Weather: SE force 4 sunny intervals
An early start to beat the early tide made the first hour or two feel quite cold in the fresh breeze, however it was all worthwhile when an adult Hobby flew south down the west side of the island and showed its colourful plumage off to the observers. Hobby is less than annual at Hilbre and occurs more usually in spring but the chance to obtain an image of this fast flying bird passing through is rare.
Earlier a Merlin flew around the north end and a Peregrine flew by the south end of the island so when a Kestrel arrived after the appearance of the Hobby, we had the complete set of falcons for the day! Another good Little Egret turnout with a flock of 10 (and 2 others later) flying together as the tide rose, indeed they seemed to be acting as a flock and sticking close together at the roost.
There were 6 Wheatears this morning
In the paddocks singles of Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Whitehtroat were found, the Blackcap and Chiffchaff obtained rings. The local Swallows seem to have departed now although 6 single Swallows came through on passage, while 4 Grey Wagtails also visited. The 3 Brent were not seen, though they could still be around somewhere. We had hoped the Dunlin and other small waders would roost the tide on the main island so we could examine them for Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper but as the tide arose they decided to go elsewhere. A Guillemot and 2 Sandwich Tern were the only sightings on the sea. In the afternoon a Stonechat arrived and showed well in the area of the Newton trap.
Photos SRW
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