8th April 2019

Weather: E force 2/3    misty around the coast, sunny

The best migration day of the year so far started with the sounds of more than 1,200 Pink-footed Geese flying out of the estuary in several parties,

while more local visitors were 3 Canada Geese that hung around the islands all morning, also the regular 3 Eiders. A Common Snipe was disturbed off the east side. An excellent ringing day (40 birds) culminated with a fine male Redstart in the Newton trap, eclipsing the Great Tit found earlier even though the latter is considerably rarer as a Hilbre bird.

A couple of dozen phylloscopus  warblers were present and a Goldcrest, also ringed were a Woodpigeon and a lovely male Siskin, neither a guaranteed species to be ringed during the year. Visible migration was always apparent, a long list included Meadow Pipit (about 40), Wheatear (3),

 One of which was caught late afternoon, the first ringed this year.

also Pied Wagtail (8), White Wagtail (2), Skylark (2), Chaffinch (2), Greenfinch (8), Goldfinch (31), Siskin (12) (below), Redpoll (5), Swallow (3), Sand Martin (1), Jackdaws ( 22 in 3 groups),

  and 2 Magpies down on the island.

 and a Woodpigeon.

Only 3 Brent seen this morning, but we are not sure how many remain, however we expect few will still be with us within a week.

Ringed: 9 Willow Warblers (above), 9 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Common Redstart, 1 Greenland Wheatear, 2 Meadow Pipits, 3 Wrens, 1 Robin, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Great Tit, 7 Linnets, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin,
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photos CJ, JE & Helen Bannister (wheatear)