4th August 2021

Weather:  W force 2,  misty but warm and sunny

A juvenile Redstart was a nice surprise in the 'heli' trap this morning. Redstarts are more usual at Hilbre in spring.

There were no autumn Wheatears on the island to take advantage of the meal worms in the potter traps, but another nice find in their place was the Stonechat that had been here since yesterday.

 A Rock Pipit did enter into 2 of the potters but failed to activate the traps despite munching on the mealworms, it looked quite proud of itself afterwards.

A juvenile Blackbird was also ringed, it is possibly from a 3rd brood on the island.

A large flock of Linnets was flushed, probably of over 70 birds, backing up the impression of a record breeding season on the island. Three House Martins were feeding with the local island Swallows. Two summer plumaged Turnstones were at the north end.

 There were 12 Small White butterflies today, also a Gatekeeper, a Red Admiral and a Magpie moth.

photos JE