Bright and calm today. A Common Sandpiper and a Redshank were in Solfach whilst a second brood of Robins has appeared in the Observatory garden. A few butterflies were on the wing with more Painted Ladies seen today although the Large Whites have been winding down in numbers. A Northern Rustic was new for year in the moth-trap. 

Northern Rustic (C) Greg Lee

One of the main events on the day was the shearing of the sheep, many of which are now sporting much more appropriate coats for the recent hot weather! 

It is always a notable day in the birding calendar when the first lemon-yellow juvenile Willow Warblers start to appear in the bushes at coastal migration watchpoints and today was no different with an individual heard in the Observatory garden and another two towards Nant. Autumn warbler passage is here! Three Sand Martins passed over the Narrows and nine Curlews were around the South End with a Sandwich Tern also offshore. However, for much of the day, a sea mist made visibility poor. The Moorhens have been busy with new broods with another brood appearing in the Withies, joining two other new families in the Wetlands and another at the Observatory. 

Rock Pipit (C) Greg Lee

A calmer day on Bardsey after the winds had passed through overnight. A couple of Black-headed Gulls were offshore and our first Mediterranean Gull of the year was flying in the Sound. On Carreg Yr Honwy, at least 52 Curlews were on the rocks. The Observatory staff took a boat trip around the East Side of the island to count all the fledged gulls, Kittiwakes and Shags. The Guillemot ledges are now nearly virtually empty although the Kittiwakes are still busy with large fledglings still present. 

Mediterranean Gull (C) Greg Lee

The cliffs are looking a bit cramped now the Kittiwake chicks are large (C) Greg Lee

It proved to be an excellent day for Risso's Dolphins with several sightings of a small group in the morning before a larger pod lingered in the waters off Cafn and the South End for a considerable amount of time. In the evening, everyone at the Observatory was treated to excellent views of a sizable Common Dolphin pod which acrobatically leapt out of the glass-like waters!

A ferocious gale blew in overnight and lasted throughout the day along with spells of rain. In the morning, a juvenile Sandwich Tern was amongst a congregation of various gulls on the Narrows, a Turnstone, a Black-headed Gull and two Redshanks were on Solfach. Seven Curlews flew past the South End in the strong winds whilst a stream of Manx Shearwaters were seen offshore. 

Stormy waters off the West Coast (C) Greg Lee

As expected in the conditions, insect counts were low but a couple of Painted Ladies were noted along the track to Ty Pellaf.

 A blustery day but very pleasant in the sunshine. Three Common Sandpipers, two Curlews and a Whimbrel were around the island, a Black-headed Gull was off the East Side and a Goldcrest was at Nant.

Grey Seals (C) Phoebe Moss

Insects were in good supply with our second Red-veined Darter of the season on the South End, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth and six Graylings on the Moutain and three Painted Ladies. 

A sea breeze was welcome today which kept the temperatures down to a lowly 26 degrees. There was a drop in waders with three Common Sandpipers, two Curlews, two Redshanks and a Ringed Plover noted. A Sedge Warbler was at Nant but presumably a local bird. A trip around the East Side was probably one of the last of the season, given that many birds have now fledged and the colonies are starting to look empty! Still, some Kittiwake and gull chicks, a couple of adult Razorbills and the first Fulmar chick of the season were ringed.

Fulmar Chick (C) Ewan Turner

An Emperor Dragonfly was cruising over the Wetlands, whilst a few second-generation Common Blues are now starting to appear around the island. 

Emperor Dragonfly (C) Greg Lee

A scorching day of 28℃. A fledged brood of House Martins were busy wheeling around the Lighthouse in the morning but soon the heat had risen and things seemed to quieten down. A lone Risso's Dolphin was seen lingering off the West Coast, although conceivably there may have been more in deeper waters. 

Sunset from Solfach (C) Greg Lee

A chance check of Solfach after an evening swim turned up trumps with a nice selection of waders on the high tide including our first Green Sandpiper of the year (which flew off calling noisily over the Wetlands), 17 Common Sandpipers, six Redshanks and singles of Whimbrel and Curlew. A Storm Petrel session last night saw another 15 birds caught and ringed. 

