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Alan Leitch

In recent weeks I have been out on Copinsay with other staff and a few volunteers. Thought I would post a little update of what's been happening.

20/08/2011 - Corn Holm
Local boatman Sid Foubister took us for an overnight stay to listen for Storm Petrel activity. An enjoyable evening revealed a minimum of 5 apparently occupied sites on the island.  During our approach to Copinsay the rocks exposed at low tide were covered in Grey Seals with easily over 1000+ animals present, as we passed them the sea was boiling with seals - quite a sight. At dawn we had an adult tystie (Black Guillemot) with a butterfish on nearby rocks, so obviously still the odd chick about. All the Puffins had gone by this point in the season.

Grey Seals on Copinsay - A.J Leitch



01/09/2011 - 'New' Mower
Lorna and I assisted Sid transporting and reassembling a new mower for the island to enable this year grass to be cut and later removed. This management is to ensure if/when a corncrake decides to set up base again on the island that the habitat on the island is suitable for it to breed, our grassland management is complimented by the provision of early/late cover areas and a couple of small areas of bird crops.


Great Yellow Bumblebee on Red Clover - Copinsay A.J.Leitch

04/09/2011 - Vol Day & Cliff Fall
Sunday's visit was primarily to clear out the remaining debris from the old threshing shed with assistance from local volunteers Megan Taylor and Duncan Reid. Once again lorna and I were present on site. A great effort by all got the job done with some time to spare whilst Sid finished off the grass cutting. The red clover was literally 'buzzing' with Moss Carder Bees and a few groggy looking Great Yellow Bumblebees, which are always a highlight.  We had heard a report that there had been a recent cliff fall on the island so we had a look. Sure enough a big chuck has collapsed into the sea, with more to follow potentially.

Cliff Fall Copinsay - Autumn 2011 A.J.Leitch
 

The next chunk to go ... but when? Next week or 100years? A.J Leitch

Birds - The highlight were a female Hen Harrier quartering the island freaking out the Rock Pigeons, Twite & Starlings, 30 Twite, 10 Wheatear, 30 Mallard, 9 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 200 Greylags, Willow Warbler, Wren, and a Whimbrel overhead.

Cheers Alan

PS - An image of the Copinsay Cliff Fall from the sea by Mark Wick