22.10.2025 This Willow Warbler, of the East European race acredula, was ringed and released in Vallee des Vaux yesterday, a very late date for the species to still be in these latitudes. Many thanks go to David Buxton for the image. DB
A pleasant morning in light westerly winds, was replaced by heavy rain and an increasing southeast wind, ahead of gales forecast for tonight.
Counts from Noirmont through this morning involved 33 Swallows, 2 House Martins, 20 Skylarks, 31 Starlings, a Brambling, 521 Chaffinches, 436 Linnets, 112 Goldfinches, 6 Siskins, 62 Pied Wagtails, 288 Meadow Pipits, over 30 Blackbirds, 11 Song Thrushes, 20+ Stonechats, 48 Woodpigeons, 3 Stock Doves, 7 Dartford Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Firecrests, 4 Blue Tits, 2 Grey Herons, a Peregrine, a Sparrowhawk, a pale-phased Buzzard and 7 Red Admiral butterflies. Passing offshore there, were a distant Diver sp, 8 Common Scoters, 10 Brent Geese, 3 Razorbills, 11 auk sp, 21 Mediterranean Gulls, 54 Black-headed Gulls, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 20 Gannets and 2 Cormorants.
Passing Victoria Tower first thing were 3 Swallows, 63 Starlings, 7 Song Thrushes, 2 Redwings, 69 Chaffinches, 18 Linnets, 17 Goldfinches, 5 Siskins, 17 Meadow Pipits, 4 Pied Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail, 7 Stock Doves, and a Grey Heron, with 2 Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap and 3 Goldcrests on the ground.
In Les Ormes Valley this morning were the first Woodcock of the Autumn, 6 Redpolls, 8 Blackcaps, 20 Chiffchaffs, 5 Firecrests, 12 Goldcrests, 8 Redwings, 6 Song Thrushes, 6 Blackbirds, 2 Water Rails, 10 Robins, a Bullfinch, and 14 Long-tailed Tits, while passing overhead were a Sparrowhawk, 12 Siskins, 60 Chaffinches, 3 Greenfinches, 5 Skylarks, 3 Starlings, a Reed Bunting, 4 Meadow Pipits, and an alba Wagtail.
On Ouaisne Common were 50 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Goldcrests, 3 Firecrests, 3 Siskins, a Dartford Warbler, a Water Rail and a Sparrowhawk. Another Dartford Warbler was seen at Beauport.
At Les Landes were 2 Marsh Harriers, a Buzzard, a Peregrine, a Kestrel, 40 Meadow Pipits, 4 Stonechats, a Swallow, a Greenfinch, a Raven, 5 Choughs, and 96 Crows - more a massacre than a murder! 122 Oystercatchers, a Grey Heron, 2 Little Egrets and 27 Cormorants were at Le Pulec.
On the East of the Island, 33 Cattle Egrets were near Holme Grown and at Fauvic were 5 Teal, 5 Swallows, 2 Stonechats, a Wheatear and at La Lourderie, near La Rocque, were another 14 Cattle Egrets. 2 Stonechats were at Mont a L'Abbe.
