Firecrest
Migrants on the move today included Brent Goose, Bar-tailed Godwit, House Martin and Redwing, a rather dull morning was brightened up by this female Firecrest.
Photo (JH)
Cat bells
Help us to help birds with Operation ‘Cat Bells’
The most recent figures of how many creatures are killed by domestic cats are from the Mammal Society. They estimate that cats in the UK catch up to 100 million prey items over spring and summer, of which 27 million are birds.
This is the number of prey items which were known to have been caught. We don’t know how many more the cats caught, but didn’t bring home, or how many escaped but subsequently died.
The above statistics are especially relevant to small islands like Alderney that host hundreds of thousands of migrating birds every spring and autumn. Migrant birds can be particularly vulnerable to some ‘outdoor’ cats as many have travelled long distances and are looking to rest and recharge their batteries
To help us give birds and other wildlife a better chance of avoiding our friendly felines, the ABO are giving away FREE cat bells to Alderney cat owners. Contact us here or email abo.warden@outlook.com
Little Ringed Plover
Catching up: on the 30th over 200 birds were ringed for the second day running along with 4 foreign ‘controls’ – a French ringed Robin and 3 UK ringed Chiffchaffs, over 120 Willow Warblers ringed over the two mornings is the highest total for the month of March since the ABO began monitoring Alderney’s birds. 4 Ring Ouzels were present together at Longis reserve. 31st; a single male Ring Ouzel was at the hospital car park, an adult Yellow legged Gull and 4 Dark bellied Brent Geese at Longis Bay. April got off to a good start with a species spotted that has only three previous local records the most recent of which was in 1995, with little or no suitable wetland habitat to attract this species,
Little Ringed Plover is a local rarity. Image below of this morning’s Plover (JH).
ABO 2021 review
Thanks to everyone who attended our talk last night, lovely to see amongst those present ‘friends of the ABO’ who have been with us since our launch in 2016 and a warm welcome to those who attended and joined the ABO as new members.
Hopefully all those using the internet live feed were also able to enjoy the presentation. Feedback suggests that our review of 2021 reflecting on our progress and various research programs was well received, as were the half time interval tea and home made cakes!
Willow Warbler
Overnight rain encouraged migrating birds to seek shelter and this morning a fair fall of birds was evident. Our daily census turned up a Purple Heron, Ring Ouzel, Black Restart and Whimbrel, meanwhile 212 birds were ringed 199 of which were Warblers, the full breakdown being 1 White Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Dunnock, 2 Robins, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing, 91 Blackcap, 58 Willow Warblers, 50 Chiffchaffs, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch and 1 Bullfinch.
If you or your ringing group would like to experience/take part in Alderney’s spring migration ringing program we have some good deals running with local accommodation providers. The ABO ring around 3000 birds each April. From trainers to trainees there is great scope to get involved and gain experience. Contact the warden John Horton on 07815 549191 or email abo.warden@outlook.com for further details.
Image (JH) one of today’s Willow Warblers.