6th to 12th March – A Hooded Crow visits Tibbets

 Often overcast with rain showers. Strong winds all week, mostly from the north and west.

A high count of 13 female and five male Mallard were counted across the island on 6th. Five Teal were seen on Pondsbury on 11th and 12th. The female Shoveler was seen again up to the 10th taking a bit of a tour of the island ponds including Rocket Pole and Quarters Ponds.

Shoveler, Rocket Pole Pond © Stuart Cossey

The Stock Dove was still being seen up to the 12th, often in the Camping Field. Three Woodpigeon were together in Millcombe on 6th, the highest count so far this year.  The long-staying Jackdaw was again seen all this week. On the 10th a Hooded Crow was seen in the evening by Tibbets and again on 12th. A Kestrel first seen on 4th was still around this week, most likely one of the breeding pair returning to the island. The female Sparrowhawk and Merlin are also still being seen.

Stock Dove, Camping Field © Stuart Cossey

Hooded Crow, Tibbets © Ester Spears

Single Golden Plover were recorded on 6th, 7th and 8th and four on 12th. The Curlew was seen again around the south of the island on 6th and 7th. A Jack Snipe was flushed by Gannet’s Combe on 10th.

Two Great Northern Divers were in the Landing Bay on 8th. The first Puffins were seen on Land on 12th with 12+ counted, as well as 800 Guillemot and 350 Razorbill.

A Chiffchaff was seen on 7th and a Firecrest on 10th. Three Redwing flew out of Millcombe on 6th. Six Stonechat were counted on 10th.

Contributors: Stuart Cossey, Rosie Ellis, Matt Stritch, Martin Thorne, Neil Trout, Ester Spears