2021 ended with us having a new bird observatory HQ, a new ringing/research room and new lookout tower! Despite a very poor spring the ABO recorded Alderney’s highest ever total for species recorded in one day (89), highest ever number of species recorded in a single year (192) and highest number of birds ever ringed in a single year (13,126), this ringing total is one of the highest ever recorded in the history of British Bird Observatories and contributes a wealth of valuable data monitoring the fortunes of migratory birds. We added just one new species to the birds of Alderney list this year but also discovered 2 species of insects, 2 species of Wildflowers and a mammal all never previously recorded, further expanding the variety of flora and fauna of this amazing island. The support we received locally, from across the Channel Islands, The British Isles and beyond has been truly inspiring. The ABO team would like to thank all ‘friends of Alderney Bird Observatory’ and wish you a happy and healthy new year.
Todays highlights were the male Pochard, now on Corblets Quarry, 5 Common Dolphins off Mannez lighthouse and finally obtaining a photo of the flock of geese on the south cliffs fields.
Photo (JH) Greylag Geese at Kiln Farm fields this morning.