30th May 2009

Again the Painted Ladies make the headlines with another massive influx late yesterday afternoon and 3,000 were estimated on the island at that stage. This morning a systematic count produced the fantastic total of 3,420 on the main island alone (see video below), and others were passing along the shoreline. The arrival is unprecedented on Hilbre.

A Hobby was seen at 05.00 hrs flying down by the south end, and later a recently dead Swift (right) showing signs of predation was found on Buzzard hill, not difficult to make a connection there!

Less exciting news this morning were records of 7 Canada Geese, 2 Teal, 3 Little Egrets and 22 live Swifts.

A Pied Wagtail and a Meadow Pipit were ringed last evening.

An Azure Damslefly was also photographed (see left).

(DB,FD,JE,CJ,SRW + PSW) [397] photos SRW