Alderney Bird Warden | Alderney Bird Observatory

Latin Moth

by Alderney Bird Warden | Jul 5, 2025

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

by Alderney Bird Warden | May 30, 2025

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

by Alderney Bird Warden | May 24, 2025

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

Montagu’s Harrier

by Alderney Bird Warden | May 2, 2025

Montagu’s Harrier is only recorded occasionally on Alderney. Visiting Guernsey birder, Vic Froome, found an adult male while on the south coast of Alderney on Tuesday morning.
This was also good fortune for the visiting Speyside tour group, who were in the area at the same time.

Picture, record shot of Montagu’s Harrier by Julian Sykes from Speyside tours.

by Alderney Bird Warden | Apr 29, 2025

Following the busy weekend with the Alderney bird race, it came time for migration assistant, Charlotte Foote, to migrate north to her summer grounds, monitoring seabirds in Scotland.
Thank you Charlotte for your hard work, great field observations and photos during your time on Alderney. We hope to welcome you back in the autumn.
As a distraction for Charlotte from packing on Sunday morning, a Golden Oriole was seen on Longis reserve. This is the time of year when these colourful birds pass through Alderney.
Picture: Golden Oriole, by Charlotte Foote.