Weather: ESE force 4
A few firsts of the year this morning including a couple of White Wagtails, a Sand Martin and most sought after of all the arrival of a Wheatear on the main island. This is close to being not only the earliest here ever but is probably the earliest female ever as males usually arrive first.
Other notable migrants moving were 12 Woodpigeons, 23 then 7 Carrion Crows travelling west, and flocks of 6, 2 and 21 Jackdaws.
Also a male House Sparrow (scarce at Hilbre) flying around the island for some time.
In addition to the White Wagtails, another 8 alba and 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Skylarks, 2 Reed Buntings, a Goldcrest and a Siskin flew passed. An elusive Chiffchaff was in the paddocks, while breeding birds are now in good numbers with 26 Meadow Pipits, 6 Rock Pipits and 22 Linnets around.
Two hundred and eighty six Brent were counted, 220 Scoter were out on the sea with 10 Great Crested Grebes also present with 4 Eider and a Goosander close to the island. Waders listed were 45 Curlew, 150 Knot, 540 Dunlin, 30 Redshank, 12 Ringed Plover, 18 Bar-tailed Godwit and 18 Purple Sandpiper. An interesting sight early this morning was that of a Grey Heron devouring frogs from the main island pond.
The recent dead cetacean on the east hoyle bank was examined and found to be a dolphin, probably a Common Dolphin.
A few largish jellyfish was also on the shore.
Photos CJ, CJW, SRW, Matt Thomas
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