Alderney Bird Observatory

26/08/2026

After a few days of strong easterly wind, Tuesday was a trifecta of infrequently encountered species. The first was just before 0830, a first year male Ortolan Bunting at Mannez. This is the sixth record of Ortolan Bunting on Alderney and the second to be ringed. An hour later a Nightingale was also encountered at Mannez. This species is only recorded in single figures annually.
The day was rounded off with a Nightjar, caught after the Hirundine roost. Due to its nocturnal lifestyle Nightjar is probably under recorded on Alderney. Nightjar are recorded in low numbers annually and this first year male is the second to be ringed on Alderney

24/08/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who supported our Jumble Sale. We raised nearly £1,500. A magnificent effort!

22/08/2026

The ABO JUMBLE SALE IS THIS AFTERNOON.
Lots of books, bric a brac and nearly new
24 RAFFLE PRIZES including Sunday Lunch for four at the Braye Beach
And, of course, the ABO’s scrumptious cakes for tea!
DON’T MISS OUT

21/08/2026

We have received the ringing data for the storm petrel encountered on Burhou wearing a Madrid ring.
The bird was ringed on the 11/07/2016 in La Coruna, Spain🪶
It was recovered on Burhou on the 17/07/26🌟
Storm petrels are one of our smallest seabirds and have remarkable longevity for their size.

20/08/2026

ABO Pelagic Boat Trip.
Sunday 23rd August at 8am.
£60 per passenger.
Come out to sea with ABO Warden Matt to explore what can be observed on a trip away from our coastline.
Further details from [email protected]
Booking essential.

20/08/2026

Bird Ringing Course on Alderney,
September 21st to 27th 2026 – there is still one place remaining.
If you would like more details or to book please contact Paul Roper [email protected]

20/08/2026

18/08/2026

Over the last few days we have recorded Kingfisher, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and the first flurry of migrating House Martins congregating over Longis Pond when the fog rolled in on Sunday morning. It was a quieter day on census this morning but between the fine rain this beautiful Common gull was seen at the north end of Longis bay. They are only recorded in low numbers on Alderney🪶.
Picture, Common Gull by Matt Scragg

17/08/2026

Come and join us for a grand afternoon out next Saturday!
If you have any jumble you would like collected please contact [email protected]

08/08/2026

During the last week Willow and Sedge warblers have continued to move through Alderney on migration.
On Longis reserve there has been Reed, Garden, Grasshopper and Dartford warbler. On Friday the first Tree Pipit for the autumn were recorded on Longis and also four Sand Martin going south. The resident flock of 50 long-tailed t**s were seen feeding at Essex.
The moth trap has also been productive with a larger than usual occurrence of Small Mottled Willow and a Striped Hawk-moth.
Photos by Matt scragg
Tree pipit
Striped hawk moth