1st May 2024

 Weather: E force 2, rain in the night. ESE later

The overnight rain cleared to a calm, warm and bright day. The Pinkfooted Geese have not finished another 570 this morning calling to each other as they go in several flocks soon after dawn. Appearances by Reed Bunting and Jackdaw made it seem like an early spring day, but the 30 or so Willow Warblers in the paddocks and gardens reminded us that we are now in the peak passage period.

 A Sedge Warbler in song was the first of the year for Hilbre, eventually it was trapped and ringed.

 

 Two of the 14 Greenland Wheatears present were also caught for ringing.

Three Whitethroats were on the island, one was the bird that has been here for a week, all were singing and another became ringed. A Yellow Wagtail went over early and 4 White Wagtails were at the north end at some stage. Lesser Redpolls were in evidence again, 28 today and a few Goldfinches but no Siskin heard. Hirundines were still passing through, especially in the very warm sunshine around midday,  8 Sand Martins and about 45 Swallows. 

 A Common Sandpiper landed briefly on top of the rocks by the life boat house and then went down by the whaleback. 

 

There were 27 Whimbrel around the island, 95 Turnstone, 4 Sanderling and a single Purple Sandpiper.  A very calm sea did not reveal any 'seabirds' except for the 170 Sandwich Terns and over 30 Gannets flying about. A Peregrine flew off the west side and circled, it seemed to have prey, and a Raven later circled over the West Kirby shore. A full team of 9 Eiders were on the whaleback and the loan Brent was joined by another. A pair of Scoter floated off the whaleback, as did a Great Crested Grebe. Eleven Little Egrets graced the shore. A Brimstome moth and a Orange Tip butterfly were notable inhabitants of the Blackthorn. We have been fortunate in having 2 consecutive 'good' days.

Ringed: 17 Willow Warblers, 3 Lesser Redpolls, 2 Greenland Wheatears, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Linnet, 1 Goldfinch.

Photos: PSW, SRW