Tuesday 31 March 2009

Moorhen visitor

Tuesday 31st March Comment:
The final day of the month brought yet more settled and warm weather to the islands. Our Zodiac boat was launched for the first time and it was great to get out and about with a quick trip to the mainland (to see the real world, but don’t worry, we returned quickly!). The final preparations were made to the island and that was that, we’re ready for the big opening day which is not far away now. Thankfully all the Puffins are behaving and staying with us, so we might have a few things to show to our first visitors (fingers crossed). The mild weather brought further birding interest as a few more Sandwich Terns arrived whilst Hooded Crow and Moorhen were both recorded (and both rare visitors to the islands having not been seen since spring 2007). It’s strange when you get a bird out of context on the Farnes (we’ve only ever had two Blue Tits recorded!!) and to watch an adult Moorhen disappearing down Puffins burrows is very odd indeed!

Weather: W 2-3, warm and sunny

Highlights: Moorhen 1 adult (first since April 2007), Hooded Crow 1 north (first since April 2007), Corvid Passage including Rook 2 west, Jackdaw 3 west, Carrion Crow 8 west, Sandwich Tern 7 at roost, a light westerly passage of Linnet, Pied Wagtail and Meadow Pipits.

Breeding Birds: Its all go and everything is back (for the time of year). The Puffins were scattered across the islands in full show whilst Guillemots were ranked on the cliff tops. Let’s hope they stick around for the grand opening.

1 comment:

kezia said...

As its Wednesday and you are open thought I would send all my good wishes to you for good weather and lots of visitors - Billy will be busy bringing them over . Hope your Moorhen will stay but I guess you want more than one !!! I love Moorhens so cute - would you like me to capture a few blue tits for you and bring over when I come in July , they are nesting in my garden !!! Do hope you have a wonderful time and the weather is kind , lots and lots to look forward to . Take care all .