15th April 2018

Weather:E force 3/4
A Puffin was photographed today at Hilbre by visiting photographer/birder Helen Bannister. Helen has commented that the bird was distant by the time she managed to take a few record shots, "the gulls kept chasing it away". Puffin is a rare occurrence at Hilbre and this is only the second to be pictured.

Meanwhile another great day of migration was in full swing and no appologies for mentioning yet again the Pink-footed Geese flying out of the estuary this morning (above), over 2,000 today, the highlight for some, but other birds competing for the title included the first Yellow Wagtail (in flight) and Grasshopper Warbler (brief song) of the year and the second Ring Ouzel (flying down the east side) and Tree Pipit (call over the obs), also a Marsh Harrier (going west high to Wales). Willow Warblers are now arriving in numbers (20) this morning with just a single Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrests and a male Blackcap, while birds passing through included over 100 Goldfinches, 150 Meadow Pipits, 22 alba wagtails, 45 Lesser Redpoll, 22 Siskin, and 6 flocks of Woodpigeons totalling 67,

                also 9 Canada Geese, 2 Jackdaw, and 3 Starlings.

A Merlin flew off the island south to Middle.
Ringed: 9 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Blackcap, 4 Linnets, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Wren.                              [ 154-17 ]
photos Helen Bannister, AEH