Well we've only been on the island a short time but our first scarce bird of the season has already turned up! A Hoopoe was nicely picked up by Steve as it was calling away in the willow tree next to the courtyard. He had a brief view as it flew behind the obs but unfortunately that was the last seen or heard of it!

Hoopoe call and song from today - photo from archive

Spring migrants are trickling through with 35 Chiffchaffs recorded across the island today, the first Willow Warbler of the year turned up on the track between the obs and Ty Pellaf, and one was later trapped and ringed in the garden Heligoland trap. Two Sand Martins flew north over the lighthouse this morning and two Wheatears were also on the south end. 61 Meadow Pipits were recorded across the island and Firecrest was seen with four Goldcrests at Nant this afternoon. 

First Willow Warbler ringed of the year! (C) Ewan Turner

Finches seem to be moving in small numbers with two Goldfinches, three Siskins and two Redpolls seen overhead. The resident Bullfinch is still in the obs garden and has been since the 18th!

Manx Shearwaters are beginning to arrive with a few heard calling on the island the past few night, including one straight behind the obs.

Other sightings of note include three Shelducks on Henllwyn, a Teal in the Withies, two Sparrowhawks at Nant, a Merlin on the West Coast and a second one on the South End. Our resident Whimbrel is hanging around on the West Coast, with two Curlews and a single Turnstone being the only other waders recorded. A Collard Dove was at Nant and the last of the winter birds are still clinging on, with a single Fieldfare over the obs this morning.

Merlin (C) Greg Lee