Dawn broke to a thick band of fog carpeting the island, although this soon lifted as the day progressed. In terms of avian news, it was a bit disappointing, with very low numbers of common migrants around the island. A slow movement of
phylloscopus warblers through the lowlands and gardens saw nine
Chiffchaffs and 22
Willow Warblers recorded, as well as a single
Grasshopper Warbler, seven
Sedge Warblers and one
Blackcap. The
Golden Plover from yesterday was seen on the South End, although it remained quite mobile; a cracking male
Yellow Wagtail made a brief appearance amongst seven
White Wagtails on The Narrows in the early hours; and waders put in a more obvious appearance on the morning census, with a total of one
Ringed Plover, 21
Purple Sandpipers, seven
Dunlins, 24
Whimbrels and three
Curlews recorded.
Considering that there were no linnets whatsoever overwintering this year, it is amazing to see 100 or so around the island, about 60% of which are breeding. Many pairs have been seen gathering wool for the lining of their nests, and they are enjoying feeding on the dandelions and daisies at the moment
The number of breeding pairs of Swallows is also steadily rising, with about three pairs now in resident in Ty Pellaf yard
The Lackey caterpillars were in small clusters today, testament to the chillier air temperatures
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