By Eleanor Harris
Today started off as a rather foggy day with low cloud and dampness in the air. As it was a busy busy change over and travel day we were all out and about doing a variety of different jobs. Today me, Thomas and Greg were all housekeeping so were on the look out for some good birding highlights as we were out and about. Simon and Tara were sorting the boat out, with Kirsty conducting pup checks and seal police.
As the cloud and fog lifted, our team of visiting ringers were out and about in Milcombe and St John's Valley with all the nets open. It was a busy day with many birds processed and ringed including a few Goldcrest, Firecrest, Swallows, House Martins and much more. It was great to see the nets open with the valley a hive of activity – a real change from yesterday’s blustery day. Two single Brambling were heard over Milcombe today by Nik Ward, the first of the year. Today it was alive with birdsong and a welcome change from the windy days we have had this week, when it was difficult to hear or see anything. As we were housekeeping it was noticeable that there was a big passage of hirundines flooding through the island – a really beautiful sight to see on such a clear and calm day. Walking from around the south it was noticeable that the temperature and humidity were pretty high. It felt more like a spring day than an autumn day so it will be interesting to see what the next few days will bring.
On the other housekeeping team, Thomas and Jane Starkey heard a Golden Plover circling over Old Light – a lovely autumnal wader. It is great to see the waders returning with other wader records today including a few Snipe.
Sunset at SW Point by EleanorHarris
As it was a clear evening, me and Thomas decided to make some dinner and spontaneously walk it to South West Point with a well earned cup of tea to watch the sunset. It was rather magical over there, with orange and golden light – a gorgeous sunset for a busy day. A few Gannets were out at sea with Meadow Pipits and Linnets in the area. After the sun went down we headed back to the Village for Wildlife Log meeting the new birders who are visiting.
A very successful day overall with some other finds including a Grey Heron over Millcombe, Wryneck in Smelly Gully and a female Kestrel over St Mark's Stone.