Friday 24th April 2015

Weather; Sunny early on then cloudy and hazy. Winds NW-NE F2.



Our fourth Osprey of the spring so far passed through at 9.30 a.m. flying over the lighthouse in a north-easterly direction, the usual line of travel for them here at this time of year. Other overhead travellers included over 20 House Martins, 30 Swallows and 24 Sand Martins headed east. 2 Tree Pipits and a single flava Wagtail headed north.

Other migrants new in around the lighthouse included 5 more Reed Warblers, most of which were in song and, it is hoped, will stay to breed. Most Sedge Warblers also seem to be on their territories now although there were several obvious migrants in areas far from reeds. 3 Grasshopper Warblers were in song and at least 6 Whitethroats are now apparently on territory.

Over 20 Blackcaps were in the area today, concentrated mainly in the Lingham Lane area, especially around Lingham bridge. 2 Lesser Whitethroats and a female Redstart were new arrivals on Lingham Lane this morning. 

11 Wheatears were on Meols common this morning, some of which re-located to the paddocks. Around 20 Willow Warblers were also scattered around the area, including another grey individual, probably of the Scandinavian race acredula, seen at Lingham Lane.

Migrating Osprey.   AMC

A further small arrival of migrants arrived mid afternoon, as is often the case here. These included an additional 6 Wheatears and two Redstarts, a female and a first summer male, in the area of the nature trail and the embankment. A male Yellow Wagtail appeared at the same time on the nearby Lingham Lane paddocks and an mixed assemblage of over 50 Swallows and Sand Martins gathered on wires in Park Lane. Observers AMC, DH, MGT, EW.

Female Redstart,  Lingham Lane     EW