Monday 20 July 2015

A changeable day weather-wise saw quite low winds in the early morning giving way to a stronger south-westerly by late afternoon. After a cloudy start, some heavy drizzle moved in and sustained a damp period that lasted until the early afternoon. Thereafter it was relatively pleasant, with mild temperatures and clearing skies.

In terms of the day's waders, a single Ringed Plover was seen at the North End, a Whimbrel, two Curlews and two Redshanks were seen around The Narrows, and three Common Sandpipers were dotted around the coast. A Collared Dove flying from garden to garden was new in, although the same juvenile Cuckoo continued to linger. Three Swifts darted south over the Lighthouse, and a very small movement of hirundines included a Sand Martin and a handful of Swallows. A Blackcap brood was discovered at Nant, with at least three juveniles fresh out of the nest- this is the first time Blackcaps have successfully reared young for many years here.

It was an excellent night for moth trapping, with a combined total between the three Heath traps of over 250 moths. The trap at Cristin produced a new species for the island - a Scallop Shell - and the Nant Withy trap attracted a Barred Red, which is just the second record for Bardsey. Aside these species, there were also plenty of Garden Tigers, Dark Arches, Crescent Darts and Scarce Footmans, along with Single-dotted Wave, Turnip Moth and Grass Emerald.


Most of the seabirds have vacated the East Side now, with perhaps 100 Razorbills and 50 Guillemots seen there yesterday. Over 40 juvenile Shags were present not far off the shore

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