by Alderney Bird Warden | Apr 26, 2021
We are delighted to share with you the exciting news that the ABO features a full page in the latest issue of the prestigious New Scientist magazine. This wonderful evidence of our continued commitment and progress comes during the month of our 5th anniversary, once again placing Alderney on the international stage of conservation led research.
Read the full article here
by Alderney Bird Warden | Apr 26, 2021
The inaugural ‘Alderney Bird Race’ was quite a day with a combined species list SMASHING THE ALL TIME ALDERNEY BIRDS TOTAL RECORDED IN A SINGLE DAY by 9, with 89 different species recorded! This was achieved despite unfavourable strong NE winds and few grounded passerines/song birds. The highlights were many and included several locally uncommon migrants along with birds more rarely recorded in the British Isles; Purple Heron, Hen Harrier, Hobby, 2 Redshank, Greenshank, 16 Bar-Tailed Godwit, Mediterranean Gull, Sandwich Tern, Short-Eared Owl, 3 Tree Pipit, 5 Yellow Wagtails, Common Redstart, Black Redstart, 3 Ring Ouzel, 5 Dartford Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, 2 Wood Warbler, 5 Firecrest and 2 Pied Flycatchers. There were only 7 species difference between the three teams that entered.
‘The ABO Ringers’ team (that included two Guernsey birders) came out on top recording 77 species.
Well done to all who took part. We look forward to welcoming back the visiting Guernsey team who are already talking about attending for next years event and the likelyhood of other Guernsey teams coming over to challenge for the title of winners of The Alderney Bird Race. We hope the AWT will also once again field a team. Image, ‘Is it a bird or is it a plane!’ Matthew Scragg, Chris Bale and Ian Le Page members of the 2021 winning team, overlooking the Les Etacs Gannet colony on bird race day.
by Alderney Bird Warden | Apr 25, 2021
Chris Bale took this photo and writes:
I have had the most fun, today. Alderney’s first ever bird race. Honoured to be a member of the Alderney Bird Observatory team led by our superb captain John Horton with Matt Scragg and Ian Le Page.
So many great birds spotted, magical moments, laughs, and at one point tears!
Bird of the day, for me, has to be this Wood Warbler. What an absolute gem!
Off to bed soon, grinning from ear to ear. This day will long be in my memory as one of the best birding days of my life. Good times, indeed!
by Alderney Bird Warden | Apr 25, 2021
The ABO were delighted that Guernsey States Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller and her husband Geoff chose to stay at the 4 Star rated bird observatory accommodation at The Nunnery, Longis Bay for their recent visit to Alderney. They were so impressed that they are hoping to stay with us again this summer bringing their children. Above image of Sasha at the Observatory and below a copy of her Twitter feed page post concerning her stay with us.
by Alderney Bird Warden | Apr 24, 2021
The next island tour Tuesday 27th April led by Island Bird Recorder John Horton
During a loop of the island taking a little over 2hrs with live commentary we visit the best view-points and reveal a combination of the highlights of local history, heritage and wildlife including a tour of the Nunnery Roman Fort. Tours end dropping you at your point of collection. Pick ups 1.40pm at the Marais Square, 1.50pm at the Braye Beach Hotel, or 2pm at the taxi rank at the bottom of Victoria St & other locations by arrangement. Call or text John on 07815 549191 to book your seat, or book via Facebook or our website. Tour guests now receive a 10% off their bill at Jacks Brasserie. Private Tours and group bookings are available on other dates, for general tours, specialist WW11 or dedicated widlife tours. Adults £20pp under 16’s £15. We are Alderneys longest standing and leading island tour operator, awarded the 2019 & 2020 ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by TripAdvisor, see our customer reviews online.
