Sunday, 3 August 2025

An increase in the wind and rain occured early in the morning, perhaps only a precursor for the forecast conditions on Monday. Despite this unsettled start, it turned into a lovely warm day on Bardsey with the temperatures hitting over 20 degrees on the island in the afternoon.

Passerines were slightly quiet on the migration front although five Willow Warblers were present on the South End with another squeaking away deep in the bushes in Cristin Withy. A Sedge Warbler was present in the Observatory Garden. Over on the South End, the parties of Linnets continued to feed in small parties, flying over noisily on occasion and Meadow Pipits were feeding on the turf. 

Waders were represented with three Redshanks, two Turnstones, a Whimbrel and 15 Curlews. One of the Curlews provided one of the sights of the day as the bird repeatedly ditched itself to evade the interest of the young female Peregrine.

Peregrine bothering a Curlew (C) Greg Lee

The lingering Kestrel remained around the Island, being seen hovering over the side of the Mountain before later being relocated over the Wetlands. 

Sandwich Terns were routinely heard throughout the day with several seen off the West Coast during the day, the far-carrying calls often giving away their presence. The largest party containing seven birds diving for fish. Over on Solfach, the Black-headed Gull count reached 11 birds. 

Chough (C) Greg Lee

Away from the birds, a count for Grey Seals yielded a final of result of 197, the majority of which were in Henllwyn. Once the weather had warmed, the insects began to appear with a Migrant Hawker in the Observatory Garden, three Common Blues, nine Red Admirals and a Painted Lady

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