Some favourable weather but without substantial numbers of migrant birds bar Meadow Pipits during the first part of the week. Strong winds largely restricted our ringing efforts but despite low numbers this week we are still getting some interesting birds that included a french ringed Blackcap. A splendid male Stonechat has been singing his heart out on Longis reserve all week and unusually for the north end of the island a pair of Jackdaws have also been offering aeriel displays.
27th – There was a single Fieldfare in the orchard at Rose Farm and a pair of Sparrowhawks displaying overhead. At the same time Justin caught and ringed a Dartford Warbler at Essex Farm. The bird was caught amongst Willows over a stream and though we have a few breeding pairs of Dartfords’ there are none near this location, it is likely this bird was a passage migrant.
Female Dartford Warbler – Essex Farm
28th – A fine Black Redstart in the Obs garden was a nice start to the day, a good flock of around 50 Meadow Pipits were on Longis common and double that on the golf course. 3 Shelduck in Longis bay. A Tree Pipit and a Firecrest at Longis reserve. There were 2 Sand Martins over the Obs first thing and 7 over Longis pond in the afternoon where there was a female Teal and 3 Snipe. A handful of Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs were ringed between Essex Farm and Mannez reserve. A Dartford warbler was seen at Vallee ds trios. A modest and early start was made to our moth trapping which produced single specimens of Pine Beauty, Common Quaker, Early Grey and also Hebrew Character (3).
Pine Beauty – ABO moth trap
29th – A single Swallow over the golf course. Paul Veron managed this super shot of the male Garganey still present at Longis pond, usually a shy species, this ones appears to enjoy the limelight !
Male Garganey – Mannez reserve – photo Paul Veron
30th – Mark Atkinson saw a Barn Owl at Rose Farm. There was one Sand Martin over Longis pond in the morning and 2 Golden Plovers passed over the golf course late afternoon.
1st April – Still just a thin sprinkling of Migrants, Jason had 2 Swallows heading north out to sea at Tourgis, 2 Wheatears at Tourgis and another at Giffoine.
2nd April – Blackcap singing today in the Obs garden and at Rose Farm as were Chiffchaffs at Rose Farm and Longis reserve. A pair of White Wagtails have adopted the Obs roof, lets hope they decide to stay.