3rd April

We seem to be experiencing all seasons at once at the moment, the clear blue skies of summer quickly washed out by thick cloud of torrential hail. Unsurprisingly this limited the ringing list somewhat compared to yesterday, however, the Blackcaps put in a much more successful showing and were the most numerous migrant recorded both in the nets and in the field. Around the Observatory, migrants included a Common Whitethroat, three male Common Redstarts, a female Black Redstart, 11 Wheatears, single figures of both crests and only double figures of both Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs. On the sea the passage seemed to be increasing with 23 Red-throated Divers accompanied by 30 Common Scoter, 30 Manx Shearwaters, a Sandwich Tern and a Brent Goose.

Elsewhere on the island, the first Hobby of the spring was sighted past Blacknor, Barleycrates/Reap Lane saw the Ring Ouzel, five Wheatears and a male Common Redstart and the Hump/Suckthumb was holding 55 Blackcaps, 35 Chiffchaffs, five Willow Warblers, another male Redstart and a Firecrest.

Blackcaps were the most notable passage bird today avidly feeding amongst the blossom © Martin King:


Its an exciting time of year when our excellent farmer starts preparing the fields for the coming year, who knows what the autumn crops will hold for us... © Martin King:


The male Redstarts are looking quite stunning at the moment © Steve Gantlett cleybirds: