Winds reached F3 whilst the sea was recorded with a state of two. Visibility started off good in the morning until 15:00 when mist engulfed the island and visibility was limited to less than 100m. Temperatures remained at 18°C.

Meadow Browns remained the most numerous butterfly present on the island with 107 seen. Five Graylings were seen around the East Side, along with a Hummingbird Hawk-moth, another was seen at Cristin.

Early Thorn © Joel Tragen

A female Red-veined Darter was seen by Cameron in the Wetlands, where he also saw an Emperor Dragonfly and two Blue-tailed Damselflies.

Two Grey Herons were seen flying north along the West Coast, where two Curlews were also seen.

Brood of Shags displaying their nice new shiny colour rings © Joel Tragen

A noticeable increase in Swallow numbers today with 20 recorded across the island and four House Martins were seen with a pair at Nant and a pair over the Wetlands.

A total of six Sedge Warblers were seen across the island, this included a bird in Cristin garden, which was likely a new in migrant. Two juvenile Blackcaps were skulking around Nant and a total of ten Chiffchaffs were recorded across the island, including 3 fresh juveniles at Nant. The Goldcrest heard at Nant yesterday was finally seen, allowing us to see it was a juvenile. This confirmed our suspicions that they made a breeding attempt.

The only finches seen today were Linnets, with three pairs seen, all in different locations.

Again, winds reached F5, but the sea only reached a state of three today. Visibility remained good and no precipitation was recorded; temperatures improved, reaching 18°C.

Solfach at golden hour © Joel Tragen

Two pairs of Shelducks were seen with two each off both beaches. Two Common Sandpipers were seen off Solfach, whilst a total of three Curlews were seen.

A single Swift was heard screaming over Carreg. Hirundine numbers remain low with two House Martins and ten Swallows seen. Three adult Pied Wagtails were seen on Solfach in the evening, joined by a female Wheatear.

A Whitethroat was seen above Nant in the Gorse, whilst a Goldcrest was heard from somewhere in the Plantation. Seven Chiffchaffs, split between Cristin and Nant, were the only other warblers detected today.

The only finches today were nine Linnets, with pairs seen at Solfach and the North West Fields, plus a family of five in the Lowlands.

One of the fledged Peregrines learning what is and isn't food... this certainly isn't food but she still chased the GBBG around for 5 minutes © Joel Tragen

Winds reached F5 today and a sea state of four was recorded. Visibility was good and no precipitation was recorded, temperatures reached 15°C.

This Box-tree Moth seen yesterday on the East Side constitutes only the 2nd island record! © Joel Tragen

Another good count of Meadow Browns was achieved today with 75 recorded, 58 of these were in the Wetlands. 26 Six-spot Burnet moths were also counted, likewise much of these were in the Wetlands. Three Hummingbird Hawk-moths were seen around the Narrows and a total of 10 Silver-Ys were seen.

A Grey Heron was loitering around the Wetlands, likely in search of young birds. Two each of Shelducks and Mallards were swimming off Solfach, along with a Common Sandpiper on the shore.

Common Sandpiper © Joel Tragen

Ten Swallows and four House Martins were seen across the island, likely all breeders busy gathering food for their chicks.

Three Sedge Warblers were seen in Cristin Withy, including the first juvenile of the year which was noisily begging for food.

Eleven Linnets were seen today, including a family group of eight around the Narrows.

Three each of Humming-bird Hawk-moths and Silver-Ys were recorded today, mostly around the East Side, along with 500 Straw-barred Pearl.

During the early hours of the morning, the team opened the Storm Petrel nets and caught 11 birds. In addition, three birds were seen on nests around the East Side.

Our view as we set out towards the Storm Petrel net © Joel Tragen

A Whimbrel was heard flying along the West Coast and five Curlews were seen across the island. Around the East Side the first Mediterranean Gulls of the year were seen, with three second calendar-year birds feeding with the Kittiwakes which numbered 500, including a smart black-headed individual. A Sandwich Tern was seen off Henllwyn.

Good numbers of Auks were counted whilst Joel, Saffron and Cameron carried out the Manx Shearwater census around the East Side. 1700 Razorbills, 200 Guillemots and 150 Puffins being counted between Pen Cristin and Seal Cave.

