31st July 2014

Weather WNW force 4
Insects continue to be the main attraction until the autumn migration of birds gets fully underway at Hilbre.

Sandwich Tern

Dunlin

The first emergence of Buff-tip moth caterpillars (right) this autumn happened today in its regular place in the obs garden. Butterflies were not in large numbers but Common Blue, Gatekeeper, Red Admiral and Peacock all featured at some stage together with a male Emperor dragonfly. An Arctic Tern was a good find sitting amongst the Sandwich tern roost.
















A single Willow Warbler was the sole non resident passerine while waders counted included 12 Whimbrel, 16 Ringed Plover, 25 Turnstones, 20 Redshank and a Bar-tailed Godwit. A pair of Common Scoter were on the sea.

Glasswort

 


The small glasswort plant found some time ago on the rocks at the north end, still shows to those who are observant. Although common elsewhere it is possibly the first on the island for 60 years.


(DB,AEH,TO)                    photos  AEH