5th September 2013

Weather:- light wind force 2, west north west, later from the north

Knot in summer plumage with Turnstone

At about 9.15 am an adult summer Black Guillemot flew south west off the north end, accompanied by 3 Common Guillemots. Black Guillemots are less than an annual visitor off Hilbre and regular visits to the island are still required for any birder hoping to acquire the species for their Cheshire list. A Bonxie was also on the sea with 2 Arctic Skuas, 2 Gannets and 28 Common Scoters. Good counts were made of 7,500 Oystercatchers, 3,000 Dunlin, 275 Ringed Plover, 270 Curlew, 2 Whimbrel, 75 Sanderling and 15 Bar-tailed Godwits, while Gulls also featured with 2,300 Black headed, mostly to the south of the islands, and 3,000 Herring on the west hoyle. The only non-resident passerines were a Chiffchaff and 10 House Martins. Sandwich tern numbers are still holding up at 326, with 3 Common and 11 Little terns also noted. Two Little Egrets made the log, while the rabbit which has been more elusive lately proved it is still thriving.
(DB,DCT,PT,NDW et al)