I am hoping that we are over our stint of weekly storms (having
the winds pick up on four consecutive Thursdays was starting to feel a bit like
“Ground Hog Week”) and thought I’d share some of the nice bits between the wet
and windy bits:
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| Sun through the Red Campion |
I admit that this photo wasn’t taken in the last few days;
the weather hasn’t been that kind to us this week. But in between the rain, winds and mist/fog of
the last month there have been the usual beautiful moments on Skomer when the
sun decides to pick out the plants, rocky landscape or simply a few clouds.
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| Sunset at the Garland Stone viewpoint |
On the island the Puffins are still bringing in beaks full
of sandeels for their hungry chicks, with the largest youngsters preparing to
head out to sea already- but still plenty of small fluffy ones so don’t worry
about them all disappearing quite yet!
The Manx Shearwaters have started to hatch in real numbers, and with the
nights now drawing in, albeit slowly, there should be busy nights full of their
parents croaking calls (one thing the mist and fog actually improves). And the cliffs of Razorbills and Guillemots
are getting ready for the large chicks to take the plunge into the sea so there
is plenty of activity around the whole of the island! Enough to keep our
researchers on their toes at least, a recent blog from Annette shows how active
the bird colonies and their respective studies are:
And autumn passage seems to be upon us with the first few
passerines making their way back south for the winter. A steady trickle of Goldfinch and Linnet are
being joined by the occasional Reed Bunting and juvenile Stonechat, just
leaving us in anticipation of the next rarity to stop off on our isle.
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| Trig point at dusk |
So plenty to see during the day but for a more committed
viewing of Skomer at its best, here is Rich’s account of midsummer morning (i.e.
4.30am):
Enjoy the summer,
Lewis Yates
Hostel Warden
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