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16.09.2024  Great White Egret passing an overcast Noirmont this morning   MD


An overcast morning with some light drizzle gave way to a fine afternoon in a northeast wind


The morning overcast deterred most birds from moving around at Noirmont, with counts reflecting that. Seen through the morning were the Great White Egret, 562 Swallows, 303 House Martins, 91 Yellow Wagtails, a Tree Pipit, 56 Meadow Pipits, a Grey Wagtail, 2 alba Wagtails, 21 Linnets, 8 Goldfinches, a Peregrine, a Sparrowhawk, 8 Buzzards, 2 Ravens and 2 Choughs. Little was on the ground, just a few Robins and Chiffchaffs . Offshore were 26 Gannets.  7 Manx Shearwaters were seen offshore between Guernsy and Jersey.


In St Ouen's Bay, at the Sandpits, were 25 Little Grebes, 2 Common Sandpipers, a Redshank and a Greenshank. 3 Stonechats were on the Blanches Banques. On the Scrape were a Kingfisher, 11 Teal, 2 Snipe and a Grey Heron. On the beach at Le Port were 55 Black-headed Gulls and 13 White Wagtails. A Whimbrel was in the car park at Le Pulec, where 14 Curlews and 12 Little Egrets were also present. On the North side of the Pond were 8 House Martins and a Wheatear


At Petit Port were 31 Curlews, 10 Little Egrets, 2 Common Gulls, 22 Mediterranean Gulls, 8 Great Black-backed Gulls and 9 Black-headed Gulls.


On Les Ecrehous today were a Greenshank, 3 Little Egrets, an alba Wagtail, a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Whitethroat and a Crow.


At Grouville Marsh were 44 Cattle Egrets, 32 Coot, 15 Chiffchaffs, 2 Water Rails, 20 Swallows and 8 House Martins and at Grands Vaux was a Grey Wagtail.  In St Aubin's Bay this evening, 16 Brent Geese were at First Tower.


