The fog in the estuary early on soon cleared leaving a loving day to be on the island. The breeding Linnets now have many youngsters busily fluttering about the paddocks and 11 juveniles and an adult were ringed today (and there's more on the way - see below).
A late migrant Chiffchaff was singing but was particularly elusive, unlike the Shorelark which was showing well again as usual in its favoured places although could not be found in the evening in a brief search.
A single Wheatear was on the west side, this species has been unusually scarce this spring.
A Fulmar paid a brief visit to examine the cliffs of Middle Eye and 2 Collared Doves stayed a few minutes around the buildings, while passing through were 4 House Martins, some mixing with the Swallows before they moved on and a group of 4 Swifts speeding to the south.
A Whimbrel was present, also a few Sanderling with the 150 or so Dunlin around the shore and 4 Bar-tailed Godwit rested briefly at the Middle Eye high tide roost.
As with many species Mallard is particularly elusive during the breeding season at Hilbre and the sight of a pair bathing and dabbling in a pool between the islands in the evening may be a sign that the female has been down on eggs somewhere unknown.
There were not many butterflies considering the fine weather, but a few Green-veined Whites, two Red Admirals and a Painted Lady brightened the scene.
However, by late evening over 25 Painted Ladies and 8 Red Admirals had arrived and were enjoying the evening sunshine.
Ringed: 12 Linnets, 1 Meadow Pipit
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