Another good day on Hilbre.

Managed another trip to Hilbre yesterday. An early morning yomp across the sands was in order and I arrived around 07.30 just in time for the first brew of the day! On the way past Middle Eye a Tree Pipit flew over calling and later a second bird was heard flying over Hilbre itself.

With a north westerly breeze not many migrants were expected but several Willow Warblers were caught and ringed but the focus of attention was once again on seabirds with the Black Tern still present and wader numbers continuing to build up. Suprsingly the Black Tern was frequently observed plunge diving for food at times beign completely submerged apart from its wing tips.

Its assciating with a group of Common Terns and seems to be copying their feeding behaviour!

The west side of the north end also provided good photo oppurtunitys for waders as a small group of Turnstone and Dunlin seem to favour this sheltered spot at high tide.

Who are you looking at?

The smell of the Chairmans Hilbre special fried breakfast being cooked attracted not only the Obs members but a roving Gannet that made several passes right alongside the Observatory.

Once more Auks were scarce but we did manage to find a single Guillemot on the sea and a dead Razorbill on the beach. One lucky visitng birder picked up a juvenile Black-necked Grebe before it flew off towards the wind farm.