By Thomas Weston
The day started last night, on the cliffs catching Manx Shearwaters. Walking along the cliffs picking up the first of the chicks that were thinking of starting migration. The birds, close to their burrows they were born in, were emerging. They started to stretch their wings and pump up the flight muscles for the big flight ahead. The session went well with 9 new chicks, 1 retrap chick from our daytime visits, as well as 2 new and 1 retrap adult.
After some sleep, it was a bird day for me today, and I thought it would be a day I completed census but in fact the rota said Greg!
A Tree Pipit in a tree in Millcombe by Thomas Weston
It was quite funny as I had already walked down through Millcombe, taking a look to the Ugly before going passed the Gas Store before realising my mistake. Despite this, it was productive, with a nice showy pair of Tree Pipits who were fresh in, showing well, and perched in a tree. There was a Cuckoo flying around the Valley too, and this was found by Steve originally on his quadbike somewhere near Brambles. My little census journey finished here today, but it was nice to hear what Greg had seen, and also what he had not seen too! Varying numbers of Willow Warblers, and a Water Rail were the two differences that stood out when making a brief comparison. Greg also spotted a flock of Cormorants, and a Sparrowhawk flying around the census route.
An afternoon of admin followed, sorting ringing data and making sure the Bird Observatory data was being kept up to date.
A relaxing evening back at the house resulted in a Turnstone flying around the Village. It was as clear as day, and as with most wading species heard from the house, it sounded like it was flying around in circles. Unfortunately, it means we did not see it again!