A bright and settled day with a fresh southerly breeze force four, a slight sea state and good visibility. The temperature stayed around 10°C, giving a crisp but pleasant feel across the island.

Our other Assistant this year Joel Tragen, who many of you will have met during his numerous times volunteering on the island, arrived today 

Emma, Ezra and Joel heading to the Obs from the boat. © Steven Stansfield

Indoor work continued post census, with me finishing of the washroom, Emma moved onto sorting the Library, Ezra continued his de-moulding quest, I moved to painting the north quad bedroom and Joel spent the day unpacking

sealant and paint all dry, walls painted and ready to go © Steven Stansfield 

A pair of Fulmars were at Pen Cristin early on and two Gannets moved past the South End. Ducks and geese were represented by four Shelducks between the South End and Solfach, the pair of Gadwall on Pwll G and two Mallards around Solfach and Pwll G. and the Brent Goose remained off Solfach. We are ever hopefull the Gadwalls will be staying to breed again and hopefully be successful this year.

Raptors included an immature male Sparrowhawk around the Observatory, a female Merlin at the South End and an immature female Peregrine also hunting at the South End.

Peregrine © Ezra Sherwell

Moorhens totalled three between the School Pond, Pwll Gareth and Cristin. Oystercatchers reached 76, two Redshanks were present, one at Henllwyn and another at Solfach.

Herring Gulls were reduced today with only four at the Narrows, while five Great Black‑backed Gulls were seen between the Narrows and the South End. Thirty Kittiwakes gathered off Pen Cristin.

Woodpigeons reached 11 across the Lowlands. Meadow Pipits climbed again to 120, with a large flock of seventy feeding across the Lowlands and the remainder scattered around the South End, the Narrows and the Wetlands. Rock Pipits totalled seven.

Pied Wagtails numbered ten at the Narrows, with two 'alba' wagtails by the South End. Dunnocks totalled four and a single Robin remained around the Mountain. Stonechats were again present with four including a pair at the South End. Three Wheatears, two males and one female, were also at the South End. Two Blackbirds lingered around the Withies and Cristin.

Warblers remained quiet with only two Chiffchaffs, one at the Wetlands and one at the Observatory, while a single Blackcap was on the Wetlands. Goldcrests increased slightly with six including five around Nant. The Firecrest was again seen around the Observatory.

Five Choughs were present, one at the South End and four along the West Coast. Two Rooks were seen around the Narrows and a single Raven passed over the South End.

Finch numbers increased today with 27 Goldfinches, mainly around the Narrows, while Linnets reached 24 with birds across the South End, the Observatory and the West Coast. Two Chaffinches were around the South End and a single Siskin was noted.

Another calm morning with a light westerly breeze force three and a slight sea state. Visibility remained moderate throughout and with no rain and a temperature of 11°C, it was a pleasant early spring day on the island.

A bit of a murky day, and the first time we saw the sun properly all day was at sunset!

Grey Seal numbers increased again, with seven at Henllwyn, twelve at Solfach and 24 elsewhere giving a total of 43 around the coastline.

The sea produced four Gannets off the South End and a good total of 31 Shags including eighteen around the Narrows and further birds at Solfach, Pen Cristin, the East Side and the North End. One Cormorant was also around the Narrows. A single Grey Heron remained around Pwll Gareth and the Brent Goose was seen at the Narrows.

Brent Goose © Ezra Sherwell

Shelducks totalled four between Henllwyn and Solfach. Mallards reached five and the pair of Gadwall lingered on Pwll Cristin.

Raptors were represented by two Peregrines, a female at the South End and a male over the Mountain.

Waders included a single Ringed Plover at Solfach. Two Whimbrels were at the South End and later around the North End. Redshanks numbered two at the Narrows. Oystercatcher numbers totalled 126 with 55 at Henllwyn, 40 at the South End, 13 at the Narrows and smaller groups around Solfach, Pen Cristin and the East Side.

Gulls remained active with 23 Lesser Black‑backed Gulls and 95 Herring Gulls around the North End colony and East Side. Eight Great Black‑backed Gulls were scattered across the island. Kittiwakes increased to 56 off the East Side cliffs.

