24th April 2021

 Weather: SE force 1/2   

A Grasshopper Warbler was singing on Middle at first light, unfortunately it transpired that was the sole bird present on any of the islands. Pink-footed Geese duly exited the estuary north (350 birds) after dawn and soon a Greenshank called along the east side and 1 was later seen near Little Eye. Four Wheatears were at the south end of the main island, but promply left and none appeared again until much later when another 3 at Middle flew to the main island. A Tree Pipit was down on the island and was heard singing. A commotion of gulls made us aware of a large distant raptor off to the north which was flying towards the east hoyle, it turned out to be a Marsh Harrier, still a scarcity at Hilbre although not so much further south down the Dee nowadays.

One of the memorable features of today was the arrival of 6 Yellow Wagtails which stayed around the islands and gave delightful views of these colourful birds.

Whimbrel were in record numbers for the spring, 21 roosted together on the shore at one stage. Two Purple Sandpipers roosted with the Turnstones 

and also noted were 13 Bar-tailed Godwits on the east hoyle, 44 Ringed Plover and 110 Dunlin.

 In addition to the Yellow Wagtails a Tree Pipit called over and 7 White Wagtails arrived, while finches today included 16 Goldfinches, 5 Siskin, a Greenfinch, and 12 Lesser Redpoll, with one ringed.

 

In contrast to yesterday at least 10 Willow Warblers were present (6 were ringed) and 3 Blackcaps (also a Blackcap ringed 2 days ago). Hirundines flew through in small numbers, about 40 Sand Martins and 20 Swallows flew in off the sea and headed over the east hoyle towards the mainland, a few others crossed the island including our 3 first House Martins of the year. A Jackdaw flew overhead, and 2 Eiders went south down the east side, also a male Goosander passed the north end travelling east. The Brent that was with the Canada Geese and the Mallards near the pond was still there today, but sadly died during the morning, we had suspected it was ill due to its unusual behaviour. There were 4 others and a Black-bellied bird remaining. Dozens of Gannets fed off the island this morning, also recorded were Sandwich and Common Terns, 12 Great Crested Grebes, 14 Common Scoter and two each of Red-breasted Mergansers, Red-throated Divers and Razorbills, also 16 Guillemots, with one out on the rocks and showing particularly well.

 The Linnets are now looking fine in their breeding plumage.

Early butterflies on the wing today were singles of Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and Green-veined White. All in all it was a very good migration day in which 55 bird species were recorded.

photos CJ, BT,  CJW, SRW