The results are in
This year’s breeding season was a huge success. The pairs fledged more chicks than in any year previously. We sent off biological samples to find out what the sex ratio of chicks is this year, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. This year’s chicks have given a sex ratio of 9:11 (Males: females). To see the sexes of each individual, check out our updated chough ID list on our ‘Seen a chough’ page. The overall sex ratio of the flock is now: 22: 35: 6 (Males : Females : Unknowns). The flock’s sex ratio is starting to even out, allowing more breeding pairs to arise in the future – which is great news! Although the newly fledged chicks will unlikely be ready to reproduce next year; there is always time to surprise us!

Angalsea & Islay foraging. Photograph by Mick Dryden.

Supplementary feed adjustments
The chough population has grown from 32 in 2021 to 63 in 2024. The supplementary feed given has therefore been increased to account for such continued growth in population. The supplementary feed is provided in containers with specific dimensions for the species. Choughs have long bills which they use to probe soil for invertebrates; therefore the feeding boxes are at a depth for them to perform normal foraging behaviours to gain food. The depth of these feeding boxes also reduces inter-species interactions in the aviary. Continuing to provide a supplementary feed allows us to monitor the population at an individual level. Although, not all choughs are seen as regularly as others; this indicates that they must be finding adequate food sources from the island.

Two choughs using the feeding boxes at the aviary. Photograph by Charlotte Dean.

Chough adventures
A chough was found in the basement of the Atlantic hotel, Corbiere in October. The chough was identified as Neufchatel, a young female bird which hatched earlier this year. The basement of the Atlantic hotel is a floor and a half below ground level and access into the building is by a long staircase from outside. The chough was found by an employee at the hotel and was successfully released from the basement. They have been seen happy and healthy at the aviary ever since.

Neufchatel and several other juveniles foraging. Photograph by Charlotte Dean.

Chough movements
During October, the largest numbers seen in a flock together were 14 at Noirmont and St Brelades Bay. Choughs were seen in flock sizes of five at Les Landes and with a pair seen in L’Etacq. Pairs were being regularly seen along the south-westerly coast including Corbiere, Petit port, Noirmont, Beauport and various locations within St Ouens. Choughs are also being seen on the south-eastly corners of Grouville golf course. A pair were also spotted in St Helier.

Throughout November, the choughs were seen in various places across the island. A flock of 18 were spotted at Les Mielles golf course. The most frequently occurring numbers were seen in St Ouen with a flock of 15 seen at the sand pits. However, they were also seen in smaller numbers at Corbiere, Les Landes, St Peters and St Helier.

There were fewer overall sightings received for the choughs during December. The largest flock seen was nine over the pond in St Ouen and five at La Moye golf course. Other sightings were of pairs or singular individuals around St Ouens, twice in Crabbe in three separate places within St John.

Choughs watching us in the field. Photograph by Charlotte Dean.

Aviary refurbishments and Storm Darragh’s disasters
The aviary was having its last and final repairs carried out over the winter period. The last of the wooden framework was erected, and most of the shelving had been replaced. The sites service team was close to finishing the repairs, however, another storm hit Jersey. It was not as strong as storm Ciaran but it still caused some significant damage. Due to strong winds, the aviary was unserviceable over the course of Storm Darragh (the weekend) as the government advised for only essential travel. As the aviary is next to the coast, it was unwise for us to visit the site. All preparations had been carried out prior to the storm to ensure that the aviary was open and safe for the choughs. When Monday came, the team had the job of assessing all the damage: a part of the roof had been torn off and bent out of shape, the aluminum paneling had collapsed in several places, a few holes emerged in the aviaries new netting, the guttering had disconnected and a few days later the supporting poles disconnected. It’s safe to say, we’ve got a lot of repairs on our hands!

The damage caused by storm Darragh. Photographs by Charlotte Dean.

Some Festive enrichment over the holidays
It’s that time of year again when we must remember to share the Christmas joy with everyone, including our red-billed choughs. The team ensured the choughs could send their Christmas letters to Santa this year. Merry Christmas everyone and have a great start to the new year!

Choughs lining up to send their letters to Santa. Photograph by Charlotte Dean.