By Simon Parker
It's been a slow start to the season with storms still passing through and boat cancellations already stacking up. But the island is starting to look greener and life is returning, large areas of blackthorn are now in flower, the bluebells and daffodils have appeared, bees are busy roaming up and down the east coast. It feels like spring for about two days, and then the next storm rolls in.
Storm Dave, the latest and possibly strongest of the year passed through over the weekend. Yesterday was spent repairing the window on the bird observatory hut before being called to fix the WiFi in the Church, it seems whoever was behind Storm Dave doesn't approve of people watching cat videos. After checking on the beach hut and falling in the sea whilst collecting a dumpy bag that had decided to go for a swim, I collected some wood for a little bushcraft project and headed back up.
Making the most of the calmer weather today, me and some of the team set out to map Rhododendron on the eastern cliffs ready for the rope access team to come and clear it. The odd plant still lingers on and we found enough to keep the rope team happy when they arrive. We made the most of the time at quarry beach and managed to clear some rubbish and check on the safety of the steps down. Whilst mooching back along the lower East path, I spent some time watching a female Kestrel repeatedly dive bomb a Raven, it seemed to be working until a Great Black-backed joined in and then it looked a little hopeless. Groups of Linnet were darting around along with Blackcap and Wrens as I made my way back to the village.
Thomas, Eleanor and Greg had a good time down in Millcombe. 19 new birds ringed including the somewhat elusive Treecreeper. Swallow, Linnet, Blackcap, Robin, Wren, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler were also ringed showing a good solid sign of migration. The afternoon ahead involves repairing the moth trap before the Lundy duck race at 4pm. After finishing second in my first race in January, I've been training hard and my duck is feeling strong. Keen to avoid the psychological peril of 2nd place syndrome, I've coached a winning mindset from my military days; it's all out for the win. Or retirement back to being a bathtub duck.