The Whinchat is still here! Back at its usual spot along Quarter Wall. The Hen Harrier showed well at various points around the village. We continue to enjoy the company of visiting waders, with 4 Golden Plover and 4 Lapwing logged. Like many visitors, we suspect they are also susceptible to the Lundy bug, causing them to return year on year. For the first time we can prove winter site fidelity for Jack Snipe on Lundy, having recaptured a bird originally ringed on the island on the 15th October 2023. 7 Common Snipe were also encountered, a species which we know returns each winter in good numbers. Passage remained steady, with 345 Redwing, 60 Chaffinch, 21 Fieldfare, 5 Brambling and a single Ring Ouzel seen. 867 Starling were tallied after a flock was photographed in mid flight, proving the likelihood of underestimating their numbers when feeding in the long grass. A single Snow Bunting and two Black Redstart were also logged.
What 346 Starlings look like