Bird Sightings

A big clearout of yesterday's Willow Warblers saw numbers drop to a mere 12 individuals, with adults still representing a significant percentage. Few other migrants on show, best of the bunch being 3 Spotted Flycatcher and 5 Sand Martin cruising south. Gannet numbers on the increase with 56 birds actively feeding along the east coast. Plenty of Manx Shearwater action at Old Light where a ringing team monitoring the colony encountered the first wave of fledglings (6 young) and a healthy rate of between-season re-traps.

Adult Willow Warbler © Joe Parker

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Welcome arrival of 173 Willow Warbler this morning, most filtering their way down into Millcombe and feeding across the valley. Eight Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Sedge and a Reed Warbler accompanied the action and a trickle of Swallow pressed south, as well as a Sand Martin and 5 House Martin. The juvenile Grey Heron continued to linger around Pondsbury for another day. Unfortunately conditions were too breezy to open any mist-nets despite the fresh arrival of migrants, and the murk has set in for the night. Break into your best rain dance - the island is still in desperate need of a good drenching!

Juvenile Peregrine © Joe Parker

Juvenile Willow Warbler © Joe Parker

Photos have been shared on a Lundy Facebook group confirming a juvenile Ruff was present at Pondsbury on 9th & 10th August - the post can be viewed on the public group here. Little happening today with force 5 to 6 south-westerlies countering any passerine movements. The damp and dull day was not inspiring for a venture far, but the juvenile Grey Heron was still frequenting Pondsbury and a single Swift battled south. Forecast looking promising from Tuesday onwards, swinging easterly by Thursday!

Wheatear © Joe Parker

Slow going first thing with a lone Swift making the journey south via Quarry Cottages. Two juvenile Blackcap were feeding in Smelly Gully, accompanied by 3 Willow Warbler flitting around the lee of The Ugly. The juvenile Peregrines are becoming more confident on the wing, now regularly seen hurtling towards post-breeding Starling flocks around Ackland's Moor and Old Light. The juvenile Grey Heron continues to skulk around Pondsbury / Punchbowl Valley area and a feeding flock of 16 Gannet circled the east coast while 3,492 Manx Shearwater were moving north during a one hour watch from Gannet's Rock.

Juvenile Peregrine © Joe Parker

Juvenile Grey Heron © Joe Parker