The heatwave has reached us here on Bardsey with Aberdaron recording 25 degrees celsius, still a few degrees cooler than elsewhere in the UK. A lone Sand Martin and two Swifts were over the South End. A Black-headed Gull was on North End and five young Grey Herons flew north.  Three Lapwings on the Narrows may have been yesterdays birds and up to six Redshanks were in Solfach. 

This picture doesn't do justice at all but the moon was huge last night! (C) Greg Lee

The Risso's Dolphins continue to perform with a pod passing by the North End, this group included a fine sub-adult. A couple of Hummingbird Hawk-moths were seen around the island today and a Tompot Blenny was the highlight of a quick afternoon dip at Cafn. 

A stunning day with clear blue skies and warm sunshine. A few migrant birds were noted with eight Swifts, 24 Sand Martins and a Siskin being recorded overhead. Three Lapwings were on the South End and three Redshanks were in Solfach. It was also notably "Flying Ant day" and in celebration, scores of Gulls were anting over the Wetlands, Pen Cristin and the South End, feeding up on the temporary food source.

Grayling (C) Greg Lee

The Large Whites were in considerable numbers with 48 recorded across the island along with 60+ Green-veined Whites which were mostly concentrated in the Lowlands. Up on the Mountain, three Graylings were enjoying the heat and chasing off any other butterflies that appeared in their airspace. Butterflies may have the reputation for being graceful and elegant, but in reality they are foul-tempered and violent beasts! A male Emperor Dragonfly was hawking over a pool in the Wetlands again. It was another good day for Risso's Dolphins with a single seen off the West Coast followed by a pod of four passing close by Pen Cristin, close enough to hear them taking a breath! 

A lovely warm day although a sea mist rolled in early evening. Around the Lighthouse there was plenty of activity with a brood of young Swallows giving their parents plenty of work to do. The local House Martins were also busy wheeling around in the sunshine. Both hirundines were shown up in terms of aerobatics, however, by a pair of Swifts that were zooming around the Lighthouse, possibly investigating for a potential nest site. 

Swift (C) Greg Lee

Elsewhere, two Redshanks, three Common Sandpipers and a Black-headed Gull were on Solfach. An impressive 18 Risso's Dolphins passed south along the West Coast, providing good views for the Observatory staff. The numbers of Large White butterflies continues to increase including a maelstrom of five seen swirling in the Observatory garden and the first Small White of the year was spotted. 

Large White (C) Greg Lee

Cool and overcast although looking at the upcoming forecast and the temperatures predicted, we may as well savour these conditions! A few bits of wader passage were evident today with a Lapwing on the South End, a Redshank and three Common Sandpipers in Solfach and a flock of 11 Curlews on Carrey yr Honwy. A Siskin also flew over Pen Cristin. 

Wheatear (C) Greg Lee

Our first Emperor Dragonfly of the year was quartering over the pool at Ty Pellaf, where three young Moorhen chicks were being tended to by their parents. Two Harbour Porpoises passed by the island during the day. 

The breeze had picked up overnight but once it had calmed down by early afternoon it was a great day for wildlife. Notable birds included a Swift over the Mountain, a Black-headed Gull over the South End, two Common Sandpipers and a new brood of Moorhens in the Wetlands. 

Manx Shearwater chick (C) Greg Lee

It was also a productive day for marine mammals with one of yesterday's Common Seals relocated on the South End, eight Risso's Dolphins passed by Cafn at midday followed by five seen early evening off of Pen Cristin. A pod of small Dolphins also passed by the South End but weren't unidentified. A butterfly searching excursion up on the Mountain also paid dividends with the first three Graylings of the year being found. Unfortunately, they were very active in the heat and didn't pose for photographs, with one of the Graylings being particularly incensed by a wandering Red Admiral, often chasing the larger Vanessid away from its sunning spot. Other butterflies included a Large White in the Observatory garden and another on the Mountain, a Small Copper at Ty Pellaf and a Small Tortoiseshell on Pen Cristin. At least two Hummingbird Hawk-moths were seen on the Mountain. 

View from the Mountain (C) Greg Lee

A fresh north-westerly wind was blowing early doors making it hard for birding and cetacean surveying. A juvenile Cuckoo in the Withies was our first young bird of the year but was typically shy. On Solfach, at least three Common Sandpipers, a Dunlin and a Whimbrel were present and seven Curlews flew along the West Coast. A Black-headed Gull also flew over the Narrows. 

