15th May 2019

Weather: ESE fortce 2, sunny and warm
 A Tree Pipit was caught first thing (below with Meadow Pipit for comparison) but it was hard work to find migrants, not huge numbers but many different species.

 A Sedge Warbler from yesterday was re-found and had put on weight, no doubt benefiting from the flies around today in the lovely weather. A raptor was seen flying over West Kirby, it was identified as a Marsh Harrier, the first for the island this year. It turned west across between Middle and Little Eye before continuing towards Wales. A couple of Siskins turned up late morning, one, a first year male being caught for ringing.

 A Lesser Whitethroat arrived later with a Willow Warbler

 Two immature Eiders were on the sea today.

  and a young field vole showed in the open

Two Gadwall flew over, then a Yellow Wagtail and a Whinchat appeared.

Fourteen Swifts flew by, only the second record this year, a few non-breeding Swallows came through but only 2 House Martins were recorded. Five Manx Shearwaters flew passed the north end and 3 Razorbills were also seen from there. Six Grey Plover were amongst the waders, including one in summer plumage.

 A few Shelduck were standing on the east side wall, something they have failed to do very often recently, possibly because of the fox.

Passage waders also included 49 Sanderling, 323 Dunlin, 26 Ringed Plover, and 8 Whimbrel.
Ringed: 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Siskin.    [ 536-30 ]
photos JE,AS,SRW