Large numbers of Dunlin (3500) and Ringed Plover (550) were counted on the gutter edge early morning. At least 7 Whimbrel were noted mainly down the West Side of Hilbre and Middle. Some summer plumages Knot appeared on the ridge on the way off (see bottom of post).
A few Willow Warblers and a single Chiffchaff were caught and two Whitethroats were grounded including one caught and ringed.
A few Swallows and House Martins as well as a Swift passed over and a White Wagtail was around the island pond. A single redpoll spp passed over and a Goldfinch was caught in the old obs garden.
A single drake Eider flew down the West side.
Such a late Spring this year has meant that the south end of the island is only just turning blue with bluebells.
A Ruby Tiger was found in the Newton heligoland trap and two Common Seals were hauled out near the main Grey Seal haul out.
At 950hrs huge numbers of gulls went up off the East Hoyle sandbank (off Hoylake/Meols) but despite frantic searches the suspected large raptor could not be found. However, at about 1030hrs the gulls off the West Hoyle decided to taunt observers on the island again but this time the suspect was found - an Osprey slowly drifted westwards towards the Point of Ayr (Wales), it circled higher and higher and disappeared drifting towards the North Wales coast. The third Osprey of the Spring for the island.
(DB, JE + 1, et al) [449-27] Photos JE & SRW
No comments:
Post a Comment