30th March 2014

Weather;- Light ESE, mist, increasing slightly force 3/4

Merlin  (CJ)

We thought it would be a good day and it was. The breeze was pushing warmer air from the continent over most of the country and we expected migrants to follow in after. It turned out to be the best ringing day of the spring so far with 24 birds through the ringing desk. Chief amongst these were Chiffchaffs and the 12 ringed represented most of those passing through, likewise the 2 Goldcrests were all that were seen. The 8 Wheatears noted were more elusive and only 1 was caught. An estimated 750 Meadow Pipits passed through and a Merlin gave a fine display of Meadow Pipit chasing (unsuccessful when seen by the observers) on the ridge south of Middle before the tide. There were not many finches ringed,  logged however, were 20 Goldfinch, 6 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 7 Lesser Redpoll and 3 Siskins. Nineteen Wagtails passed through, 6 were White and the rest Pied. A Reed Bunting was on the ground briefly early in the morning, and 3 single Sand Martins flew down the east side at intervals, 2 Skylarks were heard overhead. Typical Hilbre migrants at this time were in the form of flocks of Woodpigeons (28,12) flying high from north to south, another on the ground and a Canada Goose going west towards Wales. A Rock Pipit was at the north end and a Little Egret between the islands. The sea was again quiet, especially as the mist prevented seeing any distance, the Brent did not stay for the tide but 38 flew into the area on the ebb, and Scoter sightings were restricted to the 20 or so birds loafing off the island.
Ringed:- 12 Chiffchaffs, 3 Linnets, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Wrens, 1 Wheatear, 1 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch.               [ 76-17 ]
(CJ,KMc,NDW,SRW) + Colin Wells & Lynne