Calf of Man - Birding Update
The Calf season started on 7th March, and our first full day set an exciting tone for the rest of the season: a Red Kite (15th Calf record and first for March) and the earliest records of both Sand Martin and Wheatear. The third and fourth March records of Whooper Swan were also exciting in that they included a new highest day-count (22 on 16th) and a satellite-tracked individual flying over (26th). The month finished strongly with a flyover Lapland Bunting being only the third ever spring record. Into April, the Great Skua returned for its 10th year, and migration began to pick up.
We had a good spring, with highlights including four Ring Ouzel (with two long-staying males), up to 16 individual Whinchats, and at least three records of Siberian Chiffchaff. We also shared in the influx of Black Redstarts (five individuals) and Crossbill (recorded on 13 dates so far).
A ‘normal’ start to May suddenly became exciting with a Norwegian-ringed Spotted Flycatcher being trapped – only the second for the UK. A Yellow Wagtail feeding near the Observatory on 13th was eclipsed by the arrival of a Red-rumped Swallow – the first record for the Isle of Man! A great find by Ed Betteridge and best of all, everybody got to see it, as the bird fed around the Observatory for 10 minutes before vanishing. Another Yellow Wagtail was sighted on 14th, whilst on 15th a young male Western Subalpine Warbler was trapped. An all-white Hen Harrier was an impressive sight on 17th and the Calf’s 11th record of Barnacle Goose flew over on 22nd.
Meanwhile, the breeding season was underway and looking largely optimistic. Water Rails increased to two pairs and Buzzards to three. A Song Thrush devotedly sang away (last bred 2016) and, whilst their breeding status remains uncertain, up to six Puffins were seen on land (across three different locations). It was a record-breaking year for pairs of Oystercatcher, Meadow Pipit and Rock Pipit, whilst Herring Gull productivity was at its highest since 2019. A concerted effort to locate Wheatear nests resulted in a spectacular 107 chicks ringed, while two Raven chicks were the first to be ringed since 2014. June and July, whilst generally quiet, refused to pass by without their fair share of excitement. Seawatching on 3rd June produced a Sooty Shearwater – the first June record.
On the way to check a Razorbill site on 22nd June, two Quail were flushed – only the 7th Calf record and the first involving more than one individual. However, best bird of the season so far was a surprise find on 2nd July. Whilst on the prowl for Lesser Black-backed Gull chicks, a “strange gull call” materialised into a breeding plumage Laughing Gull! Marking Ed’s 2nd ‘Manx first’, a frantic rush to head over and bring a camera once again resulted in everybody managing to enjoy views of this stunning bird. It’s been a brilliant season so far and I can’t wait to see what will turn up next!
Eleanor Grover
Calf of Man Ornithological Warden