Although there was nothing spectacular today there was always something of interest to see, with hirundines continually in flight over the islands, with 500 Swallows (left), 40 House Martins and 25 Sand Martins to entertain the observers along with 12 Swifts. A few warblers arrived during the day including 3 Whitethroats (one on Middle) a Sedge Warbler (also on Middle), a Blackcap, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, and a small passage of 20 Lesser Redpolls in the first half of the morning. Two Skylarks inspected the island, reviving a memory of when they used to breed, likewise a Fulmar (above right) did several laps of the islands as is traditional in May, while a male Pied Wagtail on the island may be looking for a mate. Four Greenland Wheatears were logged although they were mostly elusive today, and late morning a Spotted Flycatcher made a very brief appearance on the west side before completely disappearing (below). Other single visitors today were a House Sparrow (below), a Yellow Wagtail, a Starling, and 4 Goldfinches.Noted off the island today was a Gannet, 15 Common Terns, 20 Sandwich Terns, 3 Whimbrel, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 30 Knot and 15 Ringed Plover.
A burying beetle Necrophorus investigator (right) was identified in the obs garden, it was seen well, but not pictured well, It seems to be unusual at Hilbre, if not unrecorded, but further investigation is needed to acertain its status.
As the morning progressed the sun broke through and it became quite warm for a change, and the thrift and Bluebells showed out in all their glory, it felt like May !
Ringed:- 3 Lesser Redpolls ( below, one showing no red on the head ! ), 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Greenland Wheatear (right,with some replaced tertials and greater coverts in one wing only, presumably as a result of a traumatic episode, below right), 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Swallow, 1 Linnet.
(DB+ESCA,JE,CJ,CJW,SRW,EKW,NLW,RTW) [ 647-29 ] photos Wheatear JE, others CJ
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