Wednesday 15 June 2022

Flat calm conditions were perfect for the first trip out to Ynys Gwylan Fawr of the year; this was the first time since mid-march assistants Ed and Ollie have left the Island! The main aim of the trip was to survey the breeding seabirds including counting over 700 Puffin holes! 

Looking towards Ynys Gwylan Bach and Bardsey! © Ed Betteridge

After the counts were completed we focused on ringing the seabirds. We were able to ring an astonishing 82 Shag chicks of which 50 also had a colour ring or darvic added. We also spent time ringing Great Black-backed Gull and Herring Gulls chicks including being able to darvic five Great Black-backed Gulls that were big enough. 

Colour ringed Great Black-backed Gull  © Ed Betteridge

We ended the trip try our luck with catching Puffins; this worked 'well' with 11 birds being found (7 adults, 4 pufflings). During the trip we also saw some signs of Autumn with a few Swifts and Curlews heading over.

Puffin  © Ed Betteridge

Puffling! © Ed Betteridge

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