28th February to 6th March – Meadow Pipits continued…

28 February

Low cloud and rain all day with some clearer spells in the afternoon.

As has been expected this year, another helicopter changeover was delayed by low cloud. The consistent light rain only slightly slowed the Meadow Pipit migration with 40 recorded across the island. A total of eight Teal were on Pondsbury, 13 Chaffinch and a Greenfinch were in Millcombe.

Singing in the rain. Robin, Millcombe © Stuart Cossey

1 March

Clear with moderate winds from the southeast.

A Merlin was seen hunting Starlings across Tillage Field. A Jack Snipe was flushed from the north of Brick Field whilst working to install new fences.  Meadow Pipit numbers are still high with 44 counted today. A single Linnet was also heard heading north.

2 March

Wet and overcast in the morning but clearing in the afternoon. Winds continuing from the southeast.

Another wet morning census with two Redwing in the top of Millcombe Valley the highlight. The clouds cleared in the afternoon for a guided walk with a Goldfinch singing in Millcombe, Kestrel seen over the East Side and three Woodpigeon above St Helen’s Copse. There are still Meadow Pipits heading north with 32 recorded.

3 March

Cold and overcast with strong winds from the northeast.

After a week without being seen a Great Northern Diver was fishing in the Landing Bay this morning. A visitor also recorded a Gannet off North Light. The three Woodpigeon were seen feeding in Barton’s Field. Ten Skylark were recorded with many singing and likely holding territory. A total of 60 Meadow Pipits were seen heading north today. Pied Wagtails and Linnets were also on the move with five of each recorded across the island.

Meadow Pipit, St John's Valley © Stuart Cossey

4 March

Clear with some light rain. Wind from the north.

Meadow Pipits are still migrating over the island in good numbers with 46 recorded. A 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull was seen with 116 Herring Gulls and four Lesser Black-backed Gulls in Tillage Field in the afternoon. Five Oystercatcher pairs are now on territory in the Landing Bay and Rat Island.

5 March

Clear and bright but with a cold wind from the north.

A similar day to the rest of the week with not a lot moving through other than Meadow Pipits, 58 of which were seen today. Also recorded flying over were nine Linnets and one Goldfinch. More surprisingly a Cormorant flew north along the East Side.

Male Stonechat, Pointless Wall © Stuart Cossey

6 March

Overcast with a cold wind from the northeast.

The strong wind blowing up Millcombe Valley reduced the numbers seen today. A group of 10 Teal on Pondsbury was included three males in breeding plumage. Also of note were a Merlin by Quarter Wall and 7 Woodpigeon along the East side (four in Millcombe and three at Quarter Wall Copse). Meadow Pipit migration was also affected by the strong winds with 38 seen today. A group of nine Skylark were seen in the wet flush above Jenny’s Cove.