Weather: ESE force 4/5 SE 4 in the afternoon
Three
Canada Geese flew west betweeen the islands and a good start to an excellent
November Hilbre day was a Woodcock put up from the west side, both pre dawn. On
a further 3 occasions Woodcock were put up around the main island, including
once from the beach at the south end, it was decided there were at least 2
birds present. An observer arriving later had a lovely surprise when
they found a Lapland Bunting on Middle Eye but despite a cautious approach so as not to flush the bird it flew before anyone else got to see it, possibly towards the West Kirby saltmarsh. Our observer was however able to obtain a record shot on the ground.
A single Pink-footed Goose and a Lapwing were also noted whilst on Middle. Later a flock of 36 Lapwing flew over the East Hoyle, a good number for the islands these days.
On the main island 2 Snipe flew west high over the island
calling. There was excitement when a small warbler with pale underparts was
spotted flying near the northernmost buildings, luckily it landed in the trees
and was seen to be a pale Chiffchaff, it was eventually caught and ringed and
was confirmed as a Siberian Chiffchaff, a first for Hilbre. This remains a tricky identification issue, even in the hand, but we were satisfied that it met the present criteria for Siberian Chiffchaff.
There was a small finch passage this morning including 13 Siskin, 14 Linnets, 5 each of Chaffinch and Goldfinch, also a single Brambling, while thrushes also featured, a Redwing was heard early, 16 Blackbirds and 3 Song Thrushes were counted and the regular migrants at this time did not disappoint, there were 177 Starlings and 6 Skylarks. The Eider did not appear today but as the tide came in 4 Wigeon and 7 Teal were in the gutter.
A Sparrowhawk was found on the west side of the island an seemed totally unconcerned about the photographer standing above, it eventually was chased off by a Crow and flew west.
Another great mid-November day on the island.
Photos AS, SRW
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