16th September 2008

Another dark and wet morning with few migrants although there were a least 2 Chiffchaffs (below), 2 Goldcrests and 2 Greenland Wheatears to be seen. A flock of 9 Wigeon flew passed (above) and a Grey Plover was heard calling before 2 Purple Sandpipers showed themselves at the north end (below) .

These Purple Sandpipers are probably the same as those on the 12th and had not if fact moved on.

A Common Sandpiper was heard and then seen at the south end, a scarce spring and early autumn migrant at Hilbre that is seldom ever seen this late in the year.

Sandwich Terns are now down to about 65, the rest having gone south, while Shags are still staying around the island, 6 being counted today.

(CJ,KMc,PGW,SRW,AW) All photos by CJ