Weather: ESE force 2/3
A stunning start to the morning when a Hen Harrier flew down the west side of the island over the pond, startling the Mallard who reacted by flying up to mob the bird which flew off west towards Wales.
The previous record of Hen Harrier was in October last year but before that we have to go back to 2016 for another. The first Willow Warbler of the year arrived and was ringed this morning.
It was also a good day for Chiffchaffs, 20 moved about the island bushes and 9 were ringed.
Five Goldcrests were present, some of them on Middle and 6 White Wagtails gave a good show when a few dropped in together on the west side cliff.
Finches were scarce, just 2 Chaffinch and 2 Goldfinches.
A male Wheatear sat on the 'air raid shelter' and was only one seen today.
A Reed bunting flew over calling. About 80 Pinkfooted Geese flew north out of the Dee, 13 and then 7 other Canada Geese were flying around the estuary, 4 Jackdaws called overhead and 2 Magpies arrived, one staying for a while.
While we are in the crow family we should mention that in recent weeks we have had double figures in crows, although today just 6 were seen.
Small numbers of Black-headed Gulls flew west passed the north end.
Two Shelduck stayed off the east side most of the time.
Just as members were bemoaning the lack of hirundines over the last few days 3 Sand Martins flew rapidly south. The sea was calm and a single Guillemot floated off the island. The daffodils are still making a splash of colour on the island.
Ringed: 9 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird.
Photos: AEH, CJW
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