Guillemot:
Combined whole colony counts of guillemot at all sub-colonies along the Castlemartin coast showed a slight but insignificant increase (19,331 this year compared with 18,603 in 2013). There was some variation with smaller sub-colonies having lowest numbers this year. A more significant decrease at Stackpole Head (reflected in whole colony counts and counts at five study plots) was probably due to the fact that half of the main breeding ledge on the west face had fallen away during the winter storms,so hardly surprising that numbers had changed here.
The image below shows a huge overhang where part of the guillemot main ledge used to be. Over time the birds may be able to create another suitable ledge under the overhang; already there are signs that they are trying to scrape away ancient dried mud-deposits between the rock layers. Hopefully the cliff will remain intact and continue to be an important part of the guillemot colony for a while longer at least!
Overall numbers at eight study plots at Elegug Stacks (representing about a third of the whole colony) were slightly lower than last year but the change was less than 2%. Productivity studies are not undertaken and in any case it is too early to conclude anything about likely breeding outcomes this year. However, breeding seems a bit later this year and numbers of chicks seen to date seem a bit low - something commented on by other regular watchers at Elegug Stacks.
The image below is of guillemots on part of the top of the main stack (east-facing side) - quite a spectacle but there are some gaps!
Razorbill:
Razorbills are much less numerous than guillemots along this coastline. Combined whole colony counts at all sub-colonies along the Castlemartin coast showed a c. 25% decrease this year (1,142 this year compared with 1,511 in 2013). Numbers at eight study plots at the Elegug Stacks were down by a similar amount. However, razorbill numbers were quite high at the Elegug Stacks last year (highest numbers recorded to date) and this year's counts are not devastatingly low compared with most recent years' counts.
Surprisingly, the average total of razorbills present at eight Stackpole Head study plots was only very slightly down this season compared with last year. Here there seems to be a longer-term decline in their numbers since the 1980s - a trend that unfortunately seems to be continuing.
It also seems that there are fewer razorbill chicks this year, particularly at Elegug Stacks. It is very noticeable this year that there are more non-breeders (or failed breeders) standing around in areas where chicks are usually seen.
The pitiful kittiwake colony at Elegug Stacks (down this year to only six nesting pairs) looks like it will finally go extinct this year.
Bob