Winds continued from the NW a little blowy at first light but quickly they became excellent ringing conditions. A total of 44 new birds included 7 warbler species, 2 more Garden Warblers and an increase in migrant Whitethroats.
This morning there was a Wheatear on Longis Common and there were a couple more along the south cliffs, along with a Common Sandpiper. Roland Gauvain reported that there were at least 20 Wheatear along the south cliffs yesterday early evening. There was one Whimbrel in Longis bay. Driving along Braye Road I noticed the high tide roost of smaller gulls and terns at the north has risen to well in excess of 50 birds so I will try to check it thoroughly tomorrow.
A shot of two of birds ringed today. Details in tomorrow’s blog.
Records received this morning from previously visiting but now resident birder/photographer David Child are as follows:
Mon 22nd Aug 2-5.30 pm around Airfield and Telegraph Bay
3 juv Kestrels hunting on butterflies on cliffs W of the Telegraph Tower (with a particular interest in quite a few Clouded Yellows);
2 Buzzards – resting between sorties on the airfield fence posts
1 female (or juv) Wheatear
1 Swift heading west
1 Peregrine (juv) along cliffs (many trips)
5 Ravens
also gulls moving 100+ per hour but all heading clockwise around the SW end of the island – why only in that direction?
Wed 24th
Many hundreds of gulls on and over headland between Arch Bay and Saye campsite – feeding on insects; also a juvenile Kestrel
Thurs 25th
40+ Swallows on wires at Mannez Quarry entrance
6.30/7.30pm Clonque Bay – 1 Little Egret
Greenshank calling overhead when I was in the Mannez hide at 3.40pm