10th April 2009

Hilbre shared in the large fall of migrants on the north Wirral coast today as southeasterly winds combined with periods of drizzle to deposit 20 Willow Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 10 Wheatears and single Blackcap on the island. The day will be remembered however as an exceptional Grasshopper Warbler day (left) as 4 were trapped this morning in different parts of the island. Other migrants included the second Tree Pipit of the spring, 8 Pied and 5 White Wagtails, 14 Goldfinches, 2 Siskins, 15 Swallows, and 2 House Martins which were the first of the year.

The regular Merlin was briefly joined by a Sparrowhawk and a Peregrine hassled the waders at high tide.

A lot of Red-throated Divers (20) on the sea with 3 Gannets, 8 Razorbills, 6 Guillemots, 6 Mergansers, 5 Kittiwakes, 4 Sandwich Terns and 372 distant Common Scoters.

Ringed today:-

13 Willow Warblers

6 Chiffchaffs

4 Grasshopper Warblers (right)

3 Linnets

3 Wrens

2 Meadow Pipits

1 Blackcap

1 Wheatear

1 Robin

The best ringing day this year !

(GRB+GB,FD,JE,CJ,KMc,KN,NDW,SRW,+TGW) photos CJ