With a slight southerly wind, there was a dramatic increase in bird numbers across the island today. The temperature was also a lot warmer in the sunshine compared with recent days. A total of 58 Blackcaps, 139 Willow Warblers and 32 Chiffchaffs were counted across the island, with the most birds recorded in the Observatory Garden and at Nant. The nets in the Observatory garden were opened early and almost 100 new birds were ringed up to midday. The majority of the catch was attributed to Willow Warblers and Blackcaps. A male Stonechat was also ringed, which is the first of the year. 

Male Stonechat

A Sandwich Tern was seen by Stuart and Sam hunting off Solfach in the afternoon and a winter plumage Grey Plover and a Whimbrel were at the South End. Seven White Wagtails were seen on Solfach, foraging in the seaweed with three Rock Pipits and five Turnstones.

Sandwich Tern

The first Cuckooflower was seen flowering in the Wetlands today whilst setting up the mist nets in the Withies. It is said to flower at the same time as the Cuckoos arrive, which should be in the next few weeks.

Cuckooflower

Birds today: one Fulmar, seven Gannets, one Grey Heron, 17 Shelducks, two Buzzards, one Ringed Plover, one Grey Plover, one Whimbrel, one Curlew, nine Turnstones, one Sandwich Tern, one Collared Dove, four Swallows, ten White Wagtails, 21 Wheatears, 58 Blackcaps, 32 Chiffchaffs, 139 Willow Warblers, one Rook, 19 Siskin, 13 Goldfinch, one Chaffinch, two Lesser Redpolls

Ringing totals: 11 Goldfinches, two Lesser Redpolls, one Stonechat, 23 Blackcaps (one retrap), 46 Willow Warbler, ten Chiffchaffs (one retrap)