by John Horton | Nov 2, 2021
A week of strong predominantly SW winds has slowed migration through Alderney but back to business this morning with movements of thrushes and finches.
Yesterdays highlights were a Grey Phalarope just offshore during a post daily census sea-watch between 10 & 11am that recorded 1315 Kittiwakes. This morning 1200 Woodpigeon in off the sea and amongst the larger flocks of Chaffinches a total of 75 Bramblings.
The Ringing of 72 birds included a Jack Snipe, Coal Tit (locally scarce) and our first Reed Buntings of this autumn. Photo (JH) this morning’s Jack Snipe.
by Rod Paris | Oct 27, 2021
We received this letter from one of our members, Chris Bale. Worth clicking and reading!
by John Horton | Oct 24, 2021
A wonderful visual migration during the last 3 days that has included over 5000 Chaffinches, 1200 Siskins 205 Bramblings, 18 Grey Wagtails, 3500 Starlings, 1 Woodlark, 2 Ring Ouzel, 2400 Redwings and 520 Song Thrushes.
Other sightings; Great Egret, Merlin, Whinchat and 3 Black Redstarts.
Amongst the ringing were 2 Garden Warblers, Siberian Chiffchaff and a Common Rosefinch (image: JH).
by John Horton | Oct 19, 2021
This morning saw an increase in the passage of Siskins with 160 passing over the census area.
Our highlights were amongst the ringing; a Coal Tit was only the 4th seen on the island since we began recording in 2016 and we were pleased to record a Dutch ringed Blackcap.
A male Rustic Bunting (photo below) should be making his way to wintering grounds in SE Asia, this unlikely visitor is a species never previously recorded in Alderney.
by John Horton | Oct 17, 2021
The mild weather continued into today with plenty of migrants arriving on the the light winds.
A wonderful time of year here to witness flocks of Redwings and Swallows going in to roost.
This morning small numbers of Bramblings and 2 Mistle Thrushes ( locally scarce) were the highlights of another busy day recording migration.
Photo (JH) one of two Bramblings ringed this morning.
by John Horton | Oct 14, 2021
As the British Isles most southerly accredited bird observatory we are probably the last to record movements of winter thrushes each autumn
Today was our first fall of Redwings, around 750 in the census area at the north east end of the island, also 18 Fieldfares. Another busy day ringing included 244 new birds, 106 of which were Redwings.
Photo: (JH) one of this morning’s Redwings.
by John Horton | Oct 12, 2021
Today’s highlights were a very late moving Grasshopper Warbler ringed this morning, along with a Grey Wagtail and Garden Warbler. A Great Egret over the recording area headed NW and this splendid Dartford Warbler ( photo below) was ringed this afternoon within a few metres of our new HQ at Telegraph House.
by John Horton | Oct 8, 2021
Some 1800 Swallows and Martins swarmed over Longis reserve this evening capping a busy day in the field recording migration that saw 615 passerines ringed, our highest day total to date.
by John Horton | Sep 30, 2021
An unusual ring read in the field during this mornings census, a ‘white on blue’ colour-ring on an adult Lesser black backed Gull. Will update this page when we have details of its origin. Photo (JH).
by John Horton | Sep 19, 2021
A couple of male Firecrests amongst the ringing this morning. Photo (JH).
