Monday 3 August 2020

Out and around the Islands

We have been out to Skokholm, Skomer and Grassholm in the last few days.
Key sightings have included:
- Adult Kittiwakes have been by far the most numerous and widely-distributed gulls seen, with small groups dip-feeding in almost any current line or upwelling. We have been surprised at how few juvenile birds we have seen. The breeding sites on both Skomer and Grassholm are clearly both occupied, and so delightfully noisy.
- Still small numbers of Puffins feeding young: 8 individuals with sandeels close around Skokholm yesterday, and perhaps 50 on our longer trip today.
- Rafts of young and adult Guillemots all over the place: likely several thousands, but widely dispersed and the groups typically 10-20 individuals. This contrasts with one late-August evening three years ago when the Guillemots seemed heavily concentrated inside St Bride’s Bay, and could be seen (and heard) over many miles.
- Small numbers of Manx Shearwaters: best was a group of c.20. 
- a single Sooty Shearwater about two miles off Skomer: a cracking sight.
- Three “commic” Terns between Skomer and Grassholm.
- at least 10 Whimbrel on the South side of Grassholm; very vocal, and viewing with the local Oystercatchers in nervousness.