Weather: E force 3/4 sunny and very warm
The easterly breeze drifted in a few migrants to the islands also a great many insects. Among those present were (left to right) the Hilbre obs chairman and secretary plus John Horton warden of the Cape Clear observatory in Ireland. They had represented the Bird Observatories Council at the bird fair over the weekend.
A Ruff, very scarce at Hilbre, was found while passing over Middle and seen again to the west of Middle in the evening. Also on the shore this morning were many Black-headed Gulls, several Common Gulls and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull. An adult Mediterranean Gull was also seen moving down the west side of the island this morning. A Marsh Harrier drifted south at lunch time.
On the island in the morning were 2 Chiffchaffs, a Sand Martin came through and there were 9 alba wagtails. Later small parties of Swifts totalling 110 birds mostly also headed south as the evening approached. Reasonable numbers of terns were around the island including 14 Common, 5 Little and 55 Sandwich.
Other sea sightings were few, although 16 Gannets and a Red-breasted Merganser made the list. Many waders (including 4 Whimbrel) were about but insects provided the main interest of the day. Five species of dragonfly were one of the highlights, an Emporer was the largest as usual.
There were both male Ruddy Darter,
.. and female Ruddy Darter
A Migrant hawker and a scarcer Black-tailed Skimmer were also on the list.
Butterflies arrived in massive numbers, 500 Red Admirals,
also 200 Small Whites, 10 Peacocks, 3 Green-veined Whites, 2 Gatekeepers, 2 Meadow Browns, a Common Blue, A Wall butterfly, a Ringlet. Photographed were a Large White and a Painted lady.
Our guest (JH) made a great list of insects including over 200 7-spot Ladybirds !
also a Burnet moth
Further information on the Bird Observatories Council is here in their newsletter.
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