With the wind in the southerly quarter and slight drizzle early on, observers could be forgiven for being 'optimistic' for a change recently. However, migrants, as expected, were very thin on the ground with single Wheatear, Willow Warbler (caught) and House Martin during the first few hours.
A Fulmar sheared around the islands on and off during the morning and a Little Egret was in the gutter.
Rain set in about 9.30am. More terns seem to have appeared today and there were flocks of Common Terns off the North End and several Sandwich were bathing on the rain drenched East Hoyle bank.
Ringed: Willow Warbler and Robin
Remaining optimistic in the forecast westerlies for the next few days may be difficult - but as we all know good birds do appear at this time of year, usually on their own, and Hilbre has had Nightingale, Bluethroat, Spoonbill and of course the Paddyfield Warbler in recent years at this time ... so we'll keep going and you never know your luck...
Evening update - an evening sea-watch from the Obs veranda produced 105 Manx Shearwaters and 75 Gannets.
(DB, CJW et al) [604-38]
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