Common Seals and Grey Seal (left) (C) Phoebe Moss

Another seal count revealead at least 220 using the island, with the majority in Henllwyn hiding from the breeze. Best of all, three Common Seals were found hauled out on the South End. 

Blustery but bright on Bardsey today with a fairly early start for the morning changeover. Yesterday's Ringed Plover, Dunlin and two Common Sandpipers were in Solfach and six Curlews were noisily calling around the South End. At the Observatory, a singing Chiffchaff and a Chaffinch were in the garden along with a Sedge Warbler. A Stonechat pair were noisily alarming along the Green Lane at a young Magpie this morning, possbily indicating that they are starting to have a second brood.

Currently it is just Greg, Phoebe and Lauren holding the fort at the Observatory for the next few days with Steve and Emma away on their summer break and Ewan having a very brief trip off the island, though he'll be back mid-week.

We've been treated to some great sunsets recently (C) Greg Lee

Strong winds rolled in during the afternoon where there was considerable activity from the Manx Shearwaters. A young Ringed Plover and a Dunlin were new in Solfach and two Common Sandpipers were using the space. A Whimbrel, three Curlews and a young Grey Heron were on the South End. Two Goldfinches over the Wetlands were the first records for a couple of weeks. 

Ringed Plover (C) Greg Lee

A targeted count of the Grey Seals on the island provided a figure of 185, with many of them taking respite in Henllwyn. 

More sunshine for the first part of the day with the birding highlight being a Little Egret in Cafn in the morning, before it flew around the East Side. A Peach Blossom was new in the moth-trap, this charming moth being quite a widespread species in the UK. A Dark Swordgrass was a migrant in the trap.  

Peach Blossom (C) Greg Lee

The early hours of the morning were spent ringing Storm Petrels in the calm conditions. Ten were caught during the session including a control/re-trap bird, which is always exciting. It is a pleasure working with these tiny, characterful, denizens of the open seas. 

Storm Petrel (C) Greg Lee

What a difference a day makes! It was glorious weather with wall-to-wall sunshine, far more in tune with the rest of the country. Migration highlights included a Redshank and two Common Sandpipers in Henllwyn and a Sand Martin over Pen Cristin. A flock of seven Curlews were off of the South End where a pod of three Risso's Dolphins were briefly seen mid-morning. On the breeding bird-front, our Observatory brood of Swallows has appeared to have fledged as well as a nice brood of three youngsters swirling over Ty Pellaf and Pen Cristin. The parents will be wanting to see these ones off so they can get started on cramming a second brood in before summer ends. In the afternoon, at least two young Sedge Warblers were rattling away in the bushes around the Observatory front garden, presumably from the Green Lane territory. 

Some larger Oystercatcher chicks are on the South End (C) Greg Lee

In the warmth, the butterflies also were abundant with the first double-figure count of Meadow Browns this season, our first Large White floating around the Observatory garden, two Painted Ladies on the South End and a Small Copper. Several Red Admirals were also distributed around whilst a small influx of Silver Y's appears to have occurred, although the moth-trap didn't yield any obvious migrants. A Hummingbird Hawk-moth also appeared around the Observatory in the early evening, even landing, providing a rare perched view of this normally restless moth. 

Hummingbird Hawk-moth (C) Greg Lee

A sodden day to start off July with a drizzle through most of the morning before conditions eventually brightened up during the day. At least three Common Sandpipers were around the island as well as four Curlews. The Linnets are starting to congregate on the South End in large flocks with 42 recorded this morning. 

A bright moon at 11:30pm (C) Greg Lee

Lovely and still today. The first bit of action was a pod of six Risso's Dolphins swimming in Cafn! Two Redshanks, three Common Sandpipers and four Curlews were a mix of early autumn wader passage. A Sand Martin along the West Coast was the first returning migrant and a bit of Swift passage was noted, with a particularly sizeable flock of 28 over the Mountain. Two Sandwich Terns flew south offshore in the evening and a Willow Warbler was in the Observatory garden. 

