Wednesday 11th March 2015

Weather; Cloudy, wind SE f4.


The Laughing Gull remains at New Brighton. An adult Mediterranean Gull was also here today in the area of the small model boating lake.

The heavy early spring passage of Stonechats continues along the north Wirral shore. 9 birds were near Leasowe lighthouse, mainly in the Meols common area and near the western kissing gate. A further 4 birds were in the Leasowe castle area with 2 more on Wallasey golf course. Stonechat passage is regular here in March but seldom in such high numbers.

Stonechat. A pale individual with a strong supercilium and white mid-wing panel. With these features a bad view of this bird could suggest Siberian Stonechat. From this angle though the sooty throat and hint of a rich brown streaky rump confirm it's identity as Common Stonechat.  EW.

Other migrants on the move included around 70 Meadow Pipits, 60 Redwings and a group of 22 Pink-footed Geese which headed west. Singles of both Chiffchaff and Goldcrest were at Lingham bridge and 15 Skylarks, 3 Reed Buntings, 7 Pied and a single Grey Wagtail were in the paddocks.  Observers KAD, EW.

Meadow Pipit in the paddocks.   EW