PURPLE HAZE

A plethoral of waders (makes a good screensaver) on the pontoon floating on New Brighton Marine Lake at High tide. Hidden in amongst the throng were 24 Purple Sandpipers the highest number I've seen in Cheshire ever. The 10m high tide aided by a strong westerly almost certainly bringing togeather probably the whole Wirral population although theres usually a few on Hilbre (but no 5 mile hike required).

Unfortunately not much else seen on such a big tide the rough sea not helping. Over at Red Rocks a probable Great Northern Diver evaded conclusive ID (well you never know these days). Several Common Guillemot zapped by and Common Scoter but no RBMs or Eiders. Tried for the Marsh Harrier at Heswall (which I also missed last year) but could only find a very obliging female Hen Harrier and 200+ Pinkfeet.
On the local patch its nearly Spring cos the Oystercatcher has returned yet again, hopefully to nest and turn out more young Oycs as in previous years. Linnet finally whapped at Neumanns yesterday whilst looking for Malcs flock of Med Gulls.

Patch - 86
Moss Side - 75 (a few easy padders to grip yet)
Cheshire - 121