By Eleanor Harris
Today started with Greg conducting our daily census. The weather was mild and relatively calm, but with a slight chill in the air from the west so it will be interesting to see what today brings. On the route some of Greg’s highlights where a Firecrest, two Water Rails and a Siskin all present in Millcombe.
Lighthouse View EH
Meanwhile, as it was our day off, me and Thomas completed some much needed housework ahead of meeting Greg to check the Manx Shearwater boxes. Walking to the West it was beautiful to be out in the calm, sunny weather, but it was certainly noticeable that the weather was slowly changing before the low fog and cloud predicted for tomorrow. Due to the predicted weather forecast, tomorrow’s helicopters have been postponed till Saturday as visibility will be rather poor so a real change from today.
On our way to the colony we spotted several colour-ringed Wheatears, a rather out of place Woodpigeon on the Airfield, Merlin and Peregrine. On your next visit keep an eye out for colour-ringed birds, especially Wheatears, as data collected by you contributes to wider scientific study and understanding. It was great to show Greg the Manx Shearwater boxes with checks being successfully carried out and breeding signs evident in the colony. The boxes will be monitored throughout the season so we will keep you all posted on any updates.
Swallow Pondsbury Thomas Weston
After checking the boxes we took Greg on a tour of the West showing him the Earthquake, Jenny’s Cove and Pondsbury. It was great to see 37 Swallows and 16 Sand Martins along our route being some of the highest numbers so far this year. Back into the village we checked Barton’s Field with 2 Pied Wagtails and 2 White Wagtails seen so a good walk overall.
Treecreeper in Millcombe Thomas Weston
As it was such a beautiful day, me and Thomas headed to Millcombe to open a few nets and enjoy some Minstrels. Dropping down into Millcombe it was noticeable that the wind had dropped with the valley being a sheltered haven. Once down in the valley we bumped into the university students and lecturers who are currently staying on the island so offered to give them a ringing demonstration. Birds ringed were 6 Goldcrest plus a retrap, as well as a retrap Chiffchaff from Saturday’s session. Whilst down in Millcombe we spotted a Treecreeper which was a great find, and a Lundy rarity. Whilst we were down in Millcombe the weather started to turn with light rain showers so we decided to packed up and head back for dinner. No Minstrels were had as we got slightly distracted!
Today has been a productive day in many ways with some lovely weather ahead of tomorrow’s wash out!