By Eleanor Harris
Today really feels like the first day that spring has sprung on the island since we arrived with warm and mild weather after the cold from the storm. A real and noticeable change has come with many signs around of what is going come. It was a beautiful morning to be out and about for sure. On my walk to work in Housekeeping I had a few Starlings showing well and some rather friendly House Sparrows outside the laundry a nice start to the day.
Whilst I was Housekeeping this morning Thomas headed off to complete census with some of the highlights being a Female Sparrowhawk, Jackdaw, Male Kestrel on Quarry Cottages and 18 Pied Wagtails. Signs of spring are all around the island with birds starting to think about breading so some exiting few months ahead of us, but we will keep you all posted on this so watch this space!!
Meanwhile, Simon and the team headed up North to Gannets Combe to continue tree planting with the help of some of our guests. A very successful time was had, and we look forward to you seeing the efforts of their hard work when you visit next.
Landing Bay View ©EleanorHarris
At my tea and toast break I decided to head for a short walk to see what I could find in Millcombe. It was great to be out and about on such a clear day with views of the mainland, the first for many days. I headed to the Ugly and on my way saw a Robin and a few Dunnocks. The highlight came with a Red Throated Diver hanging out in the Landing Bay, lovely to see in full summer plumage!
Before heading back to work it was great to have some outside time and feel the warm sun after the cold and grey days. Signs of spring are around with a Peacock and a Large White Butterfly seen in Millcombe and the Village which are some of the first of the new season.
Whilst working we had reports of a Basking Shark in the Landing Bay from two staff members and their guests, this was a rather exciting as they are rarely seen from Lundy. Tara rushed down to the bay but was unable to catch a glimpse of this elusive creature. After work both me and Thomas went to have a look from the Castle but sadly it had moved on before we reached the area. On the way though we did have some excellent views of a female Merlin looking rather dramatic against the clear open Lundy skies. It was not a wasted trip as we had some incredible views of a Gannet feeding in the bay with three Shags. It is rare to see then this close, so it was super cool and a great finish to the working day.
Camping Field View. ©Eleanor Harris
The plan for the evening is to relax and do some Night Catching the first of the season. Overall, it has been a great day with signs of spring surrounding the island and beautiful clear skies. We will see what the weather brings in the next day or so and how spring progresses on the island.
Snipe in the hand and ringed under licence. ©Eleanor Harris
A little update on our Night Catching was that it was a great evening overall with a Common Snipe and a Skylark ringed and processed on a calm and clear night. We will keep you posted throughout the upcoming season on our nighttime adventures!!