March 11th

Despite the superb conditions, there was an apparent clear-out of some of yesterday's migrants overnight, leaving only a handful of passerine migrants on the island. A Greater Spotted Woodpecker over Nant in the morning was perhaps the most unusual sighting of the day, whilst singles of Black Redstart and Wheatear were seen around the coast. Inland, just one Chiffchaff was recorded, along with 11 Goldcrests, two Siskins, two Goldfinches and a Greenfinch. The Meadow Pipit total reached a new highest total for this year, with about 228 scattered around the island in loose flocks.

 There have been some stunning sun-rises in the last few days, with clear skies throughout the day

 Just the one Wheatear was present today, remaining skittish around the Narrows

The second Black Redstart of the year was seen in the classic location: Traeth Ffynnon. Almost all the Black Redstarts on Bardsey arrive into this small secluded rocky area of coast, or to the outbuildings at Ty Pellaf

March 12th

In conditions more suitable to early May than the beginning of March, birding was very pleasant. However, the number of migrants on the island was a little disappointing, considering the conditions. Two Wheatears were seen along the island's coast in the morning; a total of 174 Meadow Pipits included a flock of 80 on the South End, although there were no unusual species amongst them. A slight increase of Goldcrests saw 14 birds passing through the island, along with one Chiffchaff. A Water Rail was seen in the wetlands, along with two Snipe, whilst the Hooded Crow was again present on The Narrows.

Lepidoptera

In other news, the first butterflies of the year have been appearing in the last few days. Small Tortoise Shells and Red Admirals have been seen in the gardens on the recent calm and sunny days. Moths have also been taken from the heath trap in Ty Capel garden, with Dotted Borders, Dark Sword Grass, Hebrew Character amongst the macro moths. The first Acleris hastiana and Agonopterix heracliana of the year were trapped today. A Hummingbird Hawkmoth was seen in Cristin garden in the morning, indicating further movement of migrants.

Goldcrests were seen moving through, with birds arriving in the coastal gorse, before making their way into the island's gardens

 One or two smart Siskins have been visiting the garden feeders in the last few days

Male Blackbirds have been singing from the early hours into dusk, declaring their territories at various sites on the island