Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialChris Williams @hilbre.bsky.social · 27/09/2026With the weather very changeable @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social it’s been a little quiet, still plenty to find though! #ukbirding 0153
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 28/08/2026It ended up a beautiful day @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social following early morning rain. Lots of waders about & 2 new Turnstone added to our long term colour marking scheme #birdbanding #birdringing 0131
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 28/08/2026Potentially a 1st for @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social today with two Willow Emerald damselflies found by @steveonhilbre.bsky.social in one of the heligoland traps 0111
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 05/09/2026Big maintenance day @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social today repairing heligoland traps thanks to @britishbirds.bsky.social charitable trust grant. Having brew & Steve finds a Leach’s Petrel from Obs balcony. Fortified by sausage, black pud & egg rolls by @hilbre.bsky.social Clouded Yellow as a bonus! 0151
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialChris Williams @hilbre.bsky.social · 20/09/2026Bonxie & Leach’s Petrels during the recent NW winds @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social #ukbirding 0292
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialSteve Williams @steveonhilbre.bsky.social · 26/09/2026Some nice seawatching in September @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social highlights were of course good numbers of Leach’s Petrels, a few Manx Shearwaters, skua numbers were poor but a single Bonxie flew right over us at the North End, a Grey Phalarope whizzed by and a BlackGuillemot paid us a visit #UKBirding 0282
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialSteve Williams @steveonhilbre.bsky.social · 29/04/2026Such a privilege to see this #Cuckoo close up caught in one of our heligoland traps @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social for ringing under licence 😍 Then later watching it migrate off the island towards North Wales 🏴 #birdringing #UKBirding 0333
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 29/04/2026A real surprise @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social today. Definitely not on my bird radar this morning. The 15th Cuckoo ringed at the Obs caught in the SK heligoland. Only the 3rd in the last 40 years. A 2nd calendar year female #birdringing #birdbanding 0645
hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social · 27/04/2026Our blog is up to date with lots of news and photos from Hilbre Islands LNR, click on the link to view: hilbrebirdobs.blogspot.com/?m=1 070
hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social · 19/04/2026Our blog for yesterday is uploaded with lots of photos of birds and other wildlife from Hilbre Islands LNR: hilbrebirdobs.blogspot.com/2026/04/18th-april-2026.html?m=1 1150
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialChris Williams @hilbre.bsky.social · 19/04/2026Lovely to see a Long-tailed duck @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social and some fantastic Dunlin plumages as they move North #ukbirding 0222
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialChris Williams @hilbre.bsky.social · 12/04/2026Great to see Gannets passing again, not many Brent geese remaining now and the locals getting busy @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social #ukbirding 0111
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialChris Williams @hilbre.bsky.social · 08/04/2026Couldn’t believe my eyes when this stunning Sardinian Warbler appeared in front of us @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social reward for all the efforts the team put in. A cracking Redstart was nice too. #ukbirding 312817
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialChris Williams @hilbre.bsky.social · 06/04/2026As well as the Pinks heading North, Wheatears continued to move through @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social and a Sparrowhawk was escorted off the island! #ukbirding 0131
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialChris Williams @hilbre.bsky.social · 06/04/2026Thousands of Pink-footed geese headed North out of the Dee and over @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social (sound on) a few passerines around too. #ukbirding 0171
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 01/04/2026Retrapped this venerable old Meadow Pipit @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social today. 1st ringed by @hilbre.bsky.social on 18/5/2018 making it nearly 8 years old #birdringing #birdbanding 2483
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 01/04/2026Female Northern Wheatear caught and ringed under licence @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social this morning. A very worn 2nd calendar year bird #birdringing #birdbanding 0251
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialChris Williams @hilbre.bsky.social · 22/03/2026Migration continues @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social #ukbirding 0231
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 22/03/2026Sunrise @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social. No new birds ringed and the early morning frost reminded us of the old saying ‘never cast a clout ‘till May is out’ A beautiful morning with Reed Bunting, alba Wags, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch & Siskin passing overhead 0111
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 18/03/2026Cracking male Wheatear @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social this morning. Appeared after having a bath in the pond and flew onto Obs new chimney pot to inspect the workmanship before drying off on the roof 0233
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 18/03/2026Plenty of Rock Pipit activity @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social . Especially for @suffolkseawatcher.bsky.social! At least 3 unringed birds around paired up with colour ringed birds. CAI one of the 1st birds we ringed is back again after not feint seen since Sept 25 0161
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 11/03/2026More maintenance on the heligoland traps @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social today. A brisk F6 westerly made repairing the west side of the ‘Newton’ interesting! Internal baffles replaced on SK so we’re now ready for the new season 1182
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialChris Williams @hilbre.bsky.social · 08/03/2026Not just the team @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social getting on with spring maintenance, a nice Black Redstart near home too. #ukbirding 0212
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 08/03/2026Busy day @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social repairing one of Heligoland traps ready for the main migration. Birding time limited but did manage Scaup off N end. Probably the long staying bird at WK Marine Lake #cheshirebirding #ukbirding 0161
hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social · 05/03/2026Our blog for another great early spring day on Hilbre Islands LNR is uploaded, click on the link to view: hilbrebirdobs.blogspot.com/2026/03/5th-march-2026.html?m=1hilbrebirdobs.blogspot.com5th March 2026Weather: SE force 5 with mist, later SE backing north 4 But the sun shone through later. The first Wheatear of the year, on this excepti... 171
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 04/03/2026Unicorn @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social today? No, it’s a Chiffchaff with a pollen horn. One of two ringed at the Obs today 0181
