By Maddie Kirby
It’s been an unseasonably hot day for May on Lundy, with temperatures of 25 degrees making me appreciate being sent on errands to the walk-in freezer during my evening tavern shift!
The hot weather prompted some of the conservation team to head down to the Landing Bay to cool off after a day’s work, and they were treated to excellent views of the Golden Oriole on their way down through Millcombe. This bird- the 5th record for the island this year- has been identified as a 2nd calendar year male. We know this because he was heard singing today, but isn’t yet in full adult plumage. Conservation team member Greg has an excellent recording of the iconic “cat-call”, which is also now being mimicked by our rather musically talented resident male Song Thrush. To the delight of the team, a second, greener yellow Golden Oriole was also seen this evening in Millcombe by Thomas!
The Turtle Dove has been seen again today, first heard singing near Government on this morning’s census, and has been reported as showing well throughout the day. Other census highlights included the Channel Wagtail and a White Wagtail.
Seabird Station felt a little quiet this afternoon, at least in terms of birds- we had plenty of visitors! With a high count of just 35 Puffins visible from the Jenny’s Cove viewpoint, it is likely that most of our birds are now underground incubating their eggs, or foraging out at sea.
Common Dolphin Landing Bay by Thomas WestonThe Lundy Cabbage census has continued today, with Bee from the LFS joining the conservation team to count our endemic flowering plant. A trip round the island on the Oldenburg allowed for areas of the coast to be surveyed that can’t be seen easily from land. Elsewhere offshore, a pod of Common Dolphins and a single Harbour Porpoise were seen this evening, as well as around 1000 Manx Shearwater!
Common Blue, Brick Field. Thomas WestonThe Painted Lady influx has continued, with well over 100 recorded on the island today! We are seeing plenty of Red Admirals, Small Heath and Common Blues too, and looking forward to more butterflies in the sunshine the rest of the week.