Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher and Barn Swallow at Alphonse

Spotted Flycatcher at Alphonse (Chris Narty)

 Island Conservation Society Ranger Chris Narty has reported several interesting migrant species at Alphonse. A Tree Pipit was seen at the airstrip on 7 March and 15 March, possibly the same bird or possibly two different individuals. The Spotted Flycatcher was noted near the beach while Chris was on a turtle patrol also on 15 March. The same day he found a Barn Swallow at the south end of the airstrip, the bird remaining into the following day.

Tree Pipit and Barn Swallow are annual visitors to Seychelles in small numbers and SBRC automatically accepts reports from reliable observers unless there is something unusual with regard to numbers or time of year. Over 90% of Tree Pipit sightings are in October-December during the peak period for southbound migration from Eurasia. There are far fewer sightings during the time of northbound migration. Barn Swallow is the only land bird to show a significant peak in both southbound and northbound migration.

SBRC has accepted 47 previous records of Spotted Flycatcher.  Almost half of all records have been during the month of March. This is the second report from Alphonse.

Tree Pipit at Alphonse (Chris Narty)

Barn Swallow at Alphonse (Chris Narty)