17th August 2009

Two Greenshanks were seen early in the morning and then again at 13.00hrs. August is as good a time as any to see this scarce wading bird at Hilbre, indeed August and September are also prime months for rare waders if they occur. Other waders today were 600 Ringed Plovers (an excellent count), 1,000 Dunlin, 40 Turnstones, and 5 Whimbrel.
The Turnstone pictured right was probably ringed at Hilbre more than 8 years ago as the metal rings are now applied above the tarsus on this species.

The westerly blow saw an impressive 150 Manx Shearwaters and 50 Gannets past plus the usual terns feeding around the bay.

At high tide a Grey Seal hauled out by the east gutter and only seemed to return to the water when others encouraged it. Seals do not normally haul out in the immediate environment of the islands but only on the west hoyle bank, and any that do so are suspected of being not well.


No Wheatears today, and 2 Willow Warblers were the only non-resident land-birds.
Ringed : - 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Wren (right)
(DB,JE,PR) [461] photos JE