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 04/03/2026Coal Tits aren’t annual @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social but are most commonly seen in spring. These two were caught & ringed today 0101
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 04/03/2026Nice spring passage of Robins @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social today. Probably 10-12 birds on the island & 6 ringed. 0121
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialJonny @suffolkseawatcher.bsky.social · 04/03/2026Series 1 of #TheTwoJonnies podcast DONE! ♠️ We finish on a high with @philwoollen.bsky.social of @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social fame. A wide ranging chat including Hilbre, Thailand and Oz birding! Episode is up on all reputable podcast platforms NOW: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...podcasts.apple.comThe Two Jonnies Episode 18Podcast Episode · The Two Jonnies Podcast · 4 March · 55m 061
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 04/03/2026Great day @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social today with @steveonhilbre.bsky.social. The run of Stonechats continues with 1 ringed & this colour ringed bird photographed on Middle Eye. Ringed in August 2026 on Mull! 1202
hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social · 01/03/2026A wonderful start to March on the islands the highlight today was this superb sub-adult male #HenHarrier that flew in off the sea and off west towards North Wales … more photos and news on our blog later hilbrebirdobs.blogspot.com/?m=1 photos 📸 by @alanhilbre71.bsky.social and @hilbre.bsky.social 0401
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialChris Williams @hilbre.bsky.social · 01/03/2026Spring was in full swing @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social with all the locals back in full voice, Stonechats buzzed around the paddock fences & waders fed as the tide moved them. Great to see a male Hen Harrier come in from the North before heading West, a sadly rare bird here now. #ukbirding 1364
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialAlan H @alanhilbre71.bsky.social · 01/03/2026Early start to get over for the tide @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social payed off with a fantastic imm male Hen Harrier that came in off the sea. Spring migration continues with 3 Stonechat, a pair each of Starling,Stock Dove & Woodpigeon. 13 Purple Sand roosting. #UKbirding 0282
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialChris Williams @hilbre.bsky.social · 15/02/2026The winter regulars greeted me @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social in the cold & damp, we were rewarded after doing a few repairs with a couple of Porpoises off the North end headed into the estuary 0122
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 25/02/2026Nice to see some of our Rock Pipits back @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social with @steveonhilbre.bsky.social & starting to pair up. CAK ringed as adult in 2023, CAX ringed as juv in 2024 & CBN ringed as juv in 2025 0131
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 25/02/2026At least 7 Stonechats @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social with @steveonhilbre.bsky.social today! Spring has officially begun. Skylark & Grey Wagtail over typically early spring birds & an increase in Robins around the island suggests they’ve started moving as well. 1151
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 25/02/2026Our 2nd earliest ever Chiffchaff caught & ringed @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social today with @steveonhilbre.bsky.social. Earliest was 23/2/2019. Pollen horn & fat score suggest local movement rather than long distance. Contrast in greater coverts indicates 2nd calendar year bird #birdringing #birdbanding 1262
hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social · 15/02/2026With shock & great sadness we report the loss of Marc Eden, HiBO member & great friend. Marc was an Obs stalwart for over 40yrs & despite living away cont’d to visit Hilbre & the Dee until his untimely passing. Love & thoughts are with his wife Harriet at this difficult time 🙏❤️🩹 040
hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social · 26/09/2025Our first #YellowbrowedWarbler of the autumn was caught&ringed under licence this morning. Only our fourth ever September record but our second earliest … hopefully more to come #birdringing 0231
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialSteve Williams @steveonhilbre.bsky.social · 26/09/2025Always a joy to hear and see the first #YellowbrowedWarbler of the autumn and this morning’s bird was in the heligoland @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social our joint second earliest ever. Autumn has properly arrived this week 🍂💥 also at least 20 Chiffchaff on the island today and a smart male Stonechat too 😍 0442
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 24/09/2025Great day @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social today. Quite a few birds moving overhead. A few birds ringed including this male Goldcrest and another Rock Pipit added to the colour ringing project and a few logged in the field. 0101
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 11/07/2025A real surprise @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social today when this very juvenile Wheatear was trapped & ringed. I don’t recall seeing one this young on the island before #birdringing #cheshirebirding #ukbirding 0181
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 11/07/20257 species of butterfly recorded @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social today including a few stunning Common Blue #cheshirebutterflies #hilbrebirdobs 041
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 11/07/2025This Rock Pipit was ringed as a juv on 30.07.20 @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social by our chairman @hilbre.bsky.social. It was retrapped today, sexed as male in breeding condition & colour ringed. It was retrapped soon after it was originally ringed but not seen since #hilbrebirdobs #ukbirding #birdringing 0121
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 11/07/2025A beautiful sunny day @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social surrounded by the call of juv Sandwich Terns begging for food off parents. Lots of butterflies around and lots of Six-spot Burnett Moths nectaring on thistle flowers 051
hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social · 11/07/2025Call in at the Bird Observatories Council stand (www.birdobscouncil.org.uk) and hear about the great work of bird observatories around Britain and Ireland and what the BOC is all about @globalbirdfair.bsky.social 042
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 27/06/2025Plenty of these tiger-striped Cinnabar moth caterpillars on ragwort @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social today. 041
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 27/06/2025Autumns officially started @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social with this returning Common Sandpiper found in Niffy Bay after the high tide #ukbirding #ukbirding 061
Reposted by @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.socialPhil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 27/06/2025Rock Pipit CBA was ringed as a juv @hilbrebirdobs.bsky.social in July 24 and is now back breeding in the island after inky being seen once previously in March this year. Great to see juvenile recruitment into the breeding population #birdringing #ukbirding 041
