I was off work today, so I parked the car at Meols and walked along the coast towards Red Rocks in search of a single Snow Bunting that had been showing well over the weekend. Reaching Red Rocks slipway, there was no sign of the Snow Bunting, so I carried on walking and headed over to Hilbre Island. Reaching Middle Eye, I soon connected with some Atlantic Grey seals and a few hundred Brent geese.
Grey Seal
There are currently 306 Brent Geese around the islands, which is a county record for this species
Looking back from Middle Eye to West Kirby
Hilbre Island
Walking towards the sea hide, I soon picked up 4 Scaup on the sea which were then flushed by a lifeboat bombing past the Islands.
Sea Hide
There weren't many birds around on Hilbre, but there were good numbers of Knot, Dunlin, Turnstone and Brent geese. On the sea, there were 6 Great Crested Grebes and good numbers of Common Scoter.
Brent Geese
Turnstone
Cormorant
Common Scoter
I had a good look around the Island for a Purple sandpiper but couldn't find any. News then came through to me that the Snow Bunting had turned up again around the slipway, so I headed back. On arrival, there was no sign of the Snow Bunting, but this was probably due to all the dog walkers. With the light starting to fade, I gave up on the Bunting and headed back to the car after a lovely afternoon's walk.
A few photos of the North Wirral coast as I was walking back to the car
