This has been one of the best spring for migrants on Hilbre in recent times and this weekend was no exception with a deluge of birds Saturday albeit slowing to a trickle Sunday. Common Whitethroats ringed number 33 - the best total since the halcyon days of the 70's.
Willow Warbler numbers have also been higher than in recent years and even less than anuual migrants such as Tree Pipit, Redstart and Garden Warbler have been caught. Other spring goodies include Whinchat.
As well as the migtrant birds the residents are in full breeding mode with juvenile Dunnocks and Robins being adequate proof of confirmed breeding whilst the female of the residnet Blalckbird pair has been seen carrying food.
Flocks of Dunlin, posssilby of the more northern races, are hanging around in theiir breeding plumage and included this leucsitic bird whilst Whimbrel numbers are slowly increasing as the month progresses.
Right on cue our local House Martins have arrived and there appears to be more birds around than last year. Hopefully they've had a good winter and numbers have genuinely increased. Robins have fledged from the ivy in front of the house whilst we were in Australia and Wrens are feeding young above the porch. I found a Dunnocks nest in the hawthorn hedge yestersay and the Blackbirds are nesting somehere where the Magpies can't find them!
The Moorhens are already incubating their second brood and we've a pair of Greenfinches nesting somewhere nearby.
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