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22.09.2024  This great image of a Gannet with black eyes was taken locally by John Ovenden. The eye colour is an indication that this bird is a survivor of Avian Flu    ( see the article from the RSPB, at the bottom of this report, for more information )  JO


A cloudy day following overnight showers, winds were light from the South


20 Little Egrets flew East over Pontac Co-op this morning with a Spoonbill for company, heading for Le Hocq.


Today's visible migrants at Noirmont included a late Swift, a Sand Martin, 523 Swallows, 8 House Martins, 141 Meadow Pipits, 3 alba Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail. On the ground, or dropping in through the morning, were a Song Thrush, a Wheatear, 3 Stonechats, 6 Whitethroats, 10 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Dartford Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher, 10 Robins, a Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, 2 Ravens and 2 Choughs. Passing offshore were a Mediterranean Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a Sandwich Tern, a Grey Heron and 10 Bottle-nosed Dolphins.


On the Scrape this morning were 13 Teal, 4 Shovelers. 3 Snipe, a Redshank, a Marsh Harrier and a Cetti's Warbler.


At Petit Port were 62 Mediterranean Gulls, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 65 Great Black-backed Gulls, a Whimbrel and 22 Curlews.


3 Song Thrushes flew over Vallee des Vaux at height this morning where a Firecrest and 5 Chiffchaffs were also seen.


Evening update: In St Ouen's Bay were 17 Ringed Plovers, a Sanderling, 158 Great Black-backed Gulls and 9 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and at Corbiere were 3 Wheatears, 25 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Ravens and 2 Choughs.

At the Farmer's Cricket Ground in St Martin were 3 Yellow Wagtails, 5 alba Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Swallows.

6 Cattle Egrets were at Grouville Marsh, 15 Redshanks were at St Aubin and 57 Brent Geese were at Bel Royal.

Black eyes in seabirds indicates bird flu survival

Scientists have discovered evidence that Northern Gannets can recover from bird flu and that unusual black iris coloration is linked to a previous HPAIV infection

Ness Amaral-Rogers

Posted 

Thu 4th May 2023

5 min read

  • The study also assessed the impact of HPAI on adult gannet survival at the largest gannet colony in the world - the Bass Rock, UK
  • The team found that at Bass Rock, adult survival between 2021 and 2022 was 42% lower than the average over the previous 10 years.

A new study has discovered evidence that Northern Gannets can recover from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, with black irises, an indicator of a previous infection.


Scientists from multiple organisations investigated outbreak timings at colonies across their North Atlantic range. At their largest colony, Bass Rock, UK, a detailed study was conducted to estimate the impact of the virus on colony size, breeding success, adult survival, and whether Gannets were potentially able to recover from an infection.

Black irises – instead of the usual pale blue – were first seen in Gannets breeding on the Bass Rock in June 2022 with colour varying from completely black to mottled. The team took blood samples from 18 apparently healthy adult Gannets with both normal and black irises, which were tested for bird flu antibodies by APHA to determine whether the birds had been previously infected. Eight tested positive, of which seven had black irises.

Dr Jude Lane, RSPB Conservation Scientist and lead author of the study: “This has been a fascinating development and the discovery may prove a useful non-invasive diagnostic tool. The next steps are to understand its efficacy, if it applies to any other species and whether there are any detrimental impacts to the birds’ vision. Ophthalmology exams will also be needed to determine what is causing the black colouration.”

High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV) has negatively impacted wild and domestic bird populations globally for decades. However, the current strain (HPAIV H5N1) has seen shifts in both the timings of outbreaks and species affected - including seabirds. Northern Gannets appeared especially severely impacted, but there was limited understanding of how their populations were affected.

High numbers of dead gannets were seen in Iceland during April last year followed by outbreaks in many Scottish colonies, Canada, Germany and Norway. By the end of June, outbreaks had occurred in five Canadian colonies and in the Channel Islands. Outbreaks in 12 UK and Ireland colonies followed in a clockwise pattern with the last infected colonies recorded in September. Unusually high mortality was recorded at all but one of the 41 monitored colonies (75 % of the 53 North Atlantic colonies), and sampling data was available for 58% of these, all with dead birds testing positive.

