Rare birds found in Jersey

Goldfinch in the Conservation Fields Credit: Romano Da Costa

Conservationists have come across two rare visitors to the island while surveying birds over the past two weeks.

A Little Bunting and a Serin were found by ornithologists in the conservation fields planted to feed endangered birds.

Both species could potentially breed in Jersey if they would find the right conditions. Local nature enthusiasts hope that they might decide to make Jersey their permanent home.

The Serin is the smallest of finches found in Europe. They are mainly Mediterranean, with only one or two breeding pairs in the whole of the British Isles. Credit: Romano Da Costa

Researchers for conservation group, Birds On The Edge, say they are astounded to find such an abundance of birds.

They have managed to catch and ring a record 342 birds, including Chaffinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Songthrush.

Greenfinch Credit: Romano Da Costa
Goldfinch in the conservation fields. Credit: Romano Da Costa