struggled to pick out any dark bellied birds, but what a great sight (and sound).
Meanwhile, on the rocks there was plenty of wader activity. As always the stars for me are the Purple Sandpipers, which scurry around with Turnstones on rocks which are right on the edge of the water. Also on the rocks, a few Knot and Redshanks with their legs looking so bright in the winter sun that they should be renamed Scarletshanks!
A few smaller birds were obvious today, with singing Wren and Robin, as well as Song Thrush and two Meadow Pipits.
Overall though, today it was about great views and stunning colours. Here are a few shots from the day. The photos are 1) Hoylake from Hilbre with sheep, 2) Middle Eye from Hilbre 3) Hilbre pond 4) sign on the Telegraph building 5) a Heligoland trap on Hilbre.
The sky was blue, the sand and cliffs red, the rocks covered in green, and in the distance snow coverered the Clwydian hills. A really colourful scene. Down on the sand, the Pale-bellied Brent Goose flock has reached 137. I only had the bins with me today, so I struggled to pick out any dark bellied birds, but what a great sight (and sound).
Meanwhile, on the rocks there was plenty of wader activity. As always the stars for me are the Purple Sandpipers, which scurry around with Turnstones on rocks which are right on the edge of the water. Also on the rocks, a few Knot and Redshanks with their legs looking so bright in the winter sun that they should be renamed Scarletshanks!
A few smaller birds were obvious today, with singing Wren and Robin, as well as Song Thrush and two Meadow Pipits.
Overall though, today it was about great views and stunning colours. Here are a few shots from the day. The photos are 1) Hoylake from Hilbre with sheep, 2) Middle Eye from Hilbre 3) Hilbre pond 4) sign on the Telegraph building 5) a Heligoland trap on Hilbre.
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ColinD
I'm younger than that now
7th March 2009 - Stonechat
Spring is in air on Hilbre. Lesser Celendine is starting to flower, and in the observatory garden there are a few crocus looking spectacularly out of place.
The bird life shows more subtle signs of spring. Two drake Mallards on the small island pond (see photo in post 29) may not seem like classic spring migrants, but they breed on the island and have recently arrived to start contesting territory.
Suddenly a small brownish bird landed on a fence. I expected it to be one of the singing Robins, but instead found that it was a female Stonechat, a classic early spring migrant on the island.
Meanwhile the winter specialities are still with us, and showing well today. At least 125 Pale-bellied Brent Geese including a bird ringed near Dublin with red and blue rings (see photos). Also at least 13 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks at the north end.
Spring is in air on Hilbre. Lesser Celendine is starting to flower, and in the observatory garden there are a few crocus looking spectacularly out of place.
The bird life shows more subtle signs of spring. Two drake Mallards on the small island pond (see photo in post 29) may not seem like classic spring migrants, but they breed on the island and have recently arrived to start contesting territory.
Suddenly a small brownish bird landed on a fence. I expected it to be one of the singing Robins, but instead found that it was a female Stonechat, a classic early spring migrant on the island.
Meanwhile the winter specialities are still with us, and showing well today. At least 125 Pale-bellied Brent Geese including a bird ringed near Dublin with red and blue rings (see photos). Also at least 13 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks at the north end.
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ColinD
I'm younger than that now
14-03-2009 - A warning
I was on the island at 7:15am today in the hope of seeing a few early migrants. It was a big tide, about 9.5m, but not until about 12:45, by which time I had long gone. It was a sunny, windy and relatively mild day.
There had clearly been an influx of Meadow Pipits, with 10 on Middle Eye and at least 20 on the main island. Some of these were displaying, and several times I saw and heard their delightful parachute flight. There was very little other small bird activity, probably largely due to the wind and many birds keeping their heads down. A single Wren sang near the observatory building.
In the old observatory garden there was a lot of frog spawn in the small pond, whilst out on the West Hoyle Bank, there were about 90 Grey Seals hauld out.
There were still about 100 Pale-bellied Brents, and plenty of waders, though mainly Oystercatchers. A single Guillemot was just offshore at the north end.
When I was walking out, I spotted a 4x4 vehicle on the sand west of the island. I was a bit surprised at how far out it was. One of the things about big high tides is that they also produce small low tides. This vehicle was on sand which is really only exposed on a very low tide. I had a look through the bins, and it was clear that it was stuck, with sand up to its axles. At this point the sea was perhaps 100m away.
While I was on the island, I noticed another vehicle approach it, and two guys got out and started looking around the stuck vehicle. After a few minutes they left.
