Long-tailed Skua and Osprey, Hilbre Island

Following the strong winds of the past few days which brought in lots of sea birds to the Merseyside coast, today was a day of calmer winds and sunnier, warmer weather. Even so, we were hopeful that there would be a few sea birds to see, as they are often seen leaving the mouth of the Mersey early morning on the day following a storm, and so it proved again today.

It started well, within 10 minutes of arriving at the north end, we had found a juvenile Long-tailed Skua sitting on the water at reasonably close range. It stayed there for about 5 minutes, before taking off to harass a passing tern. We watched it for about 15 minutes before it drifted off west. My first Long-tailed Skua in North West England.

Other highlights today included very close views of a Bonxie, Manx Shearwater and a summer plumage Red-throated Diver, as well as Gannets, Kittiwakes, at least 10 Arctic Skuas, 200 Sandwich Terns, Razorbill, Guillemots and Common Scoter.

Then just as we were about to leave, an Osprey was spotted flying towards the island from the north. A great way to end the seawatch!


Sea watching on Hilbre and a female Goldcrest.