Stormy weather and a vistor from the north.

Wet and horrible this weekend! Plenty of activity though. The weekend started well with a possible nordic Jackdaw with 40 -50 of the more usual variety feeding on the local stubble. I first saw this bird a week or so ago when the field was swarming with Rooks as wee but only got a quick glimpse before the birds all flew off. It showed well Friday and Saturday but the whole flock are very flighty. Using the Landrover as a hide I went back to try and photograph it but unfortunately to much human activity meant the birds didn't settle close enough.

Sunday saw me bumping across to Hilbre - the recent gale force winds have churned the sand up into ridge meaning progress is slow. The gale force winds were still evident with gusts of up to force 7 measured.

A sea watch didn't reveal much apart from a handful of Red-throated Divers and a single Great-crested grebe. Returning to the Obs I heard a commotion and noticed all the Oystercatchers and Gulls on Middle Eye were up. Expecting a raptor I ran towards the south end and was stunned to see a 1st winter Glaucous Gull fly close in off the south end and then continue getting mobbed as it flew up the west side.

Most of the waders were roosting in the shelter of the east side & Niffy Bay held a good selection including 11 Purple Sandpipers on Lion Rock. Careful stalking allowed fantastic views.

It was nice to see one of last Autumns colour ringed Turnstones still around.

Keen to get home and watch the mighty Reds beat Chelski for the second time this season I left as soon as I could - only stopping to photograph this Curlew with a runny nose on the way off.