Razorbill © Joel Tragen

The only hirundines recorded today was seven Swallows, five being at Nant. A single Chiffchaff at Nant was the only warbler detected today.

A Chaffinch was present at Nant and four Linnets were seen on Pen Cristin.

South-westerlies of F4 started building through the day from 16:00 onwards with a sea state of three. Visibility was good and there was some brief rain at 15:00. Temperatures reached 17°C.

During the guided wildlife walk, Joel spotted the first Graylings of the year on top of Pen Cristin, many Meadow Browns were on the wing with 53 recorded. Two Humming-bird Hawk-moths were seen buzzing around and a total of four Silver-Y Moths were seen.

Buff Ermine © Joel Tragen

Good passage of “Numensis”, with two Whimbrels and 34 Curlews recorded moving through the island throughout the course of the day. A good count of Oystercatchers was managed today with 179 across the island with 79 on the South End and 51 on Henllwyn.

Swift passage continued with ten Swifts recorded over the island, along with a total of 21 Swallows and 12 House Martins. Cameron spotted one of the skulky island Song Thrushes at Ty Pellaf, which briefly perched before realising it had been seen and darted away.

A Whitethroat was seen by the Schoolhouse, a juvenile Blackcap was seen at Nant and two Sedge Warblers were spotted in the Withies. Five Chiffchaffs were recorded across the island.

A Chaffinch was present at Nant and a total of 13 Linnets were seen across the island.

Today we had a bit of much needed rain! A couple of short, heavy showers in the morning and evening and F4 south westerly wind made the 17°C feel a lot chillier. 

Meadow Browns were the most common butterfly on the island today, with 43 spotted. There were also 16 Painted Ladies, 14 Red Admirals and 6 Green-Veined Whites. Day-moth numbers were dominated by the 50 Straw-Barred Pearl moths seen in the wetlands. We also had one Brimstone at Cristin and elsewhere, two Yellow Shell, two Silver Y and a Six-spot Burnet.

A Whimbrel was seen on the narrows and six Curlew were scattered around the island. A Common Sandpiper was also seen for the first time in two weeks on Solfach, along with two Pied Wagtail. There were also nine Meadow Pipits, 14 Rock Pipits, one Stonechat and five Wheatears.

Meadow Pipit © Joel Tragen

Around the island, 14 Swallows were seen and two House Martins were spotted at Nant Plantation.

Two each of Sedge Warblers and Chiffchaffs were spotted in the usual locations. A total of 13 Linnets were also recorded across the island today.

South-westerly winds continue through to today but have calmed down to F4, with a sea state of four. Visibility was good throughout most of the day, apart from some light rain in the early evening. Temperature held at a steady 17°C.

This morning started the day off well with a Great Northern Diver in full summer plumage was seen as it flew right over the South End.

The diver was only the beginning as shortly after, a Ringlet butterfly was found at Cristin. This was only the 5th record of Ringlet on the island! In addition, thousands of Straw-barred Pearl moths were recorded across the island.

Ringlet © Joel Tragen

A Grey Heron was seen down at Pwll Gareth where it a very fierce Moorhen was trying its hardest to see it off.

Regular numbers of Curlews and Black-headed Gulls today, with two of each on Solfach. No Swift sightings today but double digits of both Swallows and House Martins.

Two Sedge Warblers seen in the Wetlands today and five Chiffchaffs in Nant. Eight Linnets were seen today, with a family group of five seen around the Thistles on the Narrows.

South-westerly winds of F6 gust through today with a sea state of six. Surprisingly good visibility, no rain and a temperature of 17°C.

Usual common butterfly species were found again today with the addition of a Small Copper butterfly seen on the North End of the Island. A total of five Hummingbird Hawk-moths and nine Silver-Y moths. A Foxglove Pug was inside the pantry at Cristin. A Common Shrew was seen at Cristin also.

Riband Wave © Joel Tragen

The pair of Sparrowhawk and a Peregrine were seen flying over Cristin.

