Saturday, 7 November 2026

Glossy Ibis, Hoylake Marsh 6th November 2026

 

Photo by Alan Hitchmough

A juvenile Glossy Ibis appeared along Hoylake seafront last Wednesday 4th November 2026. Unusually, the bird hung around, so I made my way to Hoylake yesterday.

I arrived at Hoylake mid-afternoon. The Glossy Ibis had been faithful to an area of marsh at the western end near to the end of Beach Road. It was quite tricky initially to pick out the bird since it was mostly obscured by the vegetation. However, with patience it was viewable as it moved through the vegetation. It seemed to be following a watery ditch and would often wander through an area of less vegetation enabling good views of the whole body instead of just bits. The briefness of the observations, just a few seconds each time & the piecing together of the whole bird until having a whole body view right out in the open, made for exciting viewing!

Living World - Sea Lion Island


LIVING WORLD - SEA LION ISLAND (128kbs-m4a/20mb/22mins)

BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 8th February 2009

Lionel Kelleway travels to the Falkland Islands in search of amorous marine mammals. The aptly named Sea Lion Island is a temporary home for sea lions and elephant seals. While it is winter in the UK, it is summertime in the Falklands, and peak time for mating and pupping. Lionel may even get to experience the incredible spectacle of the local pod of killer whales in full hunting action.