Alderney Bird Observatory Up and Running - 1,500 birds ringed in first six weeks!

It has been a very busy few months up in Alderney, as we have been working very hard to establish the Alderney Bird Observatory. Our warden John Horton arrived on 01st March, and the first Assistant Warden on 17th march. Since then the Obs has ringed more than 1,500 passerines; the vast majority spring migrants moving north through Alderney. The record ringing day total is 253 achieved on 09 April. Grand totals so far include almost 500 Chiffchaffs, 200 Willow Warblers, 100 Blackcaps, as well as almost 100 Firecrests and 76 Goldcrests.
There is now an Alderney Bird Observatory Web Site with a daily update. Check out the link below and add it to your favourites!
Alderney Bird Observatory

Warden John Horton rings the first bird at ABO - a Wren!

A typical net round at ABO

The Observatory & Field Study Centre inside the ruins of a Roman Fort!

Coal Tit

Redwing

Blackcap

Brambling

Three of the 90+ Firecrests ringed at ABO this spring

Stonechat

Siskin

Grasshopper Warbler

Another Beautiful Sunrise at the ABO!  All photos (c) PKV