Two Curlews detected today as well as a Black-headed Gull over the Narrows. Five Kittiwakes were seen feeding off the West Coast, alongside large numbers of Manx Shearwaters, Guillemots and Gannets.

3rd calendar-year Gannet with classic "piano-tiles" secondaries © Joel Tragen

Again the only hirundines seen today was likely the breeding individuals with eight Swallows and five House Martins seen.

Four Chiffchaffs were the only warblers detected on the island, with two each at Cristin and Nant. 22 Choughs were counted today, as well as two Ravens. Another Chaffinch today but this time at Cristin.

A southerly of F4 blew through the island today and we had a sea state of four with good visibility for most of the day until we were hit with heavy rain in the afternoon. Temperature held at an average of 20°C.

Hummingbird Hawk-moths are still active around the island as three were spotted today. Steady numbers of Lepidoptera today with 14 Green-veined Whites, Eight Red Admirals, 17 Painted Ladies, four  Peacocks and a couple of Small Tortoiseshell butterflies. A Blue-tailed Damselfly was also spotted in the Wetlands today.

After months of monitoring the pair, Joel finally had the chance to carry out a nest check on the Sparrowhawk nest - four healthy chicks were recorded.

Hungry little Sparrowhawk chicks © Joel Tragen

Today brought a single Black-headed Gull and a Curlew in Solfach. On the West Coast, two Sandwich Terns were seen feeding distantly out at sea.

A total of ten Swallows and eight House Martins were recorded across the island in small flocks.

Six Wheatears were sighted today. We had a total of four Sedge Warblers, and at Cristin, we had one each of Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Also across the island ten Linnets were recorded.

Southerly winds of F4 blew through the day with a sea state of three. Visibility was moderate due to on and off drizzle and mist but temperatures held at a warm 25°C.

Garden Tiger © Joel Tragen

In the morning, basking in the early sun, two Slow Worms were found in the garden at Cristin. Red Admiral butterflies were our most common species today with 15 across Cristin and Nant. A Brimstone moth was found in Cristin, later followed by two Mottled Beauty moths and four Lackeys. On the East Side, three Hummingbird Hawk-Moths were seen.

Two Storm Petrels were seen while sea watching the West Coast, and then a further three were detected in caves on the East Side cliffs.

Male Sparrowhawk © Joel Tragen

A Swift was seen following the West Coast, heading South. We had two House Martins at Pwll Gareth and three pairs of Swallows that are known to be nesting here.

Above the cliffs, a pair of Wheatear were seen hopping around the grassy slopes. Three Chiffchaffs were heard around Cristin and Nant today.

Some finches moving through today with ten Linnets, a lone Goldfinch that flew over Cristin and a Chaffinch sighted in Nant.

Today brought easterly winds of F3 and sea state three which allowed for moderate visibility. Peak heatwave provided temperatures averaging 31°C and no rain for respite. These summer conditions made it safe to head round the East Side for some seabird action in the sun. 

Marine mammal surveys resulted in sightings of ten Common Dolphins, feeding out far from the North End of the island.

Butterfly and day-flying moth activity was high today with 34 Painted Lady butterflies, three Hummingbird Hawk-moths and two Thrift Clearwings. As well as this, we had a Green Tiger Beetle on Traeth Ffynnon and a Green Click Beetle on the East Side. 

In the afternoon, Steve, Joel, Saffron and Cameron headed around to the East Side for some seabird monitoring. Counts of up to 460 Kittiwakes were done as well as 850 Guillemots. However, this was swamped by the 1700 adult Razorbills in the colony! A pair of Chough were sighted near the cliffs with three juveniles and in one of the caves, a Storm Petrel was found to be nesting.

Storm Petrel sat under boulder in Seal Cave © Joel Tragen

Over the Narrows, two Curlews and a Whimbrel were spotted. Our total count for Black-headed Gulls reached eight today as they headed south past the coasts here.

The morning brought us 21 Swifts flying over and 15 Swallows, some nesting but many passing right over the island.

Seven Wheatears were seen today as well as two Sedge Warblers and a Whitethroat in the Wetlands. Two Chiffchaffs were at Cristin. A total of 27 Linnets were recorded across the island.

