This is a subtitle for your new post

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.

17.04.2026

by Romano da Costa • 17 April 2026
17.04.2026 An often tricky species to photograph, this Cetti's Warbler sat in the open for Alan Gicquel this morning. Around St Ouen's Pond were 2 Shelduck , 4 Shoveler , 2 Snipe , 2 Lapwing , 2 Oystercatcher , 7 Reed Warbler , a Sedge Warbler , a Reed Bunting and 6 Wheatear . Whitethroat were heard singing along Les Vaux Cuissin and Ville au Bas in St Ouen and 2 Wheatear and a Cetti's Warbler were along Rue a L'Eau. At Noirmont were 4 Wheatear , a Stonechat and a Dartford Warbler , at Gorselands 3 Wheatear and at Sorel 6 Wheatear , 4 Swallow and a Stonechat . A Swallow , a Wheatear and 2 Kestrel were at Grosnez and 9 Fulmar were on cliffs near Bouley Bay.

16.04.2026

by Romano da Costa • 16 April 2026
16.04.2026 A recent Little Ringed Plover at a very muddy La Sente RdC Around St Ouen's Pond this morning were 8 Reed Warbler , 2 Sedge Warbler , 8 Chiffchaff , a Blackcap , 10 Swallow , 5 Sand Martin , 2 Wheatear , a Snipe and 2 Stonechat while in the Sandpits were 2 Shelduck and 40 Sand Martin . At Le Mielle de Morville were 2 Whitethroat , a Willow Warbler and 3 Cetti's Warbler , with another Cetti's Warbler on Mont Matthieu and at Le Pulec 2 Shelduck and 2 Stonechat . At Les Landes were 3 Wheatear and 3 Stonechat and at Beauport were 2 Wheatear . Seen at La Sente were a Little Ringed Plover , a Grey Wagtail , 7 Yellow Wagtail and 3 Brent Geese while at Queen's Valley was a Common Sandpiper and 2 Shelduck were near Gorey. In a garden at La Pouquelaye were 2 Bullfinch , 2 Blackcap , 3 Goldcrest and a Sparrowhawk .

15.04.2026

by Romano da Costa • 15 April 2026
15.04.2026 A pair of Mallard enjoy what little water is left at La Sente RdC Seen at Grouville Marsh this morning were a Grasshopper Warbler , 2 Sedge Warbler , 5 Reed Warbler , 10 Chiffchaff , 8 Blackcap , 6 Cetti's Warbler , 2 Bullfinch , a Teal and a Snipe . 30 Brent Geese were at La Rocque while 6 more were at La Sente and on Grands Vaux were 16 Tufted Duck . In the Sandpits were 2 Whimbrel , 6 Oystercatcher and 2 Shelduck while on the Scrape were 2 Lapwing , 2 Oystercatcher , a Reed Warbler , a Skylark and a Wheatear with 20 Sand Martin , 2 Reed Warbler and 2 Snipe at the Pond. On the Blanches Banques were a Whitethroat and 7 Swallow while at Petit Port were 4 Great Black-backed Gull , a Lesser Black-backed Gull , 2 Shelduck and a Whimbrel Up at Les Landes were 2 Whitethroat and 3 Wheatear and at Gorselands were 4 Dartford Warbler and a Peregrine .

14.04.2026

by Romano da Costa • 14 April 2026
14.04.2026 A White Wagtail still enjoying the mud at La Sente RdC Seen at Grouville Marsh today were 6 Swallow , a Grey Wagtail , a White Wagtail , 2 Snipe , a Teal , 2 Reed Warbler , 6 Cetti's Warbler , 4 Bullfinch , 2 Grey Heron , and 2 Raven while in Grouville Bay were 2 Shelduck, 24 Brent Geese , 7 Curlew and a Gannet. At La Sente were 3 Brent Geese , 5 White Wagtail and a Peregrine . Up at Les Landes were 52 Linnet , a Dartford Warbler and 3 Marsh Harrier. On St Ouen's Pond were 8 Shoveler , 7 Tufted Duck , 2 Snipe , 2 Reed Warbler , 3 Swallow , 25 Sand Martin and 18 Great Black-backed Gull while the White-fronted Goose , 4 Lapwing and 2 Wheatear were on the Scrape. In St Catherine's woods were a Bullfinch , a Grey Heron , a Firecrest and a Raven with many Chiffchaff and Blackcap singing. At West Park were 27 Great Black-backed Gull and a Little Egret while 8 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were near St Aubin.

