Bardsey's Wildlife

2026-11-02T16:49:00.000+00:00

An easterly breeze, calm seas and excellent visibility made for another pleasant autumn day, with temperatures reaching 13°C.

With the Observatory now closed for the season, Emma and I continued the task of washing bedding, packing equipment and shutting down the buildings ready for winter. We also welcomed a visit from Haf during the day, while Gareth and Meriel called over to collect their geese from the farm before heading home.

Bird activity was generally quieter than on previous days, although a few lingering migrants remained. A Buzzard over the Mountain provided the only raptor record, while Nant held a small concentration of late autumn migrants including two Chiffchaffs. Thrush numbers included 15 Blackbirds, 12 Redwings, ten Fieldfares, eight Robins and three Song Thrushes.

A flock of ten Long-tailed Tits around Cristin (two of which were trapped and ringed) was a notable record - the first of the year, while 80 Chaffinches remained around the Observatory. Other passerines included four Wrens, three Dunnocks, two Stonechats and two Chiffchaffs.

Long-tailed Tit © Steve Stansfield

Coastal birding was limited. A total of 15 Herring Gulls and two Great Black-backed Gulls were recorded around Solfach and the West Coast, while 12 Oystercatchers were present at the Narrows. Three Teal at Pwll Gareth provided the only wildfowl record of the day.

A count from Cristin produced 200 Grey Seals, including 120 at Solfach and 80 at Henllwyn.

Very little insect activity was recorded, although a single Painted Lady was seen around Cristin, taking advantage of the mild conditions.

Although much of the day was devoted to end-of-season jobs around the Observatory, the fine weather, visits from friends and a scattering of late autumn migrants ensured there was still plenty to enjoy around the island.

2026-11-01T22:47:00.000+00:00

An easterly breeze and excellent visibility made for a pleasant day on the island, with temperatures reaching 12°C.

With the final guests and seasonal staff having departed, only Emma and I remained at the Observatory, spending much of the day continuing the task of closing up the buildings and washing bedding. While taking down the curtains in the common room, I happened to glance out of the window and was astonished to see a Cattle Egret fly past before heading north towards Pwll Gareth. This proved to be only the fourth record for Bardsey. A walk up to Nant later in the day revealed further signs of continuing autumn migration including the Egret with the sheep at the North End.

Thrushes remained the most conspicuous migrants. A total of 66 Blackbirds, a smart male Ring Ouzel, 45 Redwings, 32 Robins, 13 Fieldfares and six Song Thrushes was recorded. Other passerines included seven Goldcrests, two Chiffchaffs, a Siberian Chiffchaff, a Blackcap and a Black Redstart at Cristin. Finches were represented by 166 Chaffinches, 12 Goldfinches, four Siskins and two Lesser Redpolls.

Nant produced several of the day's records, including both Sparrowhawk and Peregrine, together with the Siberian Chiffchaff, two Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap, seven Goldcrests and three Woodpigeons.

Along the coast, a total of 26 Mediterranean Gulls was recorded on the West Coast. Other coastal birds included 24 Oystercatchers at the Narrows, 15 Curlews at Carreg yr Honwy, two Whimbrels at the Narrows, 13 Herring Gulls at Solfach and six Black-headed Gulls on the West Coast.

Large gatherings of birds remained evident around the island. A total of 1,700 Starlings was present around the Lowlands and Narrows, while 170 Jackdaws, 42 Magpies, 37 Choughs and 23 Carrion Crows were also recorded. A total of 166 Chaffinches represented the largest passerine count of the day.

A count from Cristin produced 204 Grey Seals, including 125 at Solfach and 75 at Henllwyn. Four Grey Seal pups were also visible at Solfach.

Clear skies after dark produced some excellent views of the Milky Way and Ursa Major over the Obs.

Looking North to Polaris and Ura Major (left) and the Milky Way over the courtyard wall (right)

2026-10-31T12:07:00.000+00:00

A north-easterly wind and good visibility prevailed throughout the day, with the temperature reaching 12°C.

The final guests and seasonal staff departed during the morning, leaving just Emma and me, Gwyngaf and Georgina at Ty Pellaf and Lois and Aron at Ty Bach on the island. Emma and I began the annual task of closing up the Observatory and packing our own belongings ready for departure. Despite the quieter atmosphere around the buildings, there was still plenty to do and some wildlife interest across the island.

Bye.... See you all soon

The day produced a noticeable arrival of autumn thrushes and finches. Blackbirds numbered 40, Redwings 31, Song Thrushes 12 and Robins 16. Finches were represented by 296 Chaffinches, 24 Goldfinches, 14 Siskins, 12 Bramblings, three Lesser Redpolls and two Greenfinches. A Bullfinch at Cristin was one of the day's more notable passerine records. Six Goldcrests and two Chiffchaffs were also recorded.

