April Highlights

Hi all, the season is busy busy! We have had an interesting passage of migrants as summarised by Sarah Harris/Assistant Warden.

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS: The 9^th brought the first House Martins and Whitethroats of the season and the 10^th marked the beginning of Dunlin passage with a single bird flying over North Haven. A Wryneck also seen on the 10^th created excitement on the island. The 10^th also brought the first Redstart, Sedge Warbler and Redpoll records for the year. The first Siskins were record on the 12^th. A Great Northern Diver flew over the island on the 13^th and a second record followed on the 29^th. The first White Wagtail was seen on the 14^th and one to two birds were seen on three days at the end of the month. Wheatears of the Greenland race, Leucorhoa, were seen from the 15^th in low numbers and the first Grasshopper Warbler for the season was heard singing on the same day. New wader species for the season increased on the 16^th and 17^th with the arrival of Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper respectively. Ring Ouzel records began on the 17^th followed by observations on four days thereafter (maximum of three). Black Redstarts and a were seen on the 18^th and 20^th. The first Pied Flycatcher for the year was also seen on the 18^th and four Black-tailed Godwits were seen on the same day. The 19^th brought two Tree Pipits, the first for the season. Another rarity for the island was a Turtle Dove seen wandering amongst Puffins at North Haven on the 20^th! The bird remained for the rest of the month. A stunning Bar-tailed Godwit seen on the 30^th finished the month nicely.