Map reference: West Kirby SJ211868, Hilbre Island SJ189875
Link to Hilbre Island Bird Observatory

The three tidal islands lying at the mouth of the Dee estuary, Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre, have been designated a Local Nature Reserve, and they form part of the 'Dee Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest' which is of international importance. The Dee estuary is one of the ten most important estuaries in Europe for the overwintering of wildfowl and waders. Its marshes, mudflats and sandbanks provide ample food for the many species of birds which spend the winter around its shores. The islands and other relatively high ground are used as roost sites when the tide covers the thousands of acres of flats which are exposed at low water.