Press Release - ABO Songbird 21.05.2020

High hopes for rare Warbler as Alderney Bird Observatory gets webcam go-ahead

Alderney Bird Observatory has been given permission to set up a webcam to observe nesting songbirds.

But the camera won't be focusing on the rarest of new families - the only pair of Fan-tailed Warblers in the British Isles is nesting on Alderney and ABO warden John Horton reports they are about to become proud parents.

Their home will remain a secret at least until a second hatching so instead the webcam will keep a digital eye on a family of swallows, either at Longis Common or Mannez, for the world to see on the ABO Facebook page.

For two years a lovelorn male Fan-tailed Warbler has been calling for a mate since arriving on Alderney from its natural habitat in France and this year the arrival of a female caused great excitement among the bird-watching community.

Lockdown has prevented a twitcher invasion but Mr Horton wants the Warbler home kept secret to protect the nest.

"This is the first time Alderney has played host to a Fan-tailed Warbler and this is the only pair in the British Isles," said Mr Horton. "They had their first clutch but it won't be until the second that we consider a closer view."

The Warbler family and a number of other species are expected to generate considerable interest from bird enthusiasts around the world when the Covid-19 travel restrictions are eventually lifted.

The States of Alderney General Services Committee also confirmed a further six months' support for the ABO.