We had the pleasure of nineteen children from Sark School who came to visit us this morning to see bird ringing at first hand. It very nearly didn’t happen – the children came but the birds didn’t. We had ringed a few earlier (one before 06.00) but it was a very quiet morning. One male Blackcap saved our bacon and kindly flew into the net while the first group were down by the nets. Trevor was able to demonstrate taking the bird out of the net and how we process it. He also spoke about the important data we have from bird ringing. It was an enjoyable couple of hours as the children heard about the importance of local habitats for birds, moths and other insects. They even found a little time for a mini beast hunt – all the animals were returned unharmed.
In the afternoon we were out and about looking for Dartford Warbler. Individuals up in Alderney have been very obliging; the Sark ones have been heard, very briefly glimpsed but have not played ball.
Trevor had brought a pheromone lure to see if we could attract male Emperor Moths. This mimics the scent given off by the larger female. No sooner was it hung on a handy gorse bush than two males arrived, shortly followed by a third.
Trevor was able to net one. Sadly, the photo does not begin to do it justice. This was a first for me and they are breathtaking moths.
It’s been a busy few days, our bird list is up to 52 with Razorbill and Oystercatcher added today. While we’re on numbers, I’m very happy as my ringing total got to 800 today. We’re hoping for quite a few more before the end of our stay although conditions continue to be dry and clear. We’ll enjoy our walk to Stocks Hotel for dinner this evening.
Natural history of the Bailiwick of Guernsey 