A northerly wind of F4 and sea state 3 meant choppy waters and poor visibility in the morning. The fog soon blew over in the afternoon and visibility improved with clear skies and at a warm 23°C.

This morning we said goodbye to Ezra as he left the island for his summer holiday. In his place we welcomed back two volunteers, Saffron and Cameron for the next two weeks helping Joel with the Manx Shearwater census and monitoring the seabird colony on the East Side.

A large number of Red Admiral butterflies were counted today, a total of 22, 18 of which seen at Cristin. A small number of Small White butterflies dropped in today, a species not often recorded here. The sunny weather also brought out day-flying moths including a Small Magpie moth, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth and three White Ermine moths. This was followed by another Broad-bodied Chaser for the year.

Buff Arches, arguably one of the best-looking moths we have in the UK and it resembles bird droppings © Joel Tragen

Two Curlews were spotted in Solfach today. Passing over the island today, we had 11 Swifts and 11 Swallows as well as three House Martins that flew over Cristin. Additionally, several Pied Wagtails were seen today around Ty Pellaf and Cristin.

A Willow Warbler at Nant, as well as four Chiffchaffs and five Linnets across the island.

Today brought F2 Westerlies and a sea state of zero. Visibility started poor but improved as the day went on and the temperature averaged around 24°C.

The nice weather brought out the butterflies and day-flying moths including a Clouded Yellow Butterfly on Pen Cristin, a Hummingbird Hawk-Moth, three Thrift Clearwings, along with plenty of other moths caught in the moth trap overnight.

Thrift Clearwing © Joel Tragen

The Sparrowhawk pair were spotted again today at Cristin, as well as an adult Peregrine Falcon with two juveniles, hunting on the East Side. Also on the East Side, 200 Puffins were recorded and nine Choughs flying around the mountain.

Three Curlews were seen on Henllwyn and a Black-headed Gull was seen in Solfach. A Racing Pigeon was seen on the Mountain. 

While Swift numbers slowed down today compared to previously with only 18 recorded moving through the island today, House Martin numbers were up with a flock of 16 circling the lighthouse.

Juv. Wheatear entering post-juvenile moult © Joel Tragen

A Willow Warbler was present at Cristin, four each of Sedge Warblers and Blackcaps were recorded. A total of six Chiffchaffs were sighted across the island.

A Starling was on the Narrows. A Lesser Redpoll was heard over the Wetlands and 14 Linnets were recorded across the island.

Northeasterlies of F2 and sea state 1 continued today as temperatures increased to 26°C.

Whilst going through the moth trap with guests, Joel heard a Quail singing in the Lowlands.

Over 150 Painted Lady butterflies were recorded today, as well as a small drop of Silver-Y moths. The sun brought out all kinds of butterflies and moths today including many Small Tortoiseshells and Hummingbird Hawk Moths.

Kestrel © Joel Tragen 

A Little Egret was seen early morning feeding in Henllwyn, quickly departing. A total of two Grey Herons were seen around the coast. On the South End, a female Kestrel briefly flew past while getting mobbed by Oystercatchers. The Sparrowhawk pair were seen around Cristin again.

Some wader movement also in the form of a Lapwing on the South End and three Curlews seen flying around the coasts.

Lapwing © Joel Tragen

Six Risso's Dolphins and a juvenile were spotted swimming through the Sound while a second calendar year Black-headed Gull was seen near Seal Cave on the East Side.

Another huge day for Swift migration as 185 individuals recorded today! Eight Swallows and seven House Martins were also seen. Early morning Ezra had a Grey Wagtail feeding on the Narrows and a Starling around the North West Fields.

Swift flock whirling around the light house © Joel Tragen

A noticeable increase in Blackcaps with five recorded across the island. The regular Sedge Warbler and seven Chiffchaffs were seen. A Goldfinch was present at Ty Bach, the pair of Chaffinch were at Nant and a total of 14 Linnets were seen across the island.

A north-easterly of F3 held throughout the day, alongside a sea state of one meant for excellent visibility, made only better with clear skies and a temperatures of around 21°C.

