Bardsey's Wildlife

2026-05-23T09:58:00.000+01:00

A light southerly wind at F4 held throughout the day, with a sea state of two and poor visibility. Mist turned to light drizzle during the morning but completely burned off by midday. The temperature reached 13 °C.

The team with some freshly made "flags" © Steven Stansfield

Joel took Cameron and Saffron around the East Side and made great progress counting the burrows in a dense square on the North face, surpassing 600 burrows in a 100m square. Using flag they also marked out squares for the rest of the week.

Two Humming‑bird Hawk‑moths were recorded with one each at Cristin and the East Side.

Hummingbird Hawkmoth enjoying a some Rosemary nectar © Joel Tragen

Two Shelduck were at the South End. A total of 7 Mallard were recorded with three at the Wetlands, two on the East Side, and two at the South End.

Two Sparrowhawks, a male and a female, were at Cristin and a Peregrine was seen over Cristin.

Two Purple Sandpipers were at Henllwyn and a Redshank was at Solfach. Two Whimbrel were at the Narrows and four Curlews were recorded, all fly-overs. A Sandwich Tern was seen off the South End.

Three Racing Pigeons were recorded, as usual coinciding with the bank holiday weekend.

A Swift was seen over the Mountain. A total of 47 House Martins and 16 Swallows were recorded.

A Reed Warbler was heard in the Wetlands. Other warblers across the island included: seven Sedge Warblers, two Whitethroats, 15 Chiffchaffs and three Willow Warblers. Six Spotted Flycatchers were recorded with five at Nant.

A Hooded Crow was seen around the Mountain.

Three Lesser Redpolls and a Siskin were recorded flying over. A Chaffinch was at Nant. 27 Linnets were recorded on the island.

2026-05-22T09:59:00.000+01:00

A southerly wind at F4 held throughout the day, with a sea state of two and moderate visibility. No precipitation fell, although mist and drizzle were in the air for a short period during the morning. The temperature reached 15 °C.

A total of 188 Atlantic Grey Seals were recorded around the coast of the island during the low tide seal survey.

A strong arrival of Painted Ladies with 24 across the island included 16 in the north‑west fields, along with 11 Silver Ys. A Humming‑bird Hawk‑moth was feeding on the Rosemary in Cristin garden.

A Grey Heron and the Gadwall pair were at Pwll Cain.

A Hobby was seen briefly from Cristin, eventually disappearing over the Mountain. It was later seen dropping into Nant to roost. A male Sparrowhawk was seen at Cristin, where a Peregrine was also seen over.

Hobby settling in to roost at Nant © Joel Tragen

A Dunlin and Redshank were at Solfach. Five Whimbrel and a Curlew were recorded around the coastline.

Seven Swifts were recorded across the island and plenty of hirundine were recorded too, with a total of 81 Swallows and 91 House Martins. A Tree Pipit was again at Nant.

A Reed Warbler was singing at Cristin. Other warbler recorded included: five Sedge Warblers, nine Whitethroats, 15 Chiffchaffs and a Willow Warbler.

Spotted Flycatcher © Joel Tragen

A big arrival of Spotted Flycatchers today with 32 present, included nine trapped and ringed at Nant.

Four Lesser Redpolls were recorded with two each at Cristin and the Withies. Three Chaffinches were in the Plantation at Nant. Other finches across the island included: eight Goldfinches and 16 Linnets.

2026-05-21T10:42:00.000+01:00

A southerly wind at F5 held throughout the day, with a sea state of three and poor visibility. Showers persisted through most of the morning, and the temperature reached 15 °C..

A Humming‑bird Hawk‑moth was seen in the North-West Fields. Along with a small handful of butterflies.

Three Shelducks were recorded with one each at Henllwyn, Solfach, and the South End. A total of 7 Mallards were recorded and the Gadwall pair were at Pwll Cain.

Male Shelduck © Joel Tragen

A Sparrowhawk was at Cristin and a Peregrine was at the North End.

One each of Ringed Plover, Redshank and Turnstone were heard from Cristin. Six Whimbrels were recorded around the coast.

Three Swifts were at the South End. A total of 28 Swallows and 13 House Martins were recorded. A Tree Pipit dropped into Nant plantation.

Again a Mistle Thrush was seen at Nant, this time disappearing North around the East of the Mountain.

