Bird Sightings

We are currently going through quite a breezy period with low temperatures bracing the island, resulting in a definite lack of migrant activity. Today there was a strong East wind resulting in the majority of birds keeping low to ground. However, the locals are breeding and there are signs that we will be graced with lots of juveniles on the island soon. This was the 5th brood of Mallards recorded this year already.

A Mallard brood outside Brambles accomodation. ©Thomas Weston

Census counts from today included 16 Mallard (12 duckling), a single Woodpigeon, 17 Herring Gulls, 2 Lesser-Black Backed Gulls, 134 Razorbills, single Fulmar, 6 Shag, 27 Carrion Crow, 8 Ravens, 7 Skylarks, 2 Swallows, 2 Willow Warbler, 8 Wrens, 34 Starlings, single Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, single Robin, 4 Wheatears, 9 House Sparrows, single Pied Wagtail, 13 Meadow Pipits, single Chaffinch, 11 Linnets and 3 Goldfinches.

EurasianTeal brood on Pondsbury.©Richard Campey

Today also saw the first Eurasian Teal brood of the year with a female spotted with 10 ducklings on Pondsbury.

A Whimbrel on Brick Field. ©Richard Campey

Nearby, a Whimbrel was on Brick Field.

One of two Whimbrel in Highstreet Field. ©Thomas Weston

A quiet day today but the Whimbrel were showing very well.

Census counts from today included a pair of Mallard, 3 Woodpigeons, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Great Black-backed Gulls, 28 Herring Gulls, 3 Lesser-Black Backed Gulls, 44 Razorbills, single Fulmar, single Shag, single Peregrine, 17 Carrion Crow, 3 Ravens, single Great Northern Diver, single Jackdaw (heard only high over the Village), 29 Carrion Crows, 9 Skylarks, 4 Swallows, 2 Willow Warbler, 8 Wrens, 50 Starlings, 8 Blackbird, single Song Thrush, 4 Robins, 8 Wheatears, single Dunnock, 20 House Sparrows, 3 Pied Wagtail, 12 Meadow Pipits, single Chaffinch, 34 Linnets and 19 Goldfinches.

Some incredible auk counts today was achieved through surveying some of the key breeding areas. The Terraces were busy with a slight passage of hirundines, 2 Sedge Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, and a pair of Stonechat. However, a strong passage of Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins occurred this afternoon again. Elsewhere, a Yellow Wagtail was in Old Light and a Grey Heron was at Pondsbury.

Census counts from today included a single Mallard, 2 Woodpigeons, 2 Whimbrel, single Great Black-backed Gulls, 90 Herring Gulls, 9 Lesser-Black Backed Gulls, 44 Razorbills, single Fulmar, single Shag, single Peregrine, 17 Carrion Crow, 3 Ravens, 9 Skylarks, 6 Sand Martins, 12 Swallows, single House Martin, 5 Blackcap,  single Sedge Warbler, 8 Willow Warbler, single Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 18 Wrens, 34 Starlings, 11 Blackbird, single Song Thrush, 6 Robins, 7 Wheatears, pair of Stonechat, 7 Dunnocks, 26 House Sparrows, single Pied Wagtail, 8 Meadow Pipits, 3 Chaffinch, 36 Linnets and 10 Goldfinches.

Thank you to the Oldenburg staff for allowing the Conservation Team to undertake a quick whole-island boat survey of the island. Sightings included 26 Oystercatchers, 22 Great-Black Backed Gulls, 22 Lesser-Black Backed Gulls, 74 Herring Gulls, 2 Raven, 2 Peregrines, 78 Puffins (see our recent highest counts for more information), 79 Seals, 47 Shags, 2 Gannets, 2 Rock Pipits, 126 Fulmar, 407 Razorbills (big undercount), 1726 Guillemots (big undercount), 85 Kittiwakes, a Common Sandpiper (island scarcity), and a Bar-tailed Godwit. A few photos from the trip below…
Guillemots on Gannets Rock. ©Thomas WestonGuillemots on Gannets Rock ©Thomas WestonRazorbills in Gannet Coombe. ©Thomas Weston