Jersey Birds

19.10.2026 A Siberian Chiffchaff, ringed and released at St Ouen's Pond today. Image courtesy of David Buxton. A cold feeling morning at 15c in cloudy conditions and a fresh to strong southeast wind, with clear skies by this afternoon. Another busy day for visible migration. Seen at Victoria Tower this morning were 2,236 Redwings, 16 Fieldfares, 328 Song Thrushes, 6,132 Woodpigeons , 20 Stock Doves, 300 Starlings , 5 Swallows , 66 Chaffinches , 2 Bramblings , 50 Goldfinches , a Siskin , 21 Linnets , 17 Meadow Pipits , 5 Pied Wagtails , 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls , 2 Grey Herons and 3 Chiffchaffs . 2 Cirl Buntings were on Grouville Common. Passing or at Noirmont through the morning were 6 Great White Egrets with a Grey Heron , heading East, 54 Swallows , a Merlin , 2 Woodlarks , 54 Skylarks , 3 Mistle Thrushes , 49 Redwings , 26 Song Thrushes , 10 Blackbirds , 845 Woodpigeons , 13 alba Wagtails , 118 Meadow Pipits, 2,003 Chaffinches , 6 Siskins , 81 Linnets , 10 Greenfinches , 19 Goldfinches , a Black Redstart , 6 Stonechats , a Firecrest , a Chiffchaff , 2 Brent Geese, a Peregrine , a Sparrowhawk , 2 Buzzards , 6 Cormorants , 6 Black-headed Gulls and 12 Mediterranean Gulls . At Beauport were 40 Starlings with another 150+ near La Moye Prison. At Grouville Marsh, from Dawn, were 35 Chiffchaffs , 25 Robins , 15 Blackcaps , 40 Song Thrushes , 70 Redwings , 6 Blackbirds , a Reed Bunting , 2 Bullfinches , 2 Stonechats , 2 Firecrests , 8 Cetti's Warblers , 7 Greenfinches , 11 Siskins , 5 Snipe , and 5 Water Rails . Flying over the Marsh until 11:00 were 220 Redwings , 25 Song Thrushes , 2 Fieldfares , 30 Chaffinches, 4 Swallows , 8 Meadow Pipits , 3 Skylarks , 4 alba Wagtails , a Grey Wagtail , 2 Choughs , 10 Ravens , 4 Buzzards , a Marsh Harrier , 4 Cattle Egrets , a Grey Heron , 540 Woodpigeons , and out of roost, 110 Jackdaws . At Grands Vaux were 6 Teal . In Grouville Bay were 587 Brent Geese , a Sandwich Tern , a Sanderling , a Bar-tailed Godwit , 280 Oystercatchers , 21 Ringed Plovers , 5 Grey Plovers , 3 Turnstones , 24 Curlews and 6 Redshanks . A Yellow-browed Warbler was in People's Park St Helier and a Grey Wagtail was at Beaumont. At the Gunsite were 270 Brent Geese and 40 pale-bellied Brent Geese were at St Aubin . Another Grey Wagtail was in Waterworks Valley. In Rue des Haies near Sion was a ring-tailed Hen Harrier disturbing Stock Doves in a field. At St Ouen's Pond this morning were 4 Wigeon , 82 Teal , 8 Shovelers , 3 Grey Herons and 2 Choughs . This afternoon, at the Pond, were the Siberian Chiffchaff (above), 8 Reed Buntings , 15 Cetti's Warblers , 2 Chiffchaffs , a Swallow , 2 Stonechats , 15 Linnets , 3 Skylarks and 120 Starlings , also 6 Water Rails . By the Cutty Sark in St Ouen's Bay were 2 Swallows , 30 Goldfinches , 12 Meadow Pipits, 3 Skylarks , a Pied Wagtail and 2 Choughs . A Chiffchaff was calling at Millais Farm. Evening update : Increases in numbers at St Ouen's Pond this evening included a roost of c 700 Starlings , 13 Reed Buntings and 14 Water Rails , with a Barn Owl also there. Early this morning, a Long-eared Owl was hunting at Le Catillon. Below : A Firecrest in song at Queen's Valley, with thanks to Jo Bramley for the video

