Fieldfare Feb 13, 2021
Fieldfare are known to be generally shy and wary birds. This morning this individual (1 of 5) just came closer and closer…. Photo (JH).
Grebe Feb 12, 2021
February a dull month for wildlife? Not here! This morning more excellent local bird records, a Seal and 5 Dolphins! First thing on the high tide our 2nd Black-necked Grebe of the year, it was a challenge to identify being rather distant and on choppy seas in the freezing gale force winds! Then 9 Wigeon, this number the largest flock ever recorded here. A Grey Seal put in a brief appearance as I watched the Wigeon. The frustrations of getting a decent look at the Grebe and the biting cold were all but forgotten for a couple of minutes as I focused on a passing pod of Bottlenose Dolphins. Photo (JH) Black-necked Grebe.
Common Gull Feb 11, 2021
Today at least 60 Teal and 6 Wigeon, a couple of small flocks of Redwings moving through and 3 Skylarks. Several flocks of Lapwing moving across the island hard to estimate numbers but we look to be down to around 70. This has most certainly been a top week for Common Gull sightings now 9 birds at a single location, but today they included 4 adult birds. The previous two days sightings (and photos) have featured 1st & 2nd winter Common Gull so fitting to complete the set with a shot of one of this mornings adults, a real poser! (NB the more extensive white on the primary tips compared to the 2nd winter bird in yesterdays post. Photo JH.
Feb 10, 2021
Increased numbers and variety today with Lapwings up to 196 birds now joined by 10 Golden Plovers and a Redshank, the latter two species both new for 2021. Another impressive increase in numbers was 6 Common Gulls, (5 first winter and one 2nd winter bird). No sign of yesterdays Teal this morning but 4 Shelduck and 3 Wigeon were also welcome first records of both species this year. Perhaps also encouraged our way by the east winds and snow to the north and east, a single Lapland Bunting and 4 Fieldfares all made for a productive couple of hours. Photos from this morning (JH) Golden Plovers amongst Lapwings & the 2nd winter Common Gull.
Goosander Feb 9, 2021
The cold weather movements of birds continued today, conscious of time restrictions I was unable to find yesterdays adult male Goosander but no less disappointed to discover an adult female! Again only seen in flight but this time I focused on getting a photo instead of enjoying watching the bird. Also today very encouraging numbers of the declining Lapwing with an impressive single flock of 124, this appears to be highest total recorded in Alderney since the 1980’s. At the same location a 1st winter Common Gull, another scarce visitor to Alderney shores. Photo from this morning (JH) Goosander.