2 Ospreys !!

Thick sea fog again shrouded the coast this morning which dissipated around 11 a.m only to return at around 4pm. Between these times North Wirral enjoyed dazzling sunshine and temperatures around 15C. Sea breezes NW2-NE2.

The mist retreating obviously encouraged birds to move north following over two days of fog enveloping the coast.

The first of two Ospreys circled the sea around some distance off the sea wall near Park Lane at 1pm, flushing a flock of loafing large gulls which had been pushed in by the incoming tide. The bird hovered and circled distantly before heading off purposefully east and out of sight.

The second Osprey was detected an hour and a half later by alarm calls from a flock of large gulls flushed from the gull roost on the roof of the old Cadbury's factory in Moreton. The Osprey then appeared flying powerfully over Pasture Road in a north easterly direction. Both birds were photographed but the picture below is as good as it gets.

The sea mist that blanketed the North Wirral coast over the past few days may well be responsible for both birds appearing within such a short time of each other; both moving north/east. 

A visiting birder ventured out to the tideline off Hoylake after the tide and was rewarded with one male Surf Scoter and two Long tailed Ducks before the afternoon fog drove him back to shore and to safety. (N.B.) It is imperative to check the tide and weather conditions prior to walking out to the low tideline.

The Green Woodpecker is still in the area and was seen close to the pond and heard calling there later. This is the third day that this lighthouse rarity has been here.

The Meadow Pipit passage continues unabated with many overhead and over 200 feeding in coastal fields. Three Sand Martins moved through east and three Wheatears graced Meols common west of the groyne.

Two White wagtails fed in the paddocks and seven Chiffchaffs sang around the area. A male Teal lingered on the River Birket.

KD

Osprey record shot over the Lighthouse (KD)