by Alderney Bird Warden | Feb 21, 2023
Confirmation from the Guernsey Biological records centre that this Ichneumon wasp that we believe to be ‘Ophion obscuratus’ (the two longitudinal stripes on the upper side of the thorax a key identification feature) attracted to my porch light 14th January this year is not only the first record for Alderney but also for the Channel Islands.
Incredibly, the ABO has now discovered almost 50 species of flora & fauna never previously recorded in Alderney, many of these also new records for the Channel Islands, testament to the hard work of the ABO team and the experts/visitors/tourists drawn to the island to experience, support and contribute to our research.
Well done all!
by Alderney Bird Warden | Feb 19, 2023
Today our 8th year ringing birds throughout spring & autumn migration got underway, the ringing has been an important contributor to the census work, especially during the autumn months when passerines are less vocal whilst moving through the island.
We have averaged 10,000 new birds ringed each year, this despite the difficulties of COVID-19 and Avian flu in recent years and can’t wait to discover what this year contributes to our data sets and understanding of how many species are fairing in increasingly difficult circumstances.
Photo (JH) a Chiffchaff processed this morning that we last recorded in January 22′ wintering at the same location we encountered it at today.
by Alderney Bird Warden | Feb 14, 2023
From the doom & gloom of avian-flu to a positive Gannet story!
A licensed Spanish bird ringer has reported releasing a Gannet that had been stuck in a fence in Melilla North Africa (an autonomous Spanish city bordering Morocco).
Senor Perez spotted the ring on the bird and sent the details to the Channel Islands bird ringing scheme after rescuing and successfully releasing the Gannet which appeared unharmed by the experience.
This bird is another impressive longevity record having been originally ringed as a chick on Ortac rock Alderney 25th June 1993 and rescued 12th Jan 23′ making it 29 years 6 months and 18days old and counting!!
Of course, this fortunate bird having travelled 1000 miles before it met with a fence, may now be back on Ortac, strutting its stuff and preparing for another breeding season.
by Alderney Bird Warden | Jan 21, 2023
Today a Brambling reported from Water Lane and increasing numbers of returning Gannets offshore.
The highlights were male and female Black Widow Spiders at Mannez. Photos (JH).
by Alderney Bird Warden | Jan 1, 2023
Most of the influx of birds we saw as the cold weather hit the UK before Christmas have now moved on. Still some nice variety today to kick off the year.
2 Cattle Egrets at Kiln Farm, a 1st winter Common Gull at Platte Saline, Black Redstart at Crabby Bay. At Longis Bay 2 Brent Geese and a Grey Seal, 3 Water Rail and a Cetti’s Warbler at Longis reserve and the full winged pair of Mandarin Ducks are still at Rose Farm. Lastly, a Raven and a pair of Peregrine over the bird observatory this afternoon.
Photo (JH) todays Black Redstart. Happy New Year one and all.
