Absolutely perfect conditions at Formby Point this morning - crisp blue sky, a light force three south westerly eradicating all shimmer and the sharpest visibility I've seen in a long time.
Bazzo and I seawatched from 8.35am to 11am, and just for a change, there was constant traffic offshore, with a large movement of Red Throated Divers and auks, generally heading south, plenty of Sandwich Terns and even an Arctic Skua!
Presumably there must be nasty weather to the north of us as everything seemed to be going in the wrong direction - including 15 or so Siskins calling over the Tobacco Dump as we walked down to the dunes.
Just a pleasure seawatching when it's like this - no sand blow, not too cold and plenty of birds to look at.
Red Throated Diver 82
Great Crested Grebe 12
Common Scoter 140
Red Breasted Merg 49
Razorbill 73
Guillemot 10
(auk sp too far out to id c400)
Sandwich Tern 37
Common Tern 1
Little Gull 30
Gannet 36
Arctic Skua 1
Kittiwake 6
Long Tailed Duck 1
Swallow 1
The Arctic Skua came in from the north before landing to rest on the sea, while the Long Tailed Duck was last bird in a string of scoters bustling south.
Just one Common Tern going north, while all the Sandwich Terns were moving south as they fished.
A few Razorbills and Red Throats fishing just offshore in the bright light too, which was nice, as was a determined Swallow heading north over the waves.
Good tides for the next few days - but whether the weather will hold up is another question entirely.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Hi John,7-4-09 afternoon. Small number of House Martins over Marshside 2 and Crossens Inner. Mike.
Osprey between Banks and Tarleton just after 4pm this afternoon.
Quick visit to Sandgrounders Hide this afternoon to sort out "Wild Merseyside" business (all sold out at Marshside, but more copies on the way asap!), revealed an Avocet in front of the hide with a red colour ring on either leg.
Any ideas where that came from?
Just to let you know that the Eagle Owls are breeding again at the usual site above Dunsop. Did a walk with Sam up the valley and met a local. Goshawk still in the area. Also had 3 Ruddy Ducks at Brickcroft nr Longton.