The calendar says 18th May but its hard to believe where the time has gone. Here is a quick summary of what has been happening on Ramsey so far this month
We finished lambing! The last lambs (a set of twins) were born on 12th - we got the remaining 11 empties in to check them the next day. No signs of udders so out they all went. It was a very successful season - 128 lambs born (40 sets of twins and 48 singles) with only 4 losses at birth. The chough seem to be appreciating it as we have 10 territorial pairs this year, 8 of which nest built and all are feeding small young at the moment. The other 2 pairs are young non breeding pairs that hold territory but don't breed (but will hopefully do so in future year) - although one of them thought they would have a go at nest building yesterday!
Myself, Lisa and Dewi moving the final set of twins out of the lambing fields
Before turning everything out we treated all the ewes with a fly repellent to hopefully ward off fly strike until we can get them sheared in June
Only a month old but some of the single lambs are looking good
Someone is looking forward to a rest!
We also finished the arable plot - having ploughed it, rolled it and harrowed it (twice each) we sowed it in early May, just in time for a good drop of rain to start it on its way. The arable plot will provide sheep feed for the winter, seed for autumn and winter finches and maybe some cover for a rarity or two!
The arable plot freshly sown and electric fenced to keep rabbits and deer out (hopefully!)
The breeding season is in full swing now. Wheatears look to be having a good year. The disappearance of most females indicates incubation while males stand guard. This pair have nested in one of the stone cairns we built to mark the footpaths!
The auks are mostly incubating their single eggs now. This razorbill kept me company while I was monitoring a west coast chough site this morning
while over a hundred of our nationally scarce Dew moths flitted around my feet on the thrift
which is now out in full bloom
The weather has had its 'up and downs' this month but we've still managed to get a steady trickle of visitors across to enjoy the island. Late May and June see the island at its best in my view (other favourite months are available!) so if you would like to see a riot of spring flowers, cliffs packed with seabirds or just want to come and see the lambs then contact Thousand Islands Expeditions to book (01437 721721)