As it was the first day for a while that we could get around the East Side, the opportunity was taken with great haste. Although many of the Razorbill chicks have already fledged during the spell of unsuitable weather, several were ringed. The Guillemots appear to be slightly later, so several chicks and adults were also processed. The real success of the day was with the Kittiwakes with a good total of 31 chicks ringed along with an adult bird. 

Adult Kittiwake (C) Ewan Turner

A Drinker and Garden Tiger in the moth-trap were sizeable additions to the egg cartons this morning.

Whilst many areas of the country are enjoying the current heatwave, we had a pea-souper of a fog which lasted well into the afternoon until it cleared by 5pm! In the early morning, at least seven juvenile Wheatears were frolicking on the South End along with a plethora of young Linnets. A Common Sandpiper was at Henllwyn and a Curlew flew along the West Coast. The fog had also dropped some more waders in around Henllwyn and the Narrows with our first Black-tailed Godwit of the year, as well as both a Greenshank and a Redshank plus a Sandwich Tern offshore. 

Once the fog had lifted, three Swifts were screaming high over the Observatory. A Manx Shearwater was seemingly trying to imitate an Ostrich burying its head in the sand by sticking its head into some long grass in the garden, unware it was in plain sight to the Assistant Warden looking through the moth trap. Perhaps it had lost its way in the fog. 

Views from the Observatory during the welcome talk to the guests (C) Greg Lee

The streak of foggy mornings continued although by midday the sun was shining strongly.  The Curlew number was up to six on the island whilst singles of Common Sandpiper and Turnstone remained on Solfach. Over the Mountain, the newly-fledged Peregrine chick from the second brood was noisily nagging its parents. In the Observatory garden, the tapping of a Song Thrush using an anvil for the snail shells was frequently heard, with the young bird lurking in the bushes. Occasionally, the male would burst into song, despite the breeze.

A smart Buff Arches in the trap this morning (C) Greg Lee

A grey and overcast day which felt quite autumnal on the morning patrol. The highlight came early with an Arctic Skua which flew low over the Narrows in the morning, just our second of the season so far. There were three Common Sandpipers around the island, with a single on the South End and two at Solfach with a summer-plumaged Turnstone at the latter site. A Curlew also flew along the West Coast. A Grasshopper Warbler was briefly reeling in Plas Withy.

Turnstone (C) Greg Lee

Continued strong wind today which curtailed any chance of getting amongst the seabirds. Five Swifts flew over, potentially these are second-calendar year birds (also known as bangers) which are wandering around the UK looking for nest-sites for next season. Two Curlews were in Henllwyn along with a Whimbrel. Eight Mallards in Solfach appeared to be progeny of the local birds from the spring. 

A few Common Spotted Orchids can be seen around the island at the moment. (C) Greg Lee

A day of murk around the island. A Ringed Plover and Curlew flew over the South End in the morning and a Sedge Warbler foundaway from the known territories this season was interesting. In the afternoon, the team headed back around the North End to continue work on the Gulls in the still conditions. Another 26 Herring Gull chicks were fitted with colour-rings. It was interesting to note at least four House Martins hanging around the East Side, possibly hinting that there has been a nesting attempt on one of the cliffs this year. 

A creche for the Herring Gull chicks (C) Greg Lee

The most unusual sighting of the day came courtesy of Gareth, who had managed to catch a huge Crawfish on his most recent lobster-fishing trip.  A very bizarre-looking creature that wouldn't have looked out of place on a sci-fi film set!

The Crawfish, straight off the set of Doctor Who (C) Greg Lee

More breeze again with the weather getting gloomier and overcast as the day grew on. Our first fledged Swallows of the year were seen flying, presumably the rather advanced brood at Nant. Six Curlews in Henllwyn were new migrants whilst three Whimbrels were also seen off the West Coast. Off the South End, there seemed to be a good number of Manx Shearwaters and Gannets moving. A Common Sandpiper was also at the North End.

The weather slackened sufficiently in the afternoon to allow a visit to the North End gull colony to ring some of the chicks. The trip was a success with 40 chicks ringed with 29 Herring Gulls and 11 Lesser Black-backed Gulls respectively. They were also given colour-rings which should aid in-field reading of the rings. Previous birds ringed in the Bardsey colonies have been reported from as far as West Africa so it'll be interesting to see where the new cohort will wander to.

