Saturday 25 March 2017

25th March 2017

Weather: SE force 1, sunny, cold overnight, warm later in the morning
View of north Wales from the island (AEH)
The first Little Gulls of the were identified when 31 were found feeding distantly off the north end, while 4 Gannets became another first for the spring. The sea also produced 8 Red-throated Divers, 18 Great Crested Grebes and 400 Common Scoter off the north shore. Down on the island this beautiful morning were 8 Goldcrests, 6 Chiffchaffs, 8 Pied and 2 White Wagtails, a Stonechat and a female House Sparrow (scarce at Hilbre but annual).
Stonechat (AEH)

House Sparrow (SRW)

A Merlin was on the ridge south of Middle first thing and other sightings typical for this time of year involved an overflying Jackdaw and 13 Canada Geese towards the West Kirby shore. Both Siskin and Goldfinch appeared in singles and a Rock Pipit is still present towards the north end. Waders were scarce over the tide, and just a single Purple Sandpiper could be found. 
Purple Sandpiper (CJ)

Ringed: 4 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Linnet, 1 Meadow Pipit.   [ 34-11 ]

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