A fantastic weekend of migration started late Friday afternoon when a male Osprey flew east over two observers along Park Lane. Like buses a second Osprey was found on the tide line on Friday 14th. This second bird (a female) then flew directly towards observers standing on the sea defence where it landed and devoured a large Flounder; much to the delight of the regulars and a very fortunate visiting RSPB group. After 30 minutes on show the bird eventually flew off and was picked up over Seaforth. Ospreys are becoming more regular on Wirral these days but it's always a thrill to see them on patch. A flock of 32 Sandwich Tern were seen on a distant sand bar as the tide ebbed and our first Flava Wagtail flew north calling as they went.
April 15th
Conditions overnight proved conducive to producing an impressive fall of migrants. The most notable increase in numbers was of Willow Warbler. Our highest numbers yet with at least 50 birds flitting through the coastal sallows. Other warblers present were Chiffchaff (15) and Blackcap (2). The star of the show was a stunning Wood Warbler found initially along the nature trail. The bird performed well all day for a constant stream of local listers. This is our first record of Wood Warbler since another spring bird on 24th April 2009.
Four Redstart were recorded with 3 (2m 1f) along Park Lane and another male along Lingham Lane. All birds remained quite elusive.
Finch passage was also impressive with at least Siskin (5), Redpoll (20), Goldfnch (50) and Chaffinch (32). On Hoylake shore at least 200 White Wagtails whilst smaller numbers of White Wagtail (9) could be found in Kerr's flash.
Birds of interest offshore included a small passage of Gannet, Shoveler (2) and on April 14th three Bonxie moved North.
A bird noticeable by its absence was Wheatear. Despite he good numbers of other migrants arriving only low single figure numbers were recorded.
With favourable winds forecast for next week we are excited to see what the Lighthouse will deliver in the coming days.
Thanks to all those who contributed records over the last few days.
Photos AMC
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