To better understand the impacts of HPAI, the team further investigated Bass Rock in the UK. Bass Rock is the world’s largest Gannet colony, home to over 150,000 birds at their peak. The team calculated that adult survival between 2021 and 2022 was 42% lower than the preceding 10-year average. The full extent of how many birds died during that period won’t be confirmed until the birds come back this breeding season.

The study was a collaboration between the RSPB, the University of Glasgow, the University of Edinburgh, Heriot Watt University and the Animal Plant Health Agency in partnership with the Scottish Seabird Centre.

Susan Davies, CEO of the Scottish Seabird Centre said: “Like many northern gannet colonies across the North Atlantic the Bass Rock was severely impacted in 2022 by highly pathogenic avian influenza. Due to the long running research effort on the Bass Rock, it was possible to gain important insights into the changes taking place in the colony with a strong link emerging between virus infection and the changing iris colour in these striking seabirds and the high level of nest failure within the study area.”

Seabirds are amongst the most threatened group of birds, out of the 25 species breeding here in the UK, 24 are Red or Amber on the UK list of Birds of Conservation Concern. The 2022 bird flu outbreak has provided another significant stressor to those already faced by our rapidly declining seabird populations. Quantifying and perhaps even mitigating its impact is therefore crucial if we hope to restore our seabird populations.

26.03.2026

by Romano da Costa • 26 March 2026
26.03.2026 A Rock Pipit , taken by Mick The first Ring Ouzel of the year has been in a garden in Grouville, first being seen on there on the 22nd. Around St Ouen's Pond were 6 Swallow , a Sand Martin , a pair of Reed Bunting , a Water Pipit , 4 Stonechat , 25 Linnet , 26 Shoveler , 11 Teal , 4 Lapwing , a Redshank , 2 Oystercatcher , 3 Snipe , a Grey Heron and the White-fronted Goose . At La Sente were 4 Black-headed Gull , 3 Redshank , 2 Shoveler , 18 Little Egret and 5 Cattle Egret . Up at sorel were 4 Swallow , 6 Snipe were at Grouville Marsh and 6 Swallow and 2 Teal were at Grands Vaux. In Grouville Bay were 4 Wheatear , a Sanderling and a Grey Plover .

25.03.2026

by Romano da Costa • 25 March 2026
25.03.2026 A Great Crested Grebe at La Rocque RdC Seen at La Sente were 92 Brent Geese , 2 Shelduck , 34 Little Egret , 5 Cattle Egret , 4 Black-headed Gull , a Common Gull , 6 Redshank, a Snipe , 2 White Wagtail and a Pied Wagtail. In Grouville Bay were 424 Brent Geese , 61 Oystercatcher , 4 Curlew , a Common Gull , a Great Crested Grebe , a Sandwich Tern and a Wheatear while at La Rocque were a Black-necked Grebe , 2 Gannet and 2 Wheatear . At Grouville Marsh a Peregrine was seen carrying a Kestrel it had just caught! In St Brelades Bay were 4 Pale-bellied Brent Geese with another 30 at St Aubins at the same time.

24.03.2026

by Romano da Costa • 24 March 2026
24.03.2026 A Starling showing off his glossy coat RdC Seen at La Sente were 5 Greenshank , 11 Redshank , a Snipe , 2 Shelduck , 3 Cattle Egret , 12 Little Egret and 2 White Wagtail while at Queen's Valley were a Greenshank , 6 Cormorant and a Tufted Duck . Up at Sorel were 18 Song Thrush , a Swallow and 4 Stonechat while at St Ouen's Pond were 12 Shoveler , 8 Tufted Duck , 14 Teal , 2 Snipe , 4 Lapwing , 12 Sand Martin and a Black-headed Gull with a Wheatear near Sands. At Grands Vaux were 4 Teal and a Grey Wagtail was again in Vallee des Vaux. Yesterday, 350 Sanderling were seen on the Ecrehous.

