Trip reports
Field Trip to Hilbre Island
Saturday, 22 August 2009
Large numbers of waders can be seen in and around the on and around the island, approaching the island large numbers of Oystercatchers were seen feeding on the mussel beds along with a small number of Whimbrel and Curlew. As the tide came in more waders came to the island to roost, most notable being Ringed Plover, Sanderling and Turnstone.
Offshore the wind was light so most birds were seen at a distance, the most interesting being several hundred Manx Shearwater feeding out to see near one of the offshore wind farms. Numerous Cormorant, Gannet and Sandwich Tern were noted along with a few Common Scoter Guillemot, Razorbill and a Peregrine, a possible Arctic Skua was also seen. A number of Common Tern were seen as the group left the island.
Few small birds were noted on the island, a juvenile Whitethroat caught by the ringers was the most interesting.