Here is an update for activities that have occurred over the last month.
Sadly there was an outbreak of Japanese knotweed in one of the fields near a stream, as a result we had to remove it. We tried a method called stem injection, where each stem is cut between the second and third node of the plant, Dave then applies a few drops of a dyed chemical into the hollow tube that was created, a time consuming job. The idea is that at this time of year the chemical will be absorbed into the root system to kill it, whether it works or just helps to reduce the problem will be found out next year.
We also had a good round of fertilising some of the silage fields to promote a better silage crop next year which in turn is good for Corncrake and for the geese that are now starting to arrive on the island. This process involved cutting fertiliser bags into a spreader and then for Dave to drive the tractor up and down the fields for even distribution. As the fields are not entirely even, it was my job to stand in the field and help guide the tractor.
There is now a newly improved bin in the Crossapol car park for beach rubbish. This bin is now near the road and enclosed within a wooden frame so it does not blow about in the wind or fill up with water as much as it used to. The bin now also rests on a concrete base and with some fixing, now has working wheels for the bin men to easily empty.
Last month a lot of cow parsley was harvested and stored along with its seeds. This month we started to sow it into the ground. Using the flail, selected areas of grass was mown, this was then raked off and cow parsley was evenly scattered over these areas, the flail then went over again on a lower setting to break them up and to help scatter then into the ground. This was repeated in four different areas until all cow parsley was used. It is hoped that this grows and provides good early cover sites for the Corncrakes when they arrive in spring time.
Another job that has to be undertaken is stock counts, where numbers of cows and sheep in each compartment are counted, so that the numbers are not above the agreed amount for each area. This involved driving around to different compartments, and then mostly walking around the whole reserve counting. A task which has to be done, and a good way of seeing areas of the reserve one would not normally visit often.
Barnacle Geese by James Duncan (The first)
Over the last week, and even more this week, there have been sightings of Barnacle Geese. Around 250 individuals were seen during our last WeBS count with numbers still increasing. Many more have also flown over Coll on their migration to other islands. There has also been increased sightings of Ruff in the fields compared to what is normally seen this time of year and the first Greenland White-fronted Geese have also arrived.
After our sightings of dolphins last month we continued carrying out shore watches over Hogh bay and beyond with little success. With a great many storms and strong winds, we have been unable to carry out as many.
James Duncan