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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.

03.02.2026

by Michael Dryden • 3 February 2026
03.02.2026 A Song Thrush out of it's comfort zone at Corbiere this morning. Image: MD A cloudy day with rain to the East of the Island, winds moderate from the south-southeast. Seawatching from Corbiere, in three hours, saw 11 Red-throated Divers , 2 Common Scoters , 8 Guillemots , 3 Fulmars , 13 Gannets , 7 Cormorants , 51 Shags , 10 Mediterranean Gulls, 9 Kittiwakes and 41 Great Black-backed Gulls , with 8 Purple Sandpipers roosting there and a Song Thrush putting in a brief appearance. On the sea in Petit Port Bay over the high tide were 110 Mediterranean Gulls and in the bushes there, a Firecrest . At St Ouen's Bay were 2 Shelduck , 170 Brent Geese , 5 Wigeon , 4 Teal , 57 Shoveler , 12 Pochard , 5 Tufted Ducks , a Little Grebe , 2 Grey Herons , 85 Black - headed Gulls , 18 Mediterranean Gulls , 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls , 2 Snipe , the Pink-footed Goose and Barnacle Goose , and in the backfields, 310 Stock Doves . The Snow Bunting was near Kempt Tower and 70 Mediterranean Gulls were near Sand Slip on the falling tide. Seen from La Rocque this morning were 2 Great Northern Divers, a Black-throated Diver , a Red-throated Diver , 6 Red-breasted Mergansers , 2 Slavonian Grebes, a Black-necked Grebe , an adult Little Gull and a Black Redstart . At La sente were 2 Shelduck and a Shoveler , at Fliquet were 3 Great Crested Grebes and at St Catherine's, 30 Brent Geese , a Little Egret and a Grey Heron . A Fieldfare and a Blackcap were seen in Rue du Huquet, St Martin. In Beaumont Marsh were c 400 Brent Geese , a Curlew , 8 Meadow Pipits , a Pied Wagtail and 3 Little Egrets .

02.02.2026

by Michael Dryden • 2 February 2026
02.02.2026 Black-necked Grebe at La Rocque today. Image: MD A cold and mainly overcast day, with rain this afternoon (8c) A good mix of species at La Rocque early morning included 3 Great Northern Divers , 2 Black-throated Divers , 4 Black-necked Grebes , 2 Slavonian Grebes , a Great Crested Grebe , 5 Red-breasted Mergansers , 100+ Brent Geese , 460 Black-headed Gulls, 22 Common Gulls, 5 Mediterranean Gulls and among many waders, one Knot . Seen from Seymour were 10 Common Gulls , 2 Bar-tailed Godwits , 150 Grey Plovers, 17 Curlews , 50 Turnstones and hundreds of both Sanderlings and Dunlin . At La Sente were 2 Shelduck , 350 Brent Geese , a Shoveler , 74 Redshanks , 5 Common Gulls , 100 Black-headed Gulls , a Mediterranean Gull , a Yellow - legged Gull , 17 Grey Herons , 2 Cattle Egrets and 21 Redwings . 8 Cattle Egrets were at Grouville Marsh. A further 47 Cattle Egrets were at Rue Parcq. Around St Ouen's Pond were 52 Shovelers , 8 Pochard , 5 Wigeon , 5 Tufted Duck , 5 Teal , 2 Little Grebes , 170 Brent Geese , 2 Snipe , 53 Lapwings , 2 Grey Herons , 35 Black-headed Gulls , a Mediterranean Gull , a Common Gull , a Water Rail , 235 Stock Doves and a Sparrowhawk . By the square tower were 31 Ringed Plovers , 8 Dunlin and a Skylark . At West Park in St Aubin's Bay were 2 Curlews , 12 Oystercatchers , 2 Great Black-backed Gulls and a Little Egret . Below : Sunrise at Seymour Tower. MD

