12th August 2012



Common Snipe

Observers were surprised that the island did not receive a fall of warblers this morning as the conditions seemed ideal, but 2 Willow Warblers and a single Wheatear were the only conventional migrants on the ground. Surprise of the day was the first Snipe of the autumn south of Middle followed by an amazing flock of 21 flying around the south end mid-morning. Snipe in such numbers are very unusual at Hilbre. Three Collared Doves were also a sign of early autumn as was the continued build up of wading birds:- Ringed Plovers reached 350 and Sanderling 85, and a flock of 14 Bar-tailed Godwits fed around the east hoyle and a Greenshank was on the tide edge early in the day. Swallows went through again in small numbers. A dark phase Arctic Skua was seen later. Some of the RSPB/Rangers visitor group were lucky enough to see 2 Harbour Porpoises and later paid a visit to the obs where Derek and Colin Wells gave a talk.  

(DB+ESCA,JE,CJ,NDW,SRW)              photo  CJ