22nd June 2021

 Weather: E force 3

Sunrise is at its very earliest just now but it is well worth getting up to see. It was another lovely warm day today and the early tide meant members were undisturbed on the island. Most unexpected find this morning was a Small Heath butterfly, unusual at Hilbre, although one was found on Saturday which was the first since 2008 ( per Matt Thomas)

 The Pied Wagtails are still busy around the island.

The breeding Linnets also seem to be doing well this year, and another of the breeding Meadow Pipits was retrapped today and they and the Rock Pipits are very active.

 Meanwhile both Swallow nests now have young

No sign of any Eiders this morning but the Whitethroat still sings. The Thrift is now well past its best, just as the first flowers of Rock-sea Lavender are appearing.

  Terns seen feeding over the sea today were 12 Common and 8 Sandwich terns.

 No less than 9 Little Egrets were noted around the island today.

 Ringed: 3 Linnets

photos JE & AS