Wednesday 9 April 2014

A day of virtually uninterrupted sunshine made for very pleasant birding conditions, with one or two new arrivals on the island. A Grasshopper Warbler reeling away in Cristin back garden started the day well, singing from the early hours, but managing to avoid the open mist nets. Other warbler numbers had increased overnight, with three Blackcaps, 11 Chiffchaffs, 12 Willow Warblers and three Goldcrests recorded in the island's gardens and withies. Overhead, a movement of finches amounted to one Greenfinch, four Siskins and 73 Goldfinches, whilst one Sand Martin and four Swallows flew northward. Towards the coast, a single White Wagtail was seen on Solfach, 14 Wheatears were scattered along the shoreline, and a Skylark was singing above the west side.


In other news, the new Solfach hide is now completed...here is a brief summary of the last fourth month's events...
^The old Solfach hide, before the winter...
^...the old hide, after the winter...
The new hide, after completion...let's just hope that it will not have to put up with the conditions experienced last winter! A massive thanks to Todd Chater's efforts on this fantastic new structure (bottom two images (c) Todd Chater)
The first Slow Worm of the year was discovered in Cristin back garden this afternoon

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