Spring hit hard today, waking up in the morning the island
was once again surrounded by a light mist, but following the morning sun it
began to lift revealing a beautiful and hot day! The island and its residents,
both avian and human, bathed in the sunshine for the remaining day.
Despite the warm weather some winter visitors were still to
be observed today foremost a Merlin still present hunting around the Narrows
and West Coast of the island, also a Jack Snipe and a single Common Snipe were
flushed from the Wetlands.
Willow Warbler in the gorse on Pen Cristin
Three Whimbrels on the Narrows were new migrants and
following the foggy weather of late, the clear skies saw the first real passage
of migrants overhead primarily hirundines. In total eight Sand Martins, 31
Swallows, 13 House Martins, three Tree Pipits and 26 White Wagtails were
recorded, with the latter settling down on the Narrows briefly to feed before
moving on. Chats today included a stunning male Redstart which was also caught
at the Observatory, also logged were four Stonechats and 47 Wheatears several of
which were of the Greenland race O.o.leucorhoa.
Warbler numbers saw another fall, but still good numbers were passing through,
one Grasshopper Warbler, one Sedge Warbler (the first of the year), 54
Blackcaps, 35 Chiffchaffs, 65 Willow Warblers and 23 Goldcrests were seen
today. A male Pied Flycatcher caught at Cristin was a pleasant surprise and
kept guests and staff alike entertained. Finally, finch passage was once again
very noticeable with 42 Chaffinches, one Brambling, 12 Siskins, 26 Goldfinches
and 39 Linnets recorded.
A Serin surely can’t be far behind?
A stunning 2cy male Common Redstart
2cy male Pied Flycatcher
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