This week has produced quite a variety of sightings, on Monday 15 porpoise were spotted from the lighthouse and a puffin was reported to have been heard calling early in the morning but no actual sightings of any have been made this week. There have however been many sightings of peregrine and kestrel hunting around the site and rock pipit have frequently being seen displaying around the cliff edges or near the fog horn. Small groups of Tysties are often seen early in the morning below the cliffs between Lagvag and the fog horn and gannets continue to be seen flying around the headland.
Some guillemot and razorbill have been seen from the visitor centre cameras to be sitting with eggs, unfortunately these have not survived, most likely due to predation from large gulls. The shag chicks are continuing to do well and the first sighting of a kittiwake egg was recorded on Saturday (31st).
The warming of the weather has been bringing out many more insects, which has been good for other wildlife around the reserve. Stonechats, wheatears, meadow pipits and linnets have often been seen carrying insects. A strong suggestion that they are feeding young or bringing food to a partner that is sitting on eggs.
Image: Linnet curtesy of RSPB (rspb-images.com)
Swallows and house martins continue to be seen feeding on flying insects all around the Mull of Galloway and two bats were seen late Friday evening near the visitor centre, we are unsure of the species but will be checking with our bat detectors shortly so will keep you informed. Also the first of many cinnabar moths was seen on the wing on Monday and rose chafer beetles have been emerging and often seen sitting on the flower heads of hogweed.
This week’s moth trapping records included a small elephant hawkmoth, fox moth, marbled coronet, cinnabar, flame shoulder, spectacle, true lovers knot, mottled pug, clouded-bordered brindle, shears and small square spot. Our best results so far but expect to see far more as the season continues.
Image: Small elephant hawkmoth
Other sightings include great and lesser black-backed gulls, heron gulls, pied wagtail, swift, roe deer, brown hares and grey seals as well as many butterflies and a rare glimpse of a dragonfly last weekend.