June 26th
Last day for the seabird ringers who today visited the offshore islet of Cocque Lihou. A total of 16 Guillemots, 7 Razorbills, 4 Great Black-backed Gulls, 9 Shags and 3 Oystercatchers (one pictured below) were ringed. These auk figures are the second highest recorded for Alderney in any single year since 1953.
Somewhere in the region of 800 seabirds have been ringed this weekend. The GPS Tags fitted to 12 individual Gannets are now all sending out clear signals allowing us to observe and map their movements. Once I get everyone’s photos in, and the final weekend totals, I will add them to the blog.
Returning to the Obs this afternoon, we ringed 4 Song Thrush and 4 Swallow pulli.
Young Oystercatcher: ringed and being returned to the nest.