18.10.2026 Peregrines were on the hunt at Noirmont, all morning long, in today's bumper migration Day. MD Fair to cloudy conditions this morning, with heavy showers passing this afternoon, in a moderate northeasterly wind. The highlights of today's mass movements: Starting at Victoria Tower, where counts of visible migrants included 13,594 Redwings, 1,622 Fieldfares , 537 Song Thrushes , 4 Swallows , 11 Skylarks , 130 Starlings , 1,960 Woodpigeons , 10 Stock Doves , 53 Chaffinches , 2 Bramblings , 59 Goldfinches , 3 Siskins , a Bullfinch and 13 Linnets . Thrushes were also seen all around the east of the Island, notably from St Catherine's and in Trinity, including large numbers of Redwings and Song Thrushes , 60 Fieldfares in a single Alder in Grouville, a few Blackbirds , and good flocks of Woodpigeons over Grouville allotments, plus a few Swallows . Noirmont was equally busy, with counts there, including 28,540 Woodpigeons , 76 Stock Doves , 4 Swallows , a Woodlark , 47 Skylarks , just 3 Fieldfares , 45 Song Thrushes , 98 Redwings , 2 Bramblings , 6 Redpolls , 197 Linnets , 91 Chaffinches , 7 Greenfinches ,3 Reed Buntings , 16 alba Wagtails , a Grey Wagtail and a Golden Plover , with 3 Stonechats on the ground, and 3 Peregrines , 3 Marsh Harriers and 6 Buzzards in the air. Offshore feeding patches included a Balearic Shearwater , a Brent Goose , hundreds of Razorbills / Guillemots , c50 Mediteranean Gulls , c50 Black-headed Gulls , a Kittiwake and 25 Gannets . Counts were also taken over Vallee des Vaux, these involving 570 Woodpigeons, 9 Stock Doves , 357 Redwings , 128 Song Thrushes , 3 Blackbirds , 12 Starlings , 52 Chaffinches , a Grey Wagtail , 2 alba Wagtails , 2 Skylarks , 2 Grey Herons , 5 Cattle Egrets , 6 Black-headed Gulls , 4 Buzzards and a Marsh Harrier . In a garden there, were a Goldcrest , 5 Firecrests , 2 Chiffchaffs and a Short-toed Treecreeper . In St Aubin's Bay were 470 Brent Geese and at St Aubin, 21 Redshanks . 16 Brent Geese were at Archirondel and another 20 at the beach there. In St Martin's were 2 Marsh Harriers and dozens of Redwings , and in Grouville Marsh were 2 Snipe . 2 large white birds, probably, Great White Egrets were seen flying north off Grouville Bay. At Grands Vaux reservoir were 4 Teal , a Grey Heron and, at Petit Hougette were 3 Cattle Egrets . 2 Ravens were in a tree on Ruette du Coin Varin. 12 Starlings were by the White Horse at Havre des Pas and 28 Brent Geese were at Le Hocq. On St Ouen's Beach this afternoon were 6 Sandwich Terns , 30 Mediterranean Gulls , a Kittiwake , a Common Gul l, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 11 Great Black-backed Gulls, hundreds of Black-headed Gulls , plus a flock of 20 Redwings arriving off the sea. Yesterday, at Sorel, were 6 Ravens and 2 Dartford Warblers , plus a Buzzard .

