Friday 23 July 2010

23rd July 2010



Calm today with no showers for a change and cloud giving way to sun later in the morning.

A Peregrine (left) sat on the beach a hundred yards or so from the shore and was reluctant to leave its racing pigeon kill until it was approached to within 25 yards.

Willow Warblers (left) continue to pass through, but only 5 today, although the Whitethroat seen recently (or another) was finally ringed (right). Lots of young Dunnocks, Linnets and Meadow Pipits were flying around the island and added to today's catch. Only 4 Swallows seen in the morning and the only Swifts were a group of 110 seen hawking high over the sands towards West Kirby.



Eight Little Egrets were logged including a group of 6, Whimbrel numbered 14 and the Turnstones (most of which seemed to be adults in breeding plumage, left) were at 35 at least.
A partly leucistic Oystercatcher flew with a small party of recent arrivals across the south end (below left).

Four juvenile Shags at the north end were the most seen for some time (right); others on the sea were 7 Common Scoters flying closely down the west side, 3 Little Terns flying between the islands, and 6 Gannets.
Ringed:- 1 Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Dunnocks, 5 Linnets, 1 Meadow Pipit.
(DB,JE,CJ) [330] photos CJ

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