8th to 14th May – Migration slows as most birds are busy breeding

 Bird Observatory Warden Stuart Cossey writes about his last full week on the island

Moderate westerly winds to start the week brought low cloud and rain. Westerly winds continued on 10th and 11th with light rain showers. The wind changed to the east on 12th and 13th before low visibility returned on the morning of 14th with wind from northwest. Temperatures have started to increase with clear blue skies finally bringing a summer feel to the island.

Mallard are having young all on ponds across the island. Four broods have been seen on Pondsbury, one on Quarter Wall Pond, one on Barton Pond and another at Quarters Pond. Unfortunately, as is common, the numbers deplete quickly due to predation by Ravens and gulls. Two pairs of Teal are still being seen around Pondsbury and hopefully breeding is confirmed soon. A Shelduck was on Rat Island on 14th. A Water Rail was heard singing on Pondsbury on the evening of 10th.

Swift have been seen every day this week with a max count of seven on 11th. A male Cuckoo was singing at Quarter Wall on 14th. Single Collared Dove were seen on 10th and 12th with two birds on 14th. A Stock Dove flew over the Village and into Millcombe on 13th. The Purple Heron is still being seen around Pondsbury with sightings on 9th, 10th and 13th.

Purple Heron © Derek Tippetts

Waders are still moving through the island. Whimbrel were seen on five dates including a flock of four on 10th. A breeding plumage Golden Plover was photographed by Tibbets on 10th. Two Curlew were by South Light and a Ringed Plover was recorded on 14th. Incredibly, two Purple Sandpiper were still at Brazen Ward on 10th.

Seabird breeding season is in full swing with Razorbills and Guillemots now on eggs and Kittiwakes seen nest building. A late Great Northern Diver was seen feeding off the Terrace on 11th. Twelve Storm Petrels were counted during a trip to a known colony on 10th. A Cormorant was seen on 13th and two on 14th.

Both Kestrels have been seen hunting over Ackland’s Moor and by Quarter Wall. Two Hooded Crows were seen on 12th and 13th in Lighthouse Field and by the Water Tanks. A single Hooded Crow was then in Brick Field on 14th. A Jackdaw was heard calling over Millcombe on 13th.

The last Sand Martin was one on 9th, though Swallows and House Martins continue to pass north over the island. The highest Swallow estimate this week was 1000 on 11th and 150 House Martin were recorded on 14th.

The number of warblers being seen is also slowing down. The highest count of Willow Warblers this week was four on 11th. At least two Chiffchaffs have been singing in Millcombe, suggesting breeding attempts this year. Whitethroats are also trying to breed in Millcombe with around five territorial males. A Reed Warbler was seen on 8th and three were ringed on 14th. Single Sedge Warbler were seen on five dates this week with five seen on 11th. Twelve Blackcap seen on 8th dropped to just on seen on 14th.

Single Spotted Flycatchers were noted on 8th, 9th and 11th with two on 10th. Two Yellow Wagtail were seen on 11th another on 13th and one heard flying over on 14th. A Siskin was heard flying over Millcombe on 12th and a Greenfinch was seen in Millcombe on 13th. A single Lesser Redpoll is still hanging around Barton Field and was ringed in Millcombe on 14th. Most of our common breeding birds have now got chicks with Dunnocks, Blackbirds, Starlings and Meadow Pipits seen taking food to chicks.

In non-avian news, the Common Toad is still calling at Quarry Pond on 11th and 13th. A Common Dolphin was found washed up in the Landing Bay on 13th and two Harbour Porpoise were seen from the Battery.

Finally, it is time for me to say farewell. I have had an amazing 18 months on Lundy, meeting some lovely people and seeing some incredible birds. On 16th I will be leaving the island with my partner Megan to move to Northern Ireland.

It is a pleasure to welcome Joe Parker and his partner Ella to the island. Joe will be the new Bird Observatory Warden and will take my place as the resident bird nerd.

Contributors: Stuart Cossey, Luke Marriner, Joe Parker, Rosie Ellis, Rob Duncan, David Kightley, Tony & Ann Taylor, Chris & Carol Baillie, Chris & Mandy Dee, Paul Dean