Hilbre Island

Things are changing fast on the island, autumn is approaching. The Willow Warbler passage is in full swing, with good numbers recorded last week at the observatory. Today I counted at least five birds flitting around the bushes, including one on Middle Eye. How many more were hidden in the Blackthorn I couldn't say. The only other migrant passerine seen was a single Wheatear.

Meanwhile out at sea, great excitment. The Little Terns have left their breeding colony at Gronant, and are now roosting on the West Hoyle Bank at low tide, and feeding off Hilbre. Today I estimated at least 150 birds, and probably more. The Sandwich Tern flock has risen dramatically, with at least 800 birds present today. Unlike the Little Terns, most of the Sandwich Terns chose to sit on the East Hoyle Bank. Probably a wise descision, since the West Hoyle was terrorised by two Arctic Skuas, a pale phase and a dark phase. These were the first skuas of any kind I have seen this year, and they hopefully herald the start of the autumn sea watching.

Still three Whimbrel around the island, and the small wader numbers continue to increase, but slowly.

Single summer plumage Grey Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit flew over. Butterflies today included a few Painted Ladies, a Small Copper and a few Graylings.

Arctic Skua - Year 205


Small Copper


Willow Warbler


Painted Lady