Since the period of extreme weather during the past week most of the displaced birds have moved on, returning the island largely to a normal state of affairs, although early signs of spring were noted.
The first Chiffchaff of the season was seen flycatching amongst the vegetation in the Observatory garden, it later moved into the heligoland trap there and was ringed. A single Goldcrest was also noted close by preferring the spruce trees whilst the "resident" Great Spotted Woodpecker was also spotted commuting between gardens and a female and two male Stonechats were perched close by Carreg Bach, one of the small cottages on the island further north. A Sparrowhawk was seen gliding along the mountainside where a Woodcock was also flushed from cover. Meanwhile over the past weeks Wood Pigeons have slowly been making a return, seven were recorded today. The Shovlers were again present on the island, two drakes and two females had now moved to Pwll Cain, the largest pond on the island in the central lowlands.
A short walk across the North End provided other signs of the breeding season to come as more and more Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls are beginning to occupy the usual colony sites. Before long spring will be in full swing with both migrant and resident species across the island.
No comments:
Post a Comment