I left the island at about 9:30am, by which time the sea was only a few feet away from the car. By the time I reached Little Eye (half a mile walk), I was amazed to see that the water was already nearly up to the roof. It was still at least two and a half hours away from full high tide! This vehicle would have been a few metres under water by 12:45.
So there's two warning here..... Don't drive on the beach unless you want a destroyed vehicle, and be aware of how fast the tide comes in. The car is in two of the three attached photos.
I was on the island at 7:15am today in the hope of seeing a few early migrants. It was a big tide, about 9.5m, but not until about 12:45, by which time I had long gone. It was a sunny, windy and relatively mild day.
There had clearly been an influx of Meadow Pipits, with 10 on Middle Eye and at least 20 on the main island. Some of these were displaying, and several times I saw and heard their delightful parachute flight. There was very little other small bird activity, probably largely due to the wind and many birds keeping their heads down. A single Wren sang near the observatory building.
In the old observatory garden there was a lot of frog spawn in the small pond, whilst out on the West Hoyle Bank, there were about 90 Grey Seals hauld out.
There were still about 100 Pale-bellied Brents, and plenty of waders, though mainly Oystercatchers. A single Guillemot was just offshore at the north end.
When I was walking out, I spotted a 4x4 vehicle on the sand west of the island. I was a bit surprised at how far out it was. One of the things about big high tides is that they also produce small low tides. This vehicle was on sand which is really only exposed on a very low tide. I had a look through the bins, and it was clear that it was stuck, with sand up to its axles. At this point the sea was perhaps 100m away.
While I was on the island, I noticed another vehicle approach it, and two guys got out and started looking around the stuck vehicle. After a few minutes they left.
I left the island at about 9:30am, by which time the sea was only a few feet away from the car. By the time I reached Little Eye (half a mile walk), I was amazed to see that the water was already nearly up to the roof. It was still at least two and a half hours away from full high tide! This vehicle would have been a few metres under water by 12:45.
So there's two warning here..... Don't drive on the beach unless you want a destroyed vehicle, and be aware of how fast the tide comes in. The car is in two of the three attached photos.
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ColinD
I'm younger than that now
21-03-2009 - Little Gulls, Merlin and other migrants
A fabulous morning at Hilbre, I was on the island at 7am and it was well worth it. The first thing I noticed was that there had clearly been a fall of Goldcrests, with three flying around one of the heligoland traps, and at least another seven across the island. Two were on rocks feeding amongst the sea weed, and one nearly landed on my shoe it was so close. Other small passerines included art least 30 Meadow Pipits (many displaying), two Linnets, two sing Wrens, a Dunnock, a Robin, a couple of Pied Wagtails and best of all my first Wheatear of the year, a female oenanthe on the north end.
Around the island there were upto 100 each of Turnstone and Curlew, and at least 10 Purple Sandpipers (see photo). The Pale-bellied Brent Goose flock had dropped slightly to 110 birds.
A regular feature at this time of year is the passage of Little Gulls, and today I counted at least 30 passing the island, with 16 in one flock. Also out at sea at least 15 Gannets, mainly adults, which entertained me with some spectacularly close fly pasts. Sea ducks included a male Eider, a few Common Scoter and 15 Red-breasted Mergansers.
As I watched the Little Gulls from the north end of the island, suddenly I heard the swoosh of wings, and a Merlin missed me by inches as it chased after a Pied Wagtail. This was the first Merlin I have seen on the island, and it capped a really good day.
A fabulous morning at Hilbre, I was on the island at 7am and it was well worth it. The first thing I noticed was that there had clearly been a fall of Goldcrests, with three flying around one of the heligoland traps, and at least another seven across the island. Two were on rocks feeding amongst the sea weed, and one nearly landed on my shoe it was so close. Other small passerines included art least 30 Meadow Pipits (many displaying), two Linnets, two sing Wrens, a Dunnock, a Robin, a couple of Pied Wagtails and best of all my first Wheatear of the year, a female oenanthe on the north end.
Around the island there were upto 100 each of Turnstone and Curlew, and at least 10 Purple Sandpipers (see photo). The Pale-bellied Brent Goose flock had dropped slightly to 110 birds.
A regular feature at this time of year is the passage of Little Gulls, and today I counted at least 30 passing the island, with 16 in one flock. Also out at sea at least 15 Gannets, mainly adults, which entertained me with some spectacularly close fly pasts. Sea ducks included a male Eider, a few Common Scoter and 15 Red-breasted Mergansers.
