The weather was warm and sunny with more southerlies, though migration was still slow. The final breeding bird survey covered the west side of the mountain and involved finding some paths through the dense Gorse. A female Linnet carrying some nest material and discarded Dunnock egg were the only confirmed signs of breeding. 

Sunrise from Pen Cristin

Ringing was slow at Cristin this morning with only nine new birds. Sam did catch an adult female Greenfinch, which are relatively uncommon on Bardsey. Since adding the baffles to the final panel of the Heligoland trap, its productivity has increased significantly and a Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff were both extracted at the same time. 

Female Greenfinch

A female Merlin was seen on the Mountain this morning and again at the North End this afternoon. Eight Sand Martins and 11 Swallows were seen today with possibly the first returning Swallow calling from the roof of Lloft Plas. Wheatear numbers were still high with 11 seen across the island.

With the continued warm weather the sheltered cliffs at the South End are becoming colourful with flowering Thrift, Sea Campion, Spring Squill and Sea Mayweed.

Thrift and Sea Campion

Birds today: one Sparrowhawk, one Buzzard, one Merlin, one Grey Plover, 13 Whimbrels, one Curlew, 14 Turnstones, eight Sand Martins, 11 Swallows, three White Wagtails, 11 Wheatears, six Blackcaps, four Chiffchaffs, six Willow Warblers, four Jackdaws, two Rooks, one Chaffinch, one Greenfinch, 11 Siskins, 17 Goldfinches, 12 Lesser Redpolls.

Ringing Totals: Greenfinch 1, Great Tit (1), Goldfinch 1, Blackcap 4, Lesser Redpoll 1, Willow Warbler 2, Chiffchaff 2.