September 7th
At first light 16 Sand martins left an overnight roost on Longis reserve, the birds went immediately high and climbed until they were out of sight. Whilst ringing we then had a flock of 6 Turnstone fly over and 2 Greenshanks made a couple of passes over the pond but then headed out onto Longis beach. A single Teal also came in to the reserve pond. On Longis common there was 1 Wheatear and 1 Whinchat. Later on Longis beach were 16 Bar-tailed Godwit and amongst them a first winter Knot. Knot is uncommon in the Channel Islands and not annual on Alderney and as such became the latest addition to our year list. The Godwits are commuting to the golf course at high tide. Interestingly the very few historical records of Knot on Alderney also refer to them travelling with Bar-tailed Godwits.
Knot amongst Bar-tailed Godwits – Longis Beach – photo ABO
About 120 Swallows were feeding low over the sea in longis bay at morning high tide and generally there has been a passage of Swallows throughout the day.
Ringing produced 37 new birds including 1 Stonechat, 1 Garden Warbler, 9 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffhcaffs, 4 Whitethroats and 2 Blackcaps.
Paul Veron reported seeing at least 10 Whinchats behind the airport, 16 Ringed Plovers at Platte Saline and over Mannez this moring 2 Whichats and 3 Yellow Wagtails.
A late report from Tim Earl of a Honey Buzzard over the airport at about 1730hrs today.