Once loaded I went off to the campsite for an early night. I asked the next family if they wouldn't mind my pitching there. There response was " We aren't using one of our tents so if you wanted, you could save time and energy and use that one!" That meant at least a half hour earlier to bed and sleep.
Saturday: Up and breakfasted by 6.30, at the boat by 0700 and on the island by 0800. There was also a group from Whale and Dolphin Conservation who were there to see if the could photograph Risso's dolphins for identification purposes. I went straight to the Nort West corner for a short seawatch. Gannets, Manx Shearwaters, a few Kittiwakes and some of the larger gulls were very close to the shore. On my walk back for picnic at Cristin ( the Observatory) I noted choughs and a raven. The afternoon was spent visiting the beach at Solvach.
Watching Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Turnstones in breeding plumage and this Dunlin made for a pleasant afternoon.
On my return to Cristin for the evening meal I had a quick look for Autumn Lady's Tresses without success. This view of Rock Samphire was good but I needed more searching if I wanted to locate the orchids.
Sunday: Strong breeze means North West corner. New sightings included Balearic shearwater, Whimbrel and Arctic Skua. Some of us had arranged to go to the chapel for a Sunday service and on the way from the NW corner I looked down at my feet and saw a single spike of Autumn Lady's Tresses.
When we arrived at Chapel, the chaplain had not managed to get to Bardsey so we ended up with several of us contributing. Best of all, prayers were conducted by Emma Hughes, a lovely little five year old. Picnic on Solvach followed the service, especially as the wind had subsided. Sandwich, Arctic and Common Terns flew past. A young family who were staying in another cottage on the island, caught some crabs and limpets whilst rock pooling.
Back to Cristin for evening meal and a good view of Risso's while waiting for the chicken to roast. It was also a good time noting lepidoptera. Painted Lady, Peacock, Meadow Brown and Small tortoiseshell seen in the garden but I was excited to spot an Orange Swift moth on the wall in the Gent's loo. The assistants working with the Observatory caught and ringed this handsome Common Whitethroat.
Monday: Misty morning at sea made sea watching impossible so some of the bird ringers amongst us went to Nant Plantation to see what they could catch. Not being a ringer, I wanted to check the moth trap so was a little later joining the group. The delay meant not only did I see more butterflies, but I was able to photograph a handsome Wood Warbler caught at Cristin and ringed by Steve Stansfield the Warden of Bardsey Observatory.
The team at Nant had a fruitful morning being able to ring Willow Warbler, Spotted Fly Catcher, Wrens and a Robin. The photos are of Spotted Flycatcher and Willow Warbler.
Lunch again was a picnic as I walked down the west coast to Solvach. Activity at sea was quiet but I still enjoyed Sandwich Terns, Rock Pipits, Meadow Pipits, Manx Shearwaters and the diving Gannets. Solvach again was busy with waders on the tide line and seals howling and snorting in the bay. There was a black- headed gull that seemed to be there all week and a Turnstone. It was exhibiting good camouflage, so see if you can spot the bird.
The first half of the week had been superb and I looked forward to the second being just as good.
