Weather: NW force 2
A Wheatear was found by Matt Thomas this morning that was colour ringed, only the second time ever this has been seen at Hilbre.
This was indeed a red-letter day, almost literally! Rapid enquiries revealed that it was ringed at the Calf of Man only yesterday, the previous bird was also ringed there. It is amazing that Hilbre colour ringed Wheatears for a several years without a single sighting ever, such are the distances travelled and unihabited breeding places involving our migrant Wheatears. Warblers present were only a single Willow Warbler and the singing Whitethroat. It was nice to see 10 Shelduck about, many standing on the traditional wall.
Only 4 Eider were seen but 5 Greylags appeared again. also the single Brent. A Red-throated Diver, a Guillemot and 16 Scoters were on the sea with 28 Gannets. Nine Little Egrets shared the islands with 21 Whimbrel, 28 Ringed Plover, 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, 6 Grey Plover, 400 Knot and 500 Dunlin. The Kestrel was missing again but a Peregrine was good compensation.
Meadow Pipits are now feeding young.
The moth trap from last night was quite productive.
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| Muslin moth |
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| Brown Silver-line |
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| Silver Y |
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| Dark Sword-grass |
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| Shuttle-shaped Dart |
The Bluebells are almost at their best now at the south end of the island.
Photos CJW, SRW
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