25th July 2017

Weather:NW force 3
A single Arctic Skua was a scarce find this autumn so far. A Willow Warbler was on the island, while around the shore were 5 Whimbrel, 2 Little Egrets, and 1,200 Black-headed Gulls on the west hoyle bank.

24th July 2017

Weather: NW force 4
An albino Sandwich Tern resting on the east hoyle bank could have caused confusion to some.
Ten Whimbrel, a Gannet and a Bar-tailed Godwit were also on the day list. Six Green-veined White Butterflies and a Comma (scarce at Hilbre) were noted today.

23rd July 2017

Weather: WNW force 2/3
Two Eiders were noted on the sea, also 4 Gannets, 6 Little Terns and 54 Common Scoter, while 30 Swallows went through, a Willow Warbler and a Whitethroat were on the island, and there was a excellent count of 25 Whimbrel.

19th July 2017

Weather: SE force 4
Two Black-tailed Skimmer dragonflies seen today were possibly the first ever at Hilbre as this species is mainly confined to southern Britain. Following the Emperor dragonfly yesterday there were 2 today. Also present were 27 Swallows.

18th July 2017

Weather: SE force 2   warm

Sandwich Terns were much in evidence as the tide ebbed this morning, 700 were gathered at several places between West Kirby marine lake and Middle Eye with about 40 Common Terns and about 1,000 Black-headed Gulls.

Initially it was thought there were no migrants and then the song of a Whitethroat came from one of the bungalow gardens, it later gave a song flight from the south end bracken. At least 10 Swallows flew around the island. Waders are more obvious now, 750 Dunlin fed in a flock on the west side between the islands and 25 Redshanks flew together at the north end, only 2 Whimbrel were noted but there may be more. A Hummingbird Hawk Moth was seen briefly at the Valerian flowers above Niffy bay and an Emperor Dragonfly was in the SK trap for a while (the first this year?).

Ringed: 1 Linnet       [ 403-32 ]                   photos CJ

17th July 2017

Weather: NW force 2/3
Logged today were 250 Oystercatchers, 280 Dunlin, 24 Redshank, 170 Sandwich Terns, 9 Swallows and 20 Linnets.

16th July 2017

Weather: NNW force 2 mist and light rain

A Gannet rested on the rocks at the north end, quite an unusual happening at Hilbre. A Common Sandpiper was the other star bird of the day.

The moth trap last night had good results:

However, the best moth was found in the Obs - a Short-cloaked Moth; very scarce on the islands and the first here for our 'moth man' in residence (DCT).  Photo below and Gannet by Elliot Montieth.

15th July 2017

Weather: SW 2/3, then WNW 3/4  rain early clearing by midday

 

A members and guests get together took place over the tide to celebrate 60 years of Hilbre Bird Observatory. Birding seemed incidental today but the highlights were 2 Shoveler, 5 Eiders, 6 Whimbrel and a count of 162 Sandwich Terns on the east hoyle. A brood of Swallows have fledged from a nest in the old shed in the paddocks

Garden Tiger moth

An impromptu talk to members was given by Rod Philpott on the archaeological dig next to the obs that had yielded valuable evidence of viking era occupation.

There was the barbecue which was much enjoyed by all

and of Course..............................................

Special thanks must go to all who organised the event and in particular those involved in the preparation of food.
Ringed: 1 Linnet               [ 402-32 ]            
Photographs by several members