A Reed Warbler and five Sedge Warblers were recorded, along with two Whitethroats and five Chiffchaffs. Nine Spotted Flycatchers were present with seven at Nant.

A female Chaffinch was at Nant and a Goldfinch was at Cristin. Nine Linnets were present across the island.

2026-05-20T08:38:00.000+01:00

A south‑westerly wind at F6 held throughout the day, with a sea state of five and moderate visibility. Temperature reached 14 °C.

A Grey Heron was at the Wetlands and the Gadwall pair were at Pwll Cain. Two each of Sparrowhawks and Peregrines were recorded, with both of the latter being females over Cristin.

Three Sanderlings dropped onto the rocks at Henllwyn, whilst three Turnstones were at the South End along with a Whimbrel was at the South End..

One Sand Martin was seen over the Wetlands and three House Martins were recorded elsewhere. A total of 40 Swallows were recorded across the island. There were two White Wagtails recorded with one each at Henllwyn and Solfach.

Two Sedge Warblers, four Whitethroats, four Chiffchaffs and one Willow Warbler were the warblers recorded today. Ten Spotted Flycatchers were recorded with seven at Nant.

Spotted Flycatcher "fresh-in" at Treath Ffynnon © Joel Tragen

A female Chaffinch was at Nant and a Goldfinch was at Cristin. 17 Linnets were recorded.

2026-05-19T22:49:00.000+01:00

A southerly wind at F6 held throughout the day, with a sea state of four and moderate visibility. Some light showers passed through, and the temperature reached 13 °C.

The Gadwall pair were at Pwll Gareth again and the male Sparrowhawk was at Cristin.

Wader passage has really slowed down with only three each of Turnstones and Whimbrels recorded today.

Woodpigeon sat on the migration bench © Joel Tragen

A Swift flew through the South End early morning. Small numbers of hirundines were present with only nine House Martins and 15 Swallows recorded. Along with the Turnstones on Solfach, a White Wagtail was feeding in the strandline.

Three Whitethroats, one Sedge Warbler, two Willow Warblers and six Chiffchaffs were recorded.

Goldfinch © Joel Tragen

A female Chaffinch was seen at Nant before it flew over to the pines at Tŷ Nessaf. Other finches included two Goldfinches and 36 Linnets were recorded, a Siskin also flew over.

2026-05-18T20:28:00.000+01:00

A southerly wind at F3 held throughout the day, with a sea state of two and good visibility. Light rain began at 16:00 and became heavier as the afternoon progressed. The temperature reached 13 °C.

With the wind dying down, Joel took Saffron and Cameron around the East Side to start the Manx Shearwater Census. This year, we aim to census the whole of the East side with the help of our volunteers. The square took the team down to the colonies, allowing for some ring reading of the gulls and Razorbills.

Razorbill amongst the Thrift © Saffron Forester

A Grey Heron was at Pwll Gareth. The Gadwall pair were on the twin pond.

The male Sparrowhawk was at Cristin whilst a female Peregrine was seen above.

A Turnstone was at Solfach and seven Whimbrel were recorded.

A Swift flew through the South End. Two Sand Martins were over the Wetlands. A total of 69 Swallows and 12 House Martins were recorded.

Sedge Warbler retrapped at Cristin © Joel Tragen

A Hooded Crow and Jackdaw flew over Cristin accompanied by a Carrion Crow. Five Ravens were on the Mountain, a pair and their three freshly fledged young.

Six each of Siskins and Lesser Redpolls were noted, mostly fly-overs. Other finches recorded were four Chaffinches, 15 Goldfinches and 15 Linnets.

2026-05-17T22:02:00.000+01:00

A south‑westerly wind at F6 held throughout much of the day, with a sea state of three and moderate visibility. Showers passed through during the afternoon, and the temperature reached 13 °C.

The Gadwall pair were at Pwll Gareth and a Water Rail was in the Tŷ Pellaf reedbed.

The male Sparrowhawk was seen at Cristin. Two Peregrines were recorded with a female hunting Oystercatchers in Henllwyn.

A Ringed Plover and two Sanderlings were at Solfach. A Turnstone was at Henllwyn and nine Whimbrels were recorded across the island.

Cuckoo sat in Oak eating hairy caterpillars © Joel Tragen

Five House Martins and a total of 59 Swallows were recorded. A male Cuckoo was at Nant and a Mistle Thrush flew from Nant to the pines Tŷ Nessaf.

