Today was freezing!! Although the temperature was apparently 8°C, it felt much cooler, even in the Observatory building itself, probably due to the 24mph Easterly wind. The sea was slightly rougher than in recent days and it remained overcast throughout.

While emptying the moth trap first thing, there was again a Firecrest heard singing in the garden - presumably the individual ringed a couple of days earlier. Both Assistant Wardens then headed out, again in the hope of finding the first Wheatear of the year. Sam was lucky and happened across one up on Traeth Ffynnon, a cracking male - these are always a sure sign that Spring is just around the corner.

A male Wheatear on Traeth Ffynnon.

Male Firecrest in Cristin garden on Thursday.

While out, nine Common Snipe were flushed from the wetlands along with a single Jack Snipe, too. The golden tramlines on the back of a Jack Snipe are dazzlingly obvious as they fly away, along with their comparatively short, stubby bills. The trickle of Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests continued today, with 16 and 17 of each respectively.  18 Stonechats was the highest count this year, and quite a few are beginning to pair up, too.

A female Stonechat in the Lowlands.

Here on Bardsey, some species are strangely uncommon and the two Robins and single Song Thrush recorded today were examples of these. Both are common on passage in Autumn but are rare breeders on the island, with the latter only having bred twice. Hopefully this year will see these two species make their way back onto the breeding list.

Other sightings today include: one Teal, one Buzzard, one Merlin, 137 Oystercatcher, four Curlew, 12 Turnstone, one Little Owl, 122 Meadow Pipits, 14 Choughs, two Jackdaws, 26 Starlings and four Linnets.

Ringing totals today: Wren 1, Chiffchaffs 4, Chaffinch 1 (1).

The Obs moth trap only held two Common Quakers today, though, after a cold and windy night, this was hardly surprising. Hopefully the weather will improve soon.

Year list: 56.
Additions: Wheatear.