Hilbre Island

Though it was a beautiful day, westerly winds didn't bode well for migrants, and so it proved, with only two Willow Warblers trapped. Even so, I managed to add a new species to my Hilbre list, a Common Sandpiper which was feeding on the "whale back" early morning. There were also at least 5, possibly 7 Wheatears on the island, and still at least 6 Whimbrel on the shore.

On Middle Eye, a magnificent Peregrine flew off the cliffs and away down the Dee estuary.

What really caught the eye today were the flowers. The south end of the island was awash with bluebells, whilst the cliffs were covered in thrift.

Butterflies today included Green-veined white and Small tortoiseshell.


Thrift


Bluebells in front of the obs building

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