Wednesday 8 May 2013

Strong easterly winds picked up during the night and brought rain showers with it, although it seemed as if this combination had had little effect on the bird front in the early morning. However, when the sun came out at midday it became clear that there had actually been a decent arrival of common migrants over the island.

The highlights of the morning included yesterday's Black Redstart at the Lighthouse, a Common Redstart at Nant, five Eiders in Solfach, a Lesser Whitethroat at Cristin, two Tree Pipits, a Garden Warbler and two Spotted Flycatchers at Nant.
Warbler numbers were much higher than yesterday, with estimates of 17 Common Whitethroats, two Grasshopper Warblers, 15 Sedge Warblers, 37 Blackcaps, 22 Chiffchaffs, 13 Willow Warblers and five Goldcrests.

 By far the highlight of the day's ringing activities was this Italian-ringed Blackcap which was caught in the Heligoland trap at Cristin. Apparently, this only the SECOND EVER Italian-ringed Blackcap to have been trapped in the UK!
Take a look at the Blackcap ringing fact sheet by the BTO here
 This Tree Pipit showed very well above Cristin in the morning (above)- note the very bold streaking on the breast and much finer streaking on flanks

Compare to a Meadow Pipit (above)
 The Lesser Whitethroat also found its way into the Heligoland Trap at Cristin
 Male Eiders

A few common passerine migrants:
 Spotted Flycatcher
 male Blackcap
 Willow Warbler
Sedge Warbler

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