by Greg Lee
This week we are pleased to be joined by a glut of brilliant Lundy birders who have contributed immensely to the long term-studying of the avifauna of this small island in the Bristol Channel. Today I joined Chris Dee, head ringer of the Observatory ringing group, and his small team down in Millcombe for a ringing session. Having arrived on Tuesday, Chris had unfortunately experienced some pretty dramatic weather which limited setting up any nets, however, with the winds finally calming down and the weather looking settled for the remainder of the week, it was worth getting some ringing done. The session overall was good with a steady trickle of birds well into the afternoon, Willow Warblers being the main species along with the intermittent Chiffchaff and Blackcap. There was some variety too though with a couple of Sedge Warblers, a Meadow Pipit and perhaps the highlight of the day, a female Pied Flycatcher that had somehow slipped under our noses, despite the fact we were all armed with binoculars to watch for birds between net rounds. During the whole session, it was noted that a stream of Swallows was consistently going overhead along with smaller parties of both House and Sand Martins and we were treated to the reeling of a Grasshopper Warbler above the valley. Something which was echoed by other birders around the island during the day. As a boat full of day-trippers and new guests arrived, we were also able to show members of the public the work we were doing, a fine acredula-type Willow Warbler being very popular. I was also pleased to meet both Tim Jones and Tim Davis and we look forward to seeing what they can discover on the island over the next week. They had already sighted the Great Northern Diver, our first Whimbrel of the year and a good flock of Arctic Terns, the latter being just outside of the Recording Area on the boat across to the island! Thomas would also have fruitful census with a Whitethroat, four Greenland Wheatears and two Siskins.
Willow Warbler
Once things had started to calm down around lunchtime, I headed back up to the Lodge although Chris and his team would continue to ring a few more birds into the early evening. Migrant totals from across the island during the day included 96 Willow Warblers, 258 Swallows, 66 Sand Martins, 52 House Martins, 21 Chiffchaff, 14 Blackcap, three Sedge Warblers and two Whitethroats. It was also noted that many butterflies were on the wing including Large White, Red Admiral, Small White and Holly Blue, the latter being the first record of the year.
By Eleanor Harris
Black Lipped Snail EH
After a successful Manx Shearwater experience evening last night, where Tara made a new friend, a Black Lipped Snail, we had a much needed lie in and a restful but productive morning. Our morning started with a Lundy version of a pastry breakfast, so some excellent treats to start the day. We spent the morning painting our house, completing some indoor tasks, and DIY whilst the rain persisted. Whilst completing our list of tasks, we spotted a Willow Warbler sheltering in the bushes of our small garden, so a lovely little surprise and some good indoor birding.
Willow Warbler TW
After some lunch, we decided to head out for a walk with a flask of tea and some biscuits, essential on any walk. Our walk took us too Jenny’s Cove with Wheatears spotted along the way and passing Swallows and House Martins. It was noticeable that the temperature changed from the warm front to the cold front. The west was rather breezy but along the way we had some excellent wildlife with 58 Puffins, 2 Peregrines, 100 Razorbills, to name a few.
Tea at Brazen Ward EH
After visiting Jenny’s Cove, we crossed over to the East and headed to Brazen Ward for some tea and chill time. It was lovely to be out and watch the world go by after a couple of busy working days. We ended up staying for over an hour, losing track of the time, but it was well worth it. We headed on back to the village, making a slight detour to the Queries, which was bouncing with birds. Some of the highlights were a Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff showing well.
We headed back to the village, enjoying the evening sunshine and warmth. It is crazy to think how quickly the days are lengthening and the increase in daylight hours, meaning more time to explore. When we came back we made some good food, including of a Vegetarian Cottage Pie and a much needed Crumble. Some baking therapy was had, so a good sign of a lovely day off.
The plan for the evening is to head to the evening Wildlife log before having a chilled one. Overall, it has been a lovely day off with a good mix of tasks completed and some great downtime had. Life on Lundy can get very busy, so days off are enjoyed and appreciated in a rather different way from Mainland Life.
By Thomas Weston
Today started with a warm, breezy south westerly wind gracing the Village. Eleanor and I started census and made our way down through Millcombe. The valley was alive with activity, with a nice upsurge in returning breeding Linnets, the resident Blackbirds showing themselves and a nice bubbly flock of 18 Goldfinches - a small increase on the last few days where numbers have remained around 12 individuals. Chaffinches were in full song, as were the Dunnocks, Song thrush, Wrens, Robins, and even a Water Rail. The Landing Bay was unusually quiet with a few gulls, 4 Oystercatchers, and a couple of Shag. We checked in with the ringers who have been having a quiet day today and quickly went back to the bushes where we found a nice flock of 10 Blackcap near Millcombe House totalling, most of whom were females. We also saw some nice Chiffchaffs, a couple of Willow Warblers and heard 2 Grasshopper Warblers in St John’s – our first of the year. Absolutely love them!
Walking round the south coast and the species list continued increased, with a flock of Kittiwakes, 2 Fulmar, 3 Manx Shearwaters, 227 Razorbills, and a couple of the breeding Ravens showing well over Rocket Pole. An unringed Wheatear was nice to see too. Walking up to Old Light, the Skylark were in full song and flocks of Meadow Pipits graced the path whilst a small trickle of Swallows and Sand Martins flew overhead as they moved Northwards. The Airfield was quite quiet but the Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and Linnets were all in full voice, as well as a Wren and an out of place Blackbird! The gorse bushes by Pointless Wall can turn up rarities but today held 3 Willow Warblers and a Blackcap who were very exciting to bump into. The area of Quarter Wall added a few nice views of Wheatear before heading back to the Village. Checking Barton’s and the first Yellow Wagtail of the year was seen, in fact it showed us it’s head and quickly became the first Blue headed Wagtail of the year! Success and a new migrant for the year.
We opened the walkin trap for Starlings and Sparrows but ended up catching a flock of Goldfinches including a bird originally ringed in Pembrokeshire in April 2025, a bird ringed on island in 2024, another from 2025 and a new unringed bird too. We closed the trap to check the Manx Shearwater Boxes with lots of success with two individuals seen, as well as four colour ringed Wheatear read. A busy day and more Manx Shearwater catching/guided walk for the visitors later! The fun life of a Bird Observatory Warden.
Lundy map - click to enlarge