Other passage migrants included a Merlin at the South End, three Woodcocks, two Whimbrels at the Narrows and a flock of 26 Skylarks at the South End. Large gatherings of birds were evident elsewhere around the island. These included 1,700 Starlings around the Wetlands and Narrows, 150 Jackdaws at the South End, 42 Magpies around Solfach and the Narrows, 40 Rooks over the Wetlands and 26 Choughs around Solfach.

Wader numbers were concentrated around Henllwyn, Solfach and the Narrows. Counts included 68 Oystercatchers, 24 Turnstones, 16 Curlews, two Redshanks and two Whimbrels. Ten Mediterranean Gulls were recorded, including nine on the West Coast, while 34 Black-headed Gulls and a Common Gull were also present.

The only raptors noted were a Merlin at the South End and a Peregrine at Cristin.

A count of 261 Grey Seals were counted, with 135 at Henllwyn and 122 at Solfach. Four Grey Seal pups were also recorded - two were new the previous day or so.

2026-10-30T02:11:00.000+00:00

Calm and pleasant conditions prevailed today with a South-Easterly wind blowing at Force 3, good visibility, and a smooth sea state of 2, with no precipitation as temperatures reached 14°C. Non-avian wildlife records produced one Palmate Newt around Cristin.
Landbird monitoring once again brought increased numbers across the island, largely comprised of 2,200 Starlings, 791 Chaffinches, 189 Woodpigeons and 121 Jackdaws. Other passerine records included 19 Stock Doves, 39 Skylarks, one Swallow, seven Chiffchaffs, one 'Siberian' Chiffchaff, one Blackcap, 11 Goldcrests, 48 Blackbirds, 20 Song Thrushes, 18 Redwings, 22 Robins, seven Stonechats, 25 Meadow Pipits, one Grey Wagtail, four Pied Wagtails, two Alba Wagtails, seven Bramblings, four Greenfinches, 17 Linnets, one Lesser Redpoll, one Crossbill, 20 Goldfinches, 41 Siskins, one Reed Bunting, 49 Magpies, 37 Choughs, and eight Rooks. 
Siberian (tristis) Chiffchaff at Nant (c) Joel Tragen

Seabird movement featured 24 Kittiwakes, 11 Razorbills, nine Gannets,  Wader passage and shorebird numbers featured 30 Oystercatchers, 32 Black-headed Gulls, 24 Mediterranean Gulls, and two Common Gulls. Wader and waterfowl counts produced eight Purple Sandpipers, six Turnstones, four Redshanks, four Curlews, three Whimbrels, two Woodcocks, two Snipes, one Ringed Plover, and one Lapwing. Other non-passerine records included three Water Rails. two Sparrowhawks and one Merlin.

2026-10-29T12:25:00.000+00:00

Today’s weather brought a South-Easterly wind blowing at Force 4, good visibility, and a smooth sea state of 3, with no precipitation as temperatures reached 13°C.

With this calmer weather came a strong movement of passerines South through the island, largely dominated by Starlings with 2,653, and Chaffinch with 1,769 recorded. Good numbers of supporting species were also observed with three Stock Doves, 156 Woodpigeons, 97 Skylarks, two Swallows, 29 Blackbirds, four Song Thrushes, 39 Redwings, one House Sparrow, 76 Meadow Pipits, 29 Rock Pipits, two Pied Wagtails, 15 Alba Wagtails, 11 Bramblings, 26 Greenfinches, 37 Linnets, one Lesser Redpoll, 41 Goldfinches, 52 Siskins, seven Reed Buntings, 56 Choughs, 190 Jackdaws, 30 Rooks and 38 Carrion Crows. Other species noted around the island included three Chiffchaffs, four Blackcaps, eight Goldcrests, 32 Robins and 45 Magpies.

Flocks of Chaffinch migrating over the Wetlands (c) Joel Tragen

Seabird and wader counts featured 38 Gannets, 33 Kittiwakes, 28 Razorbills, nine Mediterranean Gulls, 27 Curlews, five Whimbrels, 17 Turnstones, 16 Purple Sandpipers, one Ringed Plover, and one Redshank. Raptor and owl sightings featured two Peregrines, one Merlin, one Sparrowhawk, and one Long-eared Owl.

Seal monitoring around the island haul-outs recorded a total of 297 Grey Seals, alongside seven pups. Other non-avian records included three Wood Mice and two Peacock Butterflies.

2026-10-28T12:25:00.000+00:00

South-Westerly winds blowing at Force 5 were present today alongside good visibility and a sea state of 3 as temperatures reached 15°C.

Coastal and wetland bird counts produced 120 Kittiwakes, 31 Gannets, 25 Shags, 21 Razorbills, six Cormorants, and one Arctic Skua from the South End, three Whimbrels, 40 Curlews, 21 Turnstones, four Snipes, three Redshanks, one Dunlin, and one Water Rail. 

