Bird Sightings
Rustic Bunting
- Alderney Bird Warden
Following the stormy weather from the weekend, a change in wind direction and with it the arrival of some birds.
Plenty of Blackcap and Chiffchaff were in the recording area and Meadow Pipît were migrating over. A Grasshopper Warbler was reported from outside the airport, then late morning, flying over Longis pond calling was a Rustic Bunting. This is the third record of Rustic Bunting on Alderney. The first was 17.10.21 the second on 19.03 this spring.
Rustic Bunting © Matt Scragg
Praying Mantis
- Alderney Bird Warden
A change in the weather resulted in a fall of migrant birds overnight. A busy morning at the ringing table with over 200 birds ringed, half of them being Chiffchaff. Notably there were at least six new Cetti’s Warbler in the recording area, three ringed and three additional field observations and a steady stream of hirundines moving over throughout the morning. It wasn’t just all about the birds this morning, a Praying Mantis was found late morning on Longis reserve.
Praying Mantis © Matt Scragg
Autumn Walk
- Alderney Bird Warden
A damp start to the autumn walk this afternoon, luckily the rain soon eased off. There were great views of Curlew, Little Egret and Grey Seal through the spotting scope at Longis Baye. The highlight of our walk was a Cattle Egret on Longis reserve, giving great views as the Egret hunted insects around the cows. Hilary was waiting at Wells House with tea and cakes to finish the walk. Thank you to all that attended for coming along and everyone behind the scenes for looking after us.
Cattle Egret © Matt Scragg
Wryneck
- Alderney Bird Warden
A change in the wind direction overnight and there was an arrival of birds this morning. A Wryneck was at Longis, along with a fall of Whinchat and Pied Flycatcher. Greenshank and Green Sandpiper were seen on Longis pond and the first big push of Swallows and Martins came through mid-morning.
Wryneck © Matt Scragg
