15th April 2022

 Weather: SSE force 2,  SSW 3 this afternoon, becoming warm.

The first Hilbre Osprey of the spring came through the islands at 07.15 hrs this morning. Unlike the lingering bird at Meols/Leasowe that roosted in a tree last night, it did not hang around but bombed through in a northerly direction to put the species on the Hilbre list for the observers present. Prior to this event the Pink-footed Geese did their thing and 400 went out the estuary,

.....followed by a sighting of the drake Eider. Highlight of the 11 birds ringed this morning was a splendid male Redstart, another Hilbre first this year.

 

 

Eight Willow Warblers and 4 Chiffchaffs landed on the gardens, 5 Wheatears in the open areas, while 8 White Wagtails were also notable, and finches were more numerous than yesterday including 10 Goldfinches, a Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll. Hirundines featured 3 Sand Martins and a Swallow. A sea watch was productive with 8 Red-throated Divers, a Guillemot, 170 Sandwich Terns, 3 Common Terns (first of the year) and a Kittiwake, whilst a visiting birder recorded a Puffin (rare at Hilbre), a Manx Shearwater, a Merlin and an overhead Tree Pipit. Not surprisingly given the fairly smooth sea, a Harbour Porpoise was seen through the telescope off the west side. The Brent were increased up to 32 birds today, some may have staged from elsewhere since yesterday or just did not show then. Five Purple Sandpipers are still here, a Whimbrel was sighted again, possibly the same as yesterday, also a Goosander, but this time a male.

Photos AS, CJW