Sunday, 20 April 2025

Today the weather finally turned favourable! A mad rush during changeover to prepare for the 12 Bangor University Students who arrived at mid-day, ready to take part in the first of this years University weeks. They spent the first couple of hours getting settled in  before Greg and Steve took them for a guided walk around the island. The students had only been on the island a few hours before they got to jam in on a rare bird, when Greg spotted a chunky white bird feeding with Linnets on the Narrows during the guided walk. It was a Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll, a first for Wales!

Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll (C) Steve Stansfield

Next to a Linnet! (C) Steve Stansfield

(C) Steve Stansfield

We watched the bird for quite some time and even got to hear it sing, before it headed off towards the Withies with the flock of Linnets. A pretty good start to the uni week!

Students listening to introductory talks!

A good supporting cast were also on the island today, firstly with a Greenshank over the South End this morning. The first Sedge Warbler of the year was singing in Ty Pellaf reedbed and three Grasshopper Warblers were recorded across the island. 35 Willow Warblers, 27 Chiffchaffs and 12 Blackcaps were recorded along with a Black Redstart on the Narrows. 20 Sand Martins, 18 Swallows, 26 Wheatears, nine Whimbrels two Goldcrests, one Firecrest and two Skylarks were also recorded. The Gadwall pair still remain on the island, splitting their time between the pond in the Wetlands.

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