2nd July 2021

 Weather: ESE force 0/1     mist around the coast

 A very calm and cloudy morning started with a Red Fox galloping off the islands towards Red Rocks as soon as the tide ebbed. It seems likely that a fox or foxes visit on and off to the islands rather than being resident here.

Also on the ebb, lots of Curlews, Black-headed Gulls and Sandwich and Common Terns were gathered between Little Eye and the Tanskies, and a summer plumaged Dunlin arrived later in the afternoon, autumn is here already! Herring Gulls are also in large numbers now. One and then 2 more Swifts flew across the island. A sub adult Gannet flew passed the north end but the Eider could not be found at that stage. The Whitethroat continues to sing but for such a showy bird it has been difficult to photograph all along.

The Kestrel was present as was a Grey Heron and 7 Little Egrets.

Juvenile Wrens were calling in various places in addition to the young Linnets. Later 4 Mute Swans spent the evening on the edge of the tide.

A good moth catch from last night produced a first for Hilbre in the shape of an Obscure Wainscot

This moth was first recorded in Wirral in 1890, and although still scarce has become more regular in south Wirral recently. Others found last night were (in order) Common Wainscot, Dogs Tooth, and Bramble Shoot moth.

photos CJ, CJW.... thanks to BSB for moth info