I visited Hilbre this morning and arranged to meet Steve Williams (Hilbre's finest) on the islands so he could show one of my mates around the bird observatory and explain the role of what the ringing lads do on the islands, and do some birding.
Looking back towards Middle Eye
The weather was beautiful as we walked over from Red Rocks and as we got close to Middle Eye, 20+ Bar-tailed godwits were feeding with good numbers of Knot, Dunlin and Redshank. Four Eiders were in the channel as we approached Hilbre, and a Little egret showed well. Meeting up with Steve, he showed us around the Heligoland traps and the observatory, which my mate Jeff found really interesting.
Jeff, enjoying his first trip to Hilbre Island
Moving on from the observatory, we headed for the north end, where the Brent geese were in good numbers along with a single Curlew and good numbers of Turnstone.
Eider
Pale-bellied Brent Geese
With time getting on, we headed off the islands after a cracking morning with the sound of distant, drawn-out calls of Grey seals on the sandbank.
Looking out towards Hoylake
We headed for Parkgate next, where we were so lucky as we drove past the Boathouse pub, a Short-eared owl appeared and flew straight past the car and landed on a sucken branch on the marsh.
After good views, we then connected with a Great white egret feeding on a small pool.
Moving on to Burton RSPB, the Avocets were on show from the reception hide, along with 15 Whooper swans.
There are currently 112 Avocets on the reserve
A Little egret showed well from the Marsh covert hide, but there was no sign of the Merlin that has been present lately on the reserve.
A quick stop at the bird feeders on the way back to the car to look for the Brambling that has also been showing daily was not seen, but a good selection of woodland birds were on show.
Just as we were leaving, a Chiffchaff called by the car park. Spring is just around the corner. Bring it on!
