25.05.2024 There are still a few Curlews present off the south-east coast MD
A fine start to the day but increasing cloud and a little rain by early evening
Starting at St Ouen's Pond where a Spoonbill flew over early morning heading south, also a trickle of Swallows and House Martins moving north. Other birds at the Pond included 20 Swifts, a pair of Stonechats, 15 Reed Warblers, 20 Linnets and a pair of Water Rails alarm calling. A pair of Shelduck were at La Pulente.
Up on the north coast at Plemont 30 Swifts, 8 Razorbills in the sea between Plemont and Crabbe and just one Puffin near Grand Becquet. At Sorel Point a Peregrine, 2 Common Buzzards and a Swallowtail butterfly.
In the south-east of the Island 95 Oystercatchers and 2 Curlews were roosting at Le Hocq plus 4 more Curlews and a Whimbrel at La Rocque, 4 Little Egrets flew down Grouville Bay.
Other sightings today, a single Manx Shearwater, a Kittiwake, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 10 Gannets seen from the ferry just north of Les Minquiers. A Grey Heron was at Handois Reservoir, 4 Swifts and a Common Buzzard at Mont Cochon and another Common Buzzard at Rozel. This afternoon a Honey Buzzard, rare here in spring was seen over Noirmont. Over night 2 more Storm Petrels were caught and ringed near Corbiere.
Mick Dryden
Romano da Costa
Tony Paintin