Weather: ESE force 2, later S force 2
The easterly produced a few early Wheatears and a handful
of Willow Warblers, a small movement of Meadow Pipits and small numbers of
Greenfinches. Willow Warblers maintained a small but steady passage with 45 being noted and 28
ringed throughout the morning. Bird of the day was a nice calling
Yellowhammer, a very scarce bird on the islands, which alerted observers by calling at
the south end and remaining around the paddocks for a few hours. No apologies for including this record shot of what in recent years has become a rare Hilbre bird.
At least 3 Rock Pipits are here at the moment.
and 48 Linnets were counted today including many young juveniles.
Two photogenic Collared Doves stayed awhile.
Waders
and terns continue to surround the islands with 420 Sandwich 180 Common and 45
Little being counted. Turnstones are also building up, some in their splendid
ruddy plumage, unlike this bird.
800 Dunlin fed on the shoreline and 26 Sanderling joined them on the East Hoyle. Gull counts are increasing with a notable increase in Black-headed later in the day, with a Mediterranean Gull present among them. Twenty Eight Swifts screamed over the island as a weather front threatened to move in later, 26 Swallows were counted including the residents.
Small Tortoiseshell (10) (see below), Red Admiral (6) Small white (14) Green-veined white (8) Gatekeeper (1) and Common blue (6) butterflies were noted and at least 3 Migrant hawker dragonflies.
The moth traps did well including Yellow Straw and the
beautiful Angle Shades being recorded.
Ringed: 28 Willow Warblers, 1 Linnet
photos CJW
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