After upgrades and technical problems am able to get back onto the blog and update the news.
I spent Sunday afternoon on the cliffs, seeing 12 Bottle nosed Dolphins passing south, unfortunately half an hour before the start of the planned guided walk. 10 participants joined me on a breezy afternoon with some showers, once again a couple of French people were happy to have an explaination in French!
The walk was successful, questions over the decrease in seabirds were discussed, the breeding birds identified and described with their way of life, and we saw 2 Puffins!
Other people on the reserve chatted and asked questions before and after the main walk, all appreciated the new shelter. The first predated guillemot eggs were found, and used to explain the size and shape of these eggs, and how that is evolved to be laid on bare ledges. The size compared to the size of the birds was remarked on - one egg only can be produced - really "putting their eggs in one basket".
On Thursday I spent all afternoon on the reserve, chatting to the few people around. A Bonxie flew south along the base of the cliffs, and a fair number of Gannets went north. Fulmars seem to be back in fair numbers and are nesting close to the cliff top. The walk from 7pm was a bit chilly in a cold wind, but the 5 participants really enjoyed the sights and sounds, but one was not impressed by the smell!! A record 17 Puffins were seen. Evenings seem to be the better time to see these as they hang about around their holes.
Next walk is Thursday next - join up and come along