Mistle Thrush disappearing away towards Tŷ Nessaf © Joel Tragen

A Garden Warbler was at Cristin. Other warblers seen were: eight Sedge Warblers, five Whitethroats, 12 Chiffchaffs and two Willow Warblers.

Three Siskins and five Lesser Redpolls were recorded, mainly fly-overs. Two Chaffinches, 13 Goldfinches and 32 Linnets were present.

2026-05-16T08:53:00.000+01:00

A south‑westerly wind at F4 held throughout the day, with a sea state of three and good visibility. Light rain fell very sparsely throughout the day, and the temperature reached 11 °C.

Today we said goodbye to Harry who has been a great help over the past week and a half but welcomed Saffron and Cameron, who've come to volunteer for the next two weeks. They'll mainly be focused on aiding Joel with the Manx Shearwater Census on the East Side when the weather allows.

Two Sparrowhawks, a male and a female, were at Cristin, possibly the pair.

Two Turnstones, nine Whimbrel and a Curlew were the only waders present today.

Five Sand Martins were seen drinking at Pwll Gareth. A total of 33 Swallows and 65 House Martins, including 50 House Martins feeding low over Henllwyn.

The first Spotted Flycatcher to be ringed this year © Joel Tragen

Eight Sedge Warblers were recorded, with four ringed at Cristin. Two Whitethroats were in the Wetlands and 12 Chiffchaffs were recorded. Five Spotted Flycatchers were recorded, with one ringed at Cristin.

A female Chaffinch was at Nant and five Lesser Redpolls were recorded flying over. A total of 23 Linnets were present across the island.

Female Chaffinch chewing on Sallow bud © Joel Tragen

2026-05-15T17:55:00.000+01:00

A north‑westerly wind at force four held throughout the day, with a sea state of four and good visibility. The temperature reached 12 °C.

A total of 183 Atlantic Grey Seals were recorded with 158 in Henllwyn alone. A Large White, two Common Blues, seven Small Coppers, eight Red Admirals and ten Painted Ladies were recorded. A Green Tiger Beetle was seen in Traeth Ffynnon.

A Grey Heron was at Henllwyn. The Canada Geese pair were again in the North End gull colony. The drake Gadwall was at Pwll Gareth.

Buzzard getting "seen off" by Raven © Joel Tragen

A Buzzard was seen over the Mountain The male Sparrowhawk was at Cristin and two Peregrines were recorded.

A Ringed Plover and two Turnstones were at the South End. Seven Whimbrels and a Curlew were recorded. Nine Common Terns moved west past the South End.

A Swift was recorded over the Mountain and a Sand Martin was seen over at Pwll Gareth. A total of 93 Swallows and 22 House Martins were recorded across the island.

Three each of Sedge Warblers, Whitethroats and Blackcaps were recorded along with seven Chiffchaffs. Six Spotted Flycatchers were recorded with four at Nant.

Two Lesser Redpolls were recorded flying over. Ten Goldfinches and 23 Linnets were recorded.

2026-05-14T17:22:00.000+01:00

A northerly wind at F6 held throughout the day, with a sea state of five and moderate visibility. Some showers passed through during the morning, and the temperature was 11°C

The highlights from a morning seawatch were: two Arctic Skuas with one past each of the seawatching hides. A Great Skua, a Black Guillemot and three Red‑throated Divers moving past the South End. Also of note passing on the sea were 4 015 Manx Shearwaters, 18 Arctic Terns, two Sandwich Terns, 159 Kittiwakes, 79 Gannets and 43 Fulmars.

Six Common Scoters were moved along the West Coast. The pair of Gadwall were seen on the School House pond.

The immature female Peregrine was again at the north‑west hide.

A Purple Sandpiper, a Sanderling, three Dunlins and 7 Ringed Plovers were at the South End. Relatively big numbers of Turnstones were recorded with 55 present across the island including a flock of 34 at the South End and other individuals seen arriving from out to sea. A total of 11 Whimbrels were recorded and a Curlew was at the South End.

Dunlin © Joel Tragen

A Collared Dove moved from the Narrows to the Wetlands and finally to Cristin.

A Sand Martin arrived in off the sea at the South End. Other hirundines included 35 Swallows and 46 House Martins, including a mixed flock 50 moving past the South End over the sea.

