Wednesday, 1 August 2018

It was another unsettled day weather wise. The wind picked up and blew in rain showers throughout the day, but a nice gap in the weather after breakfast allowed us to take our guests out to see a Manx Shearwater chick. It's an ever-popular guided walk during which participants learn how we study productivity in our breeding population. We like to ensure it's as educational as possible - the constant "awwwwww"s and squeals of excitement at the sight of a fluffy ball of Manxie chick only add to the learning process.

A Mediterranean Gull at sea off the west coast was probably the highlight bird wise. Other sightings included five Fulmars, 458 Manx Shearwaters, 13 Gannets, a Grey Heron, a Sparrowhawk, three Whimbrels, 25 Curlews, 15 Redshanks, a Black-headed Gull, three Kittiwakes, two Razorbills at sea (during our visit around the east side yesterday we found two very late chicks which are likely to vacate the scree slopes in the next day or so), seven Puffins out at sea, a Little Owl, 23 Swallows, nine House Martins, seven Stonechats, nine Wheatears, a Blackcap, two Chiffchaffs, ten Willow Warblers, a Goldcrest, six Chaffinches and 33 Linnets.

This Argyresthia bonnetella found in the observatory garden recently is only the second record of this species for the island. It feeds on hawthorn, of which we have a few plants growing here.

We're still getting re-accustomed to the sight of puddles on the island.

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