By Emma Abel
Osprey over the Airfield © Thomas WestonToday Lundy was hit by strong easterly winds bringing some exciting visitors to the island. An Osprey was seen flying over the Airfield towards the Village and then again along the North West coast heading in the direction of North Light.
Marsh Harrier male over the Airfield © Thomas WestonA couple of minutes behind the Osprey, a young male Marsh Harrier was spotted over Pondsbury and flying north-west off North Light an hour later.
Blue Tit in Millcombe © Tim JonesNot everyone left in a hurry, a Cuckoo was seen hanging around in Tillage Field most of the day. And a Blue Tit was near Brambles and later in Upper Millcombe, close to the start of the Upper East Path – the first spring record since 2015!
A Lesser Whitethroat and a female Common Redstart were also seen in the morning.
Black Redstart male at North Light © Tim JonesNorth Light was a great spot for sightings too, including a Sandwich Tern heading east offshore, and a female Common Redstart and male Black Redstart feeding on the sunny, sheltered, west-facing sidelands.
On the other hand, the cliffs were very quiet today. I did my Puffin census and there were only about 9 Puffins popping in and out of burrows and a maximum of 8 Guillemots huddling together. Most auks were rafting far out to sea, away from the windy cliffs.