Now that the Manx Shearwaters, Puffins and other auks are back (most of the time) we are starting to populate the island with researchers, volunteers and overnight guests in order to track their breeding success and enjoy the island at its best. The weather is presently unsettled with strong winds and rain which is trying its best to scupper our plans. The forecast shows continuing south westerlies. We managed to do a change over between groups of volunteers this morning. We thank last weeks group for their efforts and enthusiasm, especially Trini who was so pleased to be the only observer and photographer of the first Yellowhammer on Skomer for years. Our tractor is still not operational and we are hoping that the weather will allow the workmen and parts to come out next week to get it fixed. We have been using wheelbarrows and muscle power to get bags etc up to the farm which has been hugely benificial to the environment and our general fitness but we do need out tractor back to be able to launch our boat. The bad weather has however given us a bit of time indoors and we have been going through seabird research work and identifying small brown micro moths.
Baby Rabbits have been sheltering under the generator and any nook and cranny they can get into (Bee)
Adult rabbit needs a rest after making so many more baby bunnies (Bee)
Yesterday saw two surprises: a white coat seal pup, no more than 10 days old and a Yellowhamer at the Wick which was the first since 2008. The poor pup is now sheltering in Driftwood Bay against the strong winds and rain. It is a long way off the main pupping season and these 'out of sync' pups are either eight months late or four months early.
Seal pup on South Haven beach (D. Boyle)
Yellowhammer at the Wick (Trini Peris)
Today's highlights: Merlin1, Chiffchaff 4, Goldcrest 1, Blackcap2, Willow Warbler 5, Goldfinch 10, Swallow 1, Reed Bunting 1, Linnet 1
No comments:
Post a Comment