2nd October 2022

 Weather: WNW force 4  sunny intervals

A late morning visit paid dividends when a Yellow-browed Warbler appeared in the Newton trap just before noon. That this scarce Siberian vagrant should arrive here in early October is not surprising (one of the first on the west coast), but the fact that it arrived in a north westerly airstream is really unusual, in fact we think unique at Hilbre. There have been 21 records at Hilbre (20 of which have been caught and ringed !), more have occurred in recent times, indeed 17 have been recorded since 2000. Following release the bird was not seen again after about 1 pm.

Before the Yellow-browed was found the best bird on the island was a Stonechat which unlike the warbler stuck around all afternoon.

There were no other migrating land birds but an increase in Wrens (8), Robins (8) and Blackbirds (6) were noticeable. On a smallish tide waders and others were few and far between until a few Dunlin, Ringed Plover etc. were seen on the ebb although a distant flock of over 1000 black-tailed Godwits were on the shore between Little Eye and Tanskey rocks. Only 24 Brent were counted and there were 27 Shelduck.

The sea was quiet, the only records were a single Great Crested Grebe and 800 distant Common Scoter. Seven Little Egret were present, also 2 Grey Herons and the male Kestrel.

Late afternoon a Raven fed on an unidentified carcass south of Little Eye.

Among the shells on the beach could be found many sea urchin shells, sometimes known as sea potatoes or heart urchins.

Photos  AEH, PSW, SRW