8th September 2014

 Weather : W force 3, later NW 1, sun breaking through

Wheatear

Another trickle of Goldcrests with a westerly element in the wind, a phenomenon that has been noted for many years at Hilbre, this time with the addition of a Whitethroat that was extremely elusive during the day but gave itself up for ringing in the afternoon. Just a single Wheatear today but Robins were again in good numbers, a small steady flow has been observed for the last week or so.

Pied Wagtail

Nine Barnacle Geese flew south west early in the morning, a rare record in any conditions and at any time on the island. A female Sparrowhawk was found sitting on the 'heli' garden wall, but it soon made off towards Wales, while there were at least 2 Kestrels (male and female) present and possibly another male. Our resident rabbit made itself at home today when it was seen in the obs garden near to the building. Departing the island a member saw 6 Pintail flying south and also a Golden Plover flying north east.
Ringed: 4 Goldcrests, 1 Robin, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Linnet.   [ 720-34 ]
(DB,KMc+SD)     photos  KMc