Warbler numbers were very low with only two Sedge Warblers and three Chiffchaffs recorded.

A Hooded Crow was seen around the Lighthouse complex.

A Goldfinch was at the Narrows and seven Linnets were recorded.

2026-05-13T14:55:00.000+01:00

A north‑westerly wind at F6 held throughout the day, with a sea state of five and good visibility. Very light rain fell in brief showers, and the temperature reached 13 °C.

The highlights from a morning seawatch was: a Little Tern and two Common Terns moving west past the South End, and three Common Scoters moved east. Also of note passing on the sea were 1903 Manx Shearwaters, 268 Kittiwakes, 71 Gannets and 13 Fulmars. Later in the afternoon two Pomarine Skuas were moving north on the West Coast from Cristin.

Grey Heron flying into Pwll Cain, looking for some lunch © Joel Tragen

A Grey Heron was at Pwll Cain. Two Canada Geese were again in the North End gull colony. And finally Gadwalls were confirmed breeding with the pair and three young seen on Tŷ Pellaf pond.

A male Kestrel was seen on the Mountain. A male Sparrowhawk was at Nant and a female Peregrine was at Cristin.

Five each of Ringed Plovers and Turnstones were recorded, along with two Dunlins. A total of six Whimbrels were present.

Three Swifts flew through in the early evening with two over the South End and one over the Mountain behind Cristin at the same time. A total of 20 Swallows and two House Martins were recorded.

Spotted Flycatcher sat atop an Elder © Joel Tragen

The only warblers recorded today were three Sedge Warblers and eight Chiffchaffs. A Spotted Flycatcher was at Nant.

A total of 10 Linnets were recorded with one at Cristin and nine at the Lime Kiln.

2026-05-12T23:31:00.000+01:00

A westerly wind at F4 held throughout the day, with a sea state of three and good visibility. Light mizzle drifted through during the early morning, and the temperature reached 14 °C.

Ezra, Joel and Harry headed around the East Side to begin the Herring Gull colony counts, successfully locating and counting all the current nests in the four North colonies.

It was a good day for butterflies with good numbers of Green-veined Whites, Small Coppers, Red Admirals and Painted Ladies. There was also singles of Large White, Common Blue and Small Tortoiseshell. Also the first Wall butterfly for the year was seen on the Mountain.

The two Canada Geese were again in the North End gull colony.

Two Sparrowhawks with the male at Cristin and a female at Nant. Three Peregrines were recorded with the pair on the East Side and the immature female getting heavily mobbed by the resident male.

Waders were mainly distributed between the beaches and the South End. Waders numbers were made up of: 11 Ringed Plovers, two Dunlins, a Curlew, three Turnstones and nine Whimbrels.

A Swift was seen over the Mountain with a small party of hirundine. A Sand Martin was in the Lowlands. A total of 82 Swallows and nine House Martins were recorded across the island.

Male Stonechat © Joel Tragen

Chiffchaff hiding in the branches of an Apple © Joel Tragen

Three Sedge Warblers and 11 Chiffchaffs were recorded across the island. A Whitethroat was in the Wetlands and a Blackcap was at Cristin.

A Lesser Redpoll was recorded at Tŷ Pellaf and two Goldfinches were at Nant. A total of 37 Linnets were present.

2026-05-11T15:32:00.000+01:00

A northerly wind at F5 held throughout the day, with a sea state of three and moderate visibility. Showers passed through during the morning, and the temperature reached 11 °C.

A Risso’s Dolphin was off the West Coast early morning. A total of 130 Atlantic Grey Seals were across the island.

The pair of Canada Geese were again in the North End gull colony. The drake Gadwall was briefly seen at Pwll Gareth. An adult Peregrine was seen at the South End.

A Sanderling was feeding in Solfach with two Dunlins, six Turnstones and a Ringed Plover. Wader totals from the whole island included four Dunlins, 15 Ringed Plovers, 15 Whimbrel and 30 Turnstones, including a flock of 20 on the South End.

Summer-plumage Sanderling © Joel Tragen

Turnstone, part of a posse of summer-plumage waders due for the Arctic © Joel Tragen

A Black‑headed Gull and two 2cy Common Gulls were seen feeding in Kittiwake flocks off the coast.

A Racing Pigeon and a Collared Dove were present.

A total of 42 Swallows and ten House Martins were recorded. A Tree Pipit was at Solfach.

