by Alderney Bird Warden | Feb 8, 2021
As hoped for today something a little out of the ordinary did drop in on the back of the minus temperatures in the shape of a wonderful adult male Goosander; briefly in Longis Bay close to fort Razz then much better views (if only in flight) of the bird passing across Corblets Bay. This is only the 3rd record of this species here. Also today the single Dunlin located yesterday now has 7 identical pals! 2 Whimbrels were together along the NE coast along with 2 Mediterranean Gulls. Photo (JH) Todays 2 Whimbrels.
by Alderney Bird Warden | Feb 7, 2021
The cold snap with us for the next few days could bring with it a few species not yet recorded here this year. Today we added Dunlin and Kingfisher to the 2021 birds of Alderney list, records here are historically far and few between during the winter months for both these species. The male Gadwall is also still around. Photo (JH) from today a single ‘watchful’ Dunlin that was in company with 7 Grey Plovers and a Turnstone.
by Alderney Bird Warden | Feb 3, 2021
Yesterday and this morning another increase in Gannets fishing and rafting just offshore at Mannez Lighthouse together with movements of auks mostly Razorbills. Interesting to see in the photo below that one bird is already in summer breeding plumage, got to admire his optimism! (2nd from right with black head) Photo; Razorbills this morning (JH).
by Alderney Bird Warden | Feb 3, 2021
Despite being a rare sighting in Alderney, some lucky local residents are currently seeing a Great Spotted Woodpecker visiting bird feeders in their garden’s. The below photo (taken this morning) was sent in to the ABO. This particular woodpecker may well be the one that was first seen in October 2020 in the Bonne Terre valley area. Through November and December the ABO received information concerning several local sightings of the bird which we now understand has been visiting a local garden throughout January right up to this morning. With my Island Bird Recorder hat on I can say that this is the first time ever that this species could be considered as ‘over-wintering’ in Alderney. Historical records tell us that this species occurs here roughly once every 5 to 7 years. However, since the launch of the ABO we have recorded 1 to 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers each year over the last 5 years suggesting it is not quite as rare as was thought, likely a result of the comparative lack of consistent ornithological coverage. Our data has enabled us to recently update the status of this species in Alderney in The List of Bird Of The Channel Islands from ‘rare visitor’ to ‘rare annual visitor’. Whatever its status, a wonderful bird!
by Alderney Bird Warden | Jan 25, 2021
Rescued this Palmate Newt from our dogs water bowl this morning. The British Isles smallest newt, these amphibians are a protected species in the UK. On occasion we have recorded as many as 50 individuals in our garden about the grass and pathways despite not having a pond. Our observations of Little Grebes in Alderney have shown that these newts are a regular in the bird’s diet, apparently Hedgehogs are also partial to a newt! Photo (JH)
