by Kirsty Cox
As predicted in my last blog, I finally had to resort to using my head torch on my run this morning. After a day off yesterday which allowed me to start my run a bit later, I was back to the usual time this morning and for fear of stumbling over a rock on the main track in the dim light, I thought it best to have some additional light!
I had a busy morning out and about, so planned the various routes I had to take to try and minimise how many times I had to walk the same path twice! I started with an early morning pup check as low tide was at 7:32. It is still very quite on the beaches but there are currently three white coat pups that I am keeping an eye on who have been named Kelpie, Merrow and Tangie - all names connected to Celtic myths.
After a brief break back at the tavern for toast and a chance to pick up the butterfly survey transect sheets from the office, I was off again. This time I headed to Pondsbury to take the fixed point photos we are collating to monitor the level of the water while it is being drained to help our water supplies. Then a quick stop at Quarry Beach to finish the pup check before heading off on the butterfly survey.
I have been so busy with all things seal this season that it was the first time that I have had the chance to do the butterfly survey this year and on a lovely sunny morning slowly walking the Upper East Path and looking for butterflies, it was a very enjoyable way to spend an hour. I saw a total of 7 Red Admirals across the survey - it was encouraging to see some even so late into October.
I timed the end of the survey with the arrival of the Oldenburg so that I could take up position for my final day on Pup Patrol! There were a group of 3 weaned pups playing in the Landing Bay which provided a nice opportunity to chat to visitors about the Lundy seal population.
After lunch it was time for some work in the office. I have started work on this season’s Seal Report which I have to complete by the end of my time on the island. It is hard to believe that I now have less than two weeks to go!
My final Pup Patrol stint took place as people headed back down to the Oldenburg - some nice conversations and another chance to watch the weaned pups playing on the tide.
With the prospect of a sunny evening, and judging by the weather forecast that it was likely to be my last one on the island before I go, I decided to make the most of it and headed down to the battery to cook an outdoor dinner.
Elsewhere on the island it was another busy day of sightings including Cormorant, Chaffinch, Redwing, Fieldfare, Siskin, Brambling, Swallow, Reed Bunting, Woodpigeon, Stock Dove, Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Kestrel, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Lapland Bunting, Hen Harrier, Grey Heron, Snow Bunting, Water Rail, Mistle Thrush and Red-throated Pipit.