Seawatching off Hilbre - 4th September 2019

A classic sea-watch with a strong WNW gale blowing birds into Liverpool Bay. At one point the winds were logged at force 11 and we were stuck in the seawatching hide as waves crashed over the narrow neck of rock behind us. Not that we wanted to leave. The number of birds passing us was incredible.

It was a record day for Arctic Skuas with 101 being recorded with the previous highest recorded number being 72 in 1987!  Of course the main target during these autumn gales is Leach's Petrel and the day didn't disappoint with 29 being logged during the 6 hours we were in the hide.

Although Arctic Skuas were the most numerous recorded we completed the full set of these pirates of the seas with 9 Bonxies, 2 Pomarine and, the undoubted highlight, a sub-adult Long-tailed Skua. This was initially identified as a juvenile but subsequent information suggests its a 2nd calendar year bird due to its long tail projection.

Above: Long-tailed Skau. Below: Pomarine Skua

The Arctic Skuas included both dark and light phase birds and a number of juveniles - see below:

Above: Dark phase Arctic Skua. Below: Light phase Arctic Skua

Bonxie photos below:

As well as Skua's and Petrels large numbers of Gannets and Kittiwakes were recorded and it was good to see a number of juvenile Kittiwakes.

Juvenile Kittiwake below:

Another highlight were 3 Grey Phalaropes - the first I've personally seen off Hilbre for a number of years.

A classic Hilbre sea-watch and probably the best one for a long time.