Another early start saw us out of the door by 07:30 to try and record visible migration. At this time of year birds are on the move, either leaving the UK, arriving here or just passing through. RSPB colleagues had organised for staff at reserves across the county to coordinate a timed 3 hour watch this morning and report back with our findings. Never one to miss an opportunity to pick up my binoculars I was happy to sign us up (not sure Lisa was so pleased!)
So Dewi and I went to the top of Carn Llundain (136m) and Lisa went up Carn Ysgubor (96m). These vantage points gave us the best chance to see birds flying over. Between us we amassed some decent totals. The most numerous species being skylark with 225 birds heading either west or south. The next most numerous was chaffinch with 173 going over. A lot of chaffinch arrive in the UK for from the continent with birds from Scandinavia making it to our shores most winter. Other species that were on the move were meadow pipit, goldfinch, pied wagtail, grey wagtail and linnet. Blue tits were also on the move - local movements of these birds occur most years and today 35 birds made it over to Ramsey. It was interesting to watch a large flock go over the hill and then stall when they hit the coast and turn back, realising that the next stop was Ireland!
Sunrise over St Brides Bay from the top of Carn Llundain
A good spot to look for 'visible migration' - view from Carn Llundain this morning looking north to St Davids Head
On the way back to the house I found our first yellow-browed warbler of the year at Aber Myharan. A Siberian breeder that winters in Asia this bird is a long way of course but large numbers reach the UK most years and 2013 is no exception. I got back to find Lisa had found a second one in the farmhouse garden! Also of note today was a hen harrier, a female house sparrow (rare out here!), a pale-bellied brent goose and a jack snipe.
After a quick second breakfast it was time to meet the visitor boat at 12pm and then Derek arrived with supplies to keep the shop ticking over until the end of the month (and a few winter supplies for us!)
Stock delivery courtesey of Derek Rees about to be craned ashore
After seeing the visitors off there was just time to start Dewi's winter sheepdog training programme. At 5 years old he is 'fully trained' now but they never really stop learning and it's always a good idea to keep in practice over the winter so he (and me!) is raring to go come the busy spring and summer period.
Dewi showing good style during training (sorry for the photo - not easy to use camera phone and give commands at same time!)