Thankfully few birds had to be cut free this year, just 19 juveniles. Many were healthy and well fed and made their way to the edge of the island, heading for the sea, two actually lifted off in the northerly wind, truly fledgling after months of being tethered to their own nests. Result!
Unfortunately, a couple of birds had been caught by the wing and had little hope of survival with their injuries and disfigurements, with another so weak from struggling we initially thought it was dead, it's head lolling and bill sinking into the mud. Incredibly sad and a hard thing to see.
It was too late for the 8 adults and 16 juveniles that had died as a result of the fisheries waste (monofiliment line, rope and packaging tape) around their legs.
After the highs and lows of the gannet rescue, we headed for the tree mallow in the south gut, lush this year and full of promise. Nothing earth-shattering to report but it was a pleasure having lunch in the sun whilst watching 6 Redwing, Song thrush, wrens and robin, 5 goldcrest, chaffinch and a chiffchaff feeding. A female blackcap was more elusive as was a male blackbird.
A Peregrine was around all day with a pair of Raven and a Merlin was bombing along the south coast. Also overhead over 100 Jackdaws, 5 Linnet, 8 skylark, 12 starling and a single swallow.
Thanks to Dave for his photos and help today.
Greg is due out to Grassholm for the day tomorrow, I have high hopes for a goodie in that tree mallow! Watch this space.....
Lisa