7th May 2009

Another quiet day migrant-wise produced the bird of the spring so far - a Nuthatch in the sycamores around the Heli paddock. Unfortunately, the tide was in and there were no ringers on. This is only the second ever record for Hilbre following one on 22nd April 1962!


We include an 'off-island' shot of such a rare Hilbre bird.

Other than that a Razorbill (left) was an unusual sight on the rocks at the North End, more Whimbrel passed through and wader movement in general has improved with Dunlin and Ringed Plover (see below left) in greater numbers around the island.








The only migrants were a few Wheatears (right), a Whitethroat and a couple of Willow Warblers were little consolation for the mainlanders hoping for a glimpse of the Nuthatch after the tide - but to no avail.




(BSB, DB, DCT, PT, NDW et al) [346] All photos BSB