Black-winged Kite seen on the airport yesterday evening. Last seen making its way towards Kiln Farm and possibly roosted overnight on Alderney
Burhou boat trip
After months of planning and submitting applications, the annual seabird ringing expedition to Burhou went ahead last week. The main focus being to colour ringing Lesser Black-back Gull chicks and ringing in the Storm Petrel colony.
The movement of the juvenile gulls with colour rings produces important data and helps monitor longevity of individuals returning to Alderney. Keep watch for colour ringed gulls and report them on Guernsey Gulls.
There is still a lot of subsequent encounter data to enter for the Storm Petrel but there are already a few birds encountered during this trip that are over 20 years old.
Pictured, the seabird ringing team returning from Burhou.
Latin Moth
After nearly deciding not to put the moth trap out overnight, there was a possible first for Alderney in it this morning. The Latin (Callopistria juventina) is a rare migrant that usually occurs in central and south eastern Europe.
Pictured, The Latin, by Matt Scragg
Great Black-Backed Gull
The blustery Westerly wind has provided an opportunity for some time to seawatch. There have been hundreds of Manx and Balearic Shearwater passing offshore, along with a plethora of gulls! Unfortunately the Shearwater were too far out for a decent picture!
Picture, Great Black-back Gull by Matt Scragg
Thrift Clearing
A busy couple of weeks showcasing the fauna and flora of Alderney to visiting Naturetrek clients, with many highlights seen during the tours.
After deploying a pheromone during the week without any success, yesterday I attracted the first Thrift Clearing I have seen this year, with 8 individuals coming to check it out.
Picture, Thrift Clearing by Matt Scragg