20th August 2017

 Weather: W force 3  vis 30-mls
A Spotted Redshank was heard as an observer approached Middle eye first thing this morning, a very scarce bird at Hilbre, unfortunately it was not seen or found again. A couple of Willow Warblers were on the island despite the westerly but little else, and the main attention was towards the sea at the mid-morning high tide. Two Arctic Skuas harassed the terns on the east hoyle as the tide flooded and another was off the north end later. A very large count of 14 Little Egrets was made before the tide.

The most notable feature throughout the morning was the number of Little Terns around the area with many diving in the shallow gutters and resting on the east hoyle with other terns, 120 were present, a good proportion of those that have bred at Gronant this year. The massive size difference between Sandwich and Little is obvious when together.

Also on the sea was a flock of about 2,000 Common Scoter out by the windfarms, while nearer were 8 Great Crested Grebes and 6 Gannets. Waders included 2 Whimbrel and 300 Dunlin.

 It became quite warm later in the morning with 5 Red Admirals, 2 Small Tortoiseshells and a Small White taking to the air.
Ringed: 1 Wren, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Robin, 1 Linnet.     [ 438-32 ]
photos  CJ, AEH