It’s been a week of strong winds and big swell but the sunshine has managed to peep through the clouds on occasion.
We have had another busy week trying to fit in as many outdoor jobs as we can in between the rain. Our activities included monitoring our chough nest sites, putting in new Manx Shearwater nest boxes in our study plot, conducting marine surveys, doing the final preparations for visitors to return next week, and fixing the fencing in our arable plot.
We are super pleased that all 10 pairs of Chough on the Island are holding territory with 2 pairs recorded nest building on the North and South. Fingers crossed we have another successful breeding season this year!
A pair of chough feeding in the Northern fields © Alys Perry.
We finished rebuilding and putting in the new Manx Shearwater nest boxes in our study plot on the east coast ready for the Manx Shearwaters to return. Several of the boxes had not fared well during the winter so needed to be replaced and repainted.
Nia painting one of the new Manx Shearwater nest boxes. © Alys Perry.
Our arable plot supposedly had a rabbit-proof fence around it to allow suitable arable plants to grow to support birds during the winter months. However, the rabbits have made short work of this and have managed to dig under the fence and eat the plants. We spent quite a bit of time this week going around the field and fixing the fence in the hope to keep the rabbits at bay. Fingers crossed it is enough to keep their paws out for a little while…..
Laying down more fence wire around the arable plot © Nia Stephens.
It was a super low Spring tide on the 22nd so myself and Nia went for a little explore of the marine life in the Harbour. We recorded 47 different species just from a quick search of the intertidal zone, including several species that are features of the SSSI. Such as Fucus serratus a brown seaweed, Laminara digitata a type of kelp, Ascidians, and Bryozoans. We also recorded numerous common species such as Snakelock anemones, Common Brittle star, and Breadcrumb sponge.
Snakelock anemone © Alys Perry.
Common brittle star © Alys Perry.
Wildlife Roundup
Our seals are no longer hauling out on the beaches but many have been seen swimming and bobbing around in the swell. Our first spring flowers started to appear today with a couple of Dog Violets in the South.
Despite the strong winds we have still managed to add quite a few new bird species for the year to the island list. Our first Wheatear was recorded on the Northern fields on the 17th. 6 Wheatears in total were recorded on the 17th with a mixture of both males and females. The number of wheatears has increased considerably since then with 40 wheatears recorded across the island today.
Male Northern Wheatear on the North © Alys Perry.
Our first Chiffchaff of the year also made an appearance on the 17th in the farmhouse willows and has been hanging around ever since.
Chiffchaff © Alys Perry.
Our first Chaffinch and Reed bunting of the season was recorded on the 18th. A Water rail was observed by the Waterings on the 21st along with a flock of Goldfinches which have been hanging around the farmhouse since. Our first signs of Manx Shearwaters back on land for the 2023 season were also confirmed on the 21st. A Kestrel was seen on the 23rd and 24th which is surprisingly the first record for the season.
A pair of our Ravens already have chicks and have been seen going back and forth feeding them over the last couple of days. We are hoping for another successful year for our 4 breeding pairs.
The small beak of a Raven chick poking out of its nest © Alys Perry.
*The Ravens are monitored for their breeding success on Ramsey every year. This nest was observed from a distance to avoid disturbance and the photograph was taken with a 600mm lens.
Until next week!
Alys Perry
Assistant Warden
Assistant Warden Ramsey & Grassholm Island