Sunday 17th May
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At last the sea calmed (a bit!) and visitors made their first landings on the islands since Wednesday. The day was a busy one for all concerned and news filtered through that the first Arctic Tern egg was found during the early afternoon – about time! Amongst the visitors, two ex-wardens from the 1980’s were present (it’s always great to speak to ex-wardens about the ‘good old days’ out here) and Eliza, a researcher who spent three years on the islands not so long ago.
As for me, my afternoon was taken up by the BBC as Radio Four arrived to record an interview regarding the problems facing Seabirds in the UK. The series is looking at seabirds across the British Isles and they wanted to finish on a high-note with the Farnes, where seabirds are bucking the trend nationally. The interview goes out on Tuesday 26th May at 11am, it’ll be worth a listen, without being big-headed (I actually don’t enjoy listening/watching myself in the media – do I really sound like that….ha ha ha).
Comments
At last the sea calmed (a bit!) and visitors made their first landings on the islands since Wednesday. The day was a busy one for all concerned and news filtered through that the first Arctic Tern egg was found during the early afternoon – about time! Amongst the visitors, two ex-wardens from the 1980’s were present (it’s always great to speak to ex-wardens about the ‘good old days’ out here) and Eliza, a researcher who spent three years on the islands not so long ago.
As for me, my afternoon was taken up by the BBC as Radio Four arrived to record an interview regarding the problems facing Seabirds in the UK. The series is looking at seabirds across the British Isles and they wanted to finish on a high-note with the Farnes, where seabirds are bucking the trend nationally. The interview goes out on Tuesday 26th May at 11am, it’ll be worth a listen, without being big-headed (I actually don’t enjoy listening/watching myself in the media – do I really sound like that….ha ha ha).
The big match, round two – Wardens vs Boatmen this Wednesday - having lost 2-4 in the first game on 22nd April, the second match of the season is scheduled for Wednesday evening and let’s hope for an improved scoreline…
Weather: SE 3-4 occasionally 5, with bright sunshine
Highlights: very few new birds in on the islands with several lingering from the previous day including; Grey Heron, Manx Shearwater 5N, Common Sandpiper, Collared Dove (A scarce visitor here), Black Redstart female, Whinchat, Wheatear, Willow Warbler 3, Chiffchaff 3, Lesser Whitethroat 3, Whitethroat 2, Pied Flycatcher female, Siskin and Linnet 2
Breeding birds: At last – the first Arctic Tern eggs were laid today discovered just after 1pm on Inner Farne with another on Brownsman by 5pm. So it starts from here, within the next week the birds will start attacking and life on the islands will change for the next few months. Also more Fulmar eggs discovered, Pied Wagtail fledged young from Inner Farne (good news after yesterday loss on Staple Island) and Mallard with four ducklings.
Hi David.
ReplyDeleteThanks for everything on Sunday, brilliant, just brilliant. I'm sure your voice will sound as good as the birds on BBC Radio 4 Nature programme, don't forget it goes out next Tuesday at 1100hrs.
Regards to the team, and hope the weather holds up for you and the Birds.
Thanks again for wonderful experince.
Chris Sperring
PS I have put some pictures on my blog.