An exciting day brought not one, but TWO species never before recorded in Alderney. The first was a Eurasian Treecreeper ringed at Essex Farm, a first for Alderney and 5th record for the Channel Islands where Short-toed Treecreeper is a breeding resident and Eurasian a major rarity.

This was surpassed by our first ever Pallid Harrier, a ring-tail was found and observed by assistant warden Matt Scragg this afternoon. Also today a Kingfisher along the NE coast, a smart Great Northern Diver in Longis Bay, 2 Barn Swallows in off the sea and a Herring Gull wearing a green colour ring from Bardsey Bird Observatory.

Photo (JH) this morning’s Treecreeper.