Auks were represented by one Guillemot at the South End, thirty Razorbills between the South End and West Coast, and twelve auk sp.

Woodpigeons totalled 12 across the Wetlands, Withies, Cristin, Pen Cristin and the Mountain.

Meadow Pipits dropped to a pitiful 17 with birds at the South End, the Narrows, the Wetlands and the Mountain. Rock Pipits reached 15 with nine at the South End and smaller numbers at the Narrows, Solfach and the East Side. 'alba" wagtails totalled seven between the South End and Pen Cristin. Wrens remained widespread with 19 across the island and Dunnocks totalled four and a single Robin was at the Observatory.

Stonechats were well represented with seven including a pair at the South End and five around the Wetlands. Seven Wheatears were logged, six males and one female at the South End. One Blackbird remained around the Observatory.

Chiffchaffs totalled three with birds at the Wetlands, the Withies and the Observatory. A Willow Warbler, the first of the spring, was also at the Observatory. Two Goldcrests were around Cristin and a Firecrest was also seen there.

Magpies reached 20 and Choughs were numerous with 28 across the Mountain and the South End. One Jackdaw was seen moving east around the Narrows and a Hooded Crow was also around the same area. Two Ravens were on the East Side cliffs.

Finches were thinly spread with single Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Siskin recorded, and eight Linnets seen

Another lovely calm morning with a light easterly breeze force one to two and a slight sea state. Visibility was moderate and the day felt settled throughout and came to an end with a great sunset and some fab nigh-time skies!

Again much fixing cleaning and tidying went on during the day. the new tap in the washroom is a slow job, waiting for paints and sealants to dry etc...

Slow, but steady progress in the washroom

Grey Seal numbers were lower than earlier in the week with six hauled out at Henllwyn, five at Solfach and 18 elsewhere giving a total of 29 around the coastline. A single Small Tortoiseshell was seen at the Observatory, and the first Risso’s Dolphin of the year passed the South End during the morning.

The first Risso's of the year was off the South End © Ezra Sherwell

At sea four Gannets were off the South End and a total of 31 Shags  and five Cormorants were also logged. A single Little Egret was around the Narrows. The largest ever flock of Canada Geese arrived from the north‑east with 16 flying past the West Coast, and the Brent Goose lingered at Solfach. Six Shelducks remained split between Henllwyn and Solfach. Mallards totalled six with pairs at Solfach, Pwll Cristin and the North End. 

The second Red Kite of the week drifted along the West Coast, one Sparrowhawk came in off the sea at the South End and a Buzzard was around Nant and over the Mountain. A Merlin was also seen hunting at the South End.

Red Kite © Ezra Sherwell

Waders were fairly well distributed. One Ringed Plover was seen on Solfach and one Snipe was recorded around the Narrows. 

Ringed Plover ©Ezra Sherwell

Two Whimbrels were logged, one along the West Coast and one at the North End. A single Curlew remained at the South End. Redshanks totalled three at Solfach. Oystercatchers reached 148 with 44 at Henllwyn, 38 at the South End, 22 along the West Coast, 20 at Solfach, five around the Narrows and 15 on the west side.

Lesser Black‑backed Gulls numbered 22 at the North End colony. Herring Gulls reached 125 with 115 also at the colony. Seven Great Black‑backed Gulls were scattered between the South End, Solfach, the West Coast and the North End. Two Kittiwakes were seen along the West Coast. Auks included 11 Guillemots and 15 Razorbills with 12 auk sp. elsewhere.

Woodpigeons totalled seven across the island. Moorhens increased to five between the Wetlands, the Withies and the freshwater pools. A single Ringed Plover and one Snipe note were seen, and the three Redshanks were still on Solfach.

A notable reduction occurred in the sizable pipit movements of yesterday. Meadow Pipits totalled 142 across the island with 46 on the west side, 45 on the South End and smaller numbers elsewhere. Rock Pipits rose to 14 including eight around the South End. Pied Wagtails remained low with a single bird at the Narrows and two alba wagtails at the South End.

