By Simon Parker
June is here! That means sunshine, calm seas and heatwaves, except this is the UK and on Lundy none of those things are guaranteed. Today would be described as dank, thick fog and constant steady rain awaited as I headed out to do the morning Census. Millcombe did have a little activity, a pair of Whitethroat were hiding up in the canopies along with a few Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch and Willow Warbler. A brief view of the landing area as the fog cleared saw ten Shag in a close group feeding just off the shore. Passing past brambles villa, a young Stonechat starting getting quite vocal and a Robin popped out briefly before shooting back into the gorse bushes.
The top of the island was where the thickest fog lingered and visibility was below 20m, Rocket Pole Pond area yielded a few Linnet before I moved up past the Old Light and onto Ackland's Moor. At this point it became a little disorientating, but heading in a general direction I managed to somehow stay on track. A lone Skylark and several Meadow Pipit were scuttling along the ground. The rest of Census followed the same story and by the time I'd arrived back I was absolutely soaked.
No one had a clue where we were
A badly needed recharge from the Marisco Tavern before getting into some admin and meeting up with the Biosphere team online. I was quite glad the rest of the day was spent inside as the weather became gradually worse. The good news is that the island needed some rain, everything was starting to look a little dry and the water supply a little shaky, still no bath plugs in the properties if you're wondering..