Sunday 6 August 2023

6th August 2023

 Weather: NW force 4/5  backing WNW later

A breezy but dry day was a welcome change in the weather from the previous day.  Highlights of today were undoubtedly two butterflies that are rarely seen on Hilbre. A Wall and a Small Heath. Both were photographed in one of the sheltered paddocks. Given the prevailing winds these have most likely originated from North Wales.

 

 

Wader numbers continue to increase with the highlight being 12 Whimbrel that roosted on Middle Eye over the high tide. Returning Turnstone are still in summer plumage and several juveniles were also noted. 

 

The sea was very quiet but the juvenile Shag seen a couple of days ago was still present and an immature / eclipse male Eider made an appearance on the Whaleback.

Our Rock Pipit colour ringing project continues with a new bird being marked and a previously marked bird being retrapped. One colour ringed bird was also photographed ‘in the field’ illustrating the benefits of the project.

Regulars around the island at the present time are Linnets, Sandwich Terns and Black-headed Gulls (here with metal ring)

 

 


Photos AEH, PSW

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