30th Jan – 5th Feb
After some exciting birds last week the early part of this week was dominated by wet weather and poor conditions. We took down the last of the ringing nets making way for site maintenance before spring migration begins.
Amidst the bad weather this week few bird records. On the 30th there were 7 Teal, 9 Snipe and a Jack Snipe on Longis pond. Catherine Veron reports the Pochard still present on Crabby Quarry. The highlight this week is non avian. For the second time in the last six months a new species of bat has been discovered on Alderney, this time a Natterers Bat. Alderney continues to offer up wildlife surprises.
This weekend we have been representing Alderney and the Channel Islands by attending the Bird Observatory Council AGM. This year held at Scarborough on the North Yorkshire coast. We are on track to obtain bird observatory accreditation for the ABO. Once again the opportunity to join this small gathering of the nations bird observatory wardens was an invaluable opportunity to delve into the wealth of experience and knowledge brought to the table. Having taken in the observatory set ups at Filey and Flamborough, heading south again offered the chance to visit and stay at the newly built and popular Spurn Bird Observatory. Another chance to pick up ideas to ensure our own Obs makes the grade.
Spurn Bird Observatory overlooking the Humber estuary this evening 5th Feb.