We count pups on our 9 study beaches every 3 days and classify them into 5 stages from new born (class I) through to fully moulted (class V). At the end of the season this allows us to calculate how many have been born in total on these 9 beaches (which account for roughly 50% of all births on the island)
Today the number had dropped to 103 but new pups are still being born. They have been lucky so far this autumn in that the peak period (late September to mid October) saw settled weather and no storms. Things looks to be changing over the weekend and into next week with the first really wet and windy spell of the season forecast. We are officially open until 31st October but the forecast will inevitable interrupt sailings - check with Thousand Islands Expeditions on 01437 721721 if you are planning a visit
This autumn has been relatively quiet for rare or scare birds but it was nice to record the first black redstart of the autumn yesterday along with the the first sooty shearwater (on their way back south to breeding grounds in the southern hemisphere!)
And relax!....a 2 or 3 day old pup on Aber Myharan today (the umbilical chord is still visible)