Nets were opened at Cristin first thing, however there did not seem to be as many birds in the garden as there had been recently. Less birds were caught than in recent days, however there was still some nice variety to be had. Three warbler species were caught in the garden with Blackcap being the most plentiful - eight were ringed.
a male Blackcap caught at Cristin
The highlight of the session though was a male Stonechat which was caught in the last net round before closing, these are stunning birds, and this is the second to be caught and ringed in the garden this year. A robin was also caught and ringed, this is the first to be ringed at Cristin this year and are a scarce bird here in Spring.
juvenile male Stonechat
Stonechats can be aged using contrast in the wing-feathers as demonstrated above
Elsewhere, on the South End, Sam found a Grey Plover. This is the second record of the year and these are scarce birds on bardsey with only a few records annually. Whimbrels had increased to their highest total so far this year - four were roosting on the rocks along the West Coast.
Grey Plover on the South End
The first Wren was carrying food in the fields below the Obs, so presumably it won't be long until gangs of their juveniles make their way into the cover of the garden. Another pair of Wheatears had appeared in the North West Fields, and today ten were recorded in total.
After yesterday's high, warbler numbers had dipped significantly and only 10 Willow Warblers were recorded across the island, along with 10 Blackcaps and a handful of Chiffchaffs in the garden at Cristin.
once today's fog withdrew, a beautiful sunset was had over
the completely calm sea.
Other sightings today included: five Shags, six Shelducks, three Redshanks, three Turnstones, one Curlew, four Jackdaws, three Swallows, 12 Rock Pipits and one Greenfinch.
Ringing in the garden produced: Blackcap 8, Robin 1, Stonechat 1, Willow Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 2. Total 14 birds of 6 species.
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