3rd May 2022

 Weather: E force 2 , later SE 4, some mist after light showers at dawn

 A considerable amount of hirundine passage was evident soon after dawn, 140 Swallows were counted also 23 House Martins and 16 Sand Martins, in recent days the list has been comprised mainly of Swallows. Whilst observers watch them arrive at the north end, a Swift, the first here this year flew east across the island. Another came through in the afternoon.

 An unexpected visitor was a male Merlin flying low passed the island and off towards the mainland. Todays haul of Willow Warblers was modest, about 17 came through with 3 Chiffchaffs, although a Sedge Warbler was ringed early on and 2 Whitethroats joined it later in the morning.

 Eight Greenland Wheatears were located in diverse places around the island,

 ... while 5 flava (Yellow) Wagtails were heard calling overhead and one seemed to come to ground but could not be found, 3 White Wagtails were also here today. Goldfinches were notable for their complete absence today, just a single Lesser Redpoll and a Siskin called to represent migrant finches. On the sea 12 Common Terns and 23 Sandwich Terns were feeding and a distant Gannet flew east, closer to the island the drake Eider and the male Scoter are still with us. Whimbrel were initially well down in numbers, only 5 about in the morning until the tide started to flood and 29 then roosted on the west side.

Very few small waders were seen at low tide, and then 3.500 Dunlin seemed to take a liking to staying about the island, a Purple Sandpiper, 13 Turnstones and 13 Ringed Plover also roosted.. Of interest to the Hilbre regulars was the ringing of a female Blackbird, the 3rd ringed here this spring. Eight Shelduck and 5 Little Egrets were recorded. The Bird's-foot Trefoil is now in full flower.

Ringed: 11 Willow Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackbird, 1 Linnet.

Photos CJ, SRW