17.10.2026 The Wryneck which has graced Noirmont for the last three days, has not been seen so far today. This super image of it was taken yesterday by Dr Peter Chowne. A fair to cloudy day, in a moderate but cool north-northeast wind, which was to the liking of migrants. Noirmont was busy with visible migrants through the morning. Counts included 4,116 Woodpigeons, 148 Stock Doves , 9 Swallows , 2 Woodlarks , 33 Skylarks , a Redwing , 8 Song Thrushes , a Brambling , 204 Chaffinches , 11 Siskins , 665 Linnets , 21 Goldfinches , 7 Greenfinches , a Reed Bunting , 33 Starlings , a Wheatear , 5 Stonechats , a Chiffchaff , 3 Grey Herons , 2 Peregrines , a Sparrowhawk , 4 Buzzards and 2 Choughs . 15 Black-headed Gulls and 5 Mediterranean Gulls passed offshore. A twenty minute visible migration watch from Vallee des Vaux saw 3 Song Thrushes , 20 Starlings , 5 Chaffinches , 2 Goldfinches , an alba Wagtail , a Grey Wagtail and 17 Woodpigeons . At Trinity Manor were 14 Cattle Egrets , with another 2 Cattle Egrets were at Handois. A Wheatear was on St Catherine's Breakwater and 2 Stonechats were on Grouville Common.Over Fliquet were a pale-phase Buzzard , a Meadow Pipit , 8 Chaffinches and a Goldfinch , 2 Ravens were at La Coupe and, at Le Saie, were a Grey Heron, a Sandwich Tern and a Black-headed Gull . At La Haule, in St Aubin's Bay, were 39 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 3 Great Crested Grebes . Evening update : At Grands Vaux were 7 Teal and over Vallee des Vaux later, a Skylark and a Redwing , with another Redwing and a Barn Owl in St Mary.

16.10.2026 This Marsh Warbler was ringed and released at Grouville Marsh today. Image with thanks to David Buxton. A poor morning for weather, with a cold front bringing rain and a cool and strong north-northwest wind (15c) In Grouville Marsh today were a late Marsh Warbler (above), 4 Chiffchaffs , 6 Siskins , 7 Song Thrushes , 2 Stonechats and a Grey Heron . In fields below Woodlands Apartments were 9 Cattle Egrets and at Le Catillon were 12 Cattle Egrets . Fields behind La Rocque held 2 Stonechats , 4 Song Thrushes and 45 Meadow Pipits . In Grouville Bay were 255 Brent Geese , with 13 Grey Herons and 17 Little Egrets in fields behind Seymour. At La Rocque were 140 Sanderlings , 16 Dunlin , a Knot , 57 Grey Plovers , 2 Golden Plovers , 14 Bar-tailed Godwits , 20 Turnstones , a Redshank , 2 Sandwich Terns and a Mediterranean Gull . Seen passing Victoria Tower in 45 minutes, after the front had cleared the Island were a Redwing , 6 Song Thrushes , 2 Blackbirds , a possible Mistle Thrush , 18 Woodpigeons , 12 Goldfinches , 4 Chaffinches , 7 Linnets and 6 Meadow Pipits . The Wryneck was seen at Noirmont again this morning, it's third day there. Birds were dropping in at Noirmont even through the rain, but mainly as the weather cleared and seen were a Merlin, 2,010 Woodpigeons , 19 Stock Doves , 80 Song Thrushes , 7 Blackbirds , 7 Stonechats , 2 Skylarks , 19 alba Wagtails , 56 Meadow Pipits , 109 Linnets , 25 Chaffinches , 10 Goldfinches , 2 Chiffchaffs , 2 Marsh Harriers , a Peregrine , a Sparrowhawk , 3 Dartford Warblers and 4 Robins . Offshore were 4 Mediterranean Gulls , 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 4 Gannets . Passing Corbiere after the rain, were hundreds of gulls, mainly Black-headed Gulls and Mediterranean Gulls , a Balearic Shearwater, 10 Gannets and a young Kittiwake . In Petit Port Bay were 28 Curlews and 11 Little Egrets , with 36 Ringed Plovers seen near to Sands in St Ouen's Bay and 56 Teal plus 2 Shoveler were on St Ouen's Pond.

