By Eleanor Harris
Me!
Hello readers, my name is Eleanor and I will be helping with Bird Observatory tasks, as well as working as a General Assistant. I have previously visited the island on holiday but always had a keen interest in the landscape and wildlife, seeing how it has changed and developed over the years. As well as visiting, I have also had the opportunity to assist with Observatory tasks including census, ringing and much more. I look forward to meeting you all and sharing my love of Lundy.
Today we woke up to a still, relatively calm day so me and Thomas undertook census ahead of leading a guided bird walk to Jenny’s Cove. More on this to come…
Walking through the shelter of the village it felt relatively calm but as we approached Millcombe valley, the wind picked up and was swirling in all directions signalling a shift from the calm of yesterday. Walking through Millcombe we heard two bubbly Goldfinch as well as one Dunnock and three Wrens so a good start to the day. Once reaching the Ugly we scanned the sea with a few Shags to start but the highlight came with a Great Northern Diver seen close to the shore. Continuing the route onwards, some of the other highlights were 139 Razorbills off Benjamin’s Chair and two Peregrines signalling the return of spring.
Once reaching the village we had a quick chat with Simon before starting a guided walk to Jenny’s Cove. Simon’s plan for today was to continue planting trees at Brazen Ward so look out for these on your next visit.
The guided walk started at the Tavern with the aim of showing the group some Puffins at Jenny’s Cove. On Sunday we saw around 124 Puffins so we were hopeful for a few. The route took us along the west coast past the Old Light where we saw a quick glimpse of a Merlin, one of the overall highlights. It was great to show the group this species as it was new to many. The walk continued onto Jenny’s Cove with some good views of 72 Fulmars, Shags and Gannets at Jennny’s but sadly no Puffins. It was a lovely mix of people, from all ages and backgrounds who attended with a range of Lundy experiences from first time visitors to regulars. Thank you to all who attended and the positive feedback as it was lovely meeting you.
Common Gull 2nd Calander Year
After reaching Jenny’s the group divided with people going their separate ways. Me and Thomas decided to have a quick walk to Brazen Ward then return for lunch. Once reaching Brazen we spotted Simon and Tara planting trees near the Mouse Hole and Trap. Descending to Brazen we had excellent views of a Common Gull and a few Gannets feeding close to shore. After some sea watching, Thomas spotted a Red Throated Diver far out to sea so after some scanning we also located groups of Manx Shearwaters, Kittiwakes and Gannets feeding far out to sea. Returning to the village we had excellent glimpses of the same female Merlin perching on the main dry stone wall.
Once recaching the village the weather started to change with cloud, fog and rain so the plan for the evening is to shelter from the approving storm. We look forward to meeting to you all at Wildlife Log over the coming weeks and hearing your days and sightings.