Monday, 6 October 2014

A howling southerly gale during the night (reaching almost 60 mph) meant that dawn broke to a scene off turbulent and ferocious seas, coupled with one or two scenes of damage. Firstly, the roof of the south hide was relocated some 20 foot away, after ripping off the concrete structure; the portable heligoland trap on Solfach was buried beneath about a tonne of kelp; and at least four Seal Pups disappeared from their respective coves- whether this be due to casualty or not is unclear.

In terms of avian news, there was a reasonable movement of seabirds southward past the west coast in the morning. Figures from an hour's seawatch amounted to: seven Manx Shearwaters, 224 Gannets, one Wigeon, one Teal, 26 Common Scoters, two Whimbrels, two Arctic Skuas, one Bonxie, two Mediterranean Gulls, two Little Gulls, three Common Gulls, 908 Kittiwakes, one Sandwich Tern, one Arctic Tern and 725 Razorbills. Inland, a single Lesser Whitethroat, a Reed Bunting and a Lapwing were noteworthy.

Oystercatcher
There have been a small number of Purple Sandpipers around over the last week. The small flock is forced off Carreg Yr Honwy and onto the adjacent rocks in Solfach during the 10 metre tides at the moment. 
Turnstones

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