The lingering summer plumage Black-tailed Godwit
A migrant Lesser Whitethroat
Female Eider duck on the rocksTuesday 28th April
An interesting day, but a cold day – it felt like mid-winter as the wind picked up throughout the day from the east, plummeting the temperatures. However visitors returned to the islands after yesterday’s no-show (albeit with gloves, hats and winter clothing) and the birders amongst the team got very excited as migrant birds started dropping in, including a stunningly rare Red-throated Pipit – the first real rarity for the year for the islands. The big news from the breeding seabirds is that the Puffins are now on eggs.
Weather: S swinging to E 1-2 increasing 4-5, overcast with drizzle on occasions – yes it was cold (felt like mid-winter)
Highlights: RED-THROATED PIPIT 1 adult summer plumage – found by Adam Scott and Joe Cockram by the pond on Brownsman. The bird showed well on open ground before flying towards the south end of the island after ten minutes (chased by resident Rock Pipits). Sadly, despite an extensive search, the bird could not be refound – to the disappointment of the Inner Farne team. This represents the sixth Farnes record of this rare eastern migrant with previous records including singles on 22 May 2007, October 2005, September 1997, May 1991 and May 1974. Unfortunately, the bird was not photographed, as no camera was available for the ten minutes it was seen – frustrating all round!!
Other highlights: Manx Shearwater 1N, Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit (for third day), Bar-tailed Godwit 30, Knot 70, Tree Pipit 2, Fieldfare 2 (late stragglers), Reed Warbler (first of the year), Whitethroat (first of the year), Lesser Whitethroat 6, Grasshopper Warbler, Blackcap and Goldcrest 2.
Breeding birds: first Puffin eggs discovered on Inner Farne – we should have chicks by late May, Guillemots – a good majority now on eggs, Mallard still with duckling, Eiders continue to advance onto the islands in good numbers including one nesting at the door of the Pele Tower and Shelduck pair lingering.
An interesting day, but a cold day – it felt like mid-winter as the wind picked up throughout the day from the east, plummeting the temperatures. However visitors returned to the islands after yesterday’s no-show (albeit with gloves, hats and winter clothing) and the birders amongst the team got very excited as migrant birds started dropping in, including a stunningly rare Red-throated Pipit – the first real rarity for the year for the islands. The big news from the breeding seabirds is that the Puffins are now on eggs.
Weather: S swinging to E 1-2 increasing 4-5, overcast with drizzle on occasions – yes it was cold (felt like mid-winter)
Highlights: RED-THROATED PIPIT 1 adult summer plumage – found by Adam Scott and Joe Cockram by the pond on Brownsman. The bird showed well on open ground before flying towards the south end of the island after ten minutes (chased by resident Rock Pipits). Sadly, despite an extensive search, the bird could not be refound – to the disappointment of the Inner Farne team. This represents the sixth Farnes record of this rare eastern migrant with previous records including singles on 22 May 2007, October 2005, September 1997, May 1991 and May 1974. Unfortunately, the bird was not photographed, as no camera was available for the ten minutes it was seen – frustrating all round!!
Other highlights: Manx Shearwater 1N, Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit (for third day), Bar-tailed Godwit 30, Knot 70, Tree Pipit 2, Fieldfare 2 (late stragglers), Reed Warbler (first of the year), Whitethroat (first of the year), Lesser Whitethroat 6, Grasshopper Warbler, Blackcap and Goldcrest 2.
Breeding birds: first Puffin eggs discovered on Inner Farne – we should have chicks by late May, Guillemots – a good majority now on eggs, Mallard still with duckling, Eiders continue to advance onto the islands in good numbers including one nesting at the door of the Pele Tower and Shelduck pair lingering.
WOW what a pity you didn't have a camera handy to record the Red throated pipit, it must have been terrific excitement for you all!
ReplyDeletePuffins on eggs YAY!
Sad to say my beautiful camera nestbox I had for Christmas has been totally ignored by the birds and thus I will not be watching them inside the box this year :( They've all gone in the ivy and hedge instead!
A very early Red throated Pipit that, they are normally mid May birds...a great record.
ReplyDelete