One of the many, many Wrens on the island © Joel Tragen

Ten Sedge Warblers, two Whitethroats, 17 Chiffchaffs and a Willow Warbler were present across the island. A Spotted Flycatcher was spotted by Harry during the guided walk whilst passing Tŷ Pellaf.

A Chaffinch and a Goldfinch flew over in the morning. There were also 13 Linnets recorded.

2026-05-10T12:38:00.000+01:00

A northerly wind at F5 held throughout the day, with a sea state of four and good visibility. No precipitation was recorded, and the temperature reached 12 °C. The well height was one metre.

Late morning a Crane was seen heading North over Nant before U-turning, circling around the island and departing north‑east over Pen Cristin, allowing all the staff and several guests to connect with it. This is only the 3rd record for the island with two in 2023 and one in 1995.

Crane heading low (ish) as it headed North © Joel Tragen

The pair of Canada Geese were again at Pwll Cain and the drake Gadwall was present.

The pair of Sparrowhawks were seen at Cristin and the near-adult female Peregrine was still present at the North End.

Fourteen Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin were on the South End. A total of 13 Whimbrels were recorded with nine at the South End and four at Henllwyn.

Three Arctic Skuas moved in a loose flock were seen from the South End, heading north along the East Side. Two Rock Doves were recorded with one in the gift shop at Cristin.

Two Sand Martins were moving south in the Lowlands. A total of 16 House Martins and 58 Swallows were recorded. Three Tree Pipits flew over.

Sedge Warbler creeping around the Damsons at Cristin © Joel Tragen

A Garden Warbler was seen bombing it from Tŷ Capel to Tŷ Nessaf. Other warblers included 18 Sedge Warblers, six Whitethroats, a male Blackcap, 30 Chiffchaffs and three Willow Warblers.

Three Spotted Flycatchers were recorded with two feeding from the pines at Tŷ Nessaf.

A Lesser Redpoll was sat in the Sycamore at Cristin in the evening. Other finches included three Goldfinches and 29 Linnets.

2026-05-09T19:02:00.000+01:00

A north‑westerly wind at F6 dominated the day, with a sea state of four and good visibility. The temperature reached 12 °C.

The Grey Heron was at Pwll Gareth and the two Canada Geese were in the Wetlands. The drake Gadwall was in the Wetlands.

A Snipe flew north over the South End early in the morning. Two Dunlins were in Henllwyn and eight Whimbrels were recorded.

The Racing Pigeon settled on the Capel © Joel Tragen

A female Cuckoo flew from Plas Withy and was later seen sat above Cristin. A Racing Pigeon was at Nant and a Collared Dove was at Tŷ Pellaf.

Three Sand Martins, 21 House Martins and 88 Swallows were recorded, with a mixture of breeding birds and birds passing straight through. Two Tree Pipits were noted.

Six Spotted Flycatchers were present across the island. 20 Sedge Warblers, four Whitethroats, two Willow Warblers and 22 Chiffchaffs were recorded.

Spotted Flycatcher sat in the Sycamore © Joel Tragen

A Hooded Crow was seen flying east over the sound from the arriving guests as they crossed in Benlli III.

Five Lesser Redpolls and three Siskins flew over. A Chaffinch, four Goldfinches and 36 Linnets were also present.

2026-05-08T09:50:00.003+01:00

An easterly wind at F2 held through the morning, with a sea state of one and good visibility. Very light rain fell until 07:15, after which conditions remained dry. The temperature reached 14 °C.

Despite being a full moon, the late moon-rise allowed Steve to lead a Guided Manx Shearwater walk, the attendees got to see a good numbers of birds with plenty coming in.

A total of 185 Grey Seals were counted during the low tide Atlantic Grey Seal Survey.

The Grey Heron was seen again at Pwll Gareth and the two Canada Geese were again at Pwll Cain.

Two Sparrowhawks were seen and a female Peregrine was over the Mountain.

Two Turnstones and a Dunlin were at Solfach. A total of 25 Whimbrel were recorded and a Curlew was inHenllwyn.

Four each of Sand Martins and House Martins were recorded along with a total of 29 Swallows.

