Tuesday 28th October 2014

Weather;  Cloudy and overcast, wind S.W. f 4. Rain took over in the afternoon.


200 Common Scoter and 100 Great-crested Grebes were counted on the sea over the high tide today.

Visible overhead passage picked up considerably today with sightings of Bullfinch being particularly interesting.19 Skylarks and 15 Meadow Pipits were seen to fly directly in from Liverpool bay and continue south over the embankment without pause. 
Larger numbers of birds were on a south-westerly passage and these included around 300 Starlings, 200 Chaffinches, 2 Bullfinches (flying with the Chaffinches), 6 Grey Wagtails and 3 Redwings. Grey Wagtails were also coming down onto the Birkett, where a Kingfisher was again noted.

There was a noticeable increase in grounded migrants in coastal trees and scrub around the lighthouse. Blackbird numbers increased to around 40, together with 15 Song Thrushes, 50 Chaffinches, 1 Brambling, 1 Fieldfare, 14 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs and 1 Blackcap. A single Wheatear remains on Meols common. 

Grey Wagtail on the Birkett.  DH.

A group of 5 Bullfinches were also found together near Lingham Lane. Bullfinches were residents until last year,when severe hedge cutting took place, since when none have been seen until today. Their presence here, together with the 2 over-flyers, indicates these are birds on passage.

Migrant Blackbird, Lingham Lane   KD