The work of the ABO regularly features in the local and wider Channel Islands press, another very positive article in todays ‘Guernsey Press’ features our new assistant warden Matt and the recently spotted Stone Curlew. We are hoping to soon share with you exciting news concerning securing the long term future of the ABO.
Our first Black Kite of the year just passed over the bird Observatory 1045am headed SW.
The ABO welcomes Matthew Scragg as our assistant warden for 2021. Now out of isolation Matt has hit the ground running helping recording spring migration. Matt has completed 2 years as assistant warden at Landguard Bird observatory in Suffolk and then for the last two years he has been at Landsort, one of Sweden’s leading bird observatories (ringing over 13,000 birds last year). Matt, who has also taken part in a dedicated Puffin study research program involving him ringing over 1500 of them, brings to Alderney Bird Observatory a wealth of research skills and experience that can only further enhance our scientific records and the reputation of Alderney as a globally important migration flyway and cracking place to visit to watch birds! We would also like to thank all of those who applied to fill the position of assistant warden for 2021, the ABO team were both flattered and delighted to receive interest from so many capable and qualified applicants. Photo – Matt Scragg in Alderney.
Another unseasonably cold start this morning. A Cattle Egret passed over the census area but was not relocated. A Garden Warbler was reported from the wider recording area along with 6 Dartford Warblers. 52 birds ringed were mainly Blackcaps and Willow Warblers but also 3 Redstarts (all males) 1 Sedge Warbler and a Lesser Redpoll. Photos (JH) one of this mornings Redstarts
Some movement this morning with 150 Swallows, 40 Sand Martins and 8 House Martins through between 10 & 11am. Also in the field our first Whinchat of the spring, a fine male Redstart, 5 Siskins and a late record of Jack Snipe. Passerine migration was best reflected in the ringing results which were 135 birds ringed, almost all of which consisted of a fairly even split between Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff along with 4 Whitethroats and a Redstart. Also this morning a Large Tortoiseshell butterfly. Photo (JH) A Kestrel at Mannez Lighthouse garden this evening.