01.02.2026

by Michael Dryden • 1 February 2026
01.02.2026 White-fronted Goose by Romano. RDC A mainly dry but cloudy day in a south becoming southwest wind (10c) Seawatching from Le Pulec was a little more productive today than of late and seen in three hours were an an adult pale-phase Arctic Skua, a Black-throated Diver , 4 Red-throated Divers , 12 Razorbills , a Brent Goose , 9 Fulmars , 82 Gannets , 41 Shags , 3 Cormorants , 115 Kittiwakes , a Mediterranean Gull , 24 Great Black-backed Gulls and 21 Curlews , with a Pied Wagtail , 20 Rock Pipits and a Buzzard also passing by. On the beach in St Ouen's Bay were 56 Mediterranean Gulls and at Kempt Tower was the Snow Bunting. Around St Ouen's Pond were a White-fronted Goose , 10 Pochard , 38 Shoveler , 120 Brent Geese , 5 Grey Herons , 4 Mediterranean Gulls , 56 Lapwings , 8 Snipe , a Water Pipit . 200 Stock Doves and 2 Little Grebes and at the Scrape were 3 Wigeon , 11 Skylarks and 5 Chiffchaffs . 2 Shelduck were at Petit Port. At St Aubin were 20 pale-bellied Brent Geese , 160 dark-bellied Brent , a Mediterranean Gull, and a Great Crested Grebe and on the Airport football pitch were 41 Mediterranean Gulls . In Beaumont Marsh were 12 Redwings, 9 Song Thrushes, 56 Starlings and 2 Little Egrets. La Sente held 500 Brent Geese, a Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 2 Snipe, 28 Common Gulls, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 300 Black-headed Gulls, 30 Redwings, 50 Cattle Egrets, 18 Grey Herons , 52 Redshanks , 4 Greenshanks , 4 Curlews , 25 Pied Wagtails , and 4 Ravens . 33 Cattle Egrets were at Parcq Farm and on Grouville Common were 3 Chiffchaffs , a Blackcap and 2 Stonechats .

31.01.2026

by Michael Dryden • 31 January 2026
31.01.2026 Male Marsh Harrier at St Ouen's Pond. Image: MD Overnight rain cleared at Sunrise leaving a fair to cloudy day in a south-west wind. On St Ouen's Pond this morning were 10 Pochard , 39 Shoveler , a Tufted Duck , 16 Teal , 2 Grey Herons, 4 Marsh Harriers and a Water Pipit . In the fields behind the Pond were 60 Lapwings and 113 Brent Geese . The Snow Bunting was seen again by the sea wall at Kempt Tower. Passing Le Pulec early on were 70 Gannets , 2 Fulmars , 3 Razorbills , 19 Shags , 155 Kittiwakes , 3 Mediterranean Gulls , 21 Great Black-backed Gulls , 3 Curlews and 2 Ravens . A Water Pipit was on the rocks there. In Petit Port Bay this afternoon were 42 Curlews , 19 Grey Plovers , 58 Turnstones , 183 Oystercatchers , 7 Mediterranean Gulls , 2 Great Black-backed Gulls and a Little Egret, 38 Brent Geese and 2 Cormorants . At Beaumont Marsh were 3 Buzzards , a Curlew , a Grey Wagtail, a Pied Wagtail and 4 Little Egrets . 6 Tufted Duck were on Queen's Valley reservoir.

30.01.2026

by Michael Dryden • 30 January 2026
30.01.2026 Turnstone at Le Pulec Image: MD High cloud this morning gave way to heavy rain by lunchtime, mild in an increasing southerly wind. At La Sente in the middle of the day were 2 Shoveler , a Wigeon , 125 Brent Geese, 52 Curlews , 7 Greenshanks , 42 Redshanks , 6 Grey Herons and 8 Pied Wagtails . In Beaumont Marsh were 100 Black-headed Gulls , 5 Mediterranean Gulls , 6 pale-bellied Brent Geese , a Grey Heron and a Pied Wagtail . A little early morning passage past Grosnez saw 142 Gannets , 42 Fulmars , 4 Razorbills , 5 auk sp , 12 Kittiwakes , a Mediterranean Gull, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Great Black-backed Gulls , 4 Ravens and a Peregrine carrying prey, in one hour. At Petit Port were 35 Curlews , 11 Grey Plovers , 10 Turnstones and 3 Cormorants and at St Ouen's Pond Scrape were 2 Shelduck , 5 Wigeon , 5 Snipe , 30 Lapwings , 6 Grey Herons , a Water Rail, a Cetti's Warbler and in the backfields was a Merlin. The Snow Bunting was see by the Cutty Sark. A very early, or late, breeding record was of 2 Barn Owl nestlings in the East of the Island.

