13th to 19th March – An amazing arrival of migrants

Continued moderate and strong winds from the north and west for most of the week with rain and low cloud. Light winds from the 17th allowed for a large number of migrants to arrive on the island.

After a period of absence the female Shoveler was seen on Quarter’s Pond on 13th. A male Red-breasted Merganser was also briefly seen in the Landing Bay. The Hooded Crow flew over the Church on 14th and the same day as the last sighting of the Stock Dove.  The Jackdaw is still present.

Single Golden Plover were recorded on 13th, 15th and 16th. A total of six Snipe were seen on 17th. All nine Purple Sandpipers were still present on 19th. A Buzzard was seen in the morning of 17th and then again heading south mobbed by nine Ravens. It was seen again over the East Coast on the morning of 18th and then in the afternoon off Rat Island, again being harassed by Ravens. Two Kestrel were seen in Millcombe on 19th. The Sparrowhawk was also seen all week. The Merlin was last seen on 17th. A total of six Peregrine were counted on 19th, including a few pairs taking up territories.

Purple Sandpiper, Brazen Ward © Stuart Cossey

Peregrine, Jenny's Cove © Stuart Cossey

A total of 195 Puffin were counted between the Battery and Jenny’s Cove including at least 14 on land. The night of 17th also saw the first Manx Shearwater ringing session. Only 7 new birds were ringed as well as two retraps. Around 30 birds were heard and seen. A Great Northern Diver was seen in the Landing Bay on 13th, 15th and 18th. Two Red-throated Diver were seen on 15th with singles on 14th and 16th.

Manx Shearwater, West Coast © Stuart Cossey

The first Sand Martin was seen on 17th followed by 10+ on 18th and 46 on 19th. The first Swallow was seen on 16th and the first House Martin of the year was seen on 19th. The first Blackcap of the year was a male in Millcombe on 17th. A Mistle Thrush was calling in Millcombe first thing and a Redwing was by the Water Tanks.

The low cloud in the morning of on 18th brought in a large number of Chiffchaff with at least 33 seen up to midday. As well as Chiffchaff there were three Blackcap, two Firecrest and eight Goldcrest. Most of the Chiffchaff had moved on by 19th with only six seen as well as three Firecrest and three Goldcrest.

Chiffchaff, Quarter Wall © Stuart Cossey

Wheatear started trickling through with one on 16th. There were at least two on 18th and 21 were counted up to Halfway Wall on 19th. Some had Lundy colour-rings and were obviously back on territory after making their way back from Sub-Saharan Africa for at least the first time. Stonechat were also arriving back on territory with 10 counted on 19th.

Female Wheatear, West Coast © Stuart Cossey

Male Wheatear, West Coast © Stuart Cossey

Meadow Pipits were moving through in large numbers particularly on 14th (300), 17th(120), 18th(132) and 19th (294). Moving with the Meadow Pipits was a small number of alba Wagtails with a high count of 10 on 18th including four confirmed Pied Wagtail. A continental White Wagtail was in Barton Field on 19th. Two Grey Wagtail flew over on 16th.

It is still quiet for finches with only two Linnet on 16th and one on 19th. A Goldfinch was seen on 17th and two on 18th and 19th. Two male Brambling were reported by Quarter Wall Pond on 19th.

On non-avian news, a Red Admiral was seen by the Earthquake on 16th and 19th. The first successful moth trap of the year yielded 5 moths including a migrant Dark-sword Grass.

Dark-sword Grass moth © Stuart Cossey

Contributors: Stuart Cossey, Rosie Ellis, Matt Stritch, Neil Trout, Andy Jayne, Dave Oddy

6th to 12th March – A Hooded Crow visits Tibbets

 Often overcast with rain showers. Strong winds all week, mostly from the north and west.

A high count of 13 female and five male Mallard were counted across the island on 6th. Five Teal were seen on Pondsbury on 11th and 12th. The female Shoveler was seen again up to the 10th taking a bit of a tour of the island ponds including Rocket Pole and Quarters Ponds.

