18th April 2021

Weather: SE force 0/1    extensive mist at first. sunny later

Pleasantly warm this morning in contrast to previous dawn starts over the last few days and slight cloud with the mist gave high expectations. First mention should however go to sea birds with the first 2 Arctic Terns and 6 Manx Shearwaters of the year. Terns in general have increased greatly this morning with about 400 Sandwich and 25 Common Terns gathering at the west hoyle sand spits. There are still 16 passage Little Gulls, also 22 Gannets, 6 Red-throated Divers, 18 Red-breasted Mergansers, 20 each of Guillemot and Great Crested Grebe. Small migrants today included 2 Skylarks, 6 Greenland Wheatears, 3 Willow Warblers, and a Sand Martin, while no other migrant Swallows  passed through this morning, whereas the local Swallow that arrived the other day is still awaiting company.

Eight Goldfinches and 2 Lesser Redpoll comprised the finches, plus of course the breeding Linnets. A bit of a corvid day with 2 Ravens off the west side, 2 Jackdaws high over the island and several Carrion Crows routing over from Wales. A Woodpigeon shot through briefly. Whimbrel present have now rocketed up to 12 birds (one with Curlew shown), 45 Sanderling were the best of the rest of the waders.

A Merlin scattered the waders for a time but both Kestrel and Peregrine were also seen. The same number of Brents (16 pale and 2 dark bellied) were present as they were on Friday, they could go any day now, while the 2 'Hilbre' Canada Geese came to the pond again. Ten Shelduck were about and a single Teal was noted. At least 4 Rock Pipits are enjoying the fine settled weather; 

 The Daffodils are now past their best in the spring sunshine

photos AEH