25th April 2013



male Blackcap (BSB)

An excellent fall this morning as the wind turned south east as a front approached from the north. Willow Warblers were the first to arrive at dawn, about 30 mostly in the first hour and then an arrival of Blackcaps such as no members could ever recall previously, as many as 25 during the morning, at times in small parties with 6 being trapped together on one occassion. The first Sedge Warblers of the year also arrived in numbers, about a dozen with one appearing to bear a ring on the right leg from elsewhere but was not caught for the ring to be read. Four Grasshopper Warblers were on the island, 3 were ringed and a single Whitethroat was a first for the year while Wheatears were all around the island with an estimated 45 during the day. Hirundines were not in large numbers but the second Swift of the year after yesterdays frist passed west across the north end. A Tree Pipit called overhead in the morning. Another first for the year was the Common Sandpiper that flew in from the east side calling and stayed for a while at the north end. Two more appeared in Niffy Bay after the tide.

Sedge Warbler (BSB)

Manx Shearwaters floated in down the west side as the tide flooded, a total of about 50 being seen and a few Gannets and Razorbills came with them to feed. Not many Scoters today but the male seen close about during the last few days is still with us.

Ringed :- 22 Willow Warblers, 19 Blackcaps, 10 Sedge Warblers, 3 Grasshopper Warblers, 2 Linnets, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Wren      [ 336-24 ]

(BSB,DB,RAE,CJ, et al)    photos BSB, CJ



female Blackcap (BSB)

 

Grasshopper Warbler (BSB)

Manx Shearwater (CJ)

Swift (CJ)

Common Scoter (BSB)

  

Common Sandpiper (CJ)

Whimbrel (BSB)



Whitethroat