Breaking news from the islands (by iPhone)... A Long-tailed Tit was heard in the trapping area. It was soon trapped and was found to be already ringed! Photos and further news to follow...Later:
The Long-tailed Tit was ringed at Meols in June 2010 (by the Merseyside Ringing Group), was retrapped at the same site a couple of times until late October 2010 and then was not seen again until caught on Hilbre today.
Other birds seen today included single Red-throated Diver and Great Crested Grebe on the sea as well as a single Peregrine harassing the waders (see left) that included 24 Ringed Plovers, 
an excellent count of 616 Bar-tailed Godwits on the East Hoyle and 100 Redshank in the gutter.
an excellent count of 616 Bar-tailed Godwits on the East Hoyle and 100 Redshank in the gutter.
Lovely blue skies and light wind gave the islands a spring-like feel and this was reflected in some passerine movement that included the first Grey Wagtail of the year along with a Pied. A small finch movement was also noted with single Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Siskin and two Goldfinch noted. The Linnet flock remained around the islands more with 35 birds counted (see right).
The Common Seal was hauled out again at the North End in the morning. However, the undoubted highlight was the 'Lotti' (Long-tailed Tit) which later in the day was feeding happily on the bird-feeders in the Obs garden. 
It is an unusual record for Hilbre in February; this species is more associated with late autumn or spring. Therefore, bearing another ringer's ring makes it even more exceptional.
(DB, PSW) (Photos by PSW)
1 comment:
Come on then... :)
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