Spring arrived properly at last with the first notable arrival of migrants occurring today in a light easterly wind (dropping to almost flat calm mid morning) with mist early on.
Other visible migration included c750 Meadow Pipits passing over and the first two Tree Pipits buzzing southwards over the island (many migrants pass south over Hilbre in spring contrary to expectation). Finches also passed through with small numbers of Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, Siskin and Redpoll noted plus a male Reed Bunting. 26 Wheatears indicated that these are now rushing through after being initially delayed this Spring.
The first Sand Martins (35) and a single House Martin flew through along with 19 Swallows.
An immature Sparrowhawk appeared on the Obs east gate and was photographed (see above) frustratingly revealing it was ringed (see right leg). Unfortunately, it evaded capture but a day-total of 53 birds ringed made it the best day of the Spring so far for ringing.
(DB, CJW+PN et al) [139]
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