Hilbre Island and Crosby Marina

A dull, cold and drizzly early morning, with the sun occasionally breaking through to provide spectacular skies, was transformed by lunch time into a pleasant, still and sunny day. The dominant sound was the wild calls of the Curlew on the beach, perhaps up to 150 individuals.

The highlight of the day was a female Snow Bunting on Little Eye, which flew in from the direction of Middle, and landed on the sand in front of me. These confiding birds are always a pleasure to see.

The flock of 110 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were feeding on the rocks between Middle Eye and Hilbre, and there was a Shag sitting on the rocks. At the north end of the island there were another 5 Shags, whilst the Cormorant flock totalled at least 1200 birds, perhaps upto 2000.

There were at least two Rock Pipits on the island today, up to five Purple Sandpipers, plus a selection of other waders, Turnstones, Redshanks, Grey Plover and Knot.

On the way home, I called in at Crosby Marina and saw a Grey Phalarope.

Grey Phalarope: Year 225