Willow Warbler with an extralimital wing length of 73 © Steven Stansfield

A Garden Warbler was at Cristin. Two Whitethroats and nine Sedge Warblers were recorded with two Sedge Warblers and a Whitethroat ringed at Cristin. Two Blackcaps, four Willow Warblers, a Goldcrest and 30 Chiffchaffs were recorded, with five Chiffchaffs ringed, another retrapped. Two Willow Warblers were ringed, including a large individual with a wing of 73.

48 Lesser Redpolls were recorded over including a flock of 11. Three Siskin were also recorded. Other finches included two Chaffinches, five Goldfinches and 22 Linnets.

2026-05-07T17:56:00.008+01:00

A southerly wind at force three held throughout the day, with a sea state of one and very good visibility. No precipitation was recorded, and the temperature reached 13 °C.

Two Harbour Porpoises were off the South End, along with 14 Common Dolphins. A group of 35 Bottle‑nosed Dolphins was off the West Coast.

A Great Northern Diver flew west past the South End and five Common Scoters flew east of the South End.

The male Sparrowhawk was at Cristin and even seen carrying prey from as far as the South End. An immature female Peregrine was again hanging around the North End hide.

A Bar‑tailed Godwit was at Solfach and a Dunlin was on the South End. A total of 24 Whimbrels were recorded across the island along with a Curlew in Henllwyn.

A Collared Dove sang in the Withies before moving to Cristin.

A stunning male Yellow Wagtail was at the South End, moving to the Narrows. A Sand Martin was in the Lowlands and five House Martins were recorded across the island along with a total of 41 Swallows.

Reed Warbler © Harry Black

A Reed Warbler was trapped and ringed at Cristin. A small arrival of warblers, with 11 Sedge Warblers, two Whitethroats, one Blackcap, one Willow Warbler and 38 Chiffchaffs recorded across the island.

One each of Siskin and Lesser Redpoll flew over. Two female Chaffinches were at Tŷ Nessaf. Three Goldfinches and ten Linnets were recorded across the island.

2026-05-06T17:17:00.021+01:00

A westerly wind at force two persisted through the day, with a sea state of two and good visibility. No precipitation was recorded, and the temperature reached 13 °C.

Today we welcomed Harry, who has come to volunteer for the next ten days. This is Harry’s 3rd visit back to volunteers, following his first visit during a Bangor University Birdwatching Society Student week in 2025.

Gareth very kindly took the team around the East side on his boat so the first seabird survey of the year could be conducted, with the main focus being on nesting Shags. During the survey 99 Shags nests were located, along with 400 Kittiwakes, 50 Lesser Black‑backed Gulls, 150 Herring Gulls and nine Great Black‑backed Gulls. Auks also back in some numbers with at least 400 Guillemots, 600 Razorbills and 50 Puffins.

Most kittiwakes were adults, but this striking first-summer bird
was one of a few of that age seen © Steven Stansfield

Puffin © Steven Stansfield

Guillemots © Steven Stansfield

Cormorant © Steven Stansfield

Cormorant above and Shag below © Steven Stansfield

This Shag (BATC) was ringed in June 2021 as a chick on the east side. © Steven Stansfield

During the seabird survey the two Canada Geese were relocated happily feeding away within the North End gull colony. The drake Gadwall was seen in the Wetlands.

Canada Geese © Steven Stansfield

A Buzzard was seen over Cristin, the male Sparrowhawk was also present and the male Peregrine was seen on the mountain above Cristin.

A Sanderling was at Solfach along with a Bar-tailed Godwit. A Dunlin was heard between the South End and Henllwyn. Ten Whimbrel were recorded and a Curlew was heard from Cristin.

A total of 126 Swallows were recorded, other hirundines included two Sand Martins and 23 House Martins.

A Garden Warbler was ringed at Cristin. Other warblers included four Sedge Warblers, two Whitethroats, nine Chiffchaffs and one Willow Warbler was at the Wetlands.

A Lesser Redpoll flew over the South End, a Chaffinch and two Goldfinches were at Cristin. A total of 18 Linnets were recorded.

2026-05-05T23:23:00.020+01:00

A northerly wind at force four held throughout the day, with a sea state of three and very good visibility. The temperature reached 10 °C.

The team returned to the North Hide to fix the door and provide extra strapping and support to the structure.

The two Canada Geese remained on Pwll Cain and the Grey Heron was at Pwll Gareth. The male Sparrowhawk remained at the Observatory.

A Dunlin was at Henllwyn and there were 12 Whimbrels spread around the coast. Two Sandwich Terns were also seen in Henllwyn.

