More autumn fare.

The autumnal theme continued on the Wirral this weekend. Firstly a trip to Hilbre Saturday where a small trickle of passerines was overshadowed by the build up of the more typical waders and wildfowl - including a nice flock of Wigeon.

Most of the waders were roosting on the sheltered west side but only 8 Purple Sandpipers were counted today.

A late Greenland Wheatear caused momentary panic in the half darkness of predawn until better views were obtained as the sun rose higher. It was eventually trapped and colour ringed as part of our long term study.

A whopping great bird compared to the smaller Northern Wheatears.

The resident colour ringed Herring Gull was again present with its partner and showed well as the tide ebbed.

Once again a few finches were present over and on the island with several small parties of Goldfinches, a few Chaffinches and a couple of Greenfinches taking temporary refuge over the high tide. The Goldfinches seemed to prefer the thistle heads rather than the seed we've provided!

A quick trip to the newly opened Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB at dusk was rewarded with Jack Snipe but no Great White Egret or Glossy Ibis. What a cracking new addition to compliment the RSPB reserve at Inner Marsh Farm. Congratulations to all concerned. In fact I was so impressed I stopped of for a pint on the way home with Steve & Barry to celebrate!

I've been doing a bit of garden ringing recently and caught my first control today - a Long-tailed Tit. It probably hasn't come far but it was nice to see!