Shoveler, Rocket Pole Pond © Stuart Cossey

The Stock Dove was still being seen up to the 12th, often in the Camping Field. Three Woodpigeon were together in Millcombe on 6th, the highest count so far this year.  The long-staying Jackdaw was again seen all this week. On the 10th a Hooded Crow was seen in the evening by Tibbets and again on 12th. A Kestrel first seen on 4th was still around this week, most likely one of the breeding pair returning to the island. The female Sparrowhawk and Merlin are also still being seen.

Stock Dove, Camping Field © Stuart Cossey

Hooded Crow, Tibbets © Ester Spears

Single Golden Plover were recorded on 6th, 7th and 8th and four on 12th. The Curlew was seen again around the south of the island on 6th and 7th. A Jack Snipe was flushed by Gannet’s Combe on 10th.

Two Great Northern Divers were in the Landing Bay on 8th. The first Puffins were seen on Land on 12th with 12+ counted, as well as 800 Guillemot and 350 Razorbill.

A Chiffchaff was seen on 7th and a Firecrest on 10th. Three Redwing flew out of Millcombe on 6th. Six Stonechat were counted on 10th.

Contributors: Stuart Cossey, Rosie Ellis, Matt Stritch, Martin Thorne, Neil Trout, Ester Spears

27th February to 5th March –The first Puffins and some other spring arrivals

Strong to moderate easterlies and northeasterlies blew in up to the 4th before switching to a light northerly on 5th. It was overcast and cold but there was no rain.

Seven Teal were counted on Pondsbury on 28th and four were still present on 5th. The highest count of Mallard was 19 (15 females and four males) on 5th. The most interesting duck this week was a female Shoveler which was flushed off Pondsbury. At the time of writing it is still present on the island. Although common on the mainland this constitutes the 14th record for the island since LFS records began in 1947. The last was a male on 2nd November 2016.

A Stock Dove first seen in Millcombe on 2nd was present up to the 5th. There was a high count of three Woodpigeon on 1st. Two Water Rail were seen on 4th, one by Quarters and another below Brambles Villa.

It turned out to be an excellent week for early wader migration. Single Golden Plover flew over on 2nd and 3rd. A flock of 15 was on the airstrip on 4th and nine were present on 5th. A Lapwing was in Barton Field on 4th and then on the airstrip on 5th. A Curlew was in High Street Field on 5th. Nine Purple Sandpiper were still at Brazen Ward on 5th and a single bird was seen at Hell’s Gate on 4th. Woodcock were seen on both 4th and 5th. A few Snipe are still present with two on 28th and 1st and singles on 27th, 3rd, 4th and 5th.

Golden Plover, Airstrip © Stuart Cossey

Curlew, Brick Field © Stuart Cossey

Purple Sandpipers, Brazen Ward © Stuart Cossey

Gulls are still congregating in the Village fields with up to 145 Herring Gull. A small congregation of immature Great Black-backed Gulls has formed below Benjamin’s Chair with 13 counted on 3rd. A Common Gull was seen on 4th and a Black-headed Gull flew past the Church on 5th.

Auks are returning to the island in large numbers. At Jenny’s Cove on 28th there were 5100 Guillemot, 700 Razorbill and amazingly three Puffins. This is the second earliest returning date after 27th February 2019. Another count on 5th saw 2000 Guillemot, 300 Razorbill and 45 Puffins. 

One of the first three Puffins, Jenny's Cove © Stuart Cossey

The first Cormorant of the year flew north on 27th. There were then four north on 4th and six flying north on 5th. In the calm Landing Bay on 5th a total of 24 Shag were counted as well as two Great Northern Divers and a single Red-throated Diver.

The female Sparrowhawk and Merlin are still present and Peregrines are becoming a common sight as they display over the Village. Surprisingly after a two week absence the Jackdaw was seen again on 27th and was seen around the Village and Lambing Shed for the rest of the week.