15.10.2026 The male Sparrowhawk which is currently frequenting the St Ouen's Pond area. Image: MD An overcast but dry day, in a moderate southwest wind, still mild at 18c Another varied day for species at, or passing Noirmont. Yesterday's Wryneck was still present near the gun bunker, but could be elusive at times. Flying over or arriving were a Ring Ouzel, 91 Song Thrushes , 11 Blackbirds , 34 Skylarks , 392 Woodpigeons , 3 Swallows , 261 Chaffinches , 163 Linnets , 22 Greenfinches , 17 Goldfinches , 10 Siskins , 16 alba Wagtails , 73 Meadow Pipits , 6 Starlings , 6 Stonechats , 45 Lesser Black-backed Gulls , 2 Common Gulls , and 2 Grey Herons . Local birds included 2 Marsh Harriers , 2 Buzzards , a Sparrowhawk , 2 Ravens , 10 Jackdaws and 2 Choughs . At La Rocque were a Knot , 8 Bar-tailed Godwits , 10 Redshanks , a Golden Plover , 35 Grey Plovers , 37 Ringed Plovers , 31 Curlews , 6 Dunlin , 80 Turnstones , 4 pale-bellied Brent Geese , 4 Sandwich Terns and 6 Swallows . In St Aubin's Bay were 190 Brent Geese and 4 Grey Herons and at Five Oaks were 2 Cattle Egrets . In Les Ormes Valley this morning were 20 Chiffchaffs , 6 Blackcaps , 4 Firecrests , a Sparrowhawk and 8 Long-tailed Tits , while flying over were 58 Song Thrushes with another 25+ on the ground, 2 Blackbirds , a Skylark , 14 Chaffinches , 2 Siskins , 2 Greenfinches , 5 Goldfinches , 8 Meadow Pipits and 2 Choughs . On Ouaisne Common were a late Willow Warbler , 6 Firecrests , 20 Long-tailed Tits , 18 Chiffchaffs , and 8 Blackcaps . Flying over there, were 120 Woodpigeons , a Siskin , 4 Chaffinches , 6 Meadow Pipits , 2 Choughs and 4 Jackdaws . At Trinity Manor were 14 Cattle Egrets. A Cetti's Warbler was calling at Millais Farm in St Ouen. At Gorselands this morning were 45 Linnets , 28 Chaffinches , and 4 Dartford Warblers , while off Corbiere were 100+ Black-headed Gulls and Mediterranean Gulls , 2 Balearic Shearwaters , 8 Gannets , 20 auk sp and 2 Purple Sandpipers . In Petit Port were 41 Mediterranean Gulls, 13 Turnstones , and 5 Little Egrets . by La Tour Carre in St Ouen's bay were 32 Ringed Plovers . On Grands Vaux this evening were 7 Teal and on the Scrape at St Ouen's Pond were a male Wigeon , 3 Shovelers , 7 Teal , 4 Water Rails and a Kingfisher . Below: Waders on the beach in Grouville Bay, video courtesy of Jo Bramley

14.10.2026 A beautiful Wryneck at Noirmont today. Image: MD A far better day than of late, with just some high cloud and good visibility, 18c A good selection of species seen over Noirmont, included a Hobby , a Merlin , a Peregrine , a Kestrel , 2 Marsh Harriers , 4 Buzzards , a Sparrowhawk , 47 Swallows , 510 Woodpigeons , 89 alba Wagtails , 462 Meadow Pipits , 23 Skylarks , 9 Song Thrushes , 18 Blackbirds , mostly arriving, 2 Grey Wagtails , 221 Linnets , 172 Chaffinches , 3 Siskins , 30 Goldfinches , 20 Greenfinches , 73 Starlings , 3 Stock Doves , a Grey Heron , 2 Little Egrets, 2 Choughs , 4 Ravens , and 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls . On the ground were a late Wryneck , a Wheatear , 12+ Stonechats , 3 Chiffchaffs , a Blackcap , 5 Blue Tits and a Clouded Yellow