A Quail was flushed by Gareth from near the Lime Kiln and 8 Red-veined Darters were found on the South End by Oliver.

In the early hours, Steve led a guided Manx Shearwater walk in which 12 Storm Petrels were caught. Ten new birds were ringed and two recaptures were processed, giving the guests a unique experience.

View towards Mynydd Mawr whilst setting the Storm Petrel net © Steven Stansfield

Joel ringing a Storm Petrel © Steven Stansfield

Counts for the island's breeding birds were carried out during excursions on the East Side including 750 Razorbills, 350 Puffins and 150 Guillemots. These birds would have had to been careful of the Peregrine Falcon pair hunting as their two youngsters sat and watched from the cliffs.

A Collared Dove was seen at Ty Nessaf before it moved over to Nant.

Good Swift passage continued with a minimum count of 74 bird moving over the island throughout the day, with many birds only heard screaming as they moved through. Only resident hirundines were sighted with six each of Swallows and House Martins recorded.

Male Wheatear carrying a leatherjacket back to the nest © Joel Tragen

Two pairs of Stonechats were recorded today along with a single Wheatear. Early morning Ezra had a Starling loitering around the Lighthouse compound on the South End.

Singles of Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat were recorded in the Wetlands. Other warblers seen today included two singing Blackcaps and a total of eight Chiffchaffs.

The only finches recorded today were four Linnets.

Blog by Saffron Forester

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A gentle northerly wind of F2, a flat calm sea of sea state one and excellent visibility, ended up producing a very memorable two minutes for the team.

With nets just closed and the start of change over only five minutes away, Joel stood talking to Steve in the Courtyard when a Swift screamed and Joel looked over to see the belly of a Swift dip behind the ringing hut. Exclaiming “oh a Swift”. Steve took a step into the courtyard but stepped back into the doorway as his eyes adjusted to the bright light. They continued their chatter until Joel locked eyes with the white rump of a bird flying away from the courtyard, less than 50m away. Within a nanosecond it clicked that this was a Swift species. Natural reaction time caught up and all composure was lost. Joel started pointing into to air, finger trembling, shouting “Oh F### its got a white f###### rump, its a white rump swift”. Steve, whose eyes had now adjusted, took three steps outside the door, got eyes on the bird. As it came closer the long rakish wings with a long pointed tail became apparent, Steve could make out the mottling/scale patterning on the underside and exclaimed “it’s a f##### Pacific Swift”.

Mad panic ensued as we both bolted for our cameras, with Emma staying on the bird. Whilst trying to help Steve find his camera, Joel had the foresight to get Ezra on the bird and radioed. Ezra hearing the sheer panic made it out of the office before even hearing what was seen. Steve made it outside to find his battery was dead but luckily Joel, having grabbed his camera, stopped outside the office upon seeing Ezra stop on the track and look up as the bird passed again overhead. Joel managed to rattle off a few record shots as the bird bombed it north and out of sight. The team, on cloud nine, then got stuck into the change over. The bird was briefly seen again, distantly by Joel a few hours later whilst the guests were getting settled in and Ezra likely had it whizz over Cristin once more.

Pacific Swift, showing mottled underside and gleaming white rump © Joel Tragen

Once getting the guests settled in, the team rushed down to Cafn for a boat survey of the seabird ledges. Gareth took the team along the East Side, slowing down by each of the major colonies, allowing the team to get the essential data necessary. A massive thank you to Gareth for again so expertly taking us around the East Side.

Ezra and Joel counting seabirds © Steven Stansfield

Quick rest bite between activities © Steve Stansfield

A busy day for the team as they plan to go catch Storm Petrels in the early hours.

A total of 46 Common Dolphins were seen from the island, with a group of 40 seen off the West Coast.

Two Grey Herons were seen flying south along the West Coast together. A total of four Curlews were seen around the coast. A Racing Pigeon was seen sat on one of the offshore rocks in Henllwyn.

As well as the Pacific, nine Common Swifts were sighted throughout the day. A Sand Martin was seen flying in-off from the South End hide. A White Wagtail was present in Henllwyn.

A Goldfinch flew over the West Coast and a Lesser Redpoll was heard over Cristin mid-morning.