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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.


by Romano da Costa 10 April 2026
10.04.2026 Two recent Little Ringed Plover at a very muddy La Sente RdC Seen at Grouville Marsh this morning were a Little Ringed Plover , a Grey Heron , 5 Reed Warbler , 2 Sedge Warbler , 2 Willow Warbler , 6 Blackcap , 15 Chiffchaff , 5 Cetti's Warbler , 2 Snipe , a Water Rail and 7 Swallow . At La Sente were 2 Brent Geese and 8 White Wagtail while along Rue du Pont were 5 Cattle Egret . On the Scrape at St Ouen's Pond were 2 Shelduck , 4 Barnacle Geese , 5 Shoveler , 10 Teal , a Whimbrel , 5 House Martin , 20 Swallow , 4 Wheatear , a Reed Warbler , a Willow Warbler and a Blackcap and on the north side of the Pond another, or possibly the same Whimbrel . 3 Wheatear were at Les Landes, a Dartford Warbler was at Sorel and 3 Whitethroat , Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler were at Kempt Tower. At St Aubin were 11 Pale-bellied Brent Geese , 2 Curlew and a Black-headed Gull .
by Romano da Costa 9 April 2026
09.04.2026 The long-staying Pink-footed Goose , still accompanied by it's Barnacle Goose mate at St Ouen's Pond. Thanks to Tony Paintin for the photo Around St Ouen's Pond this morning were a Blue-headed Wagtail , a Yellow Wagtail , 5 Wheatear , 10 Reed Warbler , 2 Sedge Warbler , 4 Willow Warbler , 10 Chiffchaff , 5 Blackcap , 6 Swallow , a Whimbrel , a Snipe , 3 Oystercatcher , 4 Lapwing , the White-fronted Goose , 19 Teal , 9 Shoveler , a Gadwall and a Water Rail . Up at Les Landes were 3 Wheatear , a Yellow Wagtail and 2 Peregrine , a Dartford Warbler was at Gorselands and a Whitethroat and 3 Reed Warbler were at Kempt Tower. At La Sente were a Blue-headed Wagtail , a Yellow Wagtail , 6 White Wagtail , a Cattle Egret , 3 Little Egret and a Wheatear while at Le Hurel were 3 Brent Geese and a Great Crested Grebe . Beaumont Marsh held 56 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 4 Brent Geese .
by Romano da Costa 8 April 2026
08.04.2026 A good example of the variations in plumage of second and third year Herring Gulls at Le Pulec, thanks to Keith Pyman for the photo. 2 Great Egret were roosting at Grouville Marsh this lunchtime while at La Sente were 2 Brent Geese , 3 Little Egret , a Cattle Egret , a Grey Heron , a Black-headed Gull , a Pied Wagtail , 16 White Wagtail and a Cetti's Warbler . Around St Ouen's Pond were 24 Teal , 2 Oystercatcher , 4 Lapwing , a pair of Coot with 6 young, a Skylark , a Sedge Warbler , 2 Reed Warbler , a Reed Bunting and 6 Wheatear and in the Sandpits were 2 Shelduck and 35 Sand Martin . Around Kempt Tower were 6 Wheatear , a Willow Warbler and 2 Reed Warbler , a Whitethroat was singing along Chemin du Moulin and a Wheatear was on the Blanches Banques. 38 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and a Sandwich Tern were at St Aubin and at Petit Port were 2 Shelduck and 118 Oystercatcher . On the Ecrehous were 5 Purple Sandpiper , 60 Turnstone , 16 Curlew , 6 Sandwich Tern , a Little Egret , 6 Razorbill and 2 Guillemot .
