Bird Sightings
12th November, classic Lundy birding
The 12th started off really well when a Dartford Warbler was discovered in the gorse at Rocket Pole, was initially heard to call 3 times then after a few minutes was seen briefly flicking between bushes.This constitutes the 13th record for Lundy, the last being in 2021. Then, in Millcombe a female Bullfinch was heard around Government House and later seen in the willows by the Casbah; just the second record of the this common mainland bird this year on the isle. The day then got even better when arriving at Quarter Wall a vocal Richards Pipit was heard and seen flying around the pond and then heading off north along the isle, this is the first record of this less than annual species this year. There was also a supporting cast of 2 Lapwing, 2 Woodcock, Hen Harrier, Merlin, a late Swallow, and 7 Black Redstarts.
6th - 11th November - New birds, old faces
Highlights to birding between these dates are as follows:
2 Teal on the 9th.
7 Woodcock on the 7th.
Some late Manx Shearwaters with 1 on the 6th.
The Ringtail Hen Harrier has been present being seen on most days.
8 Chiffchaff and 5 Blackcap on the 7th marked a little arrival of birds.
Thrushes are still arriving in good numbers with Redwing being in triple figures throughout, peaking at 195 on the 7th and Fieldfare peaking at 60 on the 9th.
A late pair of Ring Ouzel were around on the 7th.
Snow Bunting have been around in good numbers recently with 26 on the 6th being the highest count in SW field but they have been present in double figures throughout.
On the 8th of Novmeber a drake Pochard was found by Brennig in the Landing Bay; this is an island Mega and only the tenth island record and the first since 2003.
Following on from that on the 9th a drake Shoveler turned up at Rocket Pole Pond; another rare duck for this isle, this one the 16th record.
Continuing the wildfowl bonanza a Great Crested Grebe was seen flying past Lametry; only the 8th island record !!!
Luke Marriner is back on the island for November helping out with census and ringing, covering while Joe is off island. With winds going to the east it might be a good week.
6th November - Good pickings at sea and in the fields
Up to 26 Snow Bunting were feeding in Southwest Field again today. 6 Common Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe, 2 Woodcock, 2 Golden Plover and a Lapwing made for pleasant company. 51 Skylark loitered, along with 18 Linnet, the highest count for a good while. Although harder to spot due to the building wind and waves, seabirds continued to feed to the east of Lundy, including at least 118 Herring Gull, 67 Gannet, 60 unidentified Auks and 35 Great Black Backed Gulls. At North Light, 6 Razorbill were joined by a single Porpoise, all under the watchful gaze of a Black Redstart. The Hen Harrier patrolled the island, alongside 4 Kestrel and a pair of Peregrines. Finally, for the little birds: 8 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest and a single Swallow showed for us.
Snow Bunting eyeing up the banquet of grass seeds before it
5th November - Buntings and Manxies
The tenth and final Yellow-browed Warbler was ringed on Lundy today. 23 Snow Bunting were found feeding in Southwest Field, where two Manx Shearwater were heard calling at night. 8 Golden Plover peeped about the place, and a trio of Woodcock shuffled around the fields at dusk. 2 Firecrest persisted in Millcombe. 163 Redwing, 68 Chaffinch, 18 Fieldfare, 9 Siskin and 2 Brambling were logged.
Chaffinch and Brambling