A windy but improving day with a strong south‑westerly breeze force 6 and a moderate sea state. Visibility was generally good and despite the fresh wind. The wind was still blowing gale force 8 at dawn, though conditions gradually eased through the day. By 3 pm lighter winds were noted and it finally felt as though things were beginning to settle and two hours later our guests were sitting in the bright sunshine on the terrace drinking tea and coffee. 

The sea was still very rough at 10am © Steven Stansfield

Thanks to storm dave and the delay we managed to get all the rooms shipshape, and the Lodge was looking very smart indeed.

Lounge ready © Steven Stansfield

Library all tidy © Steven Stansfield

North Double © Steven Stansfield

South Double - hard to believe this room was such a mess only a few days ago © Steven Stansfield

Away from the work, census saw Grey Seal numbers at 56 hauled out at Henllwyn and two at Solfach.

Butterfly activity included two Small Tortoiseshells at the LSA, while moth interest was limited to a single Early Thorn at the Observatory.

Seawatching produced steady passage. Four Fulmars moved north past the South End. Manx Shearwaters were moving strongly, with 124 logged including 122 moving south during a one‑hour sea watch. Gannets were particularly numerous, with 52 heading south and 52 Kittiwakes also passed south. Auks included 11 Guillemots, 60 Razorbills and 59 auk sp., all moving south.

Cormorants numbered six across the coastline and eight Shags were split between the West Coast, Henllwyn and the South End.

Wildfowl included two Shelducks at Henllwyn. Mallards totalled nine with seven males at Pwll Cain and a pair on the Wetlands. The pair of Gadwall remained at Pwll Cain. Moorhens numbered five across several freshwater sites.

Raptors included a male Sparrowhawk at the Observatory and a Peregrine passing the South End.

A single Whimbrel passed the South End and five Turnstones were feeding at Henllwyn.

A Sandwich Tern was a highlight, moving north past the South End.

Woodpigeons remained widespread with 29 across the island. 

Passerine movement continued steadily. Meadow Pipits totalled 55 and Rock Pipits numbered seven. Pied Wagtails were logged as two at the Observatory, while alba wagtails numbered five moving overhead in both directions.

Stonechats numbered six and Wheatears totalled five across the island. Two Blackbirds were present.

Warblers included 12 Chiffchaffs, two Willow Warblers, five Blackcaps and three Goldcrests.

The single Blue Tit was still at Nant. Two Chaffinches battled the wind along with seven Goldfinches and 12 Linnets.