15th July 2022

 

A pleasent day on Hilbre despite the strong wind that lasted all day. A low tide seal count revealed around 300 individuals. 

It was a start of the autumn feeling with 56 Gannets passing on the sea and over 100 Sandwich Terns present.

Another hint of autumn came with the ringing of a juvenile Whitethroat on the island, and the unexpected appearance of a Greenfinch briefly by the rangers garden. Oystercatcher numbers have increased but there was only a single Redshank which roosted on the west side of middle. A count of sea birds for WEBS saw over 20 Greater Black-backed Gulls moving west out by the wind farm. A Peregrine was sighted, but just singles of Little Egret and Grey Heron. Breeding species still on the island are Linnets, Meadow and Rock Pipits, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wrens and Swallows. The Rock-sea Lavender is now in its full splendour, a speciality of the island flora.

Photos JE, AS