4th October 2024

 Weather:  SE force 4

The day started before dawn when our member was surprised to see (despite the dark) an owl fly east to west low over the island just beyond the obs south fence line. The evening before when it was dark an owl made an exit of the slate shed near to the lookout which startled our observer. No doubt it would be the same bird obviously roosting in the slate shed overnight. It was impossible to be certain of the species at the time but the general dark colour did not suggest Barn Owl. Tawny Owl has now been pinned down as the culprit, a very rare occurance at Hilbre. All owls are extremely rare on the island apart from Short-eared Owl which is not known normally to enter buildings. After the Redwings last night 2 more were here this morning.

 In contrast to yesterday it was breezy and cool first thing. The main visitors were 6 Chiffchaffs in the paddocks of which 4 were then ringed.

 A little time later a male Blackcap was found which was the only other warbler with the Chiffchaffs.

 Small visitors today included 2 Skylarks (one landed on the island), about 30 Meadow Pipits, 5 Pied Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail and a Starling sitting on the 'motus'.

 A Wheatear was found on the top paddock fence, the only one today.

 

 Whereas most days flocks of Pinkfeet are flying early morning, today just a single bird flew from east to west across the island mid-morning. While we are talking wildfowl mention must be made of a single Pintail (top right) which flew with 7 Wigeon down the east side.

 Later 7 more Wigeon and another single Wigeon added to the total. Yet another single bird was a drake Teal sitting on the north end rocks before flying off.

 Another 7 Teal flew in a flock over the lookout a little later. Completing the wildfowl for today were 120 Brent, 240 Shelduck, 800 Scoter and 3 female Eider joined after the tider by an immature male. Small waders were extremely scarce this morning, a few Dunlin and Turnstone and single Grey Plover and Knot. Just 5 Little Egrets and 3 Grey Herons were on the shore and raptors were the Kestrel and an immature Peregrine. On the sea Red-throated Divers were more obvious than of late, 16 floated a good way out, 2 Guillemots and 5 Great Crested Grebes were a little nearer in. Two Red Admirals and a Small White braved the breezy conditions.

Photos CJ, SRW