Today the thrush invasion continued after overnight northerly winds and again they favoured Mannez quarry where there is ample, cover, shelter and food for these birds. An early surprise was a flock of 13 Barnacle Geese in off the sea and over Longis. The skein circled the common and headed towards Mannez then returned along the shoreline a few minutes later heading along the coast towards the airport. The last record of this species on Alderney was in 23 years ago! Before today’s sighting the largest recorded flock was 4. Other less common species recorded today were 2 Reed Buntings at Longis pond, 1 Merlin over Longis Common and a Mistle Thrush on the golf course. Also 2 late Swallows over longis pond and 1 Bar-tailed Godwit on Longis beach.
Ringing: Mannez reserve continues to shine with 108 new birds, Redwing again dominating the figures with 93, and a further 11 Redwings were ringed at Longis reserve. 145 new birds were ringed today taking us over 12,000 new birds ringed since 1st March. See ringing pages for totals.