Below: Great White Egret  MD

by Romano da Costa 26 April 2025
26.04.2025 A recently arrived Common Whitethroat , singing away in St Ouens Bay RdC A cloudy day with a light northerly wind. Seen around the north side of St Ouens Pond this morning were a Hobby , 13 Swift , 45 Sand Martin , 40 Swallow , 6 House Martin , 7 Reed Warbler , 6 Sedge Warbler , a Willow Warbler , 4 Cetti's Warbler , 2 Whitethroat , a Reed Bunting , a Water Rail , 2 Shoveler , 2 Tufted Duck and a Wheatear while on the Scrape were 6 Lapwing , 2 Oystercatcher , 2 Teal , 5 Swallow , 3 Wheatear , a Yellow Wagtail and a Reed Warbler . Up at Grosnez and Les Landes were a Dotterel which flew across the racecourse, a Swift , 191 Swallow , 114 House Martin , 3 Sand Martin , 2 Yellow Wagtail , 4 Wheatear , 4 Stonechat , 3 Whitethroat , 3 Marsh Harrier and 25 Bottle-nosed Dolphin offshore.
by Michael Dryden 25 April 2025
25.04.2025 This pretty pair were the only 2 Teal seen at the Scrape today MD A fair day with high cloud, but still feeling cool in a fresh easterly wind. Offshore at Grosnez this morning were 3 Manx Shearwaters , 3 Guillemots , 18 Sandwich Terns, 2 Kittiwakes , 26 Lesser Black-backed Gulls , 29 Fulmars and 17 Gannets while passing overhead were 2 Swifts , 130 Swallows , 3 Sand Martins, 2 House Martins, 8 Yellow Wagtails and 12 Linnets . On the ground were 3 Choughs , 7 Wheatears and 2 Stonechats . Seen at Plemont were 9 Razorbills , 3 Wheatears , 6 Swallows and 50+ Linnets . A Cuckoo was calling at Greve de Lecq. On St Ouen's Pond were 2 male Shoveler , with at least 8 Swifts and 20 Swallows overhead, also a Whitethroat was by the Wetland Centre again. On the Scrape were the 2 Teal , another male Shoveler , 6 Lapwings , a singing Willow Warbler and several Reed Warblers . In the Sandpits were 12 Tufted Duck , a Shelduck , 4 Oystercatchers and 50 Sand Martins . In Les Ormes Valley were 5 Whitethroats, a Garden Warbler and a female Marsh Harrier. Seen yesterday in Les Ormes Valley were a Reed Warbler , a Garden Warbler and a Raven . Another 5 Wheatears were on Les Blanches Banques. In Grouville Bay were a Brent Goose , 2 Bar-tailed Godwits and 74 Oystercatchers and at Grouville Marsh were 5 Reed Warblers and a Swallowtail butterfly. At Beaumont Marsh were 2 Grey Herons , a Wheatear and 2 House Martins and at Noirmont were 2 Wheatears , a singing Whitethroat and 10 Swallows . In Vallee des Vaux were singing Firecrest and Goldcrest and 3 House Martins were back on their breeding site at La Ferme.
by Michael Dryden 24 April 2025
24.04.2025 An adult Cormorant passing Grosnez this morning MD A dry but cloudy day in a fresh northeast wind. A varied selection of birds passing Grosnez and Les Landes this morning included 2 Manx Shearwaters , a Guillemot , 11 Fulmars , 19 Gannets , 4 Cormorants , 9 Kittiwakes , 8 Lesser Black-backed Gulls , 2 Swifts , 745 Swallows , 30 House Martins , 3 Sand Martins , 6 Yellow Wagtails , a Tree Pipit and 3 Goldfinches , while on the ground were 8 Wheatears , 2 Stonechats , 2 Whitethroats , 40 Linnets , and overhead, 4 Marsh Harriers , 2 Ravens and a Kestrel . On Les Ecrehous were 5 Common Terns , 2 Blackbirds , a Swallow and offshore, 10 Gannets . In St Ouen's Bay, at the Scrape, were the Pink-footed Goose and Barnacle Goose , 7 Lapwings , a Shoveler and 3 Reed Warblers , while at the Wetland Centre were a Shoveler , 4 Reed Warblers and a Whitethroat . To the north of the Pond were 2 Wheatears , a Sedge Warbler , 5 Reed Warblers , 4 Skylarks and 15 Swallows and at Kempt Tower and pools were 3 Little Grebes and another Wheatear . On Les Mielles de Morville were 3 Whitethroats and 2 Greenfinches . Another Wheatear was at Corbiere and in Petit Port Bay were a Whimbrel , a Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Shelduck and 2 Great Black-backed Gulls . 11 pale-bellied Brent Geese were still at St Aubin and a Grey Heron plus two newly fledged Blackbirds were in Beaumont Marsh. Back to yesterday evening, when 6 Wheatears , 30 Linnets , 2 Snipe , 2 Water Rails, a Sedge Warbler , 6 Reed Warblers and a Whitethroat were on the north side of St Ouen's Pond, 40 Sand Martins and 15 Swallows were over the Pond and a pair of Shelduck plus a Dunlin were at La Rocque.
by Michael Dryden 23 April 2025
