The NE winds provided us with an increased passage of House Martins and Swallows today, roughly an even split involving around 50 birds. 2 Tree Pipits were together at the north end of Longis reserve and 5 Whimbrel on the Common. From mid day through to about 4pm I saw a Cuckoo several times around Longis reserve whilst completing net rounds. Paul and Catherine Veron reported the following :Bonne Terre Valley – 1 Garden Warbler, several Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Clonque – 1 Spotted Flycatcher, Telegraph Tower area – 2 Dartford warblers, 2 Peregrines, 1 Whinchat and 1 Skylark. Mannez Lighthouse 1 female Black Redstart.
Ringing. Today we ringed 25 new birds; our first House Martin of the Spring and 5th Tree Pipit, new Reed (5)and Sedge Warblers (9) continue to move through, we also had 1 Willow Warbler (in arrested moult- a blog entry for a rainy day!) 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 5 Blackcap, and 1 Swallow.
House Martin – Longis Nature Reserve