Saturday, 9 August 2025

Well, it was touch and go but the University Week managed to go ahead despite the wind trying to throw a spanner in the works! Our students from universities across the country arrived mid-afternoon on slightly choppier seas than normal along with Ewan who returned from his summer break. 

As it was changeover day, sightings during the morning were somewhat limited after a few of the Observatory Staff were conscripted into another sheep round-up on the Mountain. However, three Willow Warblers were in the Withies, a flock of 24 Curlews passed off the West Coast along with seven Sandwich Terns, two Whimbrels were on Solfach and a Grey Heron was loitering around the Wetlands.

Willow Warbler (C) Greg Lee

Insect highlights included two Hummingbird Hawk-moths, two Painted Ladies and nine Red Admirals.

Once the students had arrived and been briefed on the events of the week, followed by an orientation walk led by Greg, it was time for dinner with an excellent and vast quantity of chilli and rice followed up by some marble cake.

The arrival of the students (C) Steve Stansfield.

The vats of chilli made by Steve and Emma (C) Steve Stansfield

Later in the night, with the skies lovely and clear some stargazing was done with the bright Sturgeon Moon lighting up the sky with the occasional Perseid Meteor streaking across, the reach their peak mid-week so it should make for some great watching! Lets hope some good bird migration comes this way for the students!

Sturgeon Moon (C) Steve Stansfield




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