Wrens were conspicuous again with 27 counted across many areas. Dunnocks reached six and Blackbirds numbered four. Stonechats totalled three with birds at the South End, the Wetlands and the West Coast. Ten Wheatears were logged including four males at the South End and four males and one female around the Narrows, with another male on the west side.

Chiffchaffs reached nine including birds at the Wetlands, Nant and Cristin. Goldcrests remained numerous with 11 around the island, nine of them in the plantation. A Firecrest was also present at Nant, a highlight for the day along with a Blackcap.

Six Choughs were spread between the South End, the Mountain and the west side. Two Ravens were over the Narrows during the afternoon.

Finches included two Chaffinches, four Goldfinches, two Siskins on the South End and plantation, and six Linnets scattered between the South End, the Narrows and Nant. Two Lesser Redpolls were at the South End.

The Observatory after dark © Steven Stansfield

A calm and gentle morning with a light south‑westerly breeze force one to two and a slight sea state. Visibility remained moderate for much of the day and temperatures reached 13°C. The first Swallow of the year in the afternoon means it must truly be spring, but we have to remember that one Swallow doesn't make a summer!

For most of the day work continued on getting the Obs ready. lots of cleaning still, and now painting has also begun. the countdown to guests arriving has begun!

Painting the North Single Bedroom © Steven Stansfield

We also had a visit from a lovely little dog today. This bag of energy, Reid and his handler Rachel Cripps usually work in Scotland, but the Welsh detection team Jynx and Greg are busy checking the south Wales islands at the moment, so Reid was having a special day out to Bardsey!.

Here is a short video on You Tube of Reid and Rachel working in Scotland. 

Grey Seal numbers were lower than previous days with 21 hauled out at Solfach, seven at Henllwyn and three elsewhere giving a total of 31 around the island. A single Devil’s Coach Horse beetle was found at the Observatory.

Wildfowl included ten Common Scoters moved south past the South End in the morning, with the rarity of the day being male Shoveler seen on the West Coast, this is only the 33rd record for the island. The Brent Goose at Solfach, four Shelducks between Solfach and Henllwyn and a single male Teal on Pwll Cristin. Mallards totalled nine across the island including birds at Solfach, Pwll Cristin, the Narrows and the North End.

Waders were represented by a single Whimbrel at the South End that was later seen again along the West Coast. One Curlew was also at the South End, and three Redshanks were on Solfach. Oystercatcher numbers climbed again to 170 including 69 at Henllwyn, 35 on the South End, 33 along the West Coast, 25 around the Narrows and eight at the North End.

Gulls showed strong numbers at the North End colony with 241 Herring Gulls present including 228 on the colony. A further 25 Lesser Black‑backed Gulls were also at the colony. Three Great Black‑backed Gulls were present at the South End and the North Hide. Seven Kittiwakes passed the South End. Razorbills increased slightly with 18 seen along the South End and six auk sp. recorded elsewhere.

Pigeons included seven Woodpigeons scattered across the island and three Stock Doves over the Observatory. Two Skylarks were logged, one at the South End and another along the West Coast.

Migration was evident in the strong movement of Meadow Pipits which reached 343 across the island. The majority consisted of 275 birds moving south over the South End during the morning. Rock Pipits rose to nine including seven on the South End and two on the West Coast. 

Pied Wagtails increased to 22 with birds spread between the South End, the Narrows and the West Coast. Robins totalled three.

Wheatears surged with 14 seen today. These included six males and one female on the South End and a further seven males around the Narrows. Three Blackbirds were seen around the Wetlands and Observatory.

Chiffchaffs increased slightly to eight with birds around the Wetlands, the Observatory and Nant. Goldcrests reached 13, including seven in the plantation.

Corvids were prominent again with 29 Magpies across the island, four Choughs were logged between the South End and the North End. One Jackdaw moved from the West Coast to the Narrows. Fourteen Carrion Crows were recorded.

Finches included one Chaffinch, nine Goldfinches, five Siskins and 13 Linnets with birds noted in most areas. Two Lesser Redpolls were at the South End. 

