14.09.2024 No reports have been forthcoming for the last two days, so it looks like we have seen the last of the Black Tern which graced the Sandpits earlier this week. Thanks to Romano for this beautiful image RDC
A clear and mainly fine day in a light south-southeast wind.
There was a limited number of species seen passing Noirmont through the morning. Seen passing were 4 Cattle Egrets, a Grey Heron, 2 Shovelers, 1,305 Swallows, 134 Sand Martins, 103 House Martins, 64 Yellow Wagtails, 170 Meadow Pipits, 4 alba Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail, 15 Cormorants, 3 Chaffinches, and on the ground, a Redstart, a Whitethroat, a Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaffs, 3 Dartford Warblers, 10 Robins and 60 Linnets. Also seen were 6 Buzzards including a pale-phased individual, a Sparrowhawk, a Peregrine, 4 Kestrels, 2 Choughs and 2 Ravens. Swallows were still in full flow when the count was finished as seen from Mont Les Vaux, so their count was undoubtedly an undercount.
A morning ringing session at Grouville Marsh saw a Reed Warbler, 2 Willow Warblers, 30 Blackcaps, 20 Chiffchaffs, 10 Cetti's Warblers, a Firecrest, 8 Water Rails, 20 Swallows, 15 House Martins, 2 Ravens, a Sparrowhawk, and a Marsh Harrier.
Offshore to the West of Corbiere, a skua sp, probably an Arctic Skua, was seen chasing Sandwich Terns.
At Grands Vaux was a Grey Wagtail and at Francheville Farm, at least one House Martin nest was still active.
Evening update: At Bel Royal there are now 10 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 4 dark-bellied Brent Geese, also 5 Sanderlings.
On the Scrape this evening were a Greenshank, 4 Snipe and 8 Teal also 2 Willow Warblers and at Le Port in St Ouen's Bay were 26 Ringed Plovers, a Dunlin and a Sandwich Tern. At L'Etacq was a Sedge Warbler.
At Beauport Common were 2 Whinchats and an overflying Snipe. 2 Spotted Flycatchers were seen at the Zoo earlier today
Mick Dryden
Romano da Costa
Tony Paintin