Hilbre Bird Observatory: 8th May 2024

Weather: WNW force 1/2 fog most of the morning, wind variable but light during the day Sunny in the afternoon.

Wednesday started with the glimpse of a Short-eared Owl in the thick fog on Middle.

A search of the island failed to locate it again, but a few hours later it appeared and circled over the members in the area of the lookout and showed well to one and all.

A few Willow Warblers were noticed now and again and then a Whinchat was found near the south end of the island. It stayed most of the day.

Whitethroats were the next to be observed and 2 of the 3 present were caught for ringing.

Two Spotted Flycatchers were photographed in the gardens and paddocks, a date that is earlier than their normal arrival time at Hilbre.

Lots of Lesser Redpolls flew around in groups, estimated total was 35, several were ringed.

The odd Siskin joined them, about 8 Siskins altogether, with 4 Goldfinches also here. Mid-morning a Swift flew through becoming the first arrival on Hilbre this year.

In addition to the first Swift, hirundines also featured again with a passage of 18 Sand Martins, 12 House Martins and about 100 Swallows.

Three Tree Pipits and a Yellow Wagtail called while passing by, as did a Skylark which also broke into it's famous song.

Two Goldcrests were unseasonable visitors, both were females and became ringed.

Wheatears were mostly lacking this morning just 2 Greenland race were seen. The sea was quiet and for most of the day very difficult to penetrate the fog anyway, just single Gannet and Great Crested Grebe was logged and 30 Sandwich Terns. Loafing around the island shore were 6 Eiders and a Common Scoter, and a flock of 21 Whimbrel flew over the island as did 2 of the 11 Little Egrets present.

A Common Sandpiper was around the Niffy bay area but failed to keep still for photographers and soon disappeared. Whimbrel were slightly down in numbers but still about a dozen around. Spectacular was a flock of 4,000 Knot flying directly over the obs this afternoon. The Fox broke cover in the SK paddock early in the afternoon. Tawny mining Bees were about the grassy areas today.