Friday 24 February 2017

A Whimbrel was seen along the West Coast baring rings, Yellow over Metal BTO, Red over Red. This particular bird was ringed on the 27th of September, 2016 on Bardsey! A Whimbrel has been seen on the island over winter although this was an un-ringed bird, this colour ringed individual is presumably on return from over wintering further south quite possibly off the coasts of Africa and is now on its epic migration north, most reaching as far as Iceland and north east Scandinavia. Other wader sightings comprised of 89 Oystercatchers, three Purple Sandpipers, four Curlews, nine Redshanks and 14 Turnstones.

Fulmars off the West Coast were a welcome change and a treat to watch as five cruised over the rolling swell. Joining them were a single Gannet and Common Scoter, five Kittiwakes and 76 Guillemots. A good number of Herring Gulls, 50, passed close by the north hide heading from the gull colony close by and down the West Coast towards the Narrows along with five Greater Black-backed Gulls.

A fresh mystery pellet at the Plantation including a fairly sizeable bone. A Common Buzzard has been present in the area all winter and could be the likely culprit although other species cannot be ruled out. Any comments would be much appreciated.
Although other sightings were lacking an impressive fly by of an adult Peregrine Falcon is always something to behold as it bombed along the mountainside. The same Common Buzzard occupied its favourite haunt at the North End, whilst a couple of Meadow Pipits, nine Choughs and 14 Starlings  were other wildlife logged.

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