13.04.2026

by Romano da Costa • 13 April 2026
13.04.2026 A recently arrived Whitethroat , singing away RdC Around St Ouen's Pond this morning were 5 Reed Warbler , 3 Blackcap , 6 Chiffchaff , a Snipe , 30 Swallow , a House Martin , 10 Sand Martin , 12 Tufted Duck , a Shoveler and 4 Barnacle Geese , possibly 6 flying in. In the Sandpit were 2 Shelduck , 6 Tufted Duck , a Grey Heron , 2 Stonechat and 40 Sand Martin . At Ouaisne were 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and a Dartford Warbler with another Dartford Warbler at Portelet. A Wheatear , a Dartford Warbler and 3 Swallow were at La Rosiere and roosting at Petit Port were a Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Shelduck . La Sente were a Little Ringed Plover , 2 Brent Geese , the Blue-headed Wagtail , 4 White Wagtail , 2 Swallow and a Peregrine . Yesterday evening at St Ouen's Pond were 2 Sedge Warbler , 2 Reed Warbler , a Willow Warbler , 20 Swallow , 20 Sand Martin , 2 House Martin , a Reed Bunting , 4 Snipe , a Grey Heron and a Wigeon .

12.04.2026

by Romano da Costa • 12 April 2026
12.04.2026 The handsome Blue-headed Wagtail at La Sente, thanks to Stuart Matthews for the photo Seen from Plemont this morning were 36 Swallow , 14 House Martin , a Peregrine , 16 Razorbill , 12 Fulmar and 2 Dartford Warbler . On the Scrape were the White-fronted Goose , 3 Lapwing , 2 Wheatear and 10 Swallow with another 6 Swallow on Mont Matthieu and at Kempt Tower were 2 Shoveler , a Cetti's Warbler and a Reed Warbler . Seen at La Sente were the Blue-headed Wagtail , a Yellow Wagtail , 5 White Wagtail , a Little Egret , 2 Brent Geese and 4 Little Ringed Plover . At St Aubin were 43 Pale-bellied Brent Geese , 2 Curlew and 11 Oystercatcher while at Beaumont Marsh were 3 Brent Geese , a Swallow and a Grey Heron . Below, a short video of the Blue-headed Wagtail , thanks to Jo Bramley

11.04.2026

by Romano da Costa • 11 April 2026
11.04.2026 The female Shelduck at La Sente recently RdC Seen at St Ouen's Pond this morning were the 4 Barnacle Geese , 2 Shelduck , 15 Teal , 5 Shoveler , 3 Lapwing , 2 Oystercatcher , 100 Sand Martin , 2 House Martin and 3 Swallow . Roosting at Petit Port were 74 Oystercatcher , 3 Curlew , a Brent Goose and 2 Shelduck . At St Aubin were 24 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 2 Curlew while at Beaumont Marsh were 12 Pale-bellied Brent , 4 Brent Geese and a Grey Heron . At La Sente were 2 Shelduck , 2 Brent Geese , 2 Little Ringed Plover , a Cattle Egret and a Black-headed Gull while on Rue du Pont were 4 Cattle Egret and 30 Swallow . 3 Gannet were seen from Rozel. Extras at La Sente this evening where Little Ringed Plover were up to 4, also a Blue-headed Wagtail , a Yellow Wagtail , 10 White Wagtail , 4 Brent Geese , 2 Cattle Egret and 2 Swallow with 5 House Martin nearby. at Grouville Marsh were 26 Swallow , 2 House Martin , a Sand Martin , 2 Tufted Duck and a Sparrowhawk .

10.04.2026

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 .

09.04.2026

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 .

08.04.2026

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 .
More posts