Hilbre Bird Observatory: 14th May 2023

Weather: SE force 2 slight mist

A beautiful and warm early morning but a look about the island found little evidence of new migrants around. Three Eiders were at the north end, 2 males and a female, later 2 immature males floated up the west side without joining the others.

A more unexpected sighting from the north end were 2 Canada Geese, out on the rocks then swimming away from the island.

For the 3rd day running no Wheatears were on the main island, but a Greenland bird was seen on Middle at high tide (through the telescope). Two Goldfinches passed through and a House Martin called overhead as well as a few extra Swallows feeding with the local birds. Gannets were prominent among the sea birds, 37 counted,

There were still 65 Sandwich Terns off the islands and 35 Common Terns,

Five Guillemots were off the west side but just 3 Common Scoter were close to the island.

Many Dunlin semmed to have moved north as less were about today. but still several hundred flew at high tide, and 30 Ringed Plover were in the gutter, 3 Whimbrel called, while 7 sub-adult Turnstone rested at the north end.

In contrast was an summer plumaged bird.

The star wader showed itself calling and flying off Niffy bay then moving to between the islands. Common Sandpiper is scarce but regular in spring at Hilbre.