Friday, 22 March 2019

22nd March 2019

Weather: SE 1, backing WSW 4, 8/8 cloud, good vis


A light south-easterly breeze greeted observers first thing an optimism was high despite it being very early in the spring!


Two Chiffchaffs and two Goldcrests were present and mid morning a single Wheatear arrived on ‘Wheatear Way’ moving to ‘Wheatear Hill’ where it tried to hunker down out of the now increasing westerly wind.


A couple of Reed Buntings were noted as was a single Raven over Middle (before the latter drifted off towards Wales) March being a typical month for these species at Hilbre Islands LNR.


A moderate movement of Meadow Pipits was counted (120) no doubt bringing the early morning Merlin sat on the ridge again.  Also noted visible migration were 7 alba and a single Grey Wagtail and small numbers of finches including a single early Redpoll. 

The highlight on the sea were three Eiders and a single adult Kittiwake (sadly a scarce bird these days).

170 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were counted along with a single adult Dark-bellied bird.

Meanwhile, the resident Fox put in an appearance in the middle of the day in the lower paddock.

Ringing: Goldcrest [25-9]

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