22nd March 2010

A rare Hilbre species appeared today when 2 male Gadwalls were found on the whaleback with a pair of Wigeon before they flew off south. The last record seems to be of a single male seen south of Middle on the very similar date of 25th March 2006.
A male Wheatear stayed at the north end all day, even through a tremendous storm that occurred in the late afternoon.
Seen on the move over the sea were 31 Little Gulls (including some juveniles) that flew fairly close to the west side before the tide, and later 17 adults travelling south west at high water. Also off the west side were 22 Whooper Swans going north before landing on the sea, and eventually flying off to the north west. No other great surprises on the sea, and just a single Gannet and 2 Red-throated Divers were logged.
Meadow Pipits passed in moderate numbers (240) and 14 Starlings went over but other small birds were scarce, just a single White with the 7 Pied Wagtails, 2 Rock Pipits and a Goldfinch around the trapping area. A Raven and 4 Canada Geese can no longer be described as scarce, but were good additions making the day list up to 44 species.
(DB)