There was a warmth in the air today not felt as yet this year. Gloves and hats were discarded for a while giving a glimpse of what might lie ahead. The vegetation on Ramsey is always a long way behind that on the mainland thanks to our harsh micro climate. Daffodils are barely out in time for St Davids Day but by April Fools are still in full bloom in sheltered areas around the buildings. So while the island still bears the hallmarks of a harsh, storm lashed winter there are small signs of change. The brambles have green shoots and buds are showing on the willows.
The birds are moving up a gear too - the first willow warbler of the year was flitting around a gorse stand, small snatches of song along along with it's characteristic disyllabic 'too-weet' call (chiffchaff call is similar but it only does the 'weet' bit!). I ventured up to the north end of the island to reset the rodent ink monitoring stations. Following rat eradication 20 years ago we remain vigilant and are constantly checking that our biosecurity measures remain effective. The ink traps allow us to check for rodent footprints and wax blocks for chew marks. We have harmless Ramsey bank voles on the island but their footprints are significantly different to those of rats. While up there I came across at least 2 skylarks singing off against each other high in the blue sky. It's possible there was a 3rd bird further along the coast but the muddled cacophony blended into one
Willow warbler (above) and singing skylark beginning it's ascent high into a blue sky
Then we had that rare thing at the moment - a food delivery! The good folk at The Veg Patch in St Davids are doing home deliveries in the current climate and while a doorstep delivery would have been above and beyond the call of duty they did bring it as far as St Justinians, allowing Derek to safely deliver it in the island boat
And finally....today marked the end of an era on Ramsey. After 14 years as warden out here, Lisa left RSPB Cymru. Many of you will have met her over the years and been welcomed to the island by her infectious enthusiasm. I know that Ramsey will forever be in her heart and the island will always have an open door for her. As well as being a first class communicator and a skilled conservationist she became a proficient farmer, managing the island flock with me over that time. Her skills at lambing time were invaluable, especially her small hands which meant the job of difficult deliveries always fell to her! I and everyone else wish you all the best in your thoroughly deserved new role with our friends at The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Thank for everything from the bottom of my heart - it was a blast.......
Sorry Lis but I was always going to choose that photo!
Lovely Blog Greg. Thanks for giving a most welcome update from the Rock ! I am so enjoying the blogs especially as we are not even able to see you from my usual perch across the water. I even prepared myself for occasional crewing by doing my sea survival course. I might add part of me is happy for the wildlife as they must be enjoying what is their environment predominately ! Yes we shall so miss Lisa. I think I can speak for each and every volunteer that we truly wish her the best in her new role with TWWWT. Another honerable role in the area. They are so lucky to have her and we shall miss her terribly, I feel privilidged to have worked and shared part of her experience on the island! She has that ability to recognise your strengths and weaknesses and works with thoa
OOps Didn't finish that. A huge THANK YOU LIsa. And you Greg. Thank you for your blogs