A warm and settled day with a gentle north‑easterly breeze force two and a slight sea state. Visibility remained very good throughout and temperatures reached 16°C, giving the island its first real taste of spring. 

Grey Seal numbers saw 63 hauled out at Solfach, five at Henllwyn and four elsewhere giving a total of 72 around the coast. Two butterflies were active in the sunshine, with a single Small Tortoiseshell and the first Peacock of the year seen at Cristin.

A quieter sea today although two Gannets passed, one off the South End and one off the Narrows. Four Shags were logged between the South End and Henllwyn, along with a single Cormorant at the South End. Wildfowl included a Brent Goose fund by Gareth, that moved from Henllwyn to Solfach, five Shelducks split between Henllwyn and Solfach, and the pair of Gadwall at Henllwyn. A single female Teal was on Pwll Cristin and seven Mallards were distributed between Solfach, the Wetlands, the Withies and Pwll Cristin.

Brent Goose © Gareth Roberts

Waders were again lightly represented. One Whimbrel was on the South End and a single Curlew fed at Henllwyn. A lone Redshank was around the Narrows. Oystercatchers remained numerous with 133 across the island, including 53 at Henllwyn, 42 around the Narrows and 38 at the South End.

Herring Gull numbers totalled 55, with 48 at the Narrows, three on the South End and four at Henllwyn. Nine Great Black‑backed Gulls were logged, six at the Narrows and three on the South End. F

Passerines were far livelier today. Meadow Pipits increased to 102 across the island including 60 around the South End and 23 over the Narrows. Four Rock Pipits were logged between the South End and Solfach. Pied Wagtails reached 17, with 16 around the Narrows and one on the South End. One White Wagtail, the first of the year, was also present on the Narrows.

Wrens remained widespread but in low numbers with 16 across the island, and Dunnocks numbered just four and Robins increased to five. Stonechats were active again, with six including two pairs on the Wetlands and single males at the South End and the Lowlands. Four Wheatears were logged, two males and one female on the South End and one male around the Narrows.

Warblers included two male Blackcaps, one at Cristin and one at the South End. Chiffchaffs totalled six with birds in the Withies, on the West Coast and at Cristin. Goldcrests were more numerous, with 12 across the island including six at Cristin.

Blackcap - the first one trapped this year © Steven Stansfield

Chiffchaff © Steven Stansfield

A single Blackbird remained around Cristin. Choughs totalled ten with eight around the Narrows. Sixteen Carrion Crows were also present between the Narrows and the South End. A lone Raven drifted across the Mountain mid‑morning, his partner presumably on eggs somewhere.

Finches included two Chaffinches, four Siskins, 14 Linnets including 11 around the South End and two Lesser Redpolls at the South End. 

The highlight of the day however was Yellowhammer seen on the South End during morning census. This former commons breeder is now a mega rarity on the island.

The male Reed Bunting also moved from the withies to the South End.

Reed Bunting © Ezra Sherwell

A much calmer and sunnier day than yesterday, with a light southerly wind force 2 to 3 and a light sea state. Visibility was great and the day felt more settled and spring-like overall. A single Small Tortoiseshell was also seen at Cristin, one of the first butterflies of the spring seen on the wing.

Glorious day here on the Isle of the Blessed © Steven Stansfield

Nets were erected and opened at Cristin, with six nets set for a few hours during the afternoon for the first time this year. A couple of Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests were the first birds of the year to make it onto the ringing totals.

One of the first Goldcrests of the year to be trapped - © Steven Stansfield 

Seawatching from the South End produced three Fulmars offshore along with a single Manx Shearwater and modest numbers of auks. Guillemots numbered four, Razorbills 10 and a further 10 auk sp. also moved through. A single Cormorant was on Solfach together with three Shags shared between the South End and Solfach.

Wildfowl included four Shelducks, two each at Solfach and Henllwyn, along with two Teal on Pwll Gareth. Two Mallards remained around the Withies. 

A Red Kite, Merlin and Peregrine were logged, the Merlin, a female hunting over the South End and the Peregrine ranging over the Mountain along with the Kite.

