We have experienced some dry (and even hot!) days over the last week which has given us excellent conditions for wildlife spotting. Daily walks around the reserve are wildly exciting with over 100 linnets and 50+ goldfinches a regular sight. Several meadow pipits are feeding a second brood and they can be seen catching caterpillars and moths to take back to their nests. A second brood of house martins fledged over the weekend from Lagvag Point and two nests with a total of 9 swallow chicks have fledged just this morning.
Newly fledged Swallow chick checking out his reflection (photo by Laura Shearer)
A solitary Kestrel can be seen hovering around the reserve- on the lookout for a tasty meal. The real delight at the minute though is a visit from one of the fledgling Peregrines. Although no longer nesting on the reserve, these magnificent hunters can be seen on the prowl along the cliffs under the Lighthouse. A juvenile cuckoo has been visiting the reserve sporadically over the last two weeks and is simply a delight to see as it whizzes past the RSPB visitor centre.
Kestrel on the look-out for some food (photo by Laura Shearer)
2 of the 3 fledgling Peregrines (photo by Laura Shearer)
Juvenile cuckoo has been visiting the reserve recently (photo by Laura Shearer)
Recent reports suggest there may be an influx in jellyfish around the UK at the moment. During this morning’s daily survey, thousands of Moon jellyfish were seen amongst the seaweed and kelp at the bottom of the cliffs between Lagvag point and the Foghorn. There are also many Lion’s Mane jellyfish, easily identified by their large size and obvious ‘mane’ of red tentacles trailing behind as they swim.
Lion's mane jellyfish (photo by Laura Shearer)
Join us on a guided walk of the reserve on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1pm. £3 for adults, children go free. Half price for RSPB members. No booking required.
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