All about waders

A great day Saturday spent on Anglesey with the SCAN ringing group rocket netting waders. Three nets were set at different locations to try and catch Curlew & Ringed Plover. Although not hugely successful we caught a small catch of Ringed Plover and Dunlin in one net and Curlew in another. The weather turned out to be beautiful and it was just nice being outside in such a glorious location in good weather.

Sunday saw me solo on Hilbre over the tide as a group of students from Salford University Wildlife Photography  Society were visiting. Once again the weather was beautiful and I was able to show them a Song Thrush being ringed and a re-trap Blackbird. Stars of the day though were the Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers that fed at the north end just before and after high tide.

 

The two regular colour ringed Turnstones were seen including this bird from winter 2007/2008. Just imagine the miles its flown back and forwards to its breeding grounds!

Most of the Purple Sandpipers flew off to Middle Eye to roost but one individual showed exceptionally well for everyone at the north end of Hilbre.

Also of note was a single Blackcap that remained stubbornly in the bracken at the south  end - probably hiding from the marauding male Kestrel that made repeat appearances throughout the day.