Thursday 20 October 2011

20th October 2011

Although the westerly continued today the wind was lighter, and first thing the rain showers dropped in 11 Goldcrests, which are often the only regular autumn migrants on Hilbre with this wind direction. Two new Blackbirds were ringed, together with the Coal Tit (left, a very scarce bird at Hilbre) which was still present from yesterday. A Merlin, presumably the same bird that has been around for the last few days, showed for the first hour after dawn, and slightly later a Sparrowhawk landed briefly on the buoymasters house garden wall (right), making 4 raptors for the day after both Peregrine and Kestrel had made an appearance earlier. Very few Meadow Pipits were seen today, certainly no migrants, and the only land birds passing through were 15 Starlings. A single Gannet on the sea was the only seabird of note in the calmer conditions today, but pleasing was the build up of Brent to 38 birds, which may have had a good breeding season judging by the number of young amongst them (above). Ringed:- 8 Goldcrests, 2 Blackbirds, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Robin. (CJ,KMc) [918-45] photos CJ

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