23.03.2026

by Romano da Costa • 23 March 2026
23.03.2026 A Buzzard flying by. A common species on the island with an estimated 40 pairs. Photo by Mick. In Grouville Bay this morning were 560 Brent Geese and 9 Common Scoter while at La Sente were a Little Ringed Plover , 6 Greenshank , 17 Redshank and 18 Little Egret . At Grouville Marsh from dawn were 10 Chiffchaff , 5 Cetti's Warbler , a Firecrest , a Bullfinch , 9 Cattle Egret , 5 Snipe , 4 Teal , 2 Water Rail and a White Wagtail and at Grands Vaux were 6 Tufted Duck and a Grey Heron . A Grey Wagtail was still in Vallee des Vaux. Around St Ouen's Pond were 26 Shoveler , 15 Tufted Duck , a Pochard , 2 Shelduck , a Grey Heron , 2 Oystercatcher , 5 Marsh Harrier , a Mallard with 9 ducklings, a Skylark and a Reed Bunting . At Beauport were 2 Wheatear , a Redwing and a pale Buzzard .

22.03.2026

by Romano da Costa • 22 March 2026
22.03.2026 The first Willow Warbler of the year arrived today, the exact same date as 2025. Here's a photo I took earlier RdC Seen at La Sente today were 3 Little Ringed Plover , 19 Redshank , 6 Greenshank , 2 Shelduck , 5 Black-headed Gull , 2 Common Gull , 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull , 6 Little Egret and 18 Cattle Egret . Around St Ouen's Pond were the White-fronted Goose , 20 Teal , a Wigeon , a Shelduck , 2 Stonechat , a Reed Bunting and 17 White Wagtail next to Sands while in the Sandpits were 5 Shelduck and at Petit Port were 105 Oystercatcher and 6 Brent Geese . A lone Swallow was at Noirmont. On the north coast a Willow Warbler , 2 White Wagtail and 4 Song Thrush were at Egypt and at Plemont were a Puffin and 28 Razorbill . 44 Pale-bellied Brent Geese , 6 Redshank and 4 Black-headed Gull were at St Aubin and 23 Brent Geese were at Beaumont Marsh. On Grands Vaux were 2 Teal and 10 Tufted Duck while in the grounds of the Zoo were a Water Rail , 4 Bullfinch , 5 Greenfinch , 3 Chiffchaff , 3 Blackcap , 2 Firecrest and 2 Tufted Duck . In Vallee des Vaux were 3 Chiffchaff .

21.03.2026

by Romano da Costa • 21 March 2026
21.03.2026 A male Stonechat singing away next to a field of Daffodils in St Ouen's Bay RdC Seen at La Sente were 2 Shelduck , 21 Redshank , 7 Greenshank , 2 Little Ringed Plover , 12 Little Egret , 11 Cattle Egret , 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull , 3 Black-headed Gull , 2 Common Gull and a Cetti's Warbler . Up at Sorel were 7 Song Thrush , 5 Blackbird , 2 Stonechat , 3 Dartford Warbler , 4 Chiffchaff , 2 Raven and 2 Peregrine while flying over were 114 Meadow Pipit , 13 Linnet and 2 Chaffinch . Around St Ouen's Pond were 28 Shoveler , 9 Teal , 2 Tufted Duck , 2 Black-headed Gull , a Wheatear and 2 Stonechat while at Kempt Tower were 3 Tufted Duck , 2 Little Grebe and a Water Rail . At Beaumont Marsh were 49 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 10 Brent Geese . Elsewhere, 2 Wheatear were at Corbiere, a Dartford Warbler and 3 Chiffchaff were at Gorselands, 9 Chiffchaff were at Noirmont, 4 Buzzard over East Riding and 2 Redwing were in Vallee des Vaux.