29.01.2026

by Michael Dryden • 29 January 2026
29.01.2026 A beautiful image of a Black-throated Diver at La Rocque, with thanks to photographer Dave Warncken An unpleasant day to follow yesterday's fine conditions, with an overcast morning and a wet afternoon and evening, feeling cold at 7c in an increasing southeast wind On St Ouen's Pond this morning were 2 Shelduck , 5 Wigeon , 19 Teal , 48 Shoveler , 5 Tufted Duck , a Little Grebe and a Grey Heron , while in the backfields were 107 Brent Geese , 35 Lapwings , 220 Stock Doves and 30+ Starlings . Little was moving past Corbiere first thing, with just 10 Gannets , a Fulmar , 2 Brent Geese , 3 Cormorants , 8 Shags and 21 Great Black-backed Gulls seen in one hour. At Petit Port later were 31 Mediterranean Gulls , a Common Gull , 32 Curlews , 14 Grey Plovers and 3 Purple Sandpipers plus the usual Oystercatchers . Around Goose Green / Beaumont Marsh were 56 Black-headed Gulls , 30 Redwings , 10 Siskins , 18 Meadow Pipits , a Pied Wagtail and 3 Little Egrets. Scattered reports from elsewhere included 5 Cattle Egrets in Rue des Alleurs, Grouville, 40 Redwings and a Song Thrush in Rue de la Clochette, St Martin and 1 Grey Wagtail and a Little Egret in Rozel. The result of the Wader Count , held on the 20th January are now available in the Resources Section of the website.

28.01.2025

by Michael Dryden • 28 January 2026
28.01.2026 A Short-toed Treecreeper at Pont Marquet today. Image: MD It was a respite day today, with clear skies, a moderate southerly breeze and a mild 10c A little early morning seabird passage past Corbiere soon petered out, but in ninety minutes, included 112 Gannets, 4 Fulmars , 2 Razorbills , 2 Guillemots , 3 auk sp , 145 Kittiwakes , 27 Great Black-backed Gulls , a Lesser Black-backed Gull, a Mediterranean Gull, a Common Gull and 9 Cormorants . In Petit Port Bay were 23 Brent Geese , 2 Shelduck , a Purple Sandpiper , 4 Curlews , 17 Grey Plovers , 9 Turnstones , a Yellow-legged Gull , 5 Great Black-backed Gulls , 4 Mediterranean Gulls , a Cormorant , a Shag , 8 Little Egrets and a Kingfisher . At La Rocque were 4 Red-breasted Mergansers and at Rue Parcq were 26 Cattle Egrets . On Grouville Common were a Water Rail, 11 Redwings , 3 Stonechats , 6 Chiffchaffs and 2 Blackcaps . In spring-like conditions, birds at Pont Marquet included 2 Buzzards , 20 Redwings , 8 Song Thrushes ( two in song), 10 Blackbirds , 12 Robins , 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers , 6 Short-toed Treecreepers , 5 Firecrests , a Goldcrest , a Blackcap , a Chiffchaff , 10+ Great Tits , 3 Blue Tits and 13 Chaffinches . At Noirmont was a Dartford Warbler and a Meadow Pipit , also a Peacock butterfly and another Peacock was in a garden, in St John.

27.01.2026

by Michael Dryden • 27 January 2026
27.01.2026 A Ringed Plover at roost, image with thanks to Romano RDC A cloudy day, but dry until this evening in an increasingly gusty southerly wind (10c) Not much is changing in terms of comings and goings at the moment. On St Ouen's Pond today were 2 Shelduck , 68 Teal , 51 Shoveler , 15 Pochard , a Tufted Duck , a Little Grebe , 180 Brent Geese for their morning wash, and 60 Lapwings . The Snow Bunting was at it's usual location near Kempt Tower along with 2 Stonechats . In a field on Mont Matthieu were c40 Black-headed Gulls and 20 Mediterranean Gulls . Passing Corbiere through the morning were a Great Northern Diver , a Red-throated Diver , 22 Guillemots , a Razorbill , 6 auk sp , 3 Fulmars , 68 Gannets , 36 Shags , 5 Cormorants , 80 Great Black-backed Gulls , a Lesser Black-backed Gull , 16 Mediterranean Gulls and 23 Rock Pipits , with 6 Purple Sandpipers flying in towards Petit Port. At Petit Port were 23 Brent Geese, 11 Mediterranean Gulls , 5 Great Black-backed Gulls , 28 Curlews , 18 Grey Plovers , 22 Turnstones and 2 Purple Sandpipers . In La Sente were 577 Brent Geese , a Wigeon , 83 Redshanks , 7 Greenshanks , a Turnstone , 13 Curlews , 12 Grey Herons , 5 Little Egrets , 2 Cattle Egrets, 38 Redwings , a Song Thrush , c 200 Black-headed Gulls, 8 Common Gulls, 5 Mediterranean Gulls and 4 Ravens . At Holme Grown were a further 67 Cattle Egrets . In St Catherine's Woods were a Merlin , a Sparrowhawk , 2 Redwings , 3 Firecrests , a Bullfinch , a Short-toed Treecreeper, and a Grey Wagtail with a Peregrine seen near La Crete. Another Grey Wagtail visited it's regular garden at Greve de Lecq. At Beaumont today were c500 Brent Geese including 3 pale-bellied Brent , 90 Black-headed Gulls, 5 Mediterranean Gulls , a Grey Heron , 12 Redwings and a Pied Wagtail . On Millbrook Reservoir in Waterworks Valley were 5 Tufted Duck , a Little Grebe , 2 Grey Herons , 2 Cormorants and a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker, and at Dannemarche Reservoir was another Grey Heron.

