The last three days of May brought a few late passage birds including Golden Plover on 31st, and continued light passage of Hirundines and Swift. Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Willow Warblers continue to be seen in small numbers, and a few have remained to breed. A Spotted Flycatcher was seen on 30th and 31st, in Millcombe. Fledglings of Robin, Blackbird, Starling, Sparrow and Stonechat have been seen harassing their parents for food. Interestingly, our ringed Blue-Headed Wagtail pair have been seen again after a short hiatus, collecting nesting material around the village.
Thankfully, Peregrine Falcon sightings have increased again (5 birds recorded on 29th) and birds appear to be busy, mostly active along the East Coast, with a sub-adult male frequenting the West, including Jenny’s Cove.
Lundy’s first Guillemot chick of 2025 was spotted at Jenny’s Cove on 30th, and a few of the Kittiwake nests which suffered storm damage have been rapidly and diligently rebuilt! Several of the loafing Kittiwakes on the West are first year birds, with striking patterning. Thousands of Manx Shearwater were recorded flying over the North End at night (29th) using thermal imaging cameras, and Storm Petrels have been detected by the same means, near the Battery and North.