We have much to report since our last blog to keep you updated with the latest news from South Stack Cliffs.
For those of you that have visited us over the last two months, you may have been some of the lucky few to catch a glimpse of our peregrine falcon nest. We were lucky enough to follow the chick’s progress right from hatching to fledging on Thursday 19 June. Both adults and chick are still being seen in the area as the parents continue to feed the chick while it learns to hunt. Call into the visitor centre to see the wonderful photograph of the young falcon taken by regular volunteer Mel which landed outside of Ellin's Tower last week.
Denise, the warden here at South Stack has just completed some of the bird counts for the reserve. The chough numbers for this year are 9 breeding pairs fledging 20 chicks. Some sad news in that the Mousetrap chicks failed to fledge successfully, however, family groups are now being seen on and around the reserve with visitors being treated to close up views and wonderful aerial displays.
Juvenile chough at South Stack by Ben Hall (RSPB-Images)
Guillemot chicks can be seen from the telescopes in Ellin’s tower. A little later than expected but it’s great to pick out these wonderful fluffy chicks amongst the thousands of birds lined up on the cliffs.
Guillemots on cliffs by Andy Hay (RSPB-Images)
Saturday the 22 June saw the return of our annual Heathland celebration day! We enjoyed glorious weather as we celebrated everything to do with the heathland and the work between the RSPB and local partnerships. The sheep shearing and sheep dog demonstrations were fascinating to watch, visitors could try their hand at spinning wool and the lamb stew went down a treat! A big thank you to everyone involved who made the day run smoothly and we hope everyone who attended the event had a pleasant day. Below are some photos of the day.
Overview of Heathland Celebration Day.
Spinners from the Anglesey and Gwynedd guild of spinners and weavers.
Shearing sheep.
Public engagement officer Hayley and Pete a local shepherd with one of the lambs.
Looking at Moths with Membership Development Officer Stuart.
One of our visitors having ago at weaving.
That’s all for now. For a list and details of more events here at South Stack Cliffs visit our events page on our website.