Bird Sightings

A few days of strong and cold easterly wind but there have still been birds migrating through Alderney. Meadow Pipit have been most numerous with nearly 300 in the recording area today, with many of them going out to sea during this mornings seawatch. Amongst them was a Richard's Pipit, calling as it went over and then heading out to sea. During the seawatch eleven Common Scoter were recorded along with Guillemot, Razorbill and a couple of distant Puffins.

Two Little Ringed Plover went over Longis during the census walk and the first Barn Swallow for the year on Alderney was at the roost assemblage on Wednesday night at Longis.

 

 

 

It has been a clear sunny start to the early spring migration. During the ringing session, before the census this morning, a Siberian (tristis) Chiffchaff was at Essex. 

On Kiln Farm in the afternoon there were several large flocks of Meadow Pipit, refuelling on insects in the long grass on their migration stopover and White Wagtail were seen across the island throughout the day.

 

The daily census starts this weekend but there have been a few migrating birds seen already.

There are a few Chiffchaff that winter on Alderney. This individual pictured from this afternoon is supporting a pollen horn, indicating that until recently it was in Southern Europe.

On Wednesday 25th Feb three Sand Martin came to roost on Longis, the previous earliest recorded date was 5th March on Alderney.

There have also been a few waterfowl sightings this week with Brent Goose, Greylag Goose and Shelduck.

 

Finally a night without rain and the moth trap was packed with over 160 Hebrew Character this morning. Chestnut, Early Grey and Common Quaker were also recorded, just in smaller numbers! Over the last few days there has been a slight increase in Meadow Pipit seen on Longis reserve and the first Pied Wagtail for the spring making their return north. Spring migration has started!