by Romano da Costa 7 April 2026
07.04.2026 The first Yellow Wagtails finally arrived today. Here is a record shot of a Blue-headed variant at La Sente, thanks to Alan Gicquel. Seen at La Sente were a Blue-headed Wagtail , a Yellow Wagtail , 5 White Wagtail , 2 Shelduck , a Whimbrel , a Bl ack-headed Gull , a Grey Heron and 5 Little Egret . Up at Les Landes were 3 Redstart, a Blue-headed Wagtail , 8 Wheatear , 2 Willow Warbler , 20 Chiffchaff including one Siberian Chiffchaff , 2 Blackcap , 5 Sand Martin and 4 Swallow . At Sorel were 2 Wheatear , 8 Swallow , 14 Meadow Pipit , a Marsh Harrier and a Razorbill . Around St Ouen's Pond were the first Whitethroat , Common Sandpiper and Whimbrel of the year, a Gadwall , a Grey Heron , a Yellow Wagtail , 12 Wheatear , a Reed Bunting , 10 Blackcap , a Reed Warbler , a Sedge Warbler , 6 Chiffchaff , 2 Willow Warbler , 4 Cetti's Warbler , 5 Snipe and a House Martin . In the Sandpits were 2 Shelduck , 15 Tufted Duck , 4 Oystercatcher and 50 Sand Martin . 15 Sandwich Tern and 4 Wheatear were in St Ouen's Bay, 2 Little Grebe were at kempt Tower, a Wheatear and 2 Kestrel were at Beauport and 2 Skylark were near the Splash. A Great Northern Diver was still in the Harbour. A Ring Ouzel was still visiting a garden in Grouville and 2 Swallow were in St Martin. 55 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 3 Brent Geese were at Beaumont Marsh this evening.
by Romano da Costa 6 April 2026
06.04.2026 The First Reed Warbler of the year was caught at St Ouen's Pond this morning, thanks to Dave Buxton for the photo. Around St Ouen's Pond alongside the Reed Warbler , were the first Sedge Warbler of the spring, 2 Willow Warbler , 10 Chiffchaff , 6 Cetti's Warbler , 4 Blackcap , 2 Reed Bunting , 3 Wheatear , 2 Water Rail , 3 Lapwing , 2 Oystercatcher , 3 Snipe , 2 Grey Heron , 14 Shoveler , 17 Teal , 7 Tufted Duck , a Wigeon , a Little Grebe , a Little Egret , 4 Swallow and 2 Sand Martin while in the Sandpits were 30 Sand Martin . 3 Wheatear were near to Sands with another 3 at Kempt Tower and on Mont Matthieu a Willow Warbler , 2 Tufted Duck and a Little Grebe . Up at Les Landes were a Serin , 8 Wheatear , 10 Swallow , 2 Sand Martin , 32 Linnet , 46 Meadow Pipit , 3 Stonechat , a Song Thrush and a Bullfinch heading off at Grosnez! At Plemont were 31 Razorbill , a Guillemot , 2 Sandwich Tern and a Peregrine and at Le Pulec were 47 Oystercatcher , 9 Little Egret , 15 Shag , 11 Cormorant , 6 White Wagtail , a Peregrine and 2 Raven . La Sente held 2 Little Ringed Plover , 19 Brent Geese , 2 Shelduck , 5 Little Egret , a Cattle Egret , a Common Gull , 3 White Wagtail and a Swallow while at Grouville Marsh were 2 Swallow , a Grey Heron and a Coot with 2 young. 68 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 3 Brent Geese were at Beaumont Marsh. Below, the First Sedge Warbler was also caught at St Ouen's Pond this morning, thanks to Dave Buxton.
by Romano da Costa 5 April 2026
05.04.2026 One of the last remaining Brent Geese at La Sente, feeding up before it's long journey ahead RdC Seen on the Scrape this morning were a male Gadwall , a Brent Goose , 4 Barnacle Geese , 2 Lapwing , 2 Oystercatcher , a Grey Heron , 12 Swallow , 7 Sand Martin and a Wheatear while in the Sandpits were 2 Shelduck and 12 Tufted Duck . At Le Pulec were 2 Wheatear , 9 White Wagtail , 2 Shelduck , 10 Little Egret , 220 Herring Gull and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull with another Wheatear at Les Landes and 12 Razorbill , 4 Gannet and a Swallow at Plemont. 15 Purple Sandpiper were at Corbiere, a Swallow flew over Beauport and 2 Peregrine and a Swallow were at Grosnez. In St Brelade's Bay were 66 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 2 Brent Geese while 5 more Pale-bellied Brent Geese , a Redshank and 13 Turnstone were at St Aubin. At La Sente were 2 Little Ringed Plover , 2 Shelduck , 6 Brent Geese , 3 Cattle Egret , 9 Little Egret , a Common Gull , a Black-headed Gull , 2 Swallow , a Sand Martin , 9 White Wagtail and a Cetti's Warbler . In Vallee des Vaux were a Grey Wagtail and a Firecrest .
