Today is World Migratory Bird Day. At a time when migratory birds in Europe are facing a tough time of things (see Malta issue) it is worthwhile putting some time aside to celebrate the wonders of migration by appreciating the rigours these birds go through to reach our shores.
The weather on Ramsey today was fitting for such an occasion with thousands of swallows pouring across the island. Our breeding birds have been back from Africa for several weeks but these birds were still on the move probably heading to breeding sites further north.
One of the first migrants that we log on Ramsey each year is the northern wheatear, also an African migrant. Despite having been back since 9th March there was a noticeable bout of nest building from our resident pairs today. We have between 80-100 pairs nesting most year making Ramsey one of the densest sites in Wales for this species.
Female northern wheatear ripping lichen off the stone wall for nesting material
Mr and Mrs - female (foreground) and male wheatear at thier drystone wall nest site
Yet another African migrant there were at least three spotted flycatchers on the island today, one of which had a monumental battle catching and then eating a large female broad-bodied chaser dragonfly! It reminded us of seeing GBB gulls trying to force rabbits down their necks! Needless to say the flycatcher didn’t move much for a while!
Spotted flycatcher wrestling with a huge female broad bodied chaser dragonfly
Spotted flycatcher - well fed!
The first cuckoo of the year was seen today but I’m told that it’s bad luck to see a cuckoo before you hear it! Luckily this one looked like a female so she wouldn’t have been singing anyway!
It was a busy day too for our non migratory resident species. Linnets are having a great year. The lack of rabbits means there is a plentiful supply of grass seeds and they are cashing in on this. We normally log around 40-50 pairs but could top that this year which is great news for a species that is red listed in Wales
Male linnet perched on gorse
While one species benefits from low rabbit numbers another suffers but the east coast raven pair are managing to rear 2 chicks
Raven chicks today at around 3 weeks old (the smell is something else!)
The island is starting to bloom after all the rain of late with thrift starting to carpet the west coast. Spring squill is out too and the bluebells won’t be far behind. It looks like being a spectacular foxglove year too (good news for the bees!). As ever we are open 7 days a week weather permitting so contact Thousand Islands Expeditions on 01437 721721 if you want to visit. Hurry though as before you know it the flowers will be going over, the migrants starting to head south again and seal pups will be popping out!
The scene at the south end this afternoon - thrift starting to bloom