By Tara McEvoy-Wilding
This weekend the Feral Stock team are over to count the Sika, Soay and Goat populations, so me and Simon went along to help. It is important that we get an accurate idea of their population each year so we know how many we will need to cull in the winter to prevent the island being overgrazed. In order to count them, we spread out in a long line and walk slowly across the whole island, recording everything that passes us to the left. The weather was amazing and the birds were making the most of it- I passed lots of singing Skylarks, and two Wheatears at Jenny’s Cove. Jenny’s Cove was a hive of activity with 10 Puffins and lots of Guillemots on the slopes and cliffs!
Now I’m sure you’ve all been wondering where the marine content has been… so look no further! Today was one of the lowest tides of the year so I hoofed it back from three-quarter wall to go rockpooling! Spring has sprung in the marine world- new seaweed was growing out the rocks and fresh kelp was shining in the sunlight!
New Thong weed (Himanthalia elongata) growth near Rat Island
My old favourites the Celtic sea slugs were out in force- I managed to find 8 very tiny ones, ranging from 2-5mm in size. Celtic sea slugs are an unusual species of sea slug as they breathe air a bit like us whereas most other sea slugs have gills like a fish.
The underappreciated Celtic Sea Slug
The real highlight was the 128 Scarlet and Gold Star Corals that I found in 4 locations- one of which was new to me! They are usually not seen whilst rockpooling as they prefer slightly deeper water, but as the tide was so low I was able to view them.
Scarlet and Gold Star Coral under the Jetty
I also recorded 7 species of crab, 5 species of anemone, a funky worm that I believe to be Alentia gelatinosa as well as a seaspider Nymphon sp. Overall a successful rockpool!
Back in the birding world Thomas and Eleanor were finally able to open up the mist nets in Millcombe Valley and ringed the first Willow Warbler of the year! Let’s hope this good weather stays!