SW winds turned W this morning and there was noticeable drop in birds around generally. Just about double figures of Swallows through in total all day and the odd Song Thrush and Robin about. A Marsh Harrier was reported from Manez Garrenne and a Wheatear at platt Saline. The two Brents have taken ownership of Longis Bay and there are at least two Sparrowhawks at the north end of the island.
Wheatear – Platte Saline – Photo – Dr.Sandy Robertson
Ringing produced a steady trickle of birds with 37 new birds in total. This total included 17 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest and 3 Song Thrushes. Ageing Chiffchaff in the Autumn is not often quite as obvious as one of the birds we processed today. The below shot shows the paler edged moulted greater coverts against the inner’greener edged’ moulted ones, identifying this individual as a juvenile/first winter.
