By Jessie Dermody
The bird observatory team had lots of interesting records today! Thomas was very happy to see a Grasshopper Warbler in the morning, as well as a Tree Pipit. There were a couple of waders, with a loud Water Rail, plus a showdown between a Whimbrel and a Peregrine near Pondsbury. Our freindly Buzzard was still hanging around in the morning, but did succesfully migrate in the end! Greg also sighted a Juvenile Cuckoo over the terrace.
Grasshopper Warbler - Photo by Thomas Weston
Today, we decided to deviate from the usual Fulmar survey method - I took the scope up to the north end with me so that I could get a proper look at the chicks on the rock. This proved to be very helpful! I was able to see quite a few more chicks - a total of 10, as well as 25 adults on the rock. The chicks were also looking quite a lot bigger than the last time I saw them, with their new feathers coming in nicely. Once I had finished counting, I needed to speed back to the landing bay, as my parents were visiting for the day. As I raced back, I spotted 3 clouded yellows. I watched the oldenburg approaching from the islands main track, racing it all the way in.
Two adult fulmar with their chicks - photo by Jessie Dermody
I managed to catch my parents on the beach road, rushing them up the goat track to make it to the tavern before the rush. As we enjoyed our pasties, we spotted 2 Gannets out at sea. We then continued through the village towards old light, with a brief stop in to say hello to my next door neighbours. Jaffa-Cake & Raven bait are tame orphaned lambs that have been housed next to the volunteer accomodation. They remain tame thanks to frequent deliveries of fresh green grass.
Left lamb with the dark patches is Jaffa Cake, right all white lamb is Raven Bait
.Once I had shown my parents the island from the top of old light, we continued across the island. We were surrounded by butterflies on our way across the airfield, at least 10 Small Heaths and a beautiful Common Blue. As we passed quarry pond we saw a Small Copper on the heather.
Small Copper - photo by Jessie Dermody
I had to sneak in a quick dip, so we went into the water at quarry beach. Needless to say, I checked the beach thoroughly for seals before we descended. None were present before we went down, but of course, once we were in the water a male and a female appeared. Thankfully, they weren't interested in us so we continued our swim in the shallows. I had my mask on, so I pointed my parents towards several Juvenile Pollack & Rock Cook, as well as a large Ballan Wrasse. On our trek back up the hill, we saw a Red Admiral and a bedraggled Meaodw Brown. We were still rushing, as we wanted to squeeze in another swim before my family departed - but there is always time for seal pups! It was a brief stop on our way back to the boat to check in on Asrai (our first seal pup of the season) and family - they are all doing well.
Baby Asrai - A screenshot of a video by Kirsty Cox
After waving off my own family, I jumped in for another quick swim before dinner - when the weather is this hot, you have to swim when you can! I managed to do a little bit of video analysis, recording a beautiful Male Cuckoo Wrasse and a Seal on camera from the last BRUV deployment. Then the conservation team all went out to search for Manx Shearwater chicks getting ready to fledge. It was a succesful night - we ringed 9 birds. A lot of them are sporting beautiful downy hairdo's, but are otherwise looking ready to fly!
A young manxie sitting outside it's burrow - Photo by Jessie Dermody