As I watched the Little Gulls from the north end of the island, suddenly I heard the swoosh of wings, and a Merlin missed me by inches as it chased after a Pied Wagtail. This was the first Merlin I have seen on the island, and it capped a really good day.
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ColinD
I'm younger than that now
It was a very different day today on Hilbre. Gone where the balmy blue skies of last week, and the flitting Goldcrests and Wheatears. Even Meadow Pipits were well down in number.
Today was dominated by a cold, moderate to strong northerly wind, and small birds seemed almost completely absent. I stayed on for the tide, a full 6 hours on the island, with no shelter, no toilets, and certainly no coffee shop!
Most of the action was out at sea. There has been a flock of around 6,000 Common Scoter at nearby Point of Ayr recently, so I expected to see a few, and wasn't disappointed, with 30 birds flying around and a few on the sea. Other highlights included 4 Red-throated Divers, a few Guillemots and 8 Gannets.
There were decent numbers of waders, with about 500 Oystercatchers on Middle Eye over the tide, and also about 100 Knot and 100 Curlew. Around the island there were about 100 Turnstones and 7 Purple Sandpipers. The Brent Goose flock still contained 70 birds.
Today was dominated by a cold, moderate to strong northerly wind, and small birds seemed almost completely absent. I stayed on for the tide, a full 6 hours on the island, with no shelter, no toilets, and certainly no coffee shop!
Most of the action was out at sea. There has been a flock of around 6,000 Common Scoter at nearby Point of Ayr recently, so I expected to see a few, and wasn't disappointed, with 30 birds flying around and a few on the sea. Other highlights included 4 Red-throated Divers, a few Guillemots and 8 Gannets.
There were decent numbers of waders, with about 500 Oystercatchers on Middle Eye over the tide, and also about 100 Knot and 100 Curlew. Around the island there were about 100 Turnstones and 7 Purple Sandpipers. The Brent Goose flock still contained 70 birds.
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Jos Stratford
Beast from the East
Agreed to that, very nice
Peewit
Once a bird lover ... always a bird lover
hi Colin
l loved reading your reports on this thread. Really informative, and very interesting to know what is in your favourite patch.
What a great great day out for yourself, and what weather bound pictures of the sea at it strongest, and most powerful. :eek!:
Well done seeing a Wheatear and a Merlin. along with Red Throated Divers and Brent Geese, what a treat to see anyday. Lots of Seabirds, and the Common Scoters are a birds i would love to see anyday.
Sounds a favourite patch of yours and something which is special to yourself. Funny how we end up with these special places which mean a lot to us. We cannot stay away no matter what. :t:
l loved reading your reports on this thread. Really informative, and very interesting to know what is in your favourite patch.
What a great great day out for yourself, and what weather bound pictures of the sea at it strongest, and most powerful. :eek!:
Well done seeing a Wheatear and a Merlin. along with Red Throated Divers and Brent Geese, what a treat to see anyday. Lots of Seabirds, and the Common Scoters are a birds i would love to see anyday.
Sounds a favourite patch of yours and something which is special to yourself. Funny how we end up with these special places which mean a lot to us. We cannot stay away no matter what. :t:
ColinD
I'm younger than that now
Hilbre has always been one of my favourite places. I always love being by the sea, and when you're on the island, it feels like you could be anywhere, from a remote Scottish island to an east coast migrant hot spot, yet you're actually only 35 minutes drive from my home in St Helens, and less than 20 minutes from Liverpool.
It's got a bit more special for me in recent years, because my parents ashes are on the island. I don't go there because of that, but it obviously gives me an emotional attachment to the island. My Dad first took me out there in 1973.
When I started this thread I was visiting the island maybe 6 times per year, but I've deliberately tried to visit more frequently this year, and already I'm on 7 visits in 2009. I want to try to get there at least twice a month between now and the end of the year, so that I can fully appreciate the seasons on the island. You've only got to look at the differences between this week and last week to see why it's worth going more than once in a month!
Peewit
Once a bird lover ... always a bird lover
Hi Colin
I hope that I have not upset you at all with what I said? I can see it that it means a lot to you. You have your emotional attachments there.
I looked up the area on the website and it looks one in a million places to visit, solely on the wildlife, the area - that is there for you to see.
The wildlife is fantastic, and some of the species I have never known to be in such abundance anywhere else at all. Hibre, has its owns wildlife haven.
Just enjoy the place and see it as your little special haven, and visit it as much as you can. I would if I where in your shoes anyday.
Keep on adding to this thread and i will read what you have written. Got it on my automatic replies, so I will know what is being said now.
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