Female Sparrowhawk, Millcombe © Stuart Cossey

Jackdaw, High Street Field © Stuart Cossey

Skylark have been singing above South West Field when the weather has been warm enough, with hopefully more arriving in the next few weeks. A Chiffchaff was in Millcombe on 3rd and 4th. A Firecrest was in Millcombe on 2nd and another was in Quarter Wall Copse on 5th. A small increase in Goldcrest was noted on 5th with four along the East Side and Millcombe. Single Redwing were seen on 27th and 5th. A male Black Redstart was seen on 3rd and a female on 4th. The first Wheatear of the year was a male seen up by Dead Cow Point.

A notable passage of Meadow Pipit occurred on 3rd with 184 counted including a large grounded flock of 110 in Tent Field. 83 were counted on 4th but some of these were assumed to be birds from the previous day. As well as Meadow Pipits, five unidentified alba wagtails and two Pied Wagtails flew north. 35 Chaffinch were counted in Millcombe on 5th showing a notable influx over the max count of eight for the last week. Other notable finch passage include a Goldfinch and a flock of 18 Linnet over on 2nd.

In non-avian news, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth was found hibernating in the Carpenters Workshop on 3rd.

Contributors: Stuart Cossey, Rosie Ellis, Joe Parker, Martin Thorne

20th to 26th February –Cold weather returns

Moderate westerlies on 20th brought more low cloud and poor visibility. This changed into cold northerlies and easterlies for the end of the week.

A max count of four male and 13 female Mallards were counted across the island on 26th. Nine Teal were still on Pondsbury on 26th. A male Woodpigeon was ‘singing’ in Millcombe on 25th and two were then flushed out of the pines.  Three Golden Plover flew over on 21st and another on the 25th. Woodcock were seen along the East Side and Millcombe on 21st, 22nd and 26th. Two Snipe were seen on 25th and 26th.

Golden Plover, Ackland's Moor © Stuart Cossey

It was good weather for seawatching. Three Great Northern Diver were in the Landing Bay on 21st and two on 22nd. Also on 22nd a Red-throated Diver flew north past the East Coast. 24 Gannets flew past the West Coast on 22nd and 41 were counted on 25th.

The overwintering Sparrowhawk and Merlin are still present. Up to four Peregrine have been counted including a regular pair calling over the Village.

Skylark are occasionally singing but numbers are still low compared to 2022. The first Chiffchaff of the year was heard calling in the Government Willows on 22nd and then seen feeding with Goldcrest in the spruce above Millcombe. Another or the same bird was calling in Millcombe on 26th. A Mistle Thrush was recorded on 21st. Two Redwing were seen on 22nd with one still on 23rd. There was a notable arrival of Stonechat on 25th with nine present within the census area. A Grey Wagtail flew over the Village and landed on the Barn on 24th. A Pied Wagtail has been seen around the Village on 20th, 21st and 25th. Meadow Pipits are also on the move with high counts of 37 on 21st and 65 on 24th. Finch numbers are still low with the overwintering Chaffinch still and only single figures of Linnet passing through.

Skylark, Quarter Wall  © Stuart Cossey

Meadow Pipit, Benjamin's Chair © Stuart Cossey

Male Stonechat, Quarter Wall © Stuart Cossey

This week we said farewell to our short-term volunteer Eleanor. As well as helping out with the morning census, her main role was working on digitising a lot of the historic data in order to protect the important information.

Contributors: Stuart Cossey, Rosie Ellis, Eleanor Grover

13th to 19th February –Brief sunshine before the cloud descended

 A dry and mild start to the week. Southwesterlies from the 15th brought low cloud and poor visibility. A moderate northerly on the 19th provided a brief day of sunshine.

