In defiance of the Weather Man!

Brent geese - Rhodie Blythe

At 8.30 on Saturday morning, 14 or so of us defied the weather man who said it would rain all day and walked to Hilbre Island for an Over Tide Watch. 

As we walked across Curlew, Turnstone and Redshank were spotted feeding on various bits of beach or rocks waiting for the onrushing tide to ruin their breakfasts.  One lone Grey Plover and one Little Egret was seen and some Common Gulls.  Plus Oystercatchers in their thousands.  Then we had the privilege of seeing Brent Geese flying overhead.  The Knot gave us their murmuration.  Wow!

 

Oycs - Rhodie Blythe

As you all know the tide comes in at a very fast pace and we watched in awe of its power, as it drove the waders up looking for exposed ground. 

We finally reached Hilbre Island and went to the north end.  Sean spotted Common Scoter giving us a flypast; eat your hearts out Red Arrows!  Then a harbour Porpoise was seen in the distance in the direction of Gronant.

 

Scoter - Rhodie Blythe

Pretty soon the tide had taken every bit of beach and we watched the water, to be rewarded by lots of Great Crested Grebe bobbing about in the swell.  They were soon joined by Common Scoter, Cormorant and Atlantic Grey Seal who had a lovely time watching us.  Then Purple Sandpiper came into view and the camera lens clicked away!

A real treat was a talk on the ringing which takes place on Hilbre and we walked through the Heligoland Traps which were empty.  A Wren was seen nearby making a lot of noise, then a Robin!  Back to the north of the island and 3 Common Scoter were feeding on the exposed rocky beach, they were so close you could see their amazing bills, and they were soon joined by the exquisite Brent Geese, such beautiful birds.

Then the weather man won!  We battled our way to West Kirby against a very strong wind with the rain washing our faces until we arrived, extremely tired, back to the cars.  What a day!

Rhodie