8th March 2011

A fine list of 42 species for the day which is not bad for early March ! Pride of place must go to a splendid male Stonechat that was trapped for ringing (below).
Late winter or early spring is often a good time to find a Stonechat on Hilbre. A Merlin was about the island (above) and perched on the 'air-raid shelter' to pose for a photo. Other good records included a Raven, a Jackdaw, 3 Woodpigeons, 3 Skylarks, 2 Siskins, a Grey Wagtail and a House Sparrow.
Ringed:- 1 Stonechat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush.
(DB,CJW, et al) [20] photos CJW