Seven Teal were counted at Pondsbury on 16. A Stock Dove flew over the village on 13th and a Woodpigeon was in Millcombe on 16th. Two Water Rail were squealing loudly below Brambles on 15th. 33 Oystercatchers were counted along the Lower East on 16th and nine Purple Sandpiper were still present at Brazen Ward.  A Red-throated Diver was seen close in off the East Side on 17th.

Oystercatchers, Brazen Ward © Stuart Cossey

Purple Sandpipers, Brazen Ward © Stuart Cossey

The first confirmed signs of breeding Raven were identified with nest material collection and a predated egg by Pondsbury on 16th. Herring, Lesser Black-backed and Great Black-backed Gulls are starting to pair up and congregate at breeding sites.

With sunset getting later, after work birding is now a possibility. Incredible behaviour was witnessed in the late afternoon of 14th as a Skylark was heard calling over Millcombe pursued by a Merlin. It then dropped steeply into the pines as a Sparrowhawk and Peregrine joined the hunt. The Sparrowhawk continued the chase through the trees but it is unclear whether the Skylark got away. The overwintering Sparrowhawk is the first since 2019 and with this only happening on a handful of occasions.

The male Song Thrush from 2022 is continuing to sing its heart out in Millcombe. It has a few distinctive phrases which mimic other birds. Hopefully this year it finds a mate and breeding can be confirmed.

Two Pied Wagtail were seen on 13th and 14th and one on 16th. A Grey Wagtail flew out of Millcombe on 15th. A high count of 14 Chaffinch was recorded on 13th. Four Linnet were seen on 14th and two on 15th.

Contributors: Stuart Cossey, Rosie Ellis, Eleanor Grover

6th to 12th February – More stirrings of migration and the breeding season to come

Eleanor Grover reports on a spring-like week.

Unseasonably sunny weather, with one day of low fog on the 10th. Predominantly light south-easterly winds, switching to south-westerly on the 10th and 11th before reverting to south-east again on the 12th.

Three Teal were present on Pondsbury on the 8th. Also on the 8th, a Stock Dove was present in Millcombe, at one point companionably sharing a branch with a Woodpigeon (singles of which were present in Millcombe on the 6th, 8th and 11th, with one in Quarter Wall Copse on the 9th).

A faint call of Golden Plover was heard on the 8th and two birds were eventually located in Brick Field. Three Snipe were flushed from Pondsbury on the 7th. Singles of this species were startled from where they hid unnoticed near Kistvaen Pond and the water tanks on the 9th and 10th, respectively.

Regular feeding frenzies of Kittiwake have been sighted in the late mornings from the east coast. Outwith these, four Kittiwake were present at nest sites at Jenny’s Cove on the 8th, with a further 24 birds flying close inshore on the 9th. Whilst Jenny’s Cove may seem empty at first glance, the noise soon gives it away and a look through binoculars reveals the white dots to be a mass of seabirds. The constant calls of Guillemot fill the air, punctuated by the growling of Razorbill, cackling Fulmar and the occasional drawn out “kitti-waake”. Total numbers on land on the 8th were 1,918 Guillemot, 486 Razorbill and 46 Fulmar. The Razorbill often sat in couples, renewing their pair bond with behaviours such as preening and copulation. Guillemot – slightly later breeders – appear to be more of a rabble! In amongst the bickering birds a colour-ringed individual was spied returning to a ledge where it had first been spotted in 2021.

Jenny's Cove is getting busier – and noisier – by the day © Eleanor Grover

Off Benjamin’s Chair, too, large rafts of auks are gathering. These mostly comprise Razorbill, with 474 present on the 11th, but just 7 Guillemot. Two Great Northern Diver graced the Landing Bay with their presence on the 11th, one of which was starting to moult into breeding plumage.

The long-staying Jackdaw remained around the Village area. Skylark are being heard almost daily; with a high of three on the 8th and another singing bird on the airstrip on the 9th.

