11th April 2010

The first Whimbrel of the year was found in the east gutter and was then seen on the whaleback later. Two Willow Warblers arrived early today but left promptly leaving behind a single Chiffchaff which was still present in the afternoon.
A Tree Sparrow finally gave itself up to the ringers and yet another Reed Bunting was added to the ringing totals with 2 more Lesser Redpolls and 2 new Dunnocks on the island making a total of 5 present this morning.
Hirundines had increased since yesterday with 19 Sand Martins and 9 Swallows going through. Other day migrants included 3 White Wagtails and a small number of finches.

A Short -eared Owl was watched distantly for some time over the West Kirby shore, while a Greylag Goose (right) spent some time around the island associating occasionally with the remaining Brent which are now down to 36 birds and seem ready for more to depart.
Thirty Little gulls and the 2 Velvet Scoters are still on the sea.
Ringed:- 2 Lesser Redpolls, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Dunnocks,1 Chiffchaff, 1 Wren, 1 Robin, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Tree Sparrow.
(DB +ESCA,JE,CJ,SRW, TGW) [98] photo CJ