Weather: SE force 1 spots nof rain at dawn, heavy rain an hour later
A damp start did not prevent a good number of warblers arriving during the morning but the highlight for the observers was the appearance of our second Osprey of the year later in the morning when the rain relented. The bird was hovering to the east of the island obviously intent on catching a fish.
The Osprey ignored the attention of the shorebirds that were mobbing it, despite one Oystercatcher pursuing it vigorously.
Moving slightly further out from the island the bird eventually caught a flatfish and landed on bird rock (towards Red Rocks) to eat. Moving to the east hoyle sands the Osprey fed again until disturbed when it floated east carrying its prize towards the north shore.
Before the main rain arrived (and indeed afterwards) Willow Warblers continued to be still dropping into the gardens and paddocks, at the end of the morning period 26 had been ringed.out of 35 arrivals.
. Greenland Wheatears numbers were also impressive at 31 seen today.
Two Whinchats stayed about the island, one pictured here with one of the Wheatears.,
Four Blackcaps and a Whitethroat were also on the ground,
... while 6 Tree Pipits and a yellow Wagtail called overhead and 9 White Wagtails were logged. Apart from the 50 or so Linnets they were 3 Sisikin, 5 Redpoll and 4 Goldfinches. Fourteen Swallows and 15 Sand martins fed about while passing through. A single Purple Sandpiper is a late stayer (or passage arrival) we cannot tell for sure.
There were 8 Whimbrel. A summer plumaged Guillemot was at the north end.
The 3 Eiders are still making Hilbre their reidence. All in all a splendid day after a soggy start.
Ringed: 26 Willow Warblers, 7 Linnets, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Greenland Wheatear, 1 Goldfinch.
Photos AEH, CJW, SRW
No comments:
Post a Comment