26.01.2026

by Michael Dryden • 26 January 2026
26.01.2026 Purple Sandpiper at Corbiere this morning. Image: MD A dry morning in light southerly winds, with rain and increasing winds arriving this afternoon. (10c) Seawatching from Corbiere through the morning saw 2 Black-throated Divers, 7 Brent Geese , 3 Razorbills , a Guillemot , 7 distant auk sp , 4 Fulmars , 192 Gannets, a Great Crested Grebe , 79 Shags , 17 Cormorants , 3 Grey Herons , 79 Mediterranean Gulls , 15 Kittiwakes , 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls , 68 Great Black-backed Gulls , 2 Common Gulls , a Curlew , 10 Purple Sandpipers , 38 Rock Pipits and also, 2 Harbour Porpoise and a loose pod of 32 Bottle-nosed Dolphins . At Petit Port were 42 Mediterranean Gulls , a Lesser Black-backed Gull, 19 Grey Plovers , 3 Purple Sandpipers , 44 Turnstones and 38 Curlews . On the East coast, passing La Coupe were 4 Great Northern Divers , 2 Black-throated Divers , 8 Red-throated Divers, 6 Kittiwakes , 3 Common Gulls, 3 Mediterranean Gulls , a Black-headed Gull and 3 Gannets, and in St Catherine's Bay were 5 Brent Geese , 3 Great Crested Grebes and a Grey Wagtail . In St Catherine's Woods were a Firecrest , 2 Blackcaps , a Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Buzzards . In Bouley Bay were 10 Fulmars , 2 Great Crested Grebes and 2 Peregrines . At La Sente were 350 Brent Geese , a Wigeon , 3 Grey Herons , 7 Little Egrets , 2 Cattle Egrets , 7 Greenshanks and 44 Redshanks . At Beaumont Marsh were 520 Brent Geese , 35 Redwings , 3 Pied Wagtails and a Marsh Harrier . Around St Ouen's Pond were 74 Brent Geese, 14 Pochard , 49 Shoveler , 2 Shelduck , 5 Wigeon , 4 Tufted Duck , 2 Little Grebes , a Grey Heron , 2 Snipe , 2 Stonechats and a Chiffchaff . On Sands Slip were 37 Ringed Plovers , 22 Dunlin , 22 Sanderling and 2 Oystercatchers .

25.01.2026

by Michael Dryden • 25 January 2026
25.01.2026 Great Crested Grebe stretching. Seymour today. Image: MD. Rain until late morning, becoming cloudy in a fresh south-southeast , becoming west wind. In or passing Grouville Bay, as viewed from Seymour Slip this morning, were 8 Great Northern Divers , a Black-throated Diver , a Red-throated Diver , 6 Great Crested Grebes , 3 Black-necked Grebes , 2 Slavonian Grebes , 22 Red-breasted Mergansers , 10 Cormorants , 17 Shags , 3 Gannets , a Mediterranean Gull and a Peregrine , which was disturbing waders from the rocks at La Rocque, which included 180 Grey Plovers , 20 Ringed Plovers , 17 Turnstones and a mixed flock of c200 Dunlin and Sanderling . Seen at La Rocque were a Great Crested Grebe , a Black-necked Grebe and 2 Slavonian Grebes . At La Sente were 380 Brent Geese , 150 Black-headed Gulls , a Teal , 68 Redshanks , 4 Greenshanks , a Common Gull, 4 Curlews and 23 Pied Wagtails . 3 Cattle Egrets were near to Holme Grown. 17 Cattle Egrets and a Grey Wagtail were at Cowley Farm and 30 Coot were in Grouville Marsh. The Snow Bunting was at Kempt Tower and in Petit Port Bay were 40 Mediterranean Gulls , 2 Shelduck , 2 Grey Herons , 25 Turnstones and a Kingfisher . At Chateau Clairval were 3 Teal , a Grey Heron , 4 Cattle Egrets and a Yellow-legged Gull, and 26 Redshanks were roosting at St Aubin. In fields by St John village were c 1000 Woodpigeons and 50 Stock Doves . The figures from the Brent Goose count , taken on 20th January, are now available on the Resources page. Below : Thanks go to Jo Bramley for this video of Bullfinches feeding in the Zoo. Strange noises in the background may refer to inmates!
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