Waders were again spread thinly but interest came from two Whimbrels on the South End. A single Curlew was also in the same area. One Redshank fed at Henllwyn and a lone Turnstone remained on Solfach. Oystercatcher numbers totalled 152, with 66 at Henllwyn, 41 on the South End, 39 around the Narrows and six on Solfach.

A single Great Black‑backed Gull loafed near the South End, with 68 Herring Gulls across the island including 59 at the Narrows. Nineteen Kittiwakes passed offshore.

Woodpigeons totalled 12 with six on the Mountain, five around the Withies and one on the Wetlands. A lone Skylark remained on the South End. Migration picked up slightly compared with yesterday, with Meadow Pipits jumping to 39 and Rock Pipits up to six.

Pied Wagtails increased to 12 with nine around the Narrows and three on the South End. Blackbirds reached four across Cristin and the Withies. Two Wheatears were on the Narrows, the first small arrival of the spring here. Stonechats totalled five with one on the South End and four on the Wetlands.

Warblers were better represented today. Chiffchaffs increased to 12 with five at Cristin and seven in the Withies. A Firecrest was also at Cristin and one was a nice addition. Goldcrests reached six, all around Cristin and the first two male Blackcaps were also present at the Observatory.

Finches were modest but included two Chaffinches, a single Siskin at Cristin and nine Linnets split between Cristin and the South End. A Bullfinch was calling at Cristin continuing a nice run of early spring records, with a couple being seen last March too.

The day’s highlight however came late morning when a group of five Greylag Geese flew north up the west coast. A single Common Crossbill was also seen flying over Cristin. A Reed Bunting was seen in the Withies too.

Choughs numbered just four split between the South End and West Coast while 24 Carrion Crows gathered between the Narrows and the South End. A single Raven drifted over the South End mid‑morning.

Still more cleaning and scrubbing continues in the Lodge. Lynda had scrubbed all the pans, pots, crockery and cutlery and glassware to an inch of their lives, all shining and clean for our first guests on 4th April. 

Ezra and I continued cleaning and scrubbing walls and carpets, windows and doors and made a start on cleaning the ringing hut. 

The new plinth for the mixer tap in the washroom is now painted and drying in the tool shed, whist the tap sort of gently dangles over the edge of the sink!

New base for the washroom tap

not quite finished!

Again a fresh south‑westerly wind force four to five pushed across the island throughout the day, with a moderate sea state and murky visibility. A little light rain in the morning added to the damp feel, though conditions improved slightly later on. 

Despite the breezy conditions, there was enough movement and life around the island to keep the day interesting. Overnight a single Manx Shearwater, the first of the year,  was heard calling over the Narrows. Morning checks on the South End produced a Great Northern Diver passing at sea, along with a single Fulmar and one Gannet. Seven Shags were scattered between the South End, Carreg yr Henllwyn and the West Coast. Two Cormorants were also noted, one at Henllwyn and another off the West Coast.

Wildfowl were thinly spread, although a pair of Teal remained on Pwll Gareth, with seven Mallards across Solfach, the wetlands and the Withies, and two Shelducks loafing around Henllwyn still.

A single adult male Sparrowhawk and an immature male were seen around the Observatory, while four Moorhens were logged across Cristin, Tŷ Pellaf Pond, Gareth's Pond and the Lime Kiln Pond. Waders were also thinly distributed, with Dunlin numbering two at Henllwyn where they were flushed after dark. Oystercatchers totalled 187, including one 163 at Henllwyn, 19 on the South End and five on Solfach. Single Curlew and a lone Redshank were logged, with three Turnstones at Solfach.

Gulls were present in small numbers. Herring Gulls totalled 111, with around eighty at the Narrows and 31 at Henllwyn. Lesser Black‑backed Gulls numbered eight, all around the Narrows. Four Great Black‑backed Gulls were present, split between Henllwyn and the Narrows. 

Passerines were unsurprisingly quiet in the brisk breeze. One Skylark was logged on the South End, while eighteen Meadow Pipits were scattered across the island. Four Rock Pipits were found, three at Henllwyn and one at Solfach. Five Pied Wagtails were counted between the South End, Narrows and Solfach.

