Bird Sightings
Daily census starts
- Super User
The daily census starts this weekend but there have been a few migrating birds seen already.
There are a few Chiffchaff that winter on Alderney. This individual pictured from this afternoon is supporting a pollen horn, indicating that until recently it was in Southern Europe.
On Wednesday 25th Feb three Sand Martin came to roost on Longis, the previous earliest recorded date was 5th March on Alderney.
There have also been a few waterfowl sightings this week with Brent Goose, Greylag Goose and Shelduck.
Chiffchaff © Matt Scragg
Moth trapping started
- Alderney Bird Warden
Finally a night without rain and the moth trap was packed with over 160 Hebrew Character this morning. Chestnut, Early Grey and Common Quaker were also recorded, just in smaller numbers! Over the last few days there has been a slight increase in Meadow Pipit seen on Longis reserve and the first Pied Wagtail for the spring making their return north. Spring migration has started!
Hebrew Character © Mat Scragg
Bird Garden Birdwatch
- Alderney Bird Warden
This weekend is the Big Garden Birdwatch! The ABO will be in the library from 10 till 12 on Friday and Saturday morning, call in and see us!
Wren
Snow Bunting
- Alderney Bird Warden
A very blustery day on Alderney. Despite the weather there had been an arrival of birds with 6 Wheatear, 10 Rock Pipît and 12 Pied Wagtail feeding along the high tide strandline of the beaches. I was heading around the coast towards Longis Baye when a message came through from Chris Tardivel, a visiting ringer, he had found a Snow Bunting on the beach! When I arrived at Longis he delivered the news “I’ve not seen it for 10 minutes” just as it reappeared from the large shingle and started to forage amongst the seaweed.
Snow Bunting © Matt Scragg
