The wind was about as strong as forecasted, with winds of 35mph blowing from the south pretty much all day, although not as strongly in the afternoon. Due to the wind, ringing could not take place today, but that was always to be expected.

The morning bird census saw a few fresh-in Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs that had landed on the rocks around the island. It looks rather odd to see these birds hopping around on rocks, but when they have just arrived, it seems they take any respite from flying that they can! 33 Willow Warblers were recorded today, many of which were in the Plantation.

Exhausted migrants like this Willow Warbler were feeding amongst the rocks today

The morning census was cut short when the Gareth came asking for help rounding up the sheep that had escaped onto the mountain overnight! So once again, the Trust Wardens, as well as the assistant wardens from the obs got them all back into the fields.

The first real movement of Swallows occurred today, 19 were recorded in total, compared to ones and twos in other days for this species. Of course, these are many people's favourite species, and the reason many got into birding in the first place. It's easy to spend hours on a sunny day watching these sleek, glossy birds fly around catching aerial insects. 14 pairs usually breed on Bardsey, whether or not any of the ones that arrived today will be Bardsey Breeders is anyone's guess.

Swallow over the North West Fields

There were a few firsts for the year today, one Greenfinch at Cristin, one Ringed Plover on Solfach and one Sand Martin on the West Coast all made their way onto the list!

Ringed Plover on Solfach, the striking, thick breast-band and head pattern indicates a male bird

Gannets had their biggest day of the spring so far, 157 were recorded flying north, helped along, no doubt by the strong southerlies... Many of these large birds winter in the Bay of Biscay and the surrounding ocean, they usually breed in large colonies, often on rocky islands.

Gannet flying past the West Coast

Other sightings today include: 102 Oystercatchers, three Curlews, six Redshanks, seven Turnstones, 12 Great Black-backed Gulls, 45 Meadow Pipits, eight Wheatears, one Mistle Thrush, one Blackcaps, two Coal Tits, one Blue Tit, three Great Tits, nine Chaffinches and 36 Linnets.