Tuesday, 24 June 2025

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.


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