Weather: E force 2, SE 4 by lunchtime
Yesterdays showery weather gave way to bright sunshine today. Undoubtably the highlight was a Kingfisher which was found on the west side rocks just north of the obs about 1pm.
Kingfishers are very rare at Hilbre, this being the 5th record for the island. This individual soon flew off north but was later located by Matt Thomas at the north end about 3.30pm. A Stonechat was present first thing and 35 Pink-footed Geese were seen in flight.
A Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warblers and 2 Goldcrests were here also 3 Wheatears, so migration was at a lower level than yesterday although 4 Grey Wagtails came through. Plenty of waders to see, a flock of 70 Knot flew passed the north end.
There were 7,000 Oystercatchers, 11 Bar-tailed Godwits, 130 Sanderling, 70 Ringed Plover, 500 Dunlin, 40 Redshank,120 Curlew and 2 Whimbrel.
Sadly there were no Curlew Sandpipers in sight but 7 were an attraction at the south end of the W.K. marine lake (below).
Still 350 Sandwich Terns could be found today, also 3 Gannets, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 22 Common Scoter and the single Shag. The same 3 Eider were present but the Brent have now just reached double figures. The Little Egret continue to be very visible, there were 15 today. No lack of Red Admirals again, 30 this morning with 2 Migrant Hawkers and a Common Darter dragonfly.
Photos SRW
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