By Simon Parker
It's been a while since I posted out some ramblings on here, so it's about time for some updates..
The Island is now in full season mode with three boats arriving a week when the weather behaves, which it hasn't really been doing. This week, the wind switched to a Northerly, bringing the familiar icy warmth that I remember from growing up in't North. It was still fairly peaceful, especially in the landing bay, but there wasn't a lot going on in the bird world. A steady trickle of Swallow were meandering North and some of the Milcombe regulars were out including Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Robin, Dunnock and Wren. The landing bay itself was eerily quiet aside from a lone Gannet and a handful of Herring Gull.
A group of Sand Martin were cruising around Benjamins chair above a light scattering of Razorbill, the Northerly wind suddenly made itself felt when I headed up past the old lighthouse, a large group of Herring Gull were crouched in behind the wall sensibly keeping their heads down.
Census finished with a fairly solid count on the Linnet, Skylark and Meadow Pipit, these birds being a significant part of our breeding bird survey. Obvious nesting pairs are now in place across the island and recording that is a significant job. The upside is, we will get some ideas on the health of the local populations and be able to plan our land management around improving areas that suit particular birds.
After Census, I settled into an admin day. Lots of planning for some upcoming media work, stay tuned for that... And some essential inbox T.L.C. Greg managed to get out in the afternoon and spotted yet another Golden Oriole, it's been a good year for these bird so far and they are now an established yearly visitor.
After work, it was a case of heading up the island to keep my training going for the looming Island half marathon in June. The sun was shining by now and the views were pretty spectacular across the North, It definitely didn't feel like May though. 
All of that excitement came to an end with the return of the moth trap in Millcombe, moths will be on tour again soon but Millcombe remains a solid site for catching some nocturnal nectar thieves. Check out tomorrows blog for the moth news!
Dunlin at Rocket Pole Pond by Thomas Weston
Golden Plover on the Airfield by Thomas WestonBy Eleanor Harris
After the last few days of still, sunny and warm weather today really felt like a change. Today was a travel day but due to the Easterlies predicted day-trippers were cancelled meaning that it became another odd day. The layers came out for census with wind picking up from the East blowing strongly through Millcombe. Birds were around but sheltering in the trees and bushes with little in the Landing Bay. Some of the highlights from Millcombe were flocks of Goldfinches fighting with the persistent wind and a few Whitethroats and rather suspicious Blackbirds along the way. It is crazy to think that for the last week it has been relatively calm and still but today it all changed with a cold breeze sweeping the island.
Lighthouse View EH
Continuing census I bumped into the new Dexter Cows behind Stonycroft who looked rather grumpy and shy settling into their new home. They will be joining the other three to help with land management and grazing schemes. Walking along the airfield flocks of Linnets, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits battled the elements whilst I got slightly sideways blown which is always fun. Overall, it was a nice steady census with a range of different species.
Dexter Cows EH
Heading back to the Village I got ready for work ahead of a day in the Tavern.
As it was a travel day everyone was rather busy with the Tavern, Housekeeping, Ship and other tasks so our visitors became important eyes and ears for the day. Some of the highlights found were the first Common Terns of the year, Cuckoo in Millcombe, Swifts and a female Pied Flycatcher. It is great to hear your sighting and add then to the records so keep them coming!
Lundy map - click to enlarge