By Thomas Weston
With high pressure pushing Northwards, the easterly winds increased again, and a breezy day was had. The rarities of the past couple of days have moved on and the migrants petered out too. My first job of the day was to catch one of the feral farmland geese who manged to get something around its neck, but within a short time it was removed and the goose happy again.
Census was nice to complete. There was a nice range of species and lots of signs of breeding, especially with our Linnets who are actively building nests wherever possible. The male Collared Dove continues to try and woo its new partner, but no sign of her today, perhaps she has moved onwards on their fun migration? Chiffchaffs were singing and showing in spots, a couple in Millcombe and a singer at Rocket Pole Pond was the best of the rest. Wrens were in full voice today and a nice spread of singers were recorded throughout the census area. Blackcap numbers have dramatically decreased with just 4 around the Millcombe area. Reports from elsewhere show a couple here and there, plus a Garden Warbler in Quarter Wall Copse. The Blackbirds, Dunnocks, Robins and Meadow Pipits were all rather quiet, though secretly getting on with their breeding and nesting. A Whitethroat singing around St John’s was by far the best migrant warbler seen there, in fact the only one.
The windy Landing Bay held no more than a couple of Oystercatchers, single Great Black Backed Gull, a single Shag, Guillemots, Gannets, single Kittiwake, and a few Razorbills. A Peregrine stood watching the birds as they passed but did not make a move on any of them today. A few brave Swallows were seen arriving from the mainland which hinted at some movement taking place during census this morning. Likewise, a small flurry of passing Wheatears were nice, with breeding birds nest building today too.
Skylarks were in full voice today too, with birds singing in four main areas and up to 12 individuals noted. A couple of Alba Wagtails flew over this morning as they arrived in off the sea. A Gannet from Old Light was the only one of the morning, Walking across to Quarter Wall, a Water Rail began singing around the pond. A pair of Stonechat sat on their favourite bushes whilst a Pied Wagtail fed in the field. Walking through the Village saw a male Channel Wagtail feeding with the horses in Barton’s Field.
The Tavern called….
But a Dotterel was the best of the rest heard flying high over Millcombe by visiting birders! Amazing.