Wednesday 25 May 2011

25th May 2011

The wind eased overnight and this morning found a south easterly and a clear sky at dawn, although soon clouding over making it feel quite cool. A Whitethroat was caught which is probably the bird seen over the last few days, but more of a surprise was a Woodpigeon which also ringed (left). A dozen or so Gannets were on the sea early with a few seen later in the morning, also 6 Sandwich Terns which were the only other seabirds today despite the large numbers noted in the strong westerlies of the last few days. A few hirundines were passing with House Martins outnumbering Swallows by 9 to 7. The shore still held several hundred Dunlin and 50 Ringed Plover, with a single Whimbrel and a Little Egret. Find of the day was a pair of Buff-tip moths mating on some Ragwort at the south end, looking for all the world like a twig of birch lying on the plant (right). Buff-tips are at the very start of their flight season and their caterpillars are noted regularly on Hilbre but a mating pair is a rare sight. Ringed:- 1 Linnet, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Woodpigeon. (DB,CJ) [602-38] photos CJ

No comments: