The forecast southerly winds arrived in force today with gusts of up to 30mph. It is expected that these winds will assist migrating birds on their way North. Following the morning census the afternoon was spent cleaning and painting the south side of the Observatory ready for visitors.

Seawatching is a common pastime on Bardsey and there are two hides present, one at the North End and one at the South End. Sitting at the hides will allow you to get close views of many seabirds as they pass by, although oddly the best views can often be had from the Observatory garden. Watching across the entire West Coast allows for extended views of Gannets, Manx Shearwaters, Kittewakes, Fulmars and Auks in the Spring. 

View from the South End hide this morning

This morning, Sam found two Red-throated Divers off the West Coast and these could be seen 'snorkelling' as they looked for food with the local Shags and Seals. Snorkelling is a behaviour used by divers when they dip their heads underwater to search for food.

Red-throated Diver

At the Ty Pellaf, a Black Redstart was recorded by Stuart and Megan with a second individual still at the Lighthouse. A single Rook was seen foraging at the Narrows. The long staying Glaucous Gull hybrid was seen again, this time at the South End. 

Birds today: two Red-throated Divers, five Fulmars, ten Manx Shearwaters, six Gannets, two Common Scoters, one Merlin, one Curlew, three Redshanks, four Turnstones, one Glaucous Gull, 33 Kittewakes, 30 Woodpigeons, 43 Meadow Pipits, two Black Redstarts, four Chiffchaffs, three Goldcrests, one Rook, 23 Starlings, two Siskins, 21 Goldfinches