By Thomas Weston
A calmer day so a few of the more unusual species appeared on the island, these are tending to be referred to as 'Lundy Scarcities' based on their infrequent sightings on the island. They may not be your classic rarities but they are certainly noteworthy. In fact, some you may see in your garden, local park or at a beach, but here on Lundy, the normal 'mainland species' are just not the same when living on an island.
Two species not pictured included a Cormorant who flew north past the island this morning before I reached the Ugly. It was seen by visiting birder Andy who spotted it at some height, along with good numbers of Kittiwakes and Manx Shearwater passing.
Greenfinch by Thomas Weston.
The next scarcity was the Greenfinch. A lovely adult male singing in the trees next to Millcombe House before joining the local Goldfinch flock and heading to the Village.
Black-headed Gull. By Thomas Weston
Checking the Landing Bay was successful today with a Black-headed Gull feeding in the surf below Smelly Gully and later looking rather tired but hanging around the Village feeding on anything it could find.
Back to the office for some admin when Greg noted the Hooded Crow from the office window. A nice addition to the day and a little rarer than a scarity, so a Lundy rarity for sure with very infrequent sightings, though this could be a returning individual from a previous year.
Sandwich Tern by Thomas Weston
Whilst we undertook some mist net setting up and ringing session, 2 Sandwich Terns flew by and remained in the bay until around 16:30 when they were seen flying south past Rat Island and continuing their journey.
What will tomorrow bring!?
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