Bonxie - Hilbre

Another Hilbre visit  at the weekend with Al & Steve. Waiting for my lift in the dark at West Kirby the sound of waders calling filled the air. Dunlin, Redshank & Oystercatchers were all on the move. Arriving at the Obs as the sun was just beginning to rise we were greeted by the call of a Goldcrest and a Robin 'ticking' nearby. A quick round of the traps was rewarded with a solitary Goldcrest that was duly ringed and released. Whilst Al was making a brew he called me to look through the kitchen window at 2 Chiffchaff that were flitting around the bushes. At least 3 Wheatears were also on. One of the Chiffchaffs found its way into a heligoland trap thus doubling the total number of birds ringed for the day.

Three different Rock Pipits were seen and two more dropped out of the sky calling and landed on the west side cliffs and there was a small passage of swallow.

All the waders and gulls on Middle Eye were behaving a bit strangely and kept flying up and circling around. A couple of Peregrines were around and this seemed to be the cause of the disturbance. However, they all seemed to abandon Middle Eye which seemed very unusual. All was revealed when a Bonxie was spotted by Al flying off the beach at the south end of Hilbre and over the Obs before flying off north.

What a bruiser!

With the tide ebbing far enough to drive off we left the island only to be momentarily distracted by a Rock Pipit perched up on the cliff alongside the vehicle ramp. Using Al's car as a hide I managed  couple of decent shots through the open window.

Another great morning.