by Alderney Bird Warden | Jan 20, 2024
The cold spell brought us a locally scarce Mistle Thrush, an influx of Starlings (around 340 birds) and 80+ Siskins. The Hooded Crow is still present, and one Lapwing which appeared to be having a ‘bad hair day’.
Photo (JH) this morning’s Lapwing.
by Alderney Bird Warden | Jan 14, 2024
Our 2024 ringing got underway this morning. Always a treat to see Firecrests.
Photo JH.
by Alderney Bird Warden | Jan 11, 2024
The strong NE winds and snow flurries overnight yesterday brought us a few species that are scarce here if we don’t experience a cold spell over-winter. The influx included 7 Teal, 19 Golden Plovers and 43 Lapwings.
This morning a Black Redstart at Fort Doyle and a Mediterranean Gull over the outflow.
Photo, this morning’s Mediterranean Gull.
by Alderney Bird Warden | Jan 4, 2024
A Purple Sandpiper keeping company with 4 Grey Plovers at Saye Bay this morning.
Photo JH.
by Alderney Bird Warden | Jan 4, 2024
The fierce weather relented somewhat today so an opportunity to get the 2024 island annual list underway. I wasn’t expecting much given the mild temperatures of late but managed over 50 species, a good return here during January. Highlights included Water Pipit, Hooded Crow, Cattle Egret, Merlin, Siskin, Water Rail, Grey Wagtail and Black Redstart.
Photo ( back of camera) Water Pipit.
by Alderney Bird Warden | Dec 25, 2023
A terrific sea-watch for an hour from first light this morning, a strong WSW wind brought an almost unbroken chain of Kittiwakes heading west with too many to count at times but a conservative total of 1300 in an hour would be fair. Auks, mostly Razorbills with some 300 on the sea just off Mannez Lighthouse and at least 3 times that amount also heading West. A real joy to see such large numbers of birds of any species given the increasing pressures they have faced in recent years.
2024 is shaping up to be another exciting and progressive year working on a variety of research projects as we continue to learn about and evidence the importance of Alderney for migratory birds; Happy Christmas everyone.
