27th September 2008

A lovely day dawned with some Goldcrests calling about the bushes, a flock of 10 Goldfinches on the island and a male Blackcap appearing from nowhere.
The first Merlin of the autumn (below) was sighted being harassed in flight by a Peregrine and then giving a good solo show over the island.




During the morning more Goldcrests, A Chiffchaff and another Blackcap arrived and then astonishingly yet another Garden Warbler found its way into a mist net this year.


Late morning a bird was heard persistently and loudly calling from all parts of the island for a period of 5 or 6 minutes. Members with previous experience of the species recognised a Dotterel - the first ever record for Hilbre! Unfortunately the bird could not be seen but was undoubtedly circling high in the blue sky. The call was confirmed a few moments later by reference to mp3 recordings on the island.






Butterflies and insects responded to the autumn warmth and settled on the ragwort. All in all a beautiful day !



Trapped for ringing were 5 Goldcrests, a Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, a Linnet, and a Wren.
(FD,JE,CJ,DNW,PGW,SRW) All Photos by CJ