Leatherback Turtle

Of interest; on our offshore survey on the 10th September this 5ft adult Leatherback Turtle was spotted only 34 Nautical miles north of the Lighthouse in the North Irish sea. This fantastic (if a little ugly) reptile has likely swam the thousands  of miles across the Atlantic from its Caribbean breeding grounds, following the Jellyfish swarms on the warm Gulf stream current that spans the Atlantic Ocean. It is not inconceivable therefore that this Turtle passed through Liverpool bay on its way north and may well pass through again on it's way south, so most definitely worth keeping an eye out for on any autumn seawatch. 

Rarely does my work present many memorable highlights such as this so it was quite a moment for us all on board ! Many thanks to Bill Aspin for his photographs. 

BA, AMC and JK

Weather: SE-2 warm and sunny. 12th September Bird News

A slow start early morning saw only a single Willow Warbler and two Chiffchaff moving through  whilst a single Blackcap was in the Nature Trail. As is the case at the Lighthouse things began to improve around lunchtime and by mid afternoon our day totals had improved significantly to include Blackcap (6), Lesser Whitethroat (1), Willow Warbler (3), Chiffchaff (9), Goldcrest (7) and Wheatear (7). Overhaead passage included Jackdaw (8), Grey Wagtail (6) and Meadow Pipit (45) all moving South East. Highlight of the day was our second Hobby of the autumn.  Unlike our last one it didn't stick around and shot through quickly continuing its southward migration.

AMC, KD, DH, CT and EW