Weather: SE force 2 veering SW and increasing 4/5 rain showers
After the first Wheatear yesterday, another first today with the sighting of an Osprey which scattered all the gulls, waders and even the Brent as it progressed north up the east side of the islands. It was seen to have caught a massive flatfish before landing on the east hoyle sands for some time (obviously distant pictures in poor light), nevertheless a notable record as this is the earliest appearance by an Osprey at Hilbre ever, previously there was one on 30th March 2013.
Yet another first for the year was a male Ring Ouzel which was accidently disturbed by a member at the south end of Middle at midday when it flew over the edge of the island before disappearing. A rigorous search of both islands failed to subsquently locate it. This bird was also very early for Hilbre, most spring records are in April. These 2 exciting events were just the icing on the cake, it was generally a good day for migrants. A few Wheatears showed starting with a female and male on the main island.
A female was down the east side of Middle where the Ring Ouzel was.
A male flew south down the west side of the island.
About a dozen Goldcrests and the odd Chiffchaff were present this morning, also a Reed Bunting and a White Wagtail (the first of this subspecies this year), a couple of Siskins called over and Meadow Pipits were moving as they have done for the last week or so. Three Goldfinches were caught in the old obs net.
A lot of the wildfowl are now starting to move from the wintering places, today 2 Whooper Swans flew to the north, perhaps returning to their breeding grounds.
A Wigeon stayed over the tide, and was between the islands with 5 Canada Geese and some Brent.
A male Red-breasted Merganser floated off the north end and a pair of Goosander were here, we have seldom been without them over the last month or two.
Several Eider also stayed around and the single dark-bellied Brent settled in with the pale-bellied birds.
As always Little Egrets are a target for the photographers.
Several prospecting Rock Pipits are now on the main islands.
This Grey Seal was hauled out at the north end and seemed injured at first although it soon plunged into the sea in energetic fashion.
A great day at the obs.
Ringed: 7 Goldcrests, 3 Goldfinches, 2 Robins, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Wren.
Photos AEH, JE, CJ. SRW
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