12th September 2023

 Weather: NE force 3, rain early, drizzle late afternoon.

After a week or so of settled weather with mostly south easterlies which is normally desired at this time of year, migration seemed to have got in a rut with very little movement happening at Hilbre. The change to a slightly cooler showery conditions did the trick with at last some migrants on both land and at sea. On land a couple of Tree Pipits were over, 8 Willow Warblers and 2 Goldcrests grounded and 3 Blackcaps recorded.

Best of the passerines were a Whitethroat seen later in the day in the Blackthorn (SK paddock) and before that a fine Whinchat.

Twelve Wheatears were the most here for some time.

The number of Robins present meant almost all were certainly passage birds. On the sea the big news was the sight of 3 Black Terns feeding off the south west side of the main island.

 

The supporting cast were a Gannet, 20 Red-throated Divers, 86 Common Scoter, 7 Great Crested Grebes, a Guillemot, 10 Common and 35 Sandwich Terns and 2 Arctic Skuas in the starring roles this time being chased rather than chasing.

The Brent have increased to 4 birds, confirming that this is the start of the influx this winter; likewise about 350 Pink-footed Geese flew south west ovcr Wirral towards the marshes. The 3 Eiders are still around the island. The regular waders were all seen including both Godwits, 19 Bar-tailed and 5 Black-tailed. A single Raven was logged again and the Kestrel is continuing to feed here.
 

Just for the record there were 18 Little Egrets and 3 Grey Herons. Butterflies flying were 10 Red Admirals, 8 Small Whites with 3 Silver Y moths and just one Migrant Hawker dragonfly today. For once a really good September day.

 

Ringed: 5 Willow Warblers, 7 Robins, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Goldcrest.

Photos CJW, SRW