Winter thrushes

With a clear night Friday came the unmistakable calls of Redwings & Fieldfares passing over the house. A quick check of the weather forecast showed early morning mist. Ideal for a small fall on Hilbre. Unfortunately the tide was against us so we had to leave it until late morning to get across. The effort was worthwhile though with  small number of migrant thrushes and finches ringed - including this Fieldfare. One of only a very small number ringed on Hilbre over the last few years.

The Fieldfare was aged as a 1st winter male on the pattern of the crown feathers and the retained juvenile greater coverts.

The Goldfinches were educational as they were a first winter female (left) and adult male (right)

In addition to the Fieldfare we also ringed a Song Thrush and a couple of Blackbirds.

Whilst we were on Hilbre news came through that a late Wheatear found Friday at Rhyl had indeed been re-identified as a female Desert Wheatear after local birders suggested it would be worth a second look due to the late date. Well done Rob! That's yet another Desert Wheatear for N Wales and yet another one that's missed us!