Bird Sightings
AUTUMN MIGRATION ASSISTANT: ALDERNEY BIRD OBSERVATORY
- Paul Roper
A voluntary intern position is available for the duration of the autumn migration period (from the beginning of September to mid November 2026). The closing date for applications is 30th June, with interviews to be held soon after.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS ROLE
The Alderney Bird Observatory (ABO) was founded in March 2016 becoming an accredited bird observatory and independent company ‘Alderney Bird Observatory Ltd’ in 2018, it is the southernmost member of the British Bird Observatories network. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the bird observatory on Alderney, the most northern of the inhabited Channel Islands, measuring 5 km long and 2.4 km wide. It is proving to be one of the British Isles’ busiest bird migration hot-spots, monitoring tens of thousands of birds each year as they traverse the East Atlantic Flyway. The input by the ABO has placed the Bailiwick Islands on the world stage, adding valuable scientific data to the status of the birds of Europe and showcasing the island for its rich bird-life (317 species to date and including many species not often recorded on the UK mainland).
The placement will enable the assistant to experience the Island’s unique charms, ecosystems and the “fresh air”. The autumn bird migration on Alderney can be spectacular with tens of thousands of birds passing through the island (and every day will be different!). You will be contributing to scientific research as well as gaining experience and learning new skills.
The internship will give the successful applicant experience of the operation of a Bird Observatory. Opportunities will also be available to be involved with bird ringing and to receive training with a view to gaining experience towards a ringing licence or endorsements. As well as gaining skills in census techniques the assistant will have the opportunity to see at first hand the latest tools and equipment used to study bird migration – including High flier mist nets, colour ringing programmes, Nocmig (Songmeters), and Motus tracking.
DUTIES
The core responsibilities of the migration assistant will focus on:-
· completing the daily bird census and inputting the data collected; and
· aiding the day-to-day running of the observatory and supporting the Warden.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
· A self-motivated and focused person wanting to benefit from their time in this role.
· Experience of ornithological fieldwork and familiarity of a wide range of avian species.
· Strong interest in avian ecology.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· Excellent data management and reporting skills.
· Flexibility, positivity, strong organisational skills.
· Physically fit and active.
PLACEMENT STRUCTURE
· The assistant will work under the direction of the ABO warden.
· The role is 35hrs/p.w. however, the hours are flexible around the daily census requirements (which occupy about 4 hours per day).
· It may be possible for the assistant to find paid part time work on the Island but this is not guaranteed and will be dependent on the successful candidate’s preferences and experience.
· In-house training in the daily census will be given.
· Accommodation can be provided in St Anne town in a vacant member’s house (inclusive of utilities, Wi-Fi access, kitchen, lounge etc.).
· A return flight (for the cost of an Alderney-UK mainland return fare).
If you have any further questions or to submit an application please send a letter of interest and your CV, (together with a copy of any ringing permit) and any relevant documentation to support your application by email to the ABO Warden (Matt Scragg) :
Spring migration coming to an end
- Paul Roper
Wheatear
The main migration period is coming to an end and some of the ringing sites have now been closed down for the summer in preparation for the seabird season to begin.
Migration has not completely finished for the spring though, yesterday three Spotted Flycatcher were in Barackmaster Lane and six Sedge Warbler were at Longis pond.
This morning two Wheatear were on the Defense Wall at the north end of Longis Baye, one pictured above by Matt Scragg.
Last week a White-tailed Eagle was observed flying over from Essex to Houmet Herbe. Via the AWT I have received written rarity reports from the locals and a group of visiting birders that saw the bird, we believe another birder that managed to get a few pictures. Could you please get in touch on
Autumn Migration Assistant - Voluntary Position
- Paul Roper
Migration Assistant Job description
A voluntary position is available for a maximum of 10 weeks, ending no later than 16th November 2026. The closing date for applications is at 6pm on Saturday 30th May, interviews to be held soon after.
The Alderney Bird Observatory (ABO) was founded in March 2016 becoming an accredited bird observatory and independent company ‘Alderney Bird Observatory Ltd’ in 2018, a member of the British Bird Observatories. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the bird observatory on Alderney, the most northern of the inhabited Channel Islands, measuring 5 km long and 2.4 km wide. It is proving to be one of the British Isles’ busiest bird migration hot-spots, monitoring tens of thousands of birds each year as they traverse the East Atlantic Flyway. The input by the ABO is placing the Bailiwick Islands on the world stage, adding valuable scientific data to the status of the birds of Europe and showcasing the region for its rich bird-life.
The core responsibilities of the migration assistant focuses on:-
● completing the daily census and inputting the data collected
● to assist with maintaining a bird ringing program
● contribute content for social media, reports and promotions
● aiding with the day-to-day running of the observatory
● assisting with managing visitors and supporting the Warden.
The candidate needs to be able to demonstrate experience of ornithological fieldwork and be familiar with a wide range of avian species and have the ability to accurately count and record birds. There may be opportunity to be involved with Nocmig recording on Song-meter and Motus tracking. The position is best suited to either an experienced birder, capable of completing the daily census work and recording bird migration or to an experienced C/permit or higher (with unrestricted mist net endorsement). You will need to be self-motivated and have the ability to work independently without supervision and also as part of a small team. You will need to have considered the challenges of living and working on a small island.
This position is a seasonal role for a duration of a maximum of 10 weeks (ending no later than 16th November ’26). The role is voluntary and does not carry any remuneration but it may be possible to defray some expenses incurred for a suitable candidate. The position does not automatically come with accommodation but it may be possible to accommodate the assistant in a member’s house in the St Anne town. If you have any further questions or to submit an application please send a letter of interest and your CV, together with a copy your ringing permit (if you have one) and any relevant documentation to support your application by email to ABO Warden Matt Scragg
Alderney Beaches are great places for birdsFriday 8th May Round Up
- Paul Roper
Water Pipit by Paul Veron
