11th April 2026

 Weather: SSW force 5    rain,  later SW 6 with rain

 Most of the attention was on the sea with the gusty winds blowing up from the south west. Two Manx Shearwaters were the first here this year and many Gannets were on the sea, about 125, 

 

 

 

 also 250 + Sandwich Terns, 

 

 

 and the first 2 Common Terns of the year. 

Other good sea birds sighted were 140 Common Scoter, 17 Razorbills, 7 Guillemots, 6 Red-breasted Mergansers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Red-throated Divers and 3 Kittiwakes, but not to be dismissed was a small grebe species off the north end which was soon lost to view (Matt Thomas). It was probably either a Slavonian or a Black-necked Grebe in summer plumage. Two males and 2 female Eiders sat about the island.

 

Brent showed to be still in 3 figures and including a single dark-bellied bird. Four Harbour Porpoise appeared during the seawatch. Pick of the waders were 300 Black-tailed Godwit on the west hoyle bank, while others counted included 12 Grey Plover, 43 Ringed Plover, 12 Sanderling, 200 knot and 80 Dunlin. Most interesting among the passerine migrants was a Greenland Wheatear found on Middle that had been ringed on the right leg (and therefore not ringed at Hilbre). Greenland Wheatear re-sightings are few and far between owing to the long distances involved. Unfortunately it was not caught for the ring to be read on this occasion.

 

Just 1 Chaffinch and 2 Goldfinches recorded today, also 6 White Wagtails and 4 Willow Warblers. Two Sand Martins and 38 Swallows came through. Butterflies seen today were 2 Red Admirals, a Painted Lady and a Small Tortoiseshell.

 

 

 Ringed: 2 Linnet

Photos; AEH, CJW, SRW