Lundy Bird Observatory Update - 15 May 2023

Firstly, before we get stuck in to today's sightings, a quick hello! I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Lundy Bird Observatory Warden. After instantly falling in love with the island a couple of years ago during autumn ringing visits, I am over the moon to now call this lump of Atlantic granite my new home. I moved over with my partner Ella last week and can’t wait to get stuck in studying and raising the profile of Lundy’s stunning birdlife and rich natural history.

I have enjoyed a wonderfully warm welcome to the island by the great team and of course some great birds! If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Lundy please do come say hello – you’ll find us out across the island surveying, ringing and running the daily 8pm bird log in the Tavern. Or if you’re on the mainland and looking for your Lundy fix, you’ll be able to keep up-to-date with all the latest Bird Observatory news on this daily blog and twitter page.

Happy birding, Joe (Lundy Bird Obs Warden)

 Luke - Bird Obs Assistant (left), Rosie - Warden (centre) & Joe - Bird Obs Warden (right)

Now, turning today's highlights... Wind speeds swung around to a stiff northerly which put a dampener on any late spring movements across the island. Today's artificial Manx Shearwater nest boxes checks revealed recently laid eggs! Two new Wheatear were ringed as part as the ongoing RAS (retrapping adults for survival) study along with five colour-marked birds, mostly from the previous season. Three Spotted Flycatcher were logged with individuals in Millcombe, Quarter Wall Copse and Quarries. The Purple Heron continued for another day, skulking around Pondsbury through the day. A single Hooded Crow was still feeding around the water tanks and a lone Purple Sandpiper continues to occupy Brazen Ward! This is an incredible late spring record considering this wader should be gearing up for a breeding season in Iceland! A drake Teal carcass was found south of Pondsbury, a classic Peregrine kill which is supporting one of the six territories on the island this year!

Purple Sandpiper © Paul Dean

Last night visitors enjoyed a magical night time Manx Shearwater walk which saw six new birds ringed, plus a Lundy re-trap from mid-April earlier in the year and most excitingly a control (awaiting further details e.g. original ringing location and age). Control Manx Shearwater records are very uncommon in recent years and are perhaps a product of saturated colonies at key breeding sites such as the Pembrokeshire islands, Skomer and Skokholm. Finally, in breaking non-avian news, two Toad were heard calling this afternoon. Intermittent calls were heard from Quarry Pond and a new individual was heard croaking below the Terrace on the track down to Quarry Beach.

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