Thrushes fluctuate in numbers on a day-to day basis. Peak counts of 11 Blackbird were noted on both the 11th and 12th. The “cha-cha-cha” of a Fieldfare was heard before the single bird was spotted dropping down into Millcombe on the 8th. Five Redwing were foraging in the same area on the 6th and a single Song Thrush was singing from the valley all week. He was joined by a second singing bird on the 12th and the peak count of Song Thrush was eight birds on the 8th.

Full of eastern promise for the spring to come – sunrise over Millcombe © Eleanor Grover

The call of Stonechats, from whence their name is derived, is an ever increasing sound from amidst the gorse where these birds are often seen in pairs. A single Grey Wagtail was heard flying over Millcombe on the 8th. Three Pied Wagtail were recorded on the 6th, with singles on the 7th, 8th and 11th.

Single fly-overs of Greenfinch (8th) and Goldfinch (7th) were heard once each during the week. Siskin were more regularly recorded: one on each of the 6th, 8th and 12th. Linnet migration has begun – as if turned on by a switch. This species is now recorded on a daily basis, with a high count of 22 on the 6th. One male alighted for just a brief moment, looking resplendent in his pink apparel against the yellow gorse, gleaming in the sunshine. To further delight, he sang out a few brief bars before taking to the wing once more.

From breeding birds to migrants, it seems like it has been all things go this week. Spring is only just around the corner!

Contributors: Rosie Ellis, Eleanor Grover.

30th January to 5th February – More songsters, a trickle of movement & some brilliant news!

Mostly dry week with mild temperatures, especially in the sun. Moderate winds from the north-west to start the week, rapidly dropping off to light westerlies and swinging round to easterlies and south-easterlies by the 4th.

Teal numbers peaked this week at 13 on the 1st. The Greylag Goose remained throughout the week, still shunned by its domestic counterparts. A single Woodpigeon was in Millcombe on the 4th; it was singing and was joined by a second bird on the 5th. The shrieks of Water Rail continue to pierce the early mornings, from both Smelly Gully and up near Government House.

The high count of Oystercatchers for the week was 22 on the 1st. A single Woodcock was startled from St Helen’s Copse on the 31st. One Jack Snipe and two Snipe were flushed from Pondsbury on the 1st, with a further 3 Snipe sighted on the 5th.

In terms of sea-watching, Kittiwakes were less frequent than the previous week, with a high of 100 on the 30th. The larger gulls are starting to return to their breeding colonies, with peaks of 13 Great Black-backs and 370 Herring Gulls counted on the 1st. Seven Lesser Black-backed Gulls were also sighted amongst the gull flocks on the 1st.

Auks too are returning in greater numbers to their ledges. At Jenny’s Cove, 206 Guillemots and 63 Razorbills were present on the 31st, along with 100 Fulmar. Mixed-species rafts have started to congregate off Benjamin’s Chair, with 297 ‘auk spp.’ counted on the 4th. Shag numbers rose considerably on the 5th, reaching a total of 25.

Raptors were a regular sighting throughout the week, with the more frequent Sparrowhawk, Merlin and Peregrines being joined by a single Kestrel on the 30th. The long-staying Jackdaw extended its visit, joining a feeding flock of 33 Carrion Crows in Barton Field on the 1st.

More Skylarks made an appearance: one on the 1st and four on the 5th, the latter date including the first singing bird of the year. The small flock of Goldcrests at Quarter Wall Copse were joined by the first Firecrest of the year on the 31st, flitting rapidly through the trees as if in a feeding frenzy. A Black Redstart was seen briefly at Benjamin’s Chair on the 1st – perhaps it has been hiding down there all winter. A single Redwing was present on the 5th, along with a single Pied Wagtail. A ‘fly-over’ Siskin was recorded on the 1st, whilst at least 6 Linnets were heard (and seen!) flying over on the 5th. These small movements inspire hope of the faint beginnings of the upcoming spring passage. It will be exciting to see what the next week brings!

Contributors: Stuart Cossey, Rosie Ellis & Eleanor Grover.