by Romano da Costa 4 April 2026
04.04.2026 A Redshank feeding along the muddy edges of La Sente RdC Seen at La Sente were 3 Little Ringed Plover , 2 Redshank , 2 Shelduck , a Grey Heron , a Cattle Egret , 5 Little Egret , 65 Brent Geese , 2 Common Gull , a Black-headed Gull and 2 White Wagtail . Around St Ouen's Pond were a singing Reed Bunting , 4 Swallow , 8 Sand Martin , the White-fronted Goose , 12 Shoveler , 19 Teal , a Grey Heron , 2 Little Grebe , a Redshank , 2 Snipe , 4 Lapwing , 2 Oystercatcher , a Water Pipit , a Skylark , a Willow Warbler , 50 Linnet and a White Wagtail while in the Sandpits were 18 Tufted Duck , 15 Sand Martin and a Cetti's Warbler . Opposite Jersey Pearl was a Willow Warbler , 10 Little Egret were at Le Pulec and on Mont Matthieu were 3 Willow Warbler , 2 Shoveler and 2 Tufted Duck . At Les Landes were 5 Wheatear , 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 2 Marsh Harrier .
by Romano da Costa 3 April 2026
03.04.2026 A newly arrived White Wagtail at La Sente RdC Seen at La Sente were 2 Little Ringed Plover , 3 Redshank , 150 Brent Geese , 2 Shelduck , 6 Little Egret , 2 Cattle Egret , 2 Common Gull , a Black-headed Gull , 8 White Wagtail and a Cetti's Warbler . A Grey Heron and a White Wagtail were at Grouville Marsh and at Grands Vaux were 4 Teal , 9 Tufted Duck , 2 Swallow and 5 Sand Martin . At St Ouen's Pond, apart from the usual Shovelers and Teal were 5 Swallow , 15 Sand Martin , 3 Snipe and a Reed Bunting while at Petit Port were 2 Shelduck .
by Romano da Costa 2 April 2026
02.04.2026 One of our locally bred Marsh Harriers enjoying a feast of Goose, thanks to Tony Paintin for the photo. A walk around La Rosiere this morning produced a fly over Serin , while at Corbiere were 24 Purple Sandpiper and a Turnstone and nearby at Petit Port were 128 Oystercatcher and 2 Shelduck . Around St Ouen's Pond were a Water Pipit , 12 Sand Martin , 32 Shoveler , 28 Teal , 7 Tufted Duck , a Little Grebe , 2 Oystercatcher , 4 Lapwing , 2 Snipe and a Wheatear . On the Blanches Banques were 6 Wheatear and 4 Skylark and around Les Ormes were a Swallow , Willow Warbler , a Dartford Warbler and a Cetti's Warbler . Up at Les Landes were a Swallow , 3 Stonechat , 24 Linnet , 4 Marsh Harrier , 3 Raven and 7 Chough . Out east at La Sente were a Little Ringed Plover , 4 Redshank , 2 Shelduck , a Cattle Egret , a Grey Heron and 8 White Wagtail while at Grouville Marsh were a Grey Heron , 4 Cetti's Warbler , 4 Bullfinch , 2 Blackcap , a Snipe , a Water Rail and 2 Chough . At Grands Vaux were 4 Teal and a Grey Heron .
by Romano da Costa 1 April 2026
01.04.2026 A Sparrowhawk on the lookout for a meal in a St Clement garden, thanks to Alan Gicquel for the photo. Seen in the Sandpits were 9 Swallow , 4 Sand Martin , 16 Tufted Duck , 2 Shelduck , a Stonechat and a Cetti's Warbler while around St Ouen's Pond were the White-fronted Goose , 4 Barnacle Geese , 2 Shelduck , 33 Shoveler , 24 Teal , a Wigeon , 8 Tufted Duck , 2 Little Grebe , 42 Sand Martin , 10 Swallow , 50 Linnet and a Reed Bunting . A Willow Warbler and 4 Song Thrush were opposite Jersey Pearl and 2 Shelduck and a Brent Goose were at Petit Port. At La Sente were 3 Redshank and 3 Common Gull while 6 Greenshank were at Queen's Valley. Beaumont Marsh held 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese , 5 Brent Geese and a Grey Heron . Elsewhere, 2 Sand Martin were at Handois, 6 Tufted Duck were on Grands Vaux and 2 Chough were at the Harbour.
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