butterfly. Passing Beauport were 23 Swallows with c100 Linnets and 40 Starlings in fields there. Passing Victoria Tower were 5 Song Thrushes , 39 Chaffinches , 23 Goldfinches , 7 Linnets , a Siskin , 34 Meadow Pipits , a Grey Wagtail , also 4 Chiffchaffs and 2 Firecrests . In Grouville Marsh this morning were 20 Blackcaps , 15 Cetti's Warblers , 15 Chiffchaffs , 4 Firecrests , 14 Siskins , a Reed Bunting , 15 Song Thrushes , 4 Stonechats , 8 Water Rails , 3 Bullfinches and a Sparrowhawk , while flying over were a pale-phase Buzzard , 6 other Buzzards , a Marsh Harrier , a Skylark , 2 Linnets , 2 Chaffinches , 10 Meadow Pipits , a Grey Wagtail , 5 alba Wagtails , 13 Cattle Egrets and 2 Choughs . At La Rocque were a Knot , a Golden Plover , 33 Grey Plovers , 98 Turnstones , 8 Redshanks , 240 Oystercatchers , 30 Little Egrets and 15 Grey Herons . In St Aubin's Bay, 28 Brent Geese included at least 24 pale-bellied Brent Geese , a Lesser Black-backed Gull , 7 Little Egrets , plus 18 Redshanks at St Aubin. A Firecrest was seen in St Andrew's Park. At Grands Vaux were 7 Teal and a Grey Wagtail . 14 Cattle Egrets were at Trinity Manor. At Le Pulec were 2 Stonechats , 2 Pied Wagtails , 12 Rock Pipits , a Peregrine , 12 Little Egrets , 250 Oystercatchers , 13 Black-headed Gulls , 117 Herring Gulls , 28 Shags and 11 Cormorants . On St Ouen's Pond Scrape were a Shoveler , 4 Snipe , 2 Stonechats , a Chiffchaff and a Cetti's Warbler . In Le Braye Sandpits were 48 Tufted Duck , 4 Pochard , 2 Great Crested Grebes , 12 Little Grebes , 11 Great Black-backed Gulls , 2 Grey Herons , a Little Egret , 105 Coot and a Stonechat . A Chiffchaff and 20 Long-tailed Tits were at Millais Farm. Below : more images of today's Wryneck MD

13.10.2026 An immature Pintail over the Scrape this morning MD A weak cold front passed through the Island this morning bring a period of rain in a fresh southwest wind. A Common Quail was seen and photographed near St Andrews Park this morning, not high on the list of likely birds, given the date. Prior to the arrival of the rain this morning, birds seen at or passing Noirmont included a Song Thrush , 179 Meadow Pipits , 11 alba Wagtails , 241 Linnets , 11 Greenfinches , 8 Chaffinches , 2 Goldfinches , 8 Stonechats, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls , 15 Great Black-backed Gulls , 2 Marsh Harriers , 2 Buzzard , 3 Cormorants and 2 Choughs . c100 Linnets were still present at Beauport. On St Ouen's Pond were 32 Teal , 7 Shovelers, a Grey Heron , 11 alba Wagtails , a Kingfisher , 2 Stonechats , and flying over, 33 Black-headed Gulls , 3 Mediterranean Gulls , and at the Scrape, were an overflying Pintail , 2 Snipe , 2 Sparrowhawks , 10 Stock Doves , 30 Meadow Pipits and 17 Choughs , also flying over in a flock. A feeding party of birds off Corbiere, included several Black-headed Gulls and Mediterranean Gulls , 10 Gannets and 3 Balearic Shearwaters . 30 Starlings were seen nearby there too. Cattle Egrets were seen at scattered locations included 7 at Trinity Manor, 2 at St John's Manor and 4 near Motor Mall. On Grands Vaux reservoir were 8 Teal and 2 Grey Herons.

