Sunday 16th August 2015

Weather; Fine and sunny wind variable SE to NW this afternoon f1-2


A very light temporary south-east wind coupled with slightly reduced visibility may have prompted a slightly larger arrival of returning migrants to the Leasowe area this morning than there has been of late. 
A small passage of 12 Willow Warblers took place early this morning with birds filtering through the paddocks eastwards from the Meols Common area towards the nature trail and duck pond, where some remained. Other migrants on the nature trail included one, possibly two, Lesser Whitethroats and a Grasshopper Warbler.

Overhead a single Redpoll headed west and a Tree Pipit south. A Sand Martin and a Swift fed over Lingham Lane with around 30 House Martins.

Other birds in the lighthouse area included 10 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, 8 Reed warblers, 6 Sedge Warblers and 12 Whitethroats, although many of these will be summer breeders or their young still present.

Willow Warbler in the paddocks.   EW

50 Redshanks, 60 Dunlin, 10 Turnstone and the usual Greenshank were present at the western groyne before the tide. 14 Pied Wagtails were in the paddocks.

Grasshopper Warbler on the nature trail. Note the quite heavy streaking on the throat and breast of this bird. Most individuals have less streaking than this with many having a completely plain throat and breast.  EW

 Observers JB, IB, EW