Since before it became a reserve, the Shetland Ringing Group have checked a study plot on Mousa to monitor storm petrel breeding success. The plot was established by Dr Mark Bolton back in the early 90s. (coincidentally, Mark is now the RSPB Seabird Ecologist).
This week, we made it to Mousa to check the storm petrels. It is the one day of the year I always look forwards to. As well as the satisfaction of being involved in some long-term monitoring and seeing adorable chicks, it marks the end of summer and the beginning of da hairst (as we call autumn in Shetland).
Isn't it amazing that now -in autumn!- this peerie fellow is still some time away from fledging?
Once he or she leaves the wonderful reserve of Mousa, it may fly as far away as the seas south of South Africa! More amazing still, it could repeat the return journey annually for the next forty years! So - look after Earth everyone.
This September also marked the end of an era. Tom and Cynthia retired from running Mousa Boat Trips. They have taken thousands of people to the island over the years, allowing them to experience amazing archaeology and wildlife. We wish the Jamiesons all the best and thank them for the wonderful service they provided over the last 40years (the lifespan of a storm petrel!). They will be missed.
Today, sadly, marks the end of Newton's contract in Shetland. Newton has done an amazing job running the Date With Nature at Sumburgh Head again and being Assistant Warden at the South Shetland reserves. We are thankful for all that he has done this summer and will miss him hugely!