4th November 2023

 Weather: E force 4   rain by mid-morning

 A morning visit before the rain started came to life when a Pallas's Warbler was found to be feeding in Sycamores in the 'heli' garden. Our single observer present (CJW) studied it for some time until eventually it found its way into the heligoland trap. By the time it was taken back to the obs for ringing several members who had already been notified of its presence had reached the islands and were able to see it before release. 

On release the warbler flew north along the east side cliff towards the gardens and paddocks where it was heard briefly but not seen until it was glimpsed about 2 hours later in the old obs garden. It was thought that the rain had made it very elusive. This is the second record for Hilbre, the previous being on 31st October 1997 (AW)

It was strange to get such a rare bird when very little other migration was taking place, there were 2 Goldcrests down and 8 Starlings flew south otherwise it was quiet. The next best sighting of the day was prior to the Pallas's finding and involved 2 Whooper Swans flying down the Dee over the heads of our observer.

The tide was low today so not many waders gathered in any numbers. Earlier 281 Brent were counted with 2 colour ringed birds amongst them and a single female type Eider was west of Middle. Seven Red-breasted Mergansers showed, there have been a few more records at Hilbre recently following a decline in sightings.

Two Kestrels were present, one of each sex and a Raven was sighted. A mushroom seen today was a Yellow Fieldcap.

Ringed:  1 Pallas's Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Robin.

Photos: AEH, CJW, SRW, and Matt Thomas