26 February 2026
By Charlotte Dean
End of year storm
Another dose of strong winds (Storm Goretti) occurred towards the end of the year, causing some damage to the aviary. The newly installed guttered became detached, some of our replacement rodent proofing had broken away, and a large plank of wood was found attached to the aviary netting. We have no idea where it came from, as we ensure that everything considered ‘float worthy’ is tied down pre-storm. We’re waiting for calmer weather to untangle it from the netting.
Photo: Rogue plank of wood from Storm Goretti. By Charlotte Dean.
Where have you seen the choughs?
Over October, 36 chough sightings were reported. The largest flock was spotted in Les Landes where 16 choughs were foraging on the racecourse. However, the most frequent sightings were at Noirmont with 13. The number of choughs seen at Noirmont varies from five to two choughs a sighting. St Ouen was the second most popular place. Choughs were also spotted in St Brelade, Corbiere, L’Etacq, Crabbe, Devil’s hole, Beauport, Sion, St John, Queen’s valley, Ouaisne and St Helier.
During November, 14 chough sightings were reported across the island. The largest flock of 15 were seen at Corbiere. The second largest flock of nine, was spotted foraging in the fields along Le Canibut lane. The most common place choughs were spotted tied between Corbiere, Noirmont and Les Landes. They were also seen in St John, Le Canibut lane, Le Hocq, St Peter, La Rue Des Hammonets and St Aubin.
Photo: Halloween foraging enrichment. By Charlotte Dean.
The busy holiday season of December brought only nine chough sighting reports. But also, the biggest flock spotted away from Sorel; with 48 choughs seen flying over St Ouen’s bay! St Ouen seems to be the place to go for foraging in December, as 24 choughs were spotted foraging in some back fields. The most frequent sightings in December were at Crabbe, varying from one to three choughs per sighting. Choughs were also spotted flying over La Rue Des Hammonets and Home Farm.
Photo: 48 choughs seen over St Ouen’s bay. By Mick Dryden.
That's a wrap
The last few months of the year gave no notable news, however, the choughs are settling back into their communal flock. By the end of 2025, our population count stands at 81 choughs, with our mortality rate of four losses over the year; which isn’t very many. Although winter is in full swing, we hope that all the younger choughs, fledged this season will survive and that the population can continue to grow in the coming year.