23.04.2025 An adult Raven with the remains of a Rabbit, off the North coast this week MD A morning of heavy, squally showers in a strong westerly wind, clearing to fine conditions this afternoon. Sightings were at a premium in todays conditions, the pick of which was a Spoonbill seen over St Ouen's Pond Scrape this afternoon. Also seen at the Scrape, mostly from the shelter of the Hide were 4 Teal , 2 Tufted Duck , the male Shelduck trying to fend off all-comers, 2 Oystercatchers , 6 Lapwings , a passage of at least 60 Swallows , 2 Sand Martins , 7 Yellow Wagtails , 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and 3 Reed Warblers on the South Canal. 10 pale-bellied Brent Geese remained at St Aubin and a Wheatear plus 2 Chough were seen at Corbiere, with another 2 Chough at Grosnez. Around the southeast and east coasts, a Ringed Plover , a Grey Plover , 3 Curlews , 81 Oystercatchers , 2 Little Egrets and 5 Gannets were at La rocque, a Wheatear was on Grouville Common and a Grey Heron was at Fauvic.
by Michael Dryden 22 April 2025
22.04.2025 A Gannet passing Grosnez. MD A fair to fine day in a cool west-northwest wind On the Blanches Banques in St Ouen's Bay today were a Cuckoo , 2 Garden Warblers, 3 Wheatears and a singing Skylark and at the Scrape were a male Gadwall and a male Shelduck , A Whimbrel was at Petit Port and another Whimbrel was in Robin Bay at La Rocque. A trickle of birds passing Grosnez this morning included 7 Sandwich Terns , 39 Gannets , 3 Cormorants , a Kittiwake , a Serin , 128 Swallows , 3 Sand Martins , 2 Yellow Wagtails , 12 Linnets , a Tree Pipit and 6 Woodpigeons . Also seen there were 3 Wheatears , 5 Stonechats ,3 Whitethroats , 3 Dartford Warblers , 3 Marsh Harriers , a Sparrowhawk , 2 Choughs and 2 Ravens . A Peregrine was seen over Les Landes and another Peregrine was at Archirondel. At the North Canal in St Ouen's Bay were a Sedge Warbler , a Whitethroat , 5 Reed Warblers and a Water Rail . 6 pale-bellied Brent Geese remained at St Aubin. Below : This Oystercatcher was seen sleeping at Petit Port two days ago, no doubt recovering from it's epic flight to Jersey from Chausey, where it was ringed MD
by Michael Dryden 21 April 2025
21.04.2025 This Ruff was a new arrival on the Scrape this morning MD Another cool day with a band of rain crossing the Island mid-morning before clear conditions arrived this afternoon in a westerly wind. The mid-morning rain did bring a few birds down, especially in St Ouen's Bay. Seen at the Pond and Scrape were a Ruff , a Common Sandpiper , the first 2 Swifts of the year, 5 overflying Whimbrel ( with another 4 Whimbrel over Le Braye earlier in the day), 7 Teal , a male Wigeon , at least 7 Shoveler , 2 Tufted Duck , 2 Brent Geese , the male Shelduck , 4 Snipe , 6 Lapwings , 50+ Swallows , 6 House Martins , 11 Yellow Wagtails , a White Wagtail , a Whitethroat , a Sedge Warbler , 2 Reed Warblers, and 55 Linnets . To the north of St Ouen's Pond were 7 Reed Warblers , and at Kempt Tower were 10 more overflying Whimbrels , a Golden Plover and Wheatear . In the Sandpits were another 2 Common Sandpipers and at Milano Bars near L'Etacq was a singing Reed Warbler . Seen at Kempt Tower and north to the Frances le Sueur Centre were 5 Whitethroats , 8 Reed Warblers , a Dartford Warbler, 2 pairs of Little Grebes , 2 pairs of Shovelers , 8 Tufted Ducks, 3 Wheatears and a Yellow Wagtail . Along the North coast east from Grosnez were a Wheatear and 4 Puffins and a Short-eared Owl was seen hunting in St Peter's Valley around lunchtime. At Les Landes 3 Whitethroats , a Wheatear , 2 Willow Warblers and 8 Swallows . Off Corbiere first thing were 6 Guillemots , 7 Fulmars , 18 Gannets , 8 Cormorants , 3 Kittiwakes and 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls , also 3 Bottle-nosed Dolphins . 25 pale-bellied Brent Geese were at St Aubin and at Beaumont Marsh were a Grey Heron , a White Wagtail , 3 Swallows and 5 Long-tailed Tits . At Grouville Marsh this morning were 2 Sedge Warblers, 5 Reed Warblers , a Whitethroat , 15 Chiffchaffs , 6 Cetti's Warblers , a Tree Pipit . 5 Water Rails, a Green Sandpiper and 7 overflying Swallows .
by Michael Dryden 20 April 2025
20.04.2025 Lapwing over the Scrape MD A morning of squally showers with a strong and gusty northeast wind, clearing to a fine afternoon Seen at Les Landes were a Tree Pipit , 3 Yellow Wagtails , 2 Wheatears , a Willow Warbler , 6 Swallows and a House Martin , while offshore were 129 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 85 Fulmars , 29 Gannets and 4 Cormorants while heading off from there, were 10 Swallows , 3 House Martins and 5 Linnets . At Plemont were 24 Razorbills , 3 Black-headed Gulls , a Swallow and 30 Linnets. At the Scrape at St Ouen's Pond were 5 Teal , a male Wigeon heading for the Pond, a male Shoveler , 2 Oystercatchers , 6 Lapwings , a Redshank , a Snipe and 2 Reed Warblers and overhead were 12 Sand Martins, 2 House Martins and 6 Swallows . A male Shelduck and 2 Swallows were at Petit Port and a Purple Sandpiper was seen at Noirmont Point. A Great Crested Grebe was in St Aubin's Bay, at West Park. 8 Cattle Egrets were at Cowley Farm and 7 Tufted Ducks were at Grands Vaux.
