Chook Observatory Warden
Stuart Cossey writes about his final complete week at the island
Reasonable westerly
winds to begin the week introduced low cloud and rain. Westerly winds endured on
tenth and eleventh with mild rain showers. The wind modified to the east on twelfth and
thirteenth earlier than low visibility returned at the morning of 14th with wind from
northwest. Temperatures have began to extend with transparent blue skies in spite of everything
bringing a summer season really feel to the island.
Mallard are having younger all on ponds around the island.
4 broods had been observed on Pondsbury, one on Quarter Wall Pond, one on
Barton Pond and some other at Quarters Pond. Sadly, as is commonplace, the
numbers dissipate temporarily because of predation by means of Ravens and gulls. Two pairs of Teal
are nonetheless being observed round Pondsbury and confidently breeding is showed quickly.
A Shelduck used to be on Rat Island on 14th. A Water Rail used to be heard making a song on
Pondsbury at the night time of tenth.
Swift had been observed on a daily basis this week with a max rely of
seven on eleventh. A male Cuckoo used to be making a song at Quarter Wall on 14th. Unmarried Collared
Dove had been observed on tenth and twelfth with two birds on 14th. A Inventory Dove flew over
the Village and into Millcombe on thirteenth. The Pink Heron continues to be being observed
round Pondsbury with sightings on ninth, tenth and thirteenth.
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Pink Heron © Derek Tippetts |
Waders are nonetheless transferring in the course of the island. Whimbrel had been
observed on 5 dates together with a flock of 4 on tenth. A breeding plumage Golden
Plover used to be photographed by means of Tibbets on tenth. Two Curlew had been by means of South Mild and
a Ringed Plover used to be recorded on 14th. Extremely, two Pink Sandpiper had been nonetheless
at Brazen Ward on tenth.
Seabird breeding season is in complete swing with Razorbills and
Guillemots now on eggs and Kittiwakes observed nest construction. A overdue Nice Northern
Diver used to be observed feeding off the Terrace on eleventh. Twelve Hurricane Petrels had been
counted throughout a commute to a identified colony on tenth. A Cormorant used to be observed on thirteenth
and two on 14th.
Each Kestrels had been observed looking over Ackland’s Moor and
by means of Quarter Wall. Two Hooded Crows had been observed on twelfth and thirteenth in Lighthouse
Box and by means of the Water Tanks. A unmarried Hooded Crow used to be then in Brick Box on
14th. A Jackdaw used to be heard calling over Millcombe on thirteenth.
The final Sand Martin used to be one on ninth, even though Swallows and
Space Martins proceed to go north over the island. The best possible Swallow
estimate this week used to be 1000 on eleventh and 150 Space Martin had been recorded on 14th.
The choice of warblers being observed could also be slowing down. The best possible
rely of Willow Warblers this week used to be 4 on eleventh. No less than two Chiffchaffs
had been making a song in Millcombe, suggesting breeding makes an attempt this 12 months.
Whitethroats also are seeking to breed in Millcombe with round 5 territorial
men. A Reed Warbler used to be observed on eighth and 3 had been ringed on 14th. Unmarried
Sedge Warbler had been observed on 5 dates this week with 5 observed on eleventh. Twelve
Blackcap observed on eighth dropped to simply on observed on 14th.
Unmarried Noticed Flycatchers had been famous on eighth, ninth and eleventh
with two on tenth. Two Yellow Wagtail had been observed on eleventh some other on thirteenth and one
heard flying over on 14th. A Siskin used to be heard flying over Millcombe on twelfth and
a Greenfinch used to be observed in Millcombe on thirteenth. A unmarried Lesser Redpoll continues to be
putting round Barton Box and used to be ringed in Millcombe on 14th. Maximum of our
commonplace breeding birds have now were given chicks with Dunnocks, Blackbirds, Starlings
and Meadow Pipits observed taking meals to chicks.
In non-avian information, the Commonplace Toad continues to be calling at
Quarry Pond on eleventh and thirteenth. A Commonplace Dolphin used to be discovered washed up within the
Touchdown Bay on thirteenth and two Harbour Porpoise had been observed from the Battery.
After all, it’s time for me to mention farewell. I’ve had a great
18 months on Lundy, assembly some beautiful folks and seeing some improbable
birds. On sixteenth I will be able to be leaving the island with my spouse Megan to transport to
Northern Eire.
This is a excitement to welcome Joe Parker and his spouse Ella to the
island. Joe would be the new Chook Observatory Warden and can take my position as
the resident hen nerd.
Individuals: Stuart Cossey, Luke Marriner, Joe Parker,
Rosie Ellis, Rob Duncan, David Kightley, Tony & Ann Taylor, Chris &
Carol Baillie, Chris & Mandy Dee, Paul Dean