Sun 27 Sep – Rustic Bunting ringed; Richard's Pipit & Ortolan Bunting seen

John Horton, who took over the ringing on the island yesterday, reports that a Rustic Bunting was trapped and ringed today, Sunday 27th September. It was mist-netted in Millcombe near Government House and was considered to be a freshly moulted adult male. Also ringed were 2 Firecrests, a Ring Ouzel and... a Carrion Crow! This is the sixth record of Rustic Bunting for the island but the first since October 1994.

Rustic Bunting trapped in Millcombe, 27 Sep 2015 © John Horton

The bird was subsequently relocated on 30 Sep  © John Horton

Martin Kerby reports that a Richard's Pipit was seen around lunchtime just north of Quarter Wall on the West Side, while the Ortolan Bunting was still present in the Brick Field area.

Additional records for Sunday 27 September included: 5 Sparrowhawks leaving the island for the mainland and all in view at the same time, plus a Collared Dove near Government House.

Sat 26 Sep – Ringing totals for the week
Sightings on Saturday 26th September included a Grey Heron, a Golden Plover, 1 or 2 Lapwings, a Sand Martin and a Whitethroat.

The ringing team (Keith Dean, Chris Dee, Sue Sabin, Andy Turner) on the island for the week of Sat 19th to Sat 26th Sep ringed the excellent total of 639 birds, including 269 Swallows, 114 Blackcaps, 110 Goldcrests, 48 Meadow Pipits, 27 Chiffchaffs and 23 House Martins.