Spring migration is well underway in the island. It was good to be bird ringing again after a break. It was an excellent morning. After cloudy overnight conditions, many Willow Warblers and Blackcaps were seen around the island and we had our fair share at Le Chateau des Marais. The Willow Warblers were barely singing, so I’m still looking forward to hearing their short, melodious song.
We were fortunate to have a control – a Willow Warbler that had already been ringed elsewhere. At some point, it had been ringed in France. Each ring has an individual number and a location. We have recorded the number and in due course will hear where exactly it was ringed. The French ringer will also know that one of his/her birds was re-found in Guernsey. Below is another Willow Warbler showing much brighter plumage.
Willow Warblers rarely breed here, they will continue their migration, which started south of the Sahara, to the UK.
Some Blackcaps overwinter in the island, but these individuals will have already moved on. Birds that are in the island now will either stay to breed or will pass through on their way further north. Next month they will be heard around the island. I especially enjoy hearing them in the valleys or little dip along the cliffs where there are trees or some shrubby cover.
Natural history of the Bailiwick of Guernsey 