by Greg Lee
Census today and a relieving change from deafeningly strong winds on the patrol. Things were a little encouraging though still a bit quiet. The main difference was hearing the calls of birds overhead, including the chirrup of a Snow Bunting over Millcombe. Initially, I thought this was the Rocket Pole bird having a stretch of the wings, but throughout the day, it appeared that there had been a small arrival of these charming birds onto the island, with at least six being the total of the day. Millcombe itself was also busier with a smattering of Blackcaps, Goldcrests and weirdly, a good number of Dunnocks (where are these birds coming from?). At least three Common Snipe were also flushed by me around the census route and three Golden Plovers were together flying over the airfield. Overhead, Skylarks, Chaffinches and Siskins were flying over and a Greenfinch also caught my ear over Quarter Wall, later being seen in Millcombe by another observer. Interestingly, a distant photo of a Reed Bunting at Quarter Wall Pond revealed this bird to be ringed. Sadly, I wasn't able to relocate or get closer to the bird but it would've been fascinating to obtain the information from the ring. Back in the Village, I was bemused to encounter a Song Thrush hanging about near the Vehicle Shed. Recently, a Robin has rather taken to the area, seemingly becoming quite territorial over its patch of concrete and gravel and both birds were loitering as I walked past.
Snow Bunting by G.Lee
Song Thrush by G.Lee
We're very fortunate to have lots of observers on the island at the moment and the discovery of our third Rosefinch of the autumn near Government was the highlight of the day. Like the other individuals, this one was very partial to the Blackberries and showed quite well before melting into the Bramble scrub. On the non-avian front, Simon and Kirsty were treated to a display of breaching from a Bluefin Tuna. These gigantic, awe-inspiring fish are now in great numbers in the south-west, where, unlike some other species of Tuna, they are able to regulate their body temperature, allowing them to feed in the more nutrient-rich, colder seas. I'm hoping to see some to but haven't been successful so far on countless scans of the ocean.
By Greg Lee
A rather gloomy and damp day, with the drop in wind bringing that healthy amount of fog that so often covers Lundy at this time of year. That being said, census was not lacking in surprises. Our long-staying Snow Bunting was at Rocket Pole Pond in the mornings and the Starling gathering outside the staff accommodation got a bit of fright from the female Merlin buzzing swiftly through, although the small falcon was unsuccessful in its attempts to hunt. At Stoneycroft, a rather sodden-looking Goldfinch looked a bit fed up in the Paddock as it sat prying at a Teasel. With just 23 species seen overall, it definitely was one of the quieter walks during my time here but such is the way of the ebbs and flows of migration.
Goldfinch by G.Lee
With the weather remaining rather dank and grey all day, it perhaps wasn't surprsing that sightings were limited, although it allowed time to some Observatory and life admin during the day. The forecast appears to be showing a bit of easterly winds next week which perhaps may bring more thrushes and finches this way once the westerly wind relents.
By Tara McEvoy-Wilding
Today was the last Bideford sailing of the year! After a lumpy crossing I helped see in the Oldenburg and welcomed most of the Lundy Ambassadors to the island. For those who don't know, they are a fantastic team of volunteers who provide a guided walk every sailing day for visitors to Lundy; their walks cover an array of topics including Lundy's History, Wildlife and life on Lundy. Today was their end of season meeting where myself and Simon presented a summary of the year and had an opportunity to say thank you for all their hard work during the sailing season.
The Ambassador Team!
Whilst I was in the meeting, a Sparrowhawk was sighted in Millcombe, a Golden Plover was on the airfield and a Yellow-browed Warbler was seen in Ruppell's quarry, and was re-sighted during the afternoon. Thomas was on the Oldenburg in the afternoon and saw 5 Gannets, 14 Guillemot and 8 Razorbill from the aft deck!
Lundy map - click to enlarge