WeBs day - Hilbre

It was a beautiful sunny Septembers day on Hilbre last Sunday and it coincided with the regular WeBs count - not that I was expecting to undertake this wearing shorts!

Wader numbers were good and the high tide meant many more roosted on Middle Eye and around Hilbre as they were forced off West Kirby & Hoylake beaches. The only problem was the continued disturbance by inconsiderate sea kayak-ers meant they got flushed on at least 3 occasions. Highlight was a Ruff picked out flying around with group of Whimbrel by Mark Payne.

Ringed Plover, Turnstone and Dunlin roosted on the west side of Hilbre and provided good views.

Thousands of Common Scoter were distant towards the wind farms and there were several auks  - including one Guillemot close in at the north end.

Despite the clear conditions there had been a small fall of migrants with Robins 'ticking' from the Obs balcony and a Goldcrest calling. We eventually ringed 3 Robins and a Goldcrest.

The only other passerine of note was a single juvenile Wheatear that spent the whole time at the north end oblivious to the artist and day-trippers that also stayed over the tide.

Wheatear keeping a close eye on the motorised hang-glider that buzzed the island much lower than it should have done! 

All in all a fairly quiet day but very enjoyable.