A single Robin was in the Withies, accompanied by two Dunnocks at the Wetlands. Three Blackbirds were present with singles at Cristin, the School and the Withies. Three Stonechats included a pair at the South End and one at the Wetlands. Chiffchaffs totalled five, with birds at the Wetlands, Green Lane, the Observatory and the Mountain. A lone Goldcrest was seen at the Observatory.

Up to 16 Magpies were again scattered in the Withies and along the West Coast and Narrows. Nine Choughs ranged between the South End, Narrows and West Coast. Ten Carrion Crows were seen around the Narrows. Two Starlings were at the Narrows, while a single Linnet was also recorded there.

Marine mammals were well represented, with just 57 Grey Seals hauled out at Solfach and two elsewhere, with the one very late 3 week old seal pup still present at Solfach.

Seal Pup and mum from a couple of days ago - Gareth Roberts

Although migration was quiet overall, it felt as though the island was on the cusp of change. As the wind begins to ease and shift, we may yet see the first real pulse of spring migrants arriving in the coming days.

More cleaning and removing mildew from walls and ceilings today, as well as the begging of repairing the washroom sink area and replacing the taps.

Ezra cleaning the mildew from the walls in the bootroom

Out with the old...

A bit of sawing and drilling

... and in with the new.

weather wise the SW 5-6 wind continued, with rain in the morning making the day a bit miserable. 

Out on the water and around the coastline, the counts remain steady. We recorded one Gannet passing the West Coast today, while one Cormorant was in Henllwyn and four Shags were seen.. 

In the wetter areas and around the Narrows, we counted two Shelducks again, along with one Mallard and the male Gadwall was still at Ty Pellaf pond. A Moorhen was near the Obs, with another two in the wetlands. The Oystercatcher numbers is still looking healthy, with 136 counted between the Narrows and South End.  They were accompanied by a Whimbrel on the South End

Gull numbers included 12 Herring Gulls, one Kittiwake, and five Great Black-backed Gulls. Four Guillemots and the first three Puffins of the year were off the South End. 

Passerines are gradually increasing, with 14 Meadow Pipits and eight Rock Pipits spread across the South End and Narrows. Other sightings included two Woodpigeons, two Pied Wagtails, and four Stonechat. Only one Chiffchaff was seen  and two Goldcrests sheltered from the wind and rain.

The local Choughs remain a constant highlight, with 11 seen. Three Chaffinches were at the Observatory garden and two Linnets were on the South End.

A cool, unsettled feel to the island with a gusty force six South West wind.

A quiet day all-round really as work continued on the Observatory getting it prepared for the visitor season.

Offshore, seabirds were in small numbers. One Fulmar was at the North End, five Gannets moved through, three Cormorants were all at South End, two Shelducks were in Henllwyn.

Raptors were represented by one Sparrowhawk at Plas Withy and one Merlin at the North End. Wetland birds included three Moorhens in the Lowlands and wetlands.

Waders around the shores and the Narrows were led by 192 Oystercatchers in total. One Snipe was seen at Pwll Cain and a Whimbrel and seven Turnstones were in Solfach. There were two Curlews at the North End and a Redshank at Henllwyn.  

Gulls amounted to 35 Lesser Black‑backed Gulls, with 34 at the North End colony and one in Henllwyn, with 235 Herring Gulls all at the North End. Two Great Black‑backed Gulls were at South End, and four Kittiwakes at sea

Passerines were thin on the ground. there were 18 Meadow Pipits seen, one at the North End and 17 in the Lowlands. Five Rock Pipits were around the coast. Two Pied Wagtails were at the Narrows. In the bushes and gardens, two Dunnocks were in the Lowlands, one Robin was at Nant, three Stonechats in the Lowlands and one Blackbird was at the Observatory. Early spring warblers featured eight Chiffchaffs , while six Goldcrests were shared between the Observatory (two), Nant (two) and the Withies (two). Corvids included 17 Magpies , 14 Choughs around the Observatory and the mountain, two Carrion Crows and one Raven over the Observatory. Finches comprised four Chaffinches (two at the Observatory and two at Nant) and one Linnet at the North End.

