After a short break in the East Midlands, I was welcomed back to the island with a boat trip around our dramatic coast. It was a truly wonderful way to view the reserve.
Setting off from Trearddur Bay on a rigid-hulled inflatable, our tour rook in the sights of the eastlerly part of the reserve (the range), the main seabird colony at South Stack and along the gigantic cliffs to North Stack. On the rocks surrounding Trearddur Bay we saw numerous Cormorants with young, stretching out their wings in that characteristic way. We were serenaded with one of my favourite calls as Oystercatchers flew back and forth.
From this watery perspective we could observe the amazing striations that make up our dramatic coastline and our skipper, Digs, was on hand to tell us about the geology and history of the area, including wrecks that are of such pivotal importance to this area's past.
We saw Ravens and Chough as we progressed round to South Stack as well as winessing the climbers attempting Castle Helen below Ellins Tower. As we entered the Mousetrap Zawn, we were greeted by a Puffin dabbling on the water as well as the glorious sight of Razorbills and Guillemots flying overhead. Seeing the colony on a daily basis from above, it was truly fantastic to have this Seals-eye view.
Talking of Seals, we saw two large male Grey Seals basking out on a rock near to North Stack and it's hidden caves. There was also an inquisitive female that popped up to say hello.
Maritime fun was not the end of yesterday's activities, after closing time Mark, John and Ken led a guided 'summer evening stroll' which proved a big success :) One of the participants - Caroline and her daughter Emily , who are new to the island, said " it's the best walk that they have been on in ages and can't wait to revisit the reserve and see all the wonderful wildlife again". The tour took in Chough, Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots, Gannets, Ravens, Stonechats, Linnets, Whitethroat and even a basking Common Lizard! After the walk it was back to the Visitor Centre for Leek and Potato soup which I've been told needs special aclaim...so thank you to Rhiann for making such yummy soup for everybody!
See you later Alligators x