We took the opportunity of the calm winds yesterday (Friday) to go out to Skokholm and Skomer with three out of four of the new Wardens: Ed, Bee (Skomer), and Rich (Skokholm). On the way out a Mediterranean Gull in with a small flock of Kittiwakes, and on the way back two small flocks of duck that were irritatingly impossible to ID: Mallard or Mergansers, Scotor or Wigeon? Just too far off and flighty.
Highlights on Skokholm were 40+ Teal and 5 Wigeon on the ponds, 5 Snipe, 2+ Chough. We could not find the Whimbrel(s) that usually overwinter near South Haven.
Nor could we find the Purple Sandpipers that usually roost on Skomer, but it was not High Tide. But there were plenty of Guillemots already in residence on the Wick, and Fulmars paired up in North Haven. Ashore the highlights were at least 2 Short Eared Owls in North Valley and near Moorey Mere, a female Kestrel near the Farm, and large numbers of Buzzards: as many as 5 in the air for much of the time.
On both islands the buildings were in good nick: they have come through this rather windy winter very well (so far, fingers crossed!).
