4th May 2023

 Weather: ESE force 3,  force 6 by 12.00 hrs.

 A cold day and the wind increased quite quickly which kept the warblers low, and it wasn't till early afternoon when the first Willow Warblers (5 of 10 on the island) were ringed. The first Swift of the year sped through at 09.45 followed by 4 more later on. There were no Sand nor House martins today,only 10 Swallows, a few of which will be the residents.

The weather did not deter the Greenalnd Wheatears from moving onward, 5 showed on the island.

 

A single Tree Pipit called as it came overhead, while the Whitethroat (from yesterday?) was still about and a female Blackcap was ringed.

 A Woodpigeon passed through and a Magpie was on the island later, Magpie is probably one of the least likely of the visitors to be caught for ringing at Hilbre, today was no exception, especially in the strong wind.

Finches were scarce this morning, just 4 Goldfinches and a Siskin in addition to the breeding Linnets. Only the drake Eider was seen today.

 

Eight Shelduck hang around the edge of the island.

 A single Purple Sandpiper remains here, but the eye is caught by the splendid show of the 18 Whimbrel.

 

 

 

Totals from the sea watch were 40 Gannets, 4 Guillemots, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 60 Sandwich and 17 Common Terns.

Ringed: 5 Willow Warblers, 1 Blackcap.

Photos: AS, CJW