Hilbre Bird Observatory: 11th August 2012

A fresh south easterly breeze this morning produced a better day than of late. A trickle of 8 Willow Warblers arrived during the morning with 6 being ringed was an improvement on the rest of the week. A Whitethroat was still present, which could be the same bird getting logged most days recently but not trapped for ringing. Two Shovelers flew south down the east side soon after dawn, a good record of a very scarce Hilbre bird, while 2 Greenshanks calling were a more typical species for August. A Sparrowhawk flying to the west was also an early visitor to the islands. An immature Marsh Harrier arrived from Red Rocks just before midday after being seen several times in north Wirral this morning. Swallows passed in small numbers travelling south with a single Sand Martin in the afternoon. The tern roost of about 400 Common and 500 Sandwich terns to the east of the island recevied a visit from 3 Arctic Skuas ( including 1 pale phase) that caused some consternation while they stayed in the area. The Skylark is still taking a liking to the grassy part of Middle Eye. Ringed Plover seem to be in good numbers with 230 south of Middle after the early tide and a Black-tailed Godwit arrived in the afternoon.
Ringed :- 6 Willow Warblers, 1 Linnet. [ 712-29 ]