Finally, as many regular readers of the blog will already have seen on social media, we are delighted to confirm that Lundy was officially accredited as a Bird Observatory at the AGM of the Bird Observatories Council, held at BTO headquarters in Thetford on 4th February.

Technically, it's a re-accreditation, as Lundy was part of the network of British & Irish Bird Observatories from the formation of the Lundy Field Society in 1946 until 1973, when financial pressures meant that LFS was no longer able to fund its critical support for the bird observatory warden, and membership ceased.

During his time as Lundy Warden, Dean Jones enthusiastically started the process of regaining observatory accreditation, crucially restarting a regular daily bird census over a fixed route on the south of the island – this, together with a regular programme of bird ringing, being at the core of observatory functioning. On Dean's departure, the initiative was taken up by Rosie Ellis and Stuart Cossey, with support from the Lundy Company management and advice from Tim Davis, Chris Dee & Tim Jones on behalf of LFS.

The new Lundy Bird Observatory will be run by the Lundy Company, through the island's Conservation Team, with LFS represented on the observatory organising committee. Accreditation is provisional, with full accreditation being granted after successful completion of a three-year probationary period, giving all parties the opportunity to make adjustments as the new arrangements bed in.

More details about the UK Bird Observatories Network can be found here. Regular updates from Lundy Bird Observatory are posted on Twitter; simply search for @LundyBirds. This blog will also be rebranded to become part of the Observatory's regular communications and engagement activities.

Congratulations to all involved and here's to an exciting new chapter in Lundy ornithology and birding!

23rd to 29th January – Some calm weather and early arrivals

Mild, especially on clear sunny days. Clear with light southerlies on the 23rd and 24th. Moderate westerlies on the 25th brought low cloud and drizzle. Mostly overcast with moderate winds from the west and northwest to end the week.

It is starting to feel spring-like in Millcombe with Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock and Wren singing during the calm sunny mornings.

A high count of 15 Teal were seen on Pondsbury on 26th. The Greylag Goose continues to be seen in Barton Field with only occasional flights to other fields. A Feral / Racing Pigeon flew along the West Coast on 26th, very reminiscent of the Rock Doves they originally evolved from. A Woodpigeon was in Millcombe between the 23rd and 25th. Also in Millcombe, Water Rail continue to be heard calling from below Millcombe Pond. A Sparrowhawk was seen on 23rd and a Merlin on 23rd and 26th. The long-staying Jackdaw is still present in the Village and farm fields.

Merlin, West Coast © Stuart Cossey

Pairs of Oystercatcher are starting to defend territories along the East Coast with their calls easily heard. A single Golden Plover was recorded on the 24th and 26th. Three Snipe were flushed by Pondsbury on 26th.

Oystercatcher, Landing Bay © Stuart Cossey

There was some good seawatching this week with a few large flocks of Kittiwake off the East Coast. 300 were counted on 26th and 200 on 27th. Four Common Gull were seen with them on the 26th. Also on the 26th, a very early Manx Shearwater and 154 Fulmar were seen off the West Coast. A Great Northern Diver is still feeding in the Landing Bay and up to 200 Herring Gulls continue to be seen in the farm fields, attracted to the sheep feed.

The first Skylarks of the year were seen this week with one on 23rd and another on 28th. Up to four Goldcrest were recorded in Millcombe. A Mistle Thrush was by Quarter Wall on 23rd and a Redwing was seen on 24th. Stonechat were a more common sight with three on 23rd, two on 24th and singles on 27th to 29th. A Pied Wagtail was recorded on the 23rd and two were present on 26th.

The number of Chaffinch recorded has varied but the same flock of up to 22 is still in Millcombe. Single Siskin were seen on 23rd and 25th and a Goldfinch and three Linnet were seen on 24th.

