Out to the Islands

A cargo and admin trip out to Skokholm and Skomer yesterday.

Skokholm felt pretty empty on the ponds and cliffs, but still Chiffchaffs, Robins and Goldcrests in most of the bushes, and a couple of vocal Water Rails at Well Pond. A steady passage of Swallows over in the morning, a couple of flocks of Mipits in the afternoon. 2 Whimbrel near South Haven may be the regular over-wintering birds.

Anyone who has not been out to Skokholm this year is likely to be pretty amazed by the changes achieved by the volunteer work parties organised by the Friends of Skomer & Skokholm. The Cottage is now fully operational, several other rooms refurbished and available for stays next year. A major upgrade to the water system promises the possibility of running water in the rooms and kitchen (!). And three brand new Heligoland Traps (by the courtyard outer wall, in the Garden, and the largest of all by the Well Pond) mean that ringing (and, hopefully even more rarities recorded) should go up several gears from 2013-on.

On the sea, 3 Brent Geese flying South between St Ann's Head and the Islands, and a small flock of predominantly Mediterranean Gulls between the islands. Most of these (7-8) were really smart winter plumage adults, plus c.3 juveniles. Several winter plumage Guillemots around, including one feeding right inside Dale Harbour.

A quick look around the south side of Skomer Neck gave a flock of 15 Curlew and 1 Whimbrel on the rocks, and 8 Purple Sandpipers near a regular winter roost site  Just outside North Haven 2 Turnstone on the rocks.