The impressive movement of Meadow Pipits in the Leasowe area continued today, again affected greatly by the thick fog. An estimate of 1,600 birds were involved in today's movement, the majority moving gradually eastwards along the coast. Early this morning birds were carpeting every area of exposed grass and meadow along the north shore. Although most appeared to be heading eastwards other large parties flew bravely into the fog on a direct northerly course into Liverpool bay. Many groups were seen flying in the opposite direction back towards land, presumably deterred by the thick bank of fog ahead. Many must have continued, however, as we received a report of 'small brown stripy birds' landing exhausted on a fishing boat well out in Liverpool bay.
Surprisingly few other species were involved in today's movement. Other overhead migrants in the lighthouse area included, 2 Swallows, 2 Redpolls and 6 Skylarks.
Grounded birds around the lighthouse included 14 Goldcrests and 6 Chiffchaffs, possibly left over from yesterday's small fall of these species. 2 Common Snipe and 18 Fieldfare were in fields just to the west of Lingham bridge and a White Wagtail was in the paddocks. A Peregrine flew north over the Cafe.
The Green Woodpecker was heard early this morning from west of Lingham bridge but has not been recorded subsequently. A Little Owl was in trees in the field opposite the junction of Bennett's Lane and Park Lane in Meols.
Many thanks to Stan Davidson, who called today with information regarding an earlier Lighthouse record of Green Woodpecker. In fact, he reports seeing both Iceland Gull and Green Woodpecker on April 3rd 1988. It's incredible to see that both species were again recorded, almost to the day, some 27 years later!
Observers; JB, AMC, KAD, DH, CS, EW.
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| Chiffchaff. EW |
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