A post-tide visit, to continue the excellent coverage on the island this Spring by a small group of the regular members, produced an interesting array of waders.
The receding tide left the usual patches of mud below the Obs which held good numbers of Dunlin and Ringed Plover as well as the North End seaweed covered rocks and slipway which also held Dunlin, Ringed Plover and 4 Sanderling. A video of Dunlin feeding after the tide can be viewed by clicking here: https://youtu.be/gQh8Cy1is-k
One of the Sanderling was leg-flagged and colour-ringed (see above and below) and we look forward to hearing where it was caught as it uses Hilbre for a brief stop-off on its journey North.
A video of the Sanderling can be viewed by clicking here: https://youtu.be/pYkow_HAU6Y
A single Whimbrel and a few Oystercatchers continued the wader theme for the couple of hours. Meanwhile, a single Little Egret fished in the pools left by the tide.
There was no evidence of passerine migration until a single late Siskin was heard calling as it passed overhead.
The Atlantic Grey Seals on the West Hoyle sandbank haul out were obviously in very good number today as they were spread from the green marker bouy to the southern tip of the bank. 573 were counted as the sandbank was exposed as the tide dropped; a good number for May as we approach the peak months of June to August for this superb marine mammal at Hilbre. Photo below is only part of the whole group.
Meanwhile, the Obs viewed from the South End of the main island is still looking fabulous as a blanket of bluebells covers this part of the island.
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