Friday 22 April 2016

22nd April 2016

Weather: ENE 2-3, 5/8 cloud, sunny afternoon

The day started well with another stunning male Whinchat seen early morning on the walls and fences along the West side.
  

A few Wheatears also arrived and small numbers of Willow Warblers (6) moved through.  Visible passage was a little lighter than the last couple of days but still included a flava Wagtail, White Wagtails and 3 House Martins (although they were seen late afternoon).

The Whinchat found its way into the potter traps on the West Side mid morning as did a female Greenland Wheatear.  
 

Whimbrel were much in evidence today with flocks of up to 9 birds seen and a total of 18 estimated.  A fine summer plumage Bar-tailed Godwit joined a non-breeding plumaged bird on the tideline and Dunlin, Sanderling and Ringed Plover were well represented today.
 

Later a Short-eared Owl was watched being pursued by gulls between Hilbre and Red Rocks and finally a drake Goosander flew over the island right over an observers head before heading off North.

The hard work of our maintenance team continued today with gates and doors being mended along with the Obs balcony and roof.

 

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