Fulmar on our Productivity Site. ©ThomasWeston
A morning of ringing in Millcombe was successful with a flurry of Willow Warblers moving through the valley on their usual 45/60 minutes after sunrise. The session was not busy, but census was split into two to make it easier and well timed. Other species noted during ringing included 6 Woodpigeons, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Great Black-backed Gulls, 12 Herring Gulls, 18 Manx Shearwaters, 4 Gannets, 7 Shags, 2 Kestrels, 2 Carrion Crows, 3 Swallows (presumably local breeders plus and additional bird), 2 Blackcap fully fledged juveniles, 52 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 8 Wrens, 6 Starlings, 3 Blackbirds, 3 Robins, 2 Stonechats, 4 Dunnocks, 2 House Sparrows, 4 Pied Wagtails, 2 Meadow Pipits, 6 Chaffinches, 12 Linnets, and 6 Goldfinches.
After Millcombe ringing, the Fulmar productivity survey was undertaken with the chicks growing well and looking very fluffy sat on their rock. The Kittiwakes seem to be fledging still with fledged juveniles returning to the colony to roost whereas others remain out at sea. It won’t be long before all the Kittiwakes fledge and leave for the autumn/winter, we have still got a month at least until the Fulmar begin to fly.
Ringing
Millcombe ringing was productive with Willow Warblers making the majority of the catch but a Sedge Warbler and a retrap juvenile Blackcap, the latter born on the island was a good haul of migrants this morning.