Some observations over the last few weeks.
I had a spotted flycatcher by the house that was probably an
arrival and passing through. There was (is) another near Ty Rhos pond where they
have nested in the past. There seems to be a good number of whitethroats around
including one with a territory close to the house. They nest nearby annually and
later in the season immature birds are often in my garden. I’ve heard a
grasshopper warbler up near the cliff on several occasions so assume there is
nesting going on.
Out at sea and within the bay gannets have been active daily
often in association with the local cetaceans. One evening a few days ago there
were at least a dozen in the air close to the harbour.
Stonechats seem to have bred successfully with fledglings
about and adults alarm calling. On the harbour beach I was surprised to see
house martins collecting mud from a spot in the (empty) mooring area. One of the
locals was taking a video of the activity.
I have taken the liberty of checking the breeding ledges a
couple of times and they seem heavily populated with auks. I hope this turn in
the weather doesn’t cause problems. As I write the stiff WNW wind and big tide
will expose them. Also nice to see a fair number of fulmars with at least two
nest sites from the observing spot.