Thursday 21 September 2023

 After an arrival of American passerines to the West Coast of the UK yesterday we woke in anticipation as to what the wind may have brought in. The day started with light sea passage off the West Coast with an adult Arctic Skua, 12 Sandwich terns, an Common Tern, a Common Scoter and 220 Gannets south. The nets where opened at Cristin and caught a Swallow, six Goldcrests, four Blackcaps and two Robins

However, things took a slightly different turn when Ed trapped a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER in the net behind the the Heligoland trap. Panic set in as Steve the warden was birding up at Nant out of radio range. A quick run up meant Steve was on the way; the bird was ringed and identified as a young bird. This is a first for Bardsey and only a second for Wales and 18th for Britain; as well as being the first to ever be trapped! After important measurements were taken the bird was released and was seen for around five minutes before it vanished into the garden never to be seen again! 

Black-and-white Warbler © Steve Stansfield


Black-and-white Warbler © Steve Stansfield

Black-and-white Warbler © Steve Stansfield

Rain out to the West towards Ireland brought a good movement of Swallows mid-morning with 1483 east from the sea in a few hours alongside 23 House Martins! A notable arrival of chats and accentors saw 64 Robins, 40 Stonechats tow Whinchats, and 44 Dunnocks including four that flew south out to sea. A Firecrest was still at Nant with a Lapland Bunting over south. Two Red Kites toured the Island mid-morning. 

Other totals included a Golden Plover, eight Dunlins, two Whimbrels, six Skylarks, 267 Meadow Pipits, five White Wagtails, 22 Blackcaps, four Chiffchaffs, 46 Goldcrests 12 Rooks and two Siskins

Comma © Ed Betteridge

Red Kite © Ed Betteridge

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