In non-avian news, the easterly winds have washed a lot of debris onto Landing Bay Beach and Christie's Quay. As well as the unsightly plastic pollution there have been Goose Barnacles and a lot of shark and skate egg cases, including Blonde Ray, Spotted Skate and Small-spotted Catshark. 

Shark and Skate egg cases © Stuart Cossey

Goose Barnacles, Landing Bay Beach © Stuart Cossey

Contributors: Stuart Cossey, Rosie Ellis, Eleanor Grover

1st to 22nd January – A new year and a busy shutdown

Strong westerly winds up to the 15th. Light winds from the northwest on the 2nd and light to moderate winds from the 16th.

It is now the end of another busy shutdown, the only month of the year when the island is closed to visitors. This allows us to complete important maintenance work on the properties.

Devil's Kitchen © Stuart Cossey

West Coast © Stuart Cossey

Kistvean Pond © Stuart Cossey

17 Mallard remain around the island and up to 11 Teal have been seen on Pondsbury. A male Common Scoter was off the Landing Beach on the 18th. The Greylag Goose remained in Barton’s Field. A single Woodpigeon was in Quarter Wall Copse on the 1st. Another was then seen in Millcombe from the 17th. Water Rail have been calling in Millcombe and one was flushed by Quarter Wall on the 17th.

A flock of 25 Oystercatcher were seen roosting bellow Tibbets on the 13th. Pairs have also started to spread out along the East Coast. Golden Plover were heard flying over on the 9th and 17th. Two were then seen in Brick Field on the 20th and were joined by a third on the 22nd. A Woodcock was flushed from Millcombe on the 20th and another from along the Lower East on the 22nd. Snipe have been common in the wet areas around the island and a single Jack Snipe was flushed on the 7th. A small flock of Purple Sandpiper seem to be wintering on the island with four seen at Brazen Ward on the 1st and nine there on the 13th.

Purple Sandpipers, Brazen Ward © Stuart Cossey

Purple Sandpipers, Brazen Ward © Stuart Cossey

Golden Plover, Brick Field © Stuart Cossey

Up to 280 Herring Gulls were in the farm fields during the strong winds at the beginning of the month. This then slowly dropped to around 100 as winds calmed down. Amongst the large gulls a Juvenile Yellow-legged Gull was seen on the 16th and an adult Iceland Gull on the 22nd. Off the East Coast the seawatching improved on the 16th when 500 Kittiwake were seen as well as eight Common Gulls. When the winds calmed Fulmar and Guillemot began to return to Jenny’s Cove to inspect nest sites. It was also easy to pick out six Red-throated Divers on the 20th and three on the 21st. Up to three Great Northern Divers have been in the Landing Bay.

Great Northern Diver, Landing Bay © Stuart Cossey

Iceland Gull, High Street Field © Stuart Cossey

A few birds of prey remained on the island over winter with a Kestrel seen on the 1st and 7th. Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Merlin have been seen more regularly. The Jackdaw first seen on the 23rd October is still present and often seen foraging in the Camping Field.

It has been quiet for small birds. Two Goldcrest have been overwintering in Millcombe and were joined by three new birds on the 20th. Single Redwing were seen on the 2nd, 20th and 21st. The first Stonechat of the year was seen on the 7th and a pair were in South West Field on the 22nd. A small flock of Chaffinch have been roosting in Millcombe. 17 were seen on the 2nd and a few new birds increased the count to 24 on the 20th. Two Siskin flew over on the 16th. A few Linnet were seen flying over during calm weather. 22 were recorded on the 2nd, two on the 17th and 31 on the 20th.

Stonechat, Pointless Wall © Stuart Cossey

In non-avian news, a Harbour Porpoise was seen off Rat Island on the 7th and two were hunting off Brazen Ward and Gannets Rock on the 13th and 14th. Another was off The Battery on the 21st. Two small Portuguese Man o' war were washed up on Devil's Kitchen.

Portuguese Man o' War, Devil's Kitchen © Stuart Cossey

 Contributors: Stuart Cossey, Rosie Ellis