25th June 2023

 Weather: ESE force 4 mostly cloudy but dry early morning

There was a fresh breeze early which in addition to the approaching rain for the afternnon may have encouraged the unexpected passage of hirundines and Swifts this morning.The breeding Swallow numbers were swelled by about another dozen or so and about 10 Sand Martins and a House Martin were feeding over the island for a while.

 

 

Meanwhile 17 Swifts were counted over a couple of hours to mid-morning.

No sign of the Black Guillemot but eventually the immature male Eider swan up to the whaleback.

A juvenile Starling flew about the island and a Goldfinch came down to sing briefly. A few things were seen on the sea, 100 Common Scoter, 9 Gannets and a Common Tern and about 50 Sandwich Terns.

 

Curlews seem to have increased in numbers (30 today) but small waders were absent, none of any species were recorded, it is not often that can be said of a visit at any time of year. First thing in the morning Little Egrets were scattered all over the islands, with a total of 14 counted, a very good number. 

Known to be definitely breeding on the island this year are Linnets, Wrens, Blackbirds, Swallows, Pied Wagtails, Rock Pipits and Meadow Pipits.

 ,,, and of course the Shelduck which was seen leading its brood off the island earlier on. An exciting find was a Pyramidal Orchid in one of the paddocks, They have appeared here intermittently in past years. 

In the same paddock a Hummingbird Hawk Moth was noticed briefly. A Red Admiral and a scarce butterfly at Hilbre, the Comma was flying in the gardens.     

 As usual the Grey Seals were curious to see the visitors watching them at the north end of the island.     

 

                                                                                                         

Photos AEH