by Michael Dryden 19 April 2025
19.04.2025 A female Pied Flycatcher , ringed and released at Grouville Marsh this morning, image thanks to David Buxton DB Overnight rain had cleared before Dawn leaving a fair day with a fresh east-southeast wind. The overnight rain brought some new birds to the Island and seen at Grouville Marsh this morning were a Pied Flycatcher, 7 Reed Warblers , 6 Sedge Warblers , 2 Willow Warblers , a Whitethroat , 15 Chiffchaffs , a Tree Pipit, 4 Blackcaps , 6 Cetti's Warblers , 2 Bullfinches , 3 Swallows , a White Wagtail , 2 Green Sandpipers , 4 Water Rails , a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Sparrowhawk . At La Rocque were 2 Whimbrels , a Curlew and a Wheatear Passing Grosnez and at Les Landes were an Arctic Skua , 13 Common Scoters , 2 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Guillemots , 10 Fulmars , 32 Gannets , a flock of 18 Common Terns , 15 Sandwich Terns , 3 Kittiwakes , 26 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 12 Wheatears , 3 Whitethroats , a Willow Warbler , 3 Tree Pipits , 3 Yellow Wagtails , a White Wagtail, 12 Meadow Pipits , 14 Linnets , 4 Goldfinches, a Peregrine and a Raven . Between Grosnez and Plemont were a Whinchat and 2 Wheatears and at Plemont were 9 Wheatears , 30 Linnets , 10 Swallows and a Puffin . A Cuckoo was at Portinfer. On the Scrape were 3 Shovelers , 4 Teal , 7 Lapwings , a Redshank and a Dunlin and north of St Ouen's Pond were 5 Wheatears . 6 Reed Warblers were at Kempt Tower pools and 2 Stonechats were at La Pulente. In Beaumont Marsh were 3 Grey Herons and a Yellow Wagtail , at St Aubin were 28 pale-bellied Brent Geese and at Grands Vaux were 5 Tufted Ducks .
by Michael Dryden 18 April 2025
18.04.2025 A spectacular male Marsh Harrier at St Ouen's Pond this week MD A poor day for weather, with heavy showers on and off throughout the daylight hours, cold at 11c in a strong and gusty southeast wind A trickle of birds passed Corbiere, before the rain set in, which included a Common Scoter , 3 Guillemots , 28 Gannets , a Fulmar , 12 Shags , a Curlew , 11 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 23 Great Black-backed Gulls . 2 Shelduck were at Petit Port again. Sitting off at Plemont were a Puffin and a Razorbill . On the Scrape were 7 Teal , a pair of Shoveler , a pair Shelduck which included the manic male which was seeing off all-comers, 6 Lapwings , a Snipe , a pair of Oystercatcher , 8 Swallows , 4 House Martins and a Reed Warbler in song on the South Canal. Seen at the Wetland Centre later morning were 50+ Swallows , 30+ Sand Martins and 2 Oystercatchers , possibly the birds from the Scrape. At Grouville Marsh were 2 Green Sandpipers , an adult Grey Heron and a singing Reed Warbler and a single Brent Goose was at Gorey. 5 Cattle Egrets were at Cowley Farm. Extras for yesterday include 2 Shovelers , 3 Snipe and 4 Reed Warblers while at Kempt Tower were 2 Wheatears . Below : A ghostly Corbiere Lighthouse this morning, collecting the only available rays of the Sun, just after it had risen. MD
by Michael Dryden 17 April 2025
17.04.2025 A fine drake Teal on the Scrape, one of only a few left now as they head off to their breeding areas. MD A clear and almost Spring-like day apart from the cool temperatures still with us. Winds were moderate from the south-southeast. Yesterday's Hoopoe was not been seen, so far, today and may well have left us during last night's very clear conditions. 4 Cattle Egrets remain at La Sente with a White Wagtail also there and 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese plus 68 Oystercatchers were in Grouville Bay. Roosting on the high tide at La Rocque this morning were a Whimbrel , 5 Curlews , 6 Grey Plovers , 26 Turnstones and a Dunlin , with a Wheatear also on the rocks there. Another Curlew and 4 Turnstones were off Webber's Lane Slip. In St Aubin's Bay, 24 pale-bellied Brent Geese were at St Aubin and at Beaumont Marsh were a Grey Heron , a Willow Warbler , 3 Swallows and 2 Long-tailed Tits . On the Scrape were 4 Teal , 6 Lapwings , 2 Oystercatchers , a Yellow Wagtail, a Reed Warbler , 4 Swallows and a Sand Martin and in the fields behind St Ouen's Pond were 3 singing Reed Warblers , 2 singing Cetti's Warblers and 2 Stonechats . Seen at Les Landes were a Wheatear and 21 Swallows while at Petit Port were a Whimbrel and 2 Shelduck . Extra for yesterday were 17 White Wagtails at the Farmer's Cricket Ground in St Martin, 2 Cirl Buntings on Grouville Common and a Grey Heron at Hydrangea Avenue in St Ouen.
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