Burhou Island is owned by the States and is only
2 miles northwest from Braye Harbour. It is a bird sanctuary and has a small hut with rough accommodation and can be rented
for a small sum. It is closed from March to July to protect puffins and storm petrels who breed on the small rocky island
during these months.
In addition, a resident population of Grey Atlantic seals inhabit small islets approximately 3 miles west of the
islands harbour and can be seen by boat
The
Boat "Voyager" specialises in ‘Round Island Trips’ visiting the Puffins and Gannet colonies on Burhou
Island, Ortac and Les Etac’s and the Atlantic seal colony near Burhou Reef. The boat's crew have a good knowledge
of the local waters, ornithology and the history of the Island including shipwreck stories. It is the boat chosen by the Alderney
Wildlife Trust for their ornithology and wild life specials.
Birdlife on Alderney
Alderney
has a variety of birdlife many of which are more native to France and the Continent but not in Britain.
Puffins, Fulmars, Guillemots, Dartford Warblers, Peregines and
many others are regular residents. Alderney is famous for its seabirds, especially the gannets. There are about 7000 pairs
of gannets which nest on the Channel Islands’ two gannetries, Ortac and Les Etacs (Garden Rocks), totaling approximately
2% of the world population. Arguably Les Estac is the most easily viewed colony in Europe.
Wildlife on Alderney
Blonde
Hedgehogs (Leucistic), are some of Alderney’s famous residents. They are very rare in Britain – only 3 have been
found in Britain the last 30 years. About 25% of Alderney’s hedgehogs are blonde and they are known as "Alderney
Spike Girls." They did become extinct on the island in the early nineteenth century but it is now believed that there
are 1000 pairs on the Alderney. No-one really knows how they got there, but some claim that the first species arrived on Alderney
in the 1960’s in a Harrods Shopping bag and were accidentally released……….
These hedgehogs are genetic variants and is caused by a recessive gene found in the common brown
hedgehog. The are not albinos as was first thought; they are just born blonde. They have button-black eyes, creamy-coloured
spines, pink feet and noses. Albinos have pink eyes and pure white spines. The blonde hedgehogs don’t carry fleas, are
easier to handle and have no predators on the island.
Alderney
also has other strange wild inhabitants, black rabbits.
Fishing on Alderney
Alderney
offers both the novice and experience angler some of the best salt water fishing in the UK. The environment for fish beneath
the waves, including rocky outcrops and gentle sandy bays give ideal surroundings for young marine life and allows sealife
to grow and develop. Coupled with this, the warm water currents from the Gulf and one of the world’s strongest tides
encourages the growth of a healthy population of sea birds, sea mammals and a large variety of sealife throughout the year.
Fishing trips can be arranged in the town of St Anne.
Fish
that can be caught with a float or lure are Pollack, Garfish, Wrass or possibly a Bass. The local tackle shop offers guiding
and tuition with 2 hour lessons for both children and adults. General shore fishing is also taught for Conger Eels, Bream
etc
