A week seeing changes on our beaches and shorelines of increases of Curlews and the return of Black headed Gulls and Little Egrets, all non breeders here. Other migrant bird species have also put in appearances and there has been a marked increase in fledged songbirds. Moth trapping has been very busy but the focus has been preparations for the seabird ringing trips taking place throughout July. On top of this an important week to the ABO as a whole, as we move towards establishing the bird observatory at its first and current home; The Nunnery.
26th – 3 Little Egret Longis Bay and a Barn Owl hunting in Barrackmasters Lane,
27th, A juvenile female Marsh Harrier at Giffione and also a Green Sandpiper in the geese field. A Mediterranean Gull at Crabby bay and a Cuckoo at Telegraph. 7 Black headed Gulls Saye Bay.
28th, Green Sandpiper at Giffione in the marshy area of the geese field. And a Juvenile Green Sandpiper on Longis Nature reserve at 8pm
29th, An impressive movement of Swifts, an estimated 100+ over Kiln Farm
30th, The pair of Shelduck nesting in Longis Bay were spotted with one duckling, a rare breeding record for the island that follows increasing breeding records for this species across the Bailiwick islands.
1st – Hobby over Longis bay also seen hunting over Barrackmasters Lane. A single Whimbrel was in Longis Bay.
2nd a Marsh Harrier was also spotted Barrackmasters Lane along with a Swift. A Hobby over Longis common.
Poplar Hawk moth – Obs trap – ABO
Swallow tailed Moth – Obs trap – photo – ABO
Common Tern chick being ringed – Bibettes head – Alderney – photo Justin Hart
Shelduck and duckling record shot – Longis Bay – photo – Johnboy Woody
Oystercatcher chick being ringed near fort Clonque by visiting ringer/birder Jason Moss – Photo – ABO
Some of the Gannet seabird team enjoying a BBQ at the Obs. Ike the Obs dog keeping a careful eye on the sausages
Thanks again to all those contributing records and photos this week.