Monday, August 6, 2012

A few Willow Warblers in the South End Gorse early on suggested that migrants were on the move. But it was only when we crossed the Narrows that we realised that it was going to be a pretty decent day. The first withy we came to held nine more Willow Warblers and Rich located a Melodious Warbler. It showed well and eventually found a mist net. Often the best way to pick it up as it moved through the vegetation was by the sound of its bill snapping shut on insects. It was clearly feeding well so it was no surprise that its body was surrounded by a layer of fat. Willow Warblers continued to move through during the day; tonight's adding up will no doubt give a figure of well over 150. Add to this a Whinchat, two Spotted Flycatchers and a Tree Pipit and autumn is well and truly under way. 

The first Melodious Warbler to be reported in the UK this autumn. The fresh plumage shows this to be a bird of the year. Adults do not moult until they reach their wintering grounds so their plumage shows the wear picked up during the breeding season. This is the 112th Melodious Warbler recorded by BBFO since 1953! Why Bardsey is so attractive to these short winged Hippos is not clear. (c) Richard Brown

This is the ninth year that Redpolls have nested on Bardsey, but the first time with more than one pair. The three pairs have fledged a minimum of seven between them, a new island record. This smart male is currently feeding three streaky brownpolls. (c) Richard Brown

Although this lingering Cuckoo spent a lot of time begging at the Meadow Pipits, it probably came from the mainland. It spent most of its stay gorging on Six-spot Burnets. (c) Richard Brown

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