My good friend Allan Conlin was spending a week at the bird observatory on Hilbre Island. On one evening, I decided to take a stroll over to the islands with a few glasses of red wine, hoping to catch the stunning sunset along the North Wirral coast, weather permitting. I parked at West Kirby and set off on the two-mile walk to the islands.
Looking back towards West Kirby
Arriving at the bird observatory, Allan immediately pointed out an adult Black Tern he had found among the Sandwich and Common Terns. While chatting outside the observatory, I also picked up a Sedge Warbler skulking in the pittosporum.
A good number of Sandwich terns were off Hilbre
Hilbre Bird Observatory
Other highlights included a Whimbrel flying over and calling, and a Peregrine hunting over Middle Eye. Moving to the front of the observatory, we were treated to a perfect sunset—a breathtaking finale to a wonderful evening.
This is the life,Allan and I enjoying a glass of wine
It was a fantastic evening with Allan in a truly special setting. Hilbre is well worth a visit if you haven’t been before, and for the latest bird news from the islands, check out Hilbre Bird Observatory on Twitter.