A Sand Martin and four House Martins were present. A total of 23 Swallows were logged across the island. A White Wagtail was at Solfach along with the resident three Pied Wagtails pairs in the usual locations.

Five Sedge Warblers and two Whitethroats were present. Other warbler included a Blackcap, three Willow Warblers and 15 Chiffchaffs.

Ezra located a Tree Sparrow at Tŷ Pellaf but it quickly moved on. A Lesser Redpoll was heard flying over Crisitin and Linnets numbered 34.

2026-05-04T22:58:00.011+01:00

A northerly wind at force four persisted through the day. The sea state was three. Visibility was good. The temperature reached 12 °C.

The team spent the afternoon starting to piece together the puzzle-pieces of the North hide, successfully managing to secure all the salvageable pieces back together.

The team begins work!

All the bits (almost) fixed back together

Thanks to all who donated to help get the hide repaired. We raised a good amount and almost all of it has now been spent on bolts, screws, hinges and the new Onduline roof that will be delivered soon.

During the Low Tide Seal Survey, 168 Grey Seals were recorded.

Two Canada Geese circled the island before landing and settling on Pwll Cain for the remainder of the day. The Grey Heron remained on Pwll Gareth.

The male Sparrowhawk was around Cristin and an immature female Peregrine was seen around the North End.

Two Sand Martins and five House Martins were recorded, along with 49 Swallows.

A very vocal Lesser Whitethroat spent the morning singing in Cristin Garden. Other warblers included a Whitethroat (which was trapped and ringed), two Sedge Warblers, three Willow Warblers and 23 Chiffchaffs (20 of these were trapped at Cristin, 13 were new and seven recaptures).

A Jackdaw moved north at Nant.

Four Siskins were seen, with a nice male dropping into Nant. Ten Lesser Redpolls were recorded moving over, with a British Control being trapped at Cristin. A Chaffinch was present at Cristin. Two Reed Buntings were recorded with one at the Wetlands and one at Cristin.

Overnight a nice showing of the aurora borealis took place with the northern sky turning shades of pink and purple.

2026-05-03T21:12:00.007+01:00

A northerly wind at F3 persisted through the day. The sea state was three. Visibility was moderate. The temperature reached 13 °C.

23 Green‑veined Whites, a Small Copper, three Painted Ladies and three Peacocks made up the butterflies for the day. A Silver-Y Moth and Diamond‑back Moth were also seen.

The pair of Shovelers were seen again, originally sat in Henllwyn but then circled the island, dropping onto Pwll Gareth for the rest of the day. The drake Gadwall was on the West Coast for a change.

Still only 34 previous records of these dapper ducks for Bardsey

A male Kestrel was seen hunting over the mountain and the male Sparrowhawk remained around Cristin.

Four Bar‑tailed Godwits and six Turnstones were at Solfach. Six Dunlins were recorded across the island along with 13 Whimbrel and a Curlew.

Four Sand Martins, 12 House Martins and 85 Swallows were recorded moving through the island.

Two Garden Warblers were recorded with one trapped and ringed at Cristin. Ten Sedge Warblers were recorded with two trapped and ringed at Cristin. A Whitethroat was also at Cristin. Four Blackcaps, 11 Chiffchaffs and three Willow Warblers made up the other warblers present.

One Spotted Flycatcher was at Nant.

Nine Lesser Redpolls and three Siskins flew over. Other finches included a Goldfinch and 13 Linnets. Two Reed Buntings were also recorded.

2026-05-02T13:22:00.010+01:00

A south‑easterly wind at force three persisted through the day. The sea state was two. Visibility was moderate. Light rain began at 18:00 and continued through the night. The temperature reached 13 °C.

A pair of Shovelers were on the tip of the South End early morning before quickly departing and flying past Henllwyn and along the East Side. 12 Shelducks were recorded along with seven Mallards were recorded with four at the North‑west Fields and three males at Henllwyn.

Two Sparrowhawks and a Peregrine were recorded.

Two Bar‑tailed Godwits, three Ringed Plovers and seven Dunlins were present. An impressive day for Whimbresl with 40 across the island along with a single Curlew.

A Swift was heard screaming over Cristin, another or the same individual was seen later above the Mountain with a large flock of hirundine. Big numbers of Swallows today with 183 recorded across the island along with six Sand Martins and 17 House Martins.

