8th March 2014

 Weather:- SE force 6

Goldcrest

Sparrowhawk

Winds from the south brought some early spring migrants to the island today. Highlight of the morning was a female Sparrowhawk caught in the SK trap; the ringing of a Sparrowhawk is a less than annual event at Hilbre. A Merlin had hunted the island from early and was present at the same time as the Sparrowhawk. Also ringed was the first Goldcrest this year, while a Reed Bunting evaded the ringers as did other visitors including a Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinches, a Woodpigeon, a Redwing, and a small movement of Meadow Pipits (45) passing through. Several wagtails were on the list including 6 Pied, 3 Grey and the first White Wagtail this year. A mixed flock of duck comprised 4 male and 4 female Pintail, and a male and female Wigeon.
(CJ,CJW,NDW,TGW,SRW)        [ 5-4 ]