15th September 2016

Weather:  NW force 0/1  warm and sunny
Thick mist around the coast this morning brought autumn migrants to the islands. Three Common Snipe were present early morning and it was soon evident that a few Chiffchaffs (8), Willow Warblers (3) and Goldcrests (6) were in the trapping area and gardens. A Spotted Flycatcher was found at the south end which then proceeded to tour the island for the rest of the morning but somehow avoided being caught for ringing. A Tree Pipit also stayed around for a considerable time; most Tree Pipits at Hilbre are recorded as a result of birds calling as they pass overhead.

Tree Pipit (CJ)

Six Wheatears today were a good number for autumn, as were the 50 or so Swallows, while 2 Grey and 4 Pied Wagtails, 7 Robins and a Song Thrush were also present. Three Razorbills and 26 Guillemots were found on the tide, while on the shore a Common Sandpiper was at the north end and wader counts included 12 Bar-tailed Godwits, 75 Turnstone, 250 Dunlin and 5 Grey Plover. Two Canada Geese flew west between the islands. The warm weather suited the invertebrates, flying today were about 30 Red Admirals, a Painted Lady, a Peacock, 2 Speckled Wood, quite a few Small Whites and a Common Darter dragonfly.
Ringed:  5 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Robins, 1 Wren.    [ 377-27 ]