20.03.2026

by Romano da Costa • 20 March 2026
20.03.2026 A distant record shot of today's Little Ringed Plovers , thanks to Alan Gicquel. At La Sente today were 2 Little Ringed Plover , 2 Shelduck , 41 Brent Geese , 21 Little Egret , 26 Cattle Egret , 25 Redshank , 7 Greenshank , a Lesser Black-backed Gull , 3 Common Gull, a Black-headed Gull and 5 Song Thrush. Around St Ouen's Pond were 37 Teal , 11 Brent Geese , a Wigeon , 34 Shoveler , 6 Tufted Duck , the White-fronted Goose , 18 Sand Martin , a Swallow , a Water Pipit , 6 Song Thrush , 5 Lapwing , 3 Snipe , 2 Oystercatcher , 5 Wheatear , 4 Skylark and a Reed Bunting while at Kempt Tower were 3 Little Grebe , 3 Tufted Duck and 2 Wheatear . Near Jersey Pearl were 7 Wheatear , a pale Buzzard was over St Ouen's Church and 5 Shoveler and a Wheatear were on Mont Matthieu. At Petit Port were 103 Oystercatcher , a Common Gull and 7 Brent Geese . Beaumont Marsh held 57 Pale-bellied Brent Geese , 12 Brent Geese , 7 Snipe , 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Firecrest while at Noirmont were a Dartford Warbler , 3 Chiffchaff and a Swallow . In Vallee des Vaux were a Grey Wagtail , a Firecrest and a Blackcap .

19.03.2026

by Romano da Costa • 19 March 2026
19.03.2026 The first Swallow of the year was seen flying through St Ouen's Bay this afternoon. No photo of today's so here's one I took earlier RdC Seen at St Ouen's Pond were the White-fronted Goose , a Sand Martin , 4 Shelduck , a Wigeon , 29 Shoveler , 18 Teal , 6 Brent Geese , 3 Lapwing , 2 Skylark , a Stonechat and a Wheatear . At Corbiere were 24 Purple Sandpiper and a Turnstone while at Beaumont Marsh were 30 Brent Geese and at First Tower was a Black-headed Gull . Up at Le Catillon were 7 Common Gull and 12 Black-headed Gull while at Grouville Marsh were a Siskin , 9 Snipe and 2 Raven . At La Sente were 104 Brent Geese , 2 Shelduck , 22 Redshank , a Greenshank , 26 Little Egret and 6 Cattle Egret and at Grands Vaux were 2 Teal .

18.03.2026

by Romano da Costa • 18 March 2026
18.03.2026 A female Marsh Harrier at St Ouen's Pond MD Seen around St Ouen's Pond were the White-fronted Goose , 14 Teal , 2 Lapwing , 2 Shelduck , a Pochard , 6 Tufted Duck and 24 Shoveler while at Kempt Tower were a Little Grebe , 6 Tufted Duck , 3 Coot , a Cetti's Warbler and a Chiffchaff . Up at Sorel were 12 Song Thrush , 2 Stonechat , 3 Chiffchaff , a Dartford Warbler , 12 Raven , 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull , 4 Linnet , 14 Meadow Pipit and a Peregrine with 10 Gannet offshore. Les Landes were 2 Wheatear , 30 Linnet , 4 Stonechat , 20 Raven and a Peregrine with a pair of Stonechat at Le Pulec. At La Sente were 24 Brent Geese , 2 Shelduck , 23 Redshank , 6 Greenshank, 19 Cattle Egret , 11 Little Egret , 2 Common Gull and 6 Pied Wagtail . Beaumont Marsh held 66 Brent Geese which included 35 Pale-bellied , a Little Egret and 3 Chough . In Vallee des Vaux were a Grey Wagtail , 2 Blackcap , 2 Bullfinch and a singing Greenfinch .

17.03.2026

by Romano da Costa • 17 March 2026
17.03.2026 A Lapwing at St Ouen's Pond MD Seen at St Ouen's Pond were 20 Sand Martin , a Water Pipit , 34 Shoveler , a Pochard , a Wigeon , 14 Teal , 4 Lapwing , a Snipe , a Water Rail and a singing Reed Bunting while at Kempt Tower were 3 Little Grebe , 11 Tufted Duck , 4 Stonechat , 3 Chough and 2 Wheatear with 2 more Wheatear on the Blanches Banques and another 2 at Grosnez. On Mont Matthieu were 11 Shoveler and 2 Tufted Duck . At La Sente were 2 Shelduck , 2 Shoveler , 8 Little Egret and 2 Pied Wagtail while 16 Cattle Egret were near the Seymour Inn and a Grey Heron was at Handois. Yesterday evening 182 Alba Wagtail were roosting in the Marina.
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