Hilbre Bird Observatory 
Weather: SW force 6/7
A brief early morning visit found the island quiet as expected and although it was mild the strong wind made checking the island uncomfortable. As usual several hundred Cormorants flew out the estuary at dawn. About 190 Brent were scattered about the islands and the small number of waders visible at low tide included 3 Purple Sandpipers, 40 Grey Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 200 Knot and a Bar-tailed Godwit. There were no Little Egrets in view this morning and just one Grey Heron.
Among the small passerines the only one that was not a resident was a Pied Wagtail. A Peregrine was seen to the east of Middle but the Kestrel was not seen. Following 11 Short-tailed Voles seen yesterday there were 3 this morning, one giving a close up shot complete with ticks.
The number of voles here at the moment explains the almost constant presence of the Kestrel and a few recent visits from Short-eared Owls (and possibly a Barn Owl, if we count evidence from a pellet).
Photos AEH
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