12.10.2026 Thanks go to Tony Morin for this nice image of a Spoonbill at La Rocque today A day of early rain, then overcast conditions in a gusty southerly wind (15c) Gulls found today's conditions to their liking. Counts from Corbiere included 201 Great Black-backed Gulls , 26 Lesser Black-backed Gulls , 175 Mediterranean Gulls , 78 Mediterranean Gulls and a Common Gull , plus c100 Herring Gulls . Also passing Corbiere were 19 Balearic Shearwaters, 22 Razorbills , 5 Guillemots , 6 auk sp , 2 Common Scoters , 68 Gannets , 28 Shags , 2 Grey Herons , 3 Purple Sandpipers and 20 Turnstones . In Petit Port Bay were another 31 Great Black-backed Gulls and 60 Mediterranean Gulls . At the Gunsite, in St Aubin's Bay were 178 Brent Geese , 55 of them pale-bellied Brent, 65 Black-headed Gulls , 15 Oystercatchers . 3 Great Black-backed Gulls , 2 Pied Wagtails and a Little Egret . A Spoonbill was seen and photographed at La Rocque ( above). There was no visible migration over Noirmont, but in the large field were 52 Meadow Pipits , 6 Stonechats , a Chiffchaff and 2 Dartford Warbler . At St Ouen's Pond were 21 Teal , 3 Shovelers and a Grey Heron and on the Scrape were a Stonechat and a Snipe . In St Ouen's Bay this afternoon were 88 Great Black-backed Gulls , 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 54 Mediterranean Gulls , and a Wheatear was by the Cutty Sark. At Grands Vaux were 7 Teal , and at Grouville Marsh were 13 Cattle Egrets .

11.10.2026 Buzzard over Noirmont MD A cloudy day with good visibility and a far lighter wind that of late, from the southwest. Visible migration over Victoria Tower included a Ring Ouzel , 14 Song Thrushes , 3 Swallows , 103 Chaffinches , 10 Greenfinches , 61 Linnets , 28 Goldfinches , 6 Siskins , 21 Meadow Pipits , 8 Pied Wagtails , a Grey Wagtail and 75 Woodpigeons . In a similar vein, passing over Noirmont were a Merlin , 4 Swallows , 2 Skylarks , 705 Meadow Pipits , 20 alba Wagtails , 208 Woodpigeons , 2 Stock Doves , 640 Linnets , 78 Chaffinches , 12 Greenfinches , 53 Goldfinches , 2 Starlings , a Grey Heron , a Marsh Harrier , 4 Buzzards , a Sparrowhawk , 2 Ravens and 2 Choughs , while on the ground were 8 Stonechats , 3 Chiffchaffs , 18 Long-tailed Tits , 7 Blue Tits and 3 Dartford Warblers . Offshore were 53 Razorbills/Guillemots , 6 Gannets , 13 Black-headed Gulls , a Mediterranean Gull and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls . In Grouville Marsh this morning were 20 Chiffchaffs , 20 Blackcaps , 4 Firecrests , 4 Siskins , 12 Cetti's Warblers , 6 Stonechats , 4 Blackbirds , 8 Song Thrushes , 20 Long-tailed Tits , good numbers of both Great Tits and Blue Tits , 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers , 2 Bullfinches , 90 Jackdaws , 8 Water Rails , a Sparrowhawk , 2 Marsh Harriers , and flying over there, were 25 Swallows , 2 Skylarks , 8 Chaffinches , 15 Meadow Pipits and a Grey Heron . In Grouville Bay and at La Rocque were a Golden Plover , 31 Grey Plovers , 19 Ringed Plovers , 10 Bar-tailed Godwits , a Knot , 77 Turnstones , 32 Dunlin , 120 Sanderlings , 13 Redshanks , 16 Grey Herons , 18 Little Egrets including a regular Welsh colour-ringed bird, a Common Gull , 5 Sandwich Terns , 250 Black-headed Gulls , 170 Brent Geese , two of them pale-bellied Brent, and 2 Grey Seals . At Rue des Fonds were 38 Cattle Egrets . Good numbers of Balearic Shearwaters and auks were passing Corbiere early on, while in St Aubin's Bay were 73 Brent Geese , 30 of them pale - bellied Brent, 3 Grey Herons , 3 Curlews , and 15 Redshanks plus 4 Turnstones at the St Aubin roost. At Grands Vaux were a Grey Heron , 2 Teal and 2 Bullfinches . Up at Les Landes were 2 Marsh Harriers , a Buzzard , a Peregrine , a Kestrel , 42 Meadow Pipits , 15 Goldfinches , 2 Greenfinches , 2 Stonechats and 2 Ravens . Yesterday , in Grouville Marsh were 2 Swallows , 90 Jackdaws , 10 Chiffchaffs , 4 Water Rails , 2 Marsh Harriers , and at Grands Vaux were 7 Teal .