It was a truly lovely day on the island today, with warm, sunny weather making it feel like spring has finally taken hold - however, it wont last!!. 

The fine conditions meant boats were able to cross, bringing some welcome new faces to the island. We were delighted to greet our new assistant, Ezra, along with Lynda, our dedicated volunteer. A large group of volunteers for the Trust also arrived on the boat, bringing a buzz of energy to the island. 

To prepare for the new arrivals, I spent the morning giving the LSA Hut a thorough clean so it was ready and waiting for Ezra.

LSA as it was over winter

LSA after a good clean and tidy - it smells wonderfully fresh!

Lynda, Ezra and Connor having a cuppa in the sun!

The glorious weather encouraged the birds, and we were thrilled to record our first Wheatear of the spring. It was a female seen down between the Narrows and the South End, always a classic sign that migration is truly getting underway. Around the Observatory itself, there was a small arrival of migrants, with a couple of Chiffchaffs and two Goldcrests flitting through the garden. Another major highlight of the day was seeing the returning pair of Gadwalls back on the pond at Tŷ Pellaf. We are all keeping our fingers crossed that they are successful at breeding this year.

Gadwalls (c) Steven Stansfield

Out on the sea and along the coast, there were four Gannets passed the west coast, while five Cormorants and a single Grey Heron were noted at Henllwyn. Four Shags were around the South End. Waterfowl and waders included five Shelducks at the Narrows, five Mallards, and a Moorhen at the Obs. Oystercatchers were present in good numbers with seventy-six counted around the Narrows and Henllwyn, alongside five Curlews at the Narrows. Gulls included forty-four Herring Gulls, eight Kittiwakes, and a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Passerine numbers are starting to build up across the island. We recorded thirty-nine Meadow Pipits and five Rock Pipits, mostly around the Narrows and South End. Ten Woodpigeons, six Pied Wagtails, seven Wrens, and three Robins were logged throughout the day. Two Stonechats were seen in the lowlands, and corvid counts included 18 Magpies, four Carrion Crows, and two Ravens and 27 Choughs over Pen Cristin and a further seven on the South End. A couple of Chaffinches and two Linnets rounded off a brilliant day.

We haven't had many sunsets, but tonights was nice

The Season Begins...

The time has finally come to kick off a brand new season. 

Emma and I left Norfolk on Thursday the 6th, leaving Owlwood Cottage in the capable hands of the letting agent and cleaners. It is always a big transition to shift gears and get on the road, and this trip was certainly no exception.

Our first leg took us to Rotherham, though we did not roll in until 2 am. We managed to spend the following morning catching up with my mum before tackling some essential shopping. From there, we hit the road again heading to Emma's mum's house in Southport, clocking in another late arrival right at midnight. Connor was already there waiting for us. He had headed up a few weeks prior, which gave Emma and me the crucial time we needed to get Owlwood properly reset for the incoming guests.

What followed in Southport were two frantic days of shopping to ensure we had absolutely everything we needed. By Monday, we were finally ready and made the crossing to the island with Colin. There is nothing quite like arriving back, especially when it is capped off with a wonderful welcome home meal with Meriel and Gareth.

Naturally, the weather broke down almost immediately after we arrived and has been generally horrid ever since. We did manage to see a couple of Chiffchaffs braving the conditions. However, the birds have had to take a back seat for now, as we have spent every spare moment scrubbing our house and unpacking endless boxes to finally settle in.

The observatory has fared reasonably well over the winter months, though we have still found lots of mould growing all over the place. Out in the field, the heligoland trap took quite a battering in the recent storms and needs some serious attention. We certainly have our work cut out for us now as we focus on getting everything fully cleaned, repaired, and ready for our first guests arriving on the 4th of April.

Not much room for Connor in the back of the car

Food and 'stuff'

Leaving the mainland behind, the boat being reversed into the sea

Bon Voyage!

First sight of home

and we are there

Unload the tractor

and a fine welcome home

the trap has taken some damage

and mould has taken over - all the black dots are mould!

water ingress into the bedrooms

more mould

and some pretty funky mould

then the rough weather came in!