Last night again saw George trying to catch Storm Petrels at the Observatory, it was nice and calm for a time, although the net was only open for an hour or so as the fog was threatening drizzle! However, another four birds were caught, all were new, presumably these are a different set of birds than the ones usually caught on Pen Cristin and in Nant Valley; although re-traps aren't a particularly large feature of those catches, either.

the Storm Petrel net just to the North of the Obs compound at the base of the Mountainside.

one of four Storm Petrels caught last night.

A photo showing the 'tube-nose' quite well, this both allows them to expel salt water and gives them an excellent sense of smell. 

Today was yet another murky, wet and foggy day on the island. Thankfully though, we finally got some rain this afternoon which carried on into the early evening.

The day was pretty much a write-off so George used this morning to complete the ringing report for last year's Annual report and also a few other bits that needed doing. Sam went out and did census, not much was noted, only the usual things with two Whimbrels on Henllwyn probably being the pick of the bunch.

Once Sam was back, he and George headed over to Plas to ring a brood of Swallows which were just about the right size, it was good news, five healthy chicks were waiting for them! Five is pretty much as good as can be hoped for, so this is very positive news indeed! After, Sam headed along the Mountainside again to continue with his Manx Shearwater Census, it shouldn't be too long until this is finished now!

one of the Swallows ringed at Plas.

Late afternoon/Early evening was then spent going around the rest of the outbuildings and checking for other Swallow nests. Another two nests were found, one at the lighthouse was clearly newly built and recently lined, so presumably eggs will be laid in this one soon. At the farm, another brood of five chicks were ringed, larger than the birds at Plas, and it shouldn't be too long until these fledge - it really does only seem like yesterday that the first Swallows were returning back... where has the time gone? While at the farm, a flock of 13 Starlings flew over, quickly followed by a flock of 20, presumably these will have been juvenile birds dispersing from the mainland, we will have to try and catch up with them tomorrow.

while checking for Swallow nests in the Boathouse, rustling and a few calls were heard coming from within this pallet, a quick check saw this pair of Manx Shearwaters inside, it's amazing where they manage to get to!

Ringing totals: Storm Petrel 4, Swallow 10