It was mostly about Redwings today, we counted some 2800 through the census area this morning and 108 were ringed along with a majestic 1st year female Sparrowhawk. A Merlin, Ring Ouzel and a single late Swallow were also seen this morning.
From ringing Dartford Warblers in the observatory garden to finding Palmate Newts on the Obs doorstep – photo from today.
Very light passage of migrants today but our morning ringing session was brightened by a touch of colour.
Images from this morning, Bullfinch and Goldcrest ( both males).
This Little Bunting ringed this morning was just the 3rd island record. A locally scarce Great Egret, single Snow Bunting and 5 Black Redstarts were the other highlights. Photo today’s Little Bunting.
The most unusual sighting of the day however came from a very lucky and astonished local who whilst taking part in the island fishing competition watched a huge Leatherback Turtle drift slowly by very close in the shore.
French ecologist and ABO autumn migration assistant Arcadie Fihey has completed her first month helping with our bird survey and research work. She has kindly offered to give a presentation on her ornithological studies in Ireland which is likely to take place next month, details will appear here in due course.
Image : Arcadie at Rockabill seabirds colony Ireland.