A small influx of Starling was notable today with numbers reaching 380 on the narrows. Other sightings included 13 Robins, four Blackbirds, four Song Thrushes, four Redwings, two Chiffchaffs, one Blackcap, three Goldcrests, 19 Rock Pipits, 16 Meadow Pipits, nine Chaffinches, 15 Goldfinches, 14 Linnets, one Brambling, one Redpoll, and one Reed Bunting.

2026-10-27T12:07:00.000+00:00

South-Westerly winds blowing at Force 7 continued today with good visibility, a sea state of 4, and light showers between in the afternoon as temperatures reached 13°C. Seal monitoring recorded 108 Grey Seals around the Narrows. Mammal and insect sightings produced one Wood Mouse, three Red Admirals, one Peacock, and one Diamond-back Moth.

Sunset at Nant (c) Ezra Sherwell

Seabird movement offshore included 895 Kittiwakes, 517 Razorbills, eight Guillemots, 93 Gannets, four Manx Shearwaters, two Fulmars, one Little Gull, and one Mediterranean Gull. Wildfowl and waders diversity increased slightly with 44 Curlews, one Lapwing flying over the Lowlands, one Snipe, one Woodcock, and one Water Rail. 

Passerine movement was also higher today with small movements of starling and finches including 105 Starlings, 37 Chaffinches, six Goldfinches, two Siskins, ten Linnets, one Redpoll, ten Robins, six Skylarks, nine Rock Pipits, three Meadow Pipits, four Redwings, seven Blackbirds, seven Goldcrests, three Chiffchaffs, two Blackcaps, and one Reed Bunting.

2026-10-26T12:24:00.000+00:00

A quiet day for birds with strong South-Westerly winds blowing at Force 7 dominating alongside moderate visibility, morning rain, and a sea state of 5 as temperatures reached 15°C.

Seabird, wildfowl and wader counts were generally low but featured 17 Shags, 23 Curlews, seven Redshanks, five Whimbrels, five Moorhens, four Turnstones, one Woodcock, one Water Rail, one Black-headed Gull.

Passerine numbers were also low but produced some diversity with one Yellow-browed Warbler still at Cristin, two Chiffchaffs, four Goldcrests, seven Robins, one Skylark, our Blackbirds, three Song Thrushes, three Redwings, one Brambling ringed at Cristin, two Redpolls over the Wetlands, six Goldfinches, three Chaffinches, one Linnet, one Meadow Pipit and eight Rock Pipits.

2026-10-25T11:25:00.000+00:00

Gale-force Westerly winds blowing at Force 8 dominated the day alongside a heavy sea state of 7, though visibility was good with no precipitation as temperatures reached 12°C. Grey Seal numbers around the island haul-outs tallied 133 with many of the seals taking shelter on the top of the Narrows to avoid the storm waves.

A morning seawatch produced 722 Gannets, 678 Razorbills, 11 Guillemots, 618 Kittiwakes, three Arctic Skuas, nine Manx Shearwaters, seven Fulmars, three Grey Goose species, one Great Northern Diver, one Common Scoter, two Knots and one Dunlin. Other wader sightings throughout the day included four Turnstones, four Snipes and one Bar-tailed Godwit caught in the wetlands.

Bar-tailed Godwit caught in the Wetlands (c) Steven Stansfield

Landbird counts were generally low under the high winds, with recording efforts producing two Chiffchaffs, one Goldcrest, 11 Robins, six Meadow Pipits, two Rock Pipits, six Stonechats, one Redwing, two Song Thrushes, six Blackbirds, five Skylarks, ten Linnets, two Chaffinches, one Brambling, and one Goldfinch.

2026-10-24T11:13:00.000+01:00

Stormy conditions set in today with a gale-force South-West wind blowing at Force 9, moderate visibility, and a rough sea state of 6, with rain persisting throughout much of the day as temperatures reached 15°C.

Stormy seas on the Narrows (c) Ezra Sherwell

Seabird passage offshore featured 175 Kittiwakes, 59 Gannets, 28 Manx Shearwaters, five Shags, and three Razorbills. Wader and shorebird counts across the island included 25 Turnstones, 24 Curlews, five Moorhens, four Whimbrels, four Redshanks, one Snipe, and one Woodcock at Nant. Raptor sightings featured one Sparrowhawk and one Peregrine.

One of the Redshank in Solf (c) Ezra Sherwell

Landbird migration and grounded passerines were subdued due to the weather, with records for the day featuring nine Robins, one female Blackcap, four Chiffchaffs, three Goldcrests, one Meadow Pipit, four Rock Pipits, four Chaffinches, three Blackbirds, three Redwings, and one Song Thrush.

