6th October 2009

A very damp morning, but the rain held off long enough for an early check of the trapping areas for migrants. Unfortunately only one of the Blackbirds from yesterday, a Song thrush and a few Robins were to be seen. A late Wheatear appeared near the north end after a particularly heavy rain shower.

The first Merlin of the autumn flew up the east side and off to the north without stopping, although a Starling did pause momentarily on the bracken (right) which is unusual as most are Hilbre fly-overs.
The colour ringed Brent mentioned yesterday was confirmed today as the Dublin bird when the letters on the colour rings were read (see blog for 8th January 2009 for the birds history).
Later a Rock pipit was found at the north end, and a sea watch in the rain logged some late terns (3 Common, 1 Sandwich) and 3 Red-throated Divers.
Ringed:- 2 Robins, 1 Wren
(BSB,CJ,et al, +CS,R ) [538] photos CJ