Bird Sightings

By Tara McEvoy-Wilding

This weekend the Feral Stock team are over to count the Sika, Soay and Goat populations, so me and Simon went along to help. It is important that we get an accurate idea of their population each year so we know how many we will need to cull in the winter to prevent the island being overgrazed. In order to count them, we spread out in a long line and walk slowly across the whole island, recording everything that passes us to the left. The weather was amazing and the birds were making the most of it- I passed lots of singing Skylarks, and two Wheatears at Jenny’s Cove. Jenny’s Cove was a hive of activity with 10 Puffins and lots of Guillemots on the slopes and cliffs!

Now I’m sure you’ve all been wondering where the marine content has been… so look no further! Today was one of the lowest tides of the year so I hoofed it back from three-quarter wall to go rockpooling! Spring has sprung in the marine world- new seaweed was growing out the rocks and fresh kelp was shining in the sunlight!

New Thong weed (Himanthalia elongata) growth near Rat Island

My old favourites the Celtic sea slugs were out in force- I managed to find 8 very tiny ones, ranging from 2-5mm in size. Celtic sea slugs are an unusual species of sea slug as they breathe air a bit like us whereas most other sea slugs have gills like a fish.

The underappreciated Celtic Sea Slug

The real highlight was the 128 Scarlet and Gold Star Corals that I found in 4 locations- one of which was new to me! They are usually not seen whilst rockpooling as they prefer slightly deeper water, but as the tide was so low I was able to view them.

Scarlet and Gold Star Coral under the Jetty

I also recorded 7 species of crab, 5 species of anemone, a funky worm that I believe to be Alentia gelatinosa as well as a seaspider Nymphon sp. Overall a successful rockpool!

Back in the birding world Thomas and Eleanor were finally able to open up the mist nets in Millcombe Valley and ringed the first Willow Warbler of the year! Let’s hope this good weather stays!

By Eleanor Harris 

It really does fell like spring is coming upon us quickly with the weather warming and the island starting to become busy. Today the island looked rather beautiful with signs of spring around. It was one of the first busy travel days of the season with Tara helping with Helicopters and Thomas on Housekeeping. The weather is changing with the Oldenburg arriving yesterday to drop of much needed supplies before the busy sailing season commences at the end of the month. 

Today marks the first day of our new Terrestrial Breeding Bird Survey which will be running monthly from the 20th to the 23rd. This survey aims to understand a little more about our breeding birds and how they are fairing on the island, taking into consideration breeding areas and numbers. It is an exciting time for the island to understand a little more about our local and migrant birds. We look forward to keeping you posted with updated and our findings but if any of you would like to get involved on your next visit it would be great to have your help. 

Today started with census which covered three of our squares. It was great to be out and enjoy the sunny weather before work. It was a busy morning with the sky full of birdsong on such a beautiful morning. Some of the highlights for census was pairs of Meadow Pipits and Skylarks plus a Goldfinch showing well. It was a busy morning with the warm weather bringing in some new arrivals so we will keep you posted over the next few days. After the survey was completed I headed to work. 

Meanwhile Thomas was housekeeping with some of the highlights being two Siskin and some Sand Martins. The real highlight came with a Black Redstart spotted in the village which later flew over the staff accommodation and into the camping field. On my break between shifts I was lucky to see the Black Redstart and enjoy some of the evening sun before returning to work. 

Overall it was a great day all round with migration and arrivals. We all look forward to seeing what the next few days and months bring and how Lundy changes with the coming Spring. 

Black Redstart in the Village TW

By Thomas Weston

Chiffchaff in Millcombe. ©ThomasWeston

Migration was strong today and it was noted throughout the day that birds were arriving. Eleanor and I found a Blackcap with 3 Chiffchaff in Millcombe before census. Unfortunately, the wind being so easterly meant that Millcombe was unringable this morning. However, census with Simon went really well. We noted the warblers noted above, a range of resident species, and an even higher count of Razorbill then yesterday with now nearer 300!

White Wagtail in Barton's Field.© ThomasWeston

Wheatear in Barton's Field. ©ThomasWeston

Moreover, we noted some migrants. These included 4 Cormorants North, Sand Martins, Wheatears, White Wagtails with an increase in Pied Wagtails, and more Meadow Pipits annoying the local males who have now set up territory.

I was in the Tavern this afternoon working so the core migrants were not seen and it seemed they just kept coming with sightings from members of the public. Today was also a good day for butterflies with Peacock Butterfly, Small Tortoiseshell, and Red Admiral seen as well as Buff-tailed Bumblebees.

After the Tavern shift, Eleanor and I had the crazy idea to go nightcatching with the calmer weather. We ended up seeing 16 Snipe and 5 Jack Snipe. We caught a Jack Snipe from October 2025 and a new Snipe too! We heard an Oystercatcher and at least 4 Manx Shearwaters too. A great, but rather long day today.

By Thomas Weston and Eleanor Harris

The wind changed from West to Southwest yesterday provided a little burst of spring migrants the opportunity to arrive to the island, and many to pass through too. However, last night the wind changed to a Southeast, the optimum wind direction from the mainland to the island providing a nice tailwind for those wanting to make the jump.

We were on census this morning. Fog started the day but soon lifted to a lovely sunny morning with high cloud, a perfect mix for migrants. The first migrant noted were the Linnets, a species we have only recorded in small numbers this month so far. Then, the Meadow Pipits started calling as they passed overhead and we even saw some more coming in off the sea which is always impressive and great to note. Like the Linnets, a flock of migrant Goldfinches and a small increase of Chaffinches was noted too, showing the finches were certainly moving this morning.

The Landing Bay was a little choppy with the wind change so we only noted a single Guillemot and a nice flock of Kittiwakes fed just offshore. However, Benjamin’s Chair was slightly less choppy and resulted in a resurgence of 218 Razorbills - the highest count of the month. As we walked round, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits were singing their hearts out, ahead of the breeding season. It was a beautiful sunny day and lovely to be out on such a sparkly morning.

MeadowPipit in Tillage Filed. ©ThomasWeston

The Gulls were out in force today, lured in by the sheep feeding! Numbers of Herring Gulls were in the 300s and Lesser Black Backed Gulls also joined the feeding frenzy. Walking back to the Village we noted more singing birds and arrivals of Meadow Pipits on the East coast fields.

The rest of the day was spent doing Health and Safety admin work and so a much-needed walk in the evening resulted in a 10,000 step walk to Jenny’s Cove, via the Upper East Path and Pondsbury. Some of the highlights included a Grey Heron on Pondsbury and 88 Kittiwakes in Jenny’s Cove who were new back to the island. The evening was breezy but dark, so we expect some more Manx Shearwaters arrived. Tomorrow is looking good for some migrants from the East!    +