Monday 6 April 2009

Sunny Days

Goldcrest - small numbers of Britain's smallest bird are present



The lads with an evening BQ, celebrating Farnes style!

Sunday 5th April
Today was a strange day, as the sun shone, the sea was mirror calm, but not many people visited – but I’m sure that’ll change over the next few weeks or so. The islands remained quiet for seabirds and the occasional migrant moved through, but otherwise the team enjoyed the sunshine and surroundings. From a Head Wardens point of view, I’ve started looking forward to the grand opening of Staple Island (on 1st May) and splitting the team into two (we’re all living on Inner Farne at present). So it was a case of talking to each member of the team individually and letting them know which island they’ll be living on during the summer – it was all well received, so I think I got it right! Despite splitting the team, we’ll see a lot of each other throughout the summer, so no one will go lonely for long! To celebrate we decided to have a team BQ on the island – yes on an island in the North Sea in early April – impressive!! It was a great night and it’s been a great start for the team – long may it continue.

Weather: Variable 1-2, warm and sunny – a beautiful day!

Highlights: Sandwich Tern 24 at roost (increasing daily), Snipe, Skylark singing, Black Redstart remained for 2nd day, Carrion Crow – 43 an impressive movement, Goldcrest 3, Reed Bunting – the male returned, singing in vegetable garden,

Breeding Birds: Despite the calm conditions, the island was virtually empty with no Puffins or Guillemots seen. However I suspect this will change tomorrow following today’s weather and hopefully they will start settling soon. However the pair of Shelduck were noted whilst Ringed Plovers have started scraping on the beach.

1 comment:

Jan said...

it's not warm enough for BBQ here right now, I think the washing isn't even going to dry!

You all look like you're having fun though :)