2026-10-23T12:04:00.000+01:00

A day of stormy weather with high winds blowing at Force 8 and heavy seas at sea state 7 made birding difficult today with temperatures of 10°C (reaching feel-like temperatures as low as -7°C) and poor visibility overall. Seal monitoring produced a total of 125 Grey Seals around the island including 10 pups.

Stormy season the West Coast (c) Steven Stansfield

Wader and seabird counts included some variety with three Lapwings including two arriving in off the sea onto the Narrows in the afternoon producing some interesting movement. Other species included the first two Woodcocks of the season, one Bar-tailed Godwit, five Turnstones, two Ringed Plovers, two Whimbrels, one Curlew, one Redshank, 14 Gannets, 19 Kittiwakes, and one Razorbill.

Landbird counts were generally low, however, records for the day included one Collared Dove, four Chiffchaffs, two Blackcaps, ten Goldcrests, eight Robins, one Meadow Pipit, nine Rock Pipits, 13 Redwings, two Song Thrushes, six Blackbirds, two Starlings, one male Brambling, five Chaffinches and two Goldfinches. Raptors counts featured one Sparrowhawk and one Merlin.

2026-10-22T11:08:00.000+01:00

Today’s weather brought an Easterly wind blowing at Force 4, excellent visibility, and a sea state of 3, with rain setting in from 20:00 as temperatures reached 12°C.

Sunrise from the South End (c) Ezra Sherwell

A small influx of passerines was noted today with one Yellow-browed Warbler still at Cristin, one Brambling and two Crossbills the highlights. Other species included four Chiffchaffs, three Blackcaps, 13 Goldcrests, 14 Robins, 34 Starlings, eight Blackbirds, seven Redwings, one Song Thrush, six Skylarks, 23 Rock Pipits, 17 Meadow Pipits, three Alba Wagtails, 11 Goldfinches, seven Linnets, four Chaffinches and three Redpolls.

Sea and coastal species counts included one female Pintail, 15 Common Scoters, 14 Gannets, 60 Razorbills, and one Mediterranean Gull, 24 Curlews, 17 Turnstones, four Snipes, three Redshanks, one Purple Sandpiper, one Bar-tailed Godwit, and one Whimbrel. One Water Rail was also heard down in the wetlands and a single Merlin was seen on the South End.

2026-10-21T11:06:00.000+01:00

Poor weather lead to a quiet day for birds with conditions bringing brought persistent rain throughout the morning accompanied by a strong Westerly wind blowing at Force 6, mostly poor visibility, and a choppy sea state of 5 as temperatures reached 11°C.

Some seabird movement was recorded with 96 Gannets, 51 Kittiwakes, 28 Shags, 150 Razorbills, 16 Guillemots, 12 Cormorants, six Manx Shearwaters, one Fulmar, three Mediterranean Gulls, three Common Gulls, and one dark Arctic Skua. Wildfowl wader counts across the coastal and wetland habitats included three Teals, one Water Rail, 42 Curlews, three Whimbrels, 14 Turnstones, two Redshanks, one Ringed Plover, one Grey Plover, one Lapwing, one Purple Sandpiper, and one Snipe.

Landbird counts were also very quiet with 58 Starlings, 17 Goldfinches, nine Chaffinches, six Siskins, five Redpolls, five Linnets, one Song Thrush, one Redwing, seven Blackbirds, six Jackdaws, one Rook, two Meadow Pipit, five Rock Pipits, two Chiffchaffs, three Goldcrests, two Robins, and one Stonechat.

Meadow Pipit (c) Ezra Sherwell

2026-10-20T14:58:00.000+01:00

Light south-easterly force 3 winds made for a pleasant day, with very good visibility, a sea state of 2 and no rain. Temperatures reached 12°C.

The day's highlight came in the form of a returning Hen Harrier which was mobile around the island, before being chased off by a male Peregrine over the mountain. Two Merlin were also present, an immature bird at the South End and an adult male at Pen Cristin, while three Sparrowhawk were seen.

There was a good selection of migrants around the island. A Yellow-browed Warbler was re-trapped at the Observatory, while a Siberian Chiffchaff was at Nant. Eight Chiffchaff, two Blackcap and 13 Goldcrest were also logged. Thrush numbers included 61 Redwing, 36 Blackbird and five Song Thrush, while finch passage comprised 88 Goldfinch, 67 Chaffinch, 54 Linnet, four Greenfinch, two Brambling and a Lesser Redpoll.

Other landbirds included 78 Meadow Pipit, 63 Skylark and 11 alba Wagtail, while three Reed Bunting were at the South End. 65 Starling, a single House Sparrow, one Great Spotted Woodpecker at Nant, and 311 Jackdaw were also present.

At sea, a Red-throated