Today there were 3 Dunlin with 4 Bar-tailed Godwit in Longis Bay. A Woodcock was seen at mannez quarry. Sandy Robertson reports a Sandwich Tern in Braye bay and a ring tailed Hen Harrier over the railway line at Whitegates. Visiting ringer Matt Scott had a whimbrel and 9 Swallows Mannez lighthouse. New Assistant warden Joe England spotted a fine Black Redstart sheltering from the elements on the Obs first floor window ledge. At Longis common there was a Wheatear and 4 Swallows.
There was ringing at both Longis and Mannez returning a total of 184 new birds. The highlight was the Long eared Owl pictured below, the 1st ever ringed on Alderney and the lucky ringer Catherine Veron. Also ringed were 74 Redwings (60 at Mannez), 22 Song Thrushes, 17 Blackbirds, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Firecrest, 5 Goldcrests, 35 Robins, 4 Siskins, 2 Chaffinches, 3 Greenfinches, 9 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Wrens, and 2 Dunnocks.
Mid afternoon a juvenile Penduline Tit was located at Mannez quarry, the bird showed very well feeding on the reed mace heads right in front of the hide. This is a species never before recorded on Alderney and takes the all time island total for bird species recorded here to 290.
Long eared Owl – Mannez Quarry – Photo – ABO