Lesser Black-backed Gull (C) Ewan Turner

Another arrival this week has been Phoebe Moss who is with us until September. Phoebe is here to study the Risso's Dolphins which will be using the waters off of Bardsey during the summer, most excitingly with a drone which will be used to identify individuals and provide an insight into these fascinating cetaceans.  More information on the Marine Mammal project can be found here: https://bbfo.blogspot.com/p/bardsey-marine-mammal-project.html

This past week we've had Harry Black volunteering with us and he has done a sterling job battling the summer growth in the various Withies. Well done Harry! Nant Withy (C) Harry Black.

Blustery again but brighter this time with sunshine through the day. Of course, in the birding calendar, it is now autumn and nothing exemplified this more than the sighting of two Common Sandpipers bobbing on the rocks in Henllwyn this morning. Small snippets of return movement will be the flavour of the next couple of weeks as we enter the typically quieter part of the season, fortunately here we are very lucky to have some seabirds to keep us occupied.  A single Curlew and a Whimbrel were also in Henllwyn.

Common Sandpiper (C) Greg Lee

This week, we've welcomed the return of Lauren Evans back to Bardsey where she'll be continuing her PHD research with the University of Bangor on the movements of Manx Shearwaters and how differences in foraging effort and diet through oceanographic features affects the growth-rate of chicks. This does mean that she'll be very nocturnal during the couple of months she is on the island, but we can't wait to see what results her second season here will yield for our special Shearwaters. 

In the garden, a young Song Thrush was pleasing to see, the parents having nested somewhere down the track towards Carreg. At the moment, the bushes also seem to be alive with young Wrens, with family parties squeaking away in the low vegetation. 

Butterflies continued to appear with several Meadow Browns seen around the island, having only just emerged last week. Two Red Admirals were engaged in a high-octane dogfight at Nant in the sheltered Plantation.

A much breezier day out there with a variety of weather from sunny spells to fog and rain. Perhaps the highlight of the morning South End patrol was a Red-veined Darter found amongst the low vegetation, the first record for several years of this small dragonfly (also the first dragonfly species of the season). This species is a migrant, often turning up more regularly in the south of the UK but can be found anywhere in the right wind conditions. 

Red-veined Darter (C) Greg Lee

Offshore, the seabirds were enjoying the blustery conditions with Manx Shearwaters, Gannets and the various auks passing offshore. Around the South End and Narrows, more broods of Wheatear are starting to appear and enjoy their new sense of freedom. A check of the Manx Shearwater burrows revealed the chicks are starting to appear.

Manx Shearwater chick (c) Ewan Turner

 A mixed day with spells of sunshine and intermittent patches of fog/mist. A Swift wheeled over the Wetlands mid-morning and two each of Black-headed Gull and Curlew were in Henllywn.

The warm weather overnight brought a few new moths for the year including Grass Emerald, Common Emerald and a Narrow-winged Pug.

Grass Emerald (C) Greg Lee

Hot again, very hot even with the temperature of 24℃ a very high temperature for Bardsey. Still, there was some activity around with four Crossbills seen early morning flying south and a Grey Wagtail hanging around the North End. It was also a good day for butterflies with Red Admirals and Painted Ladies arriving on the very warm southerly breeze, two Dark Swordgrasses where representatives of the recent influx of migratory moths across the UK whilst a Shark Moth was a bit more local. 

Oystercatcher chick (C) Greg Lee

It was a warm and pleasant day, which meant the Observatory team were able to do their annual trip to the Gwylan Islands to do the seabird colony census. Shags and Cormorants were counted, with lots of chicks ringed. Counts were made of Herring, Lesser Black-backed and Great Black-backed Gulls. This included the nests, eggs and chicks. For Auk counts, Puffins were the main focus, where counts were made of burrows and three Puffin chicks (also known as Pufflings) were ringed.

Puffling (C) Steve Stansfield

Great Black-backed Gull chick (C) Steve Stansfield

A day of fine weather on the island with almost no wind. At least two of the visiting Grey Herons were present and a Whimbrel was still lingering around. Two Swifts over the Mountain continued our run of activity over the past few days for this species. Return passage for Swifts starts very early and the next month will see more passing through on their departure from the UK. 

Early dawn on the South End (C) Greg Lee