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