Four Sedge Warblers, two each of Whitethroats and Blackcaps, 21 Chiffchaffs and six Willow Warblers made up the warblers present on the island today.

Three Tree Pipits flew over today. Two Spotted Flycatchers were at Nant and a Jackdaw was around Cristin.

Six Siskins and 16 Lesser Redpolls moved over with two of the Lesser Redpoll dropping into Cristin and ended up being ringed. 21 Goldfinches were also recorded along with a Reed Bunting was at the Wetlands.

2026-05-01T13:10:00.000+01:00

A south‑westerly wind at F4 persisted through the day. The sea state was three. Visibility was good. A very brief period of light rain occurred in the morning. The temperature reached 12 °C.

Six Green‑veined Whites, a Red Admiral and two Peacocks were seen today.

The Grey Heron was at Pwll Gareth. Six Shelduck were recorded along with nine Mallard. The drake Gadwall remained on Pwll Cain.

Two Sparrowhawks were recorded with a female at Nant and a male at Cristin.

One Dunlin was at Henllwyn whilst 18 Whimbrels were recorded across the island.

24 Swallows and two House Martins were on the wing, with the pair of House Martins exploring the lighthouse complex. Three Tree Pipits were recorded with two in the new plantation at Nant in the evening.

Five Sedge Warblers and a Whitethroat with the latter being trapped and ringed. A Blackcap, 17 Chiffchaffs and seven Willow Warblers were recorded.

A Jackdaw seen on top of the ringing hut at Cristin before flying South.

Two Lesser Redpolls flew over Cristin and 11 Linnets were present.

2026-04-30T18:29:00.019+01:00

An easterly wind at F4 persisted through the day. The sea state was two. Visibility was good. The temperature reached 18 °C.

Ezra found the first ordonata of the year, and it turned out to be a first for the island. It was a male Hairy Hawker on the mountain track between Cristin and Nant. 31 Green‑veined Whites were across the island, along with six Small Coppers, seven Red Admirals, a Speckled Wood and a Diamond‑back Moth.

Seven Shelducks and 12 Mallards were recorded with the pair of Gadwall both being seen at Pwll Cain. The male Sparrowhawk continued to linger around Cristin.

A nice count of waders down at Solfach today with two Bar‑tailed Godwits, six Ringed Plovers (seven across the island), 11 Dunlins and two Common Sandpipers.

A Purple Sandpiper was seen at the Narrows and 37 Whimbrels were recorded across the island.

A Black‑headed Gull flew north over Nant and five Kittiwakes were moving past the South End.

Two Sand Martins, 49 Swallows and nine House Martins were recorded. Three 'flava' Wagtails were briefly grounded at the South End. Other wagtails included a Pied Wagtail, two White Wagtails and two ‘alba’ Wagtails.

Three Sedge Warblers, four Blackcaps, 19 Chiffchaffs and ten Willow Warblers were recorded.

Two Siskins flew over, whilst five Goldfinches and 24 Linnets were also present.

2026-04-29T12:12:00.000+01:00

A northerly wind at F4 persisted through the day and the sea state was three. Visibility was good. The temperature reached 16 °C.

A good day for butterflies with 11 Green‑veined Whites, four Small Coppers and five Peacocks. Three Green Tiger Beetles were also seen.

During a seawatch off the South End, Ezra recorded 14 Common Scoters. The drake Gadwall was seen again at Pwll Cain.

Two Sparrowhawks were recorded with the male at Cristin and a female at Nant.

A Lapwing was seen on the rocks at Henllwyn whilst over at Solfach two Bar‑tailed Godwits and a Ringed Plover were present. Eight Whimbrel.

The first Common Terns of the year were seen during Ezra’s eawatch with passing the South End heading north-east, good Kittiwake passage was recorded with 516 also moving in the same direction as the terns.

A Black Guillemot was found by Ezra in the bay at Traeth Ffynnon, staying long enough for all the Observatory staff to connect.

One Sand Martin, 39 Swallows and eight House Martins were recorded on the island. A Tree Pipit was on the Mountain.

Four Sedge Warblers, a Whitethroat, four Blackcaps, 22 Chiffchaffs and six Willow Warblers were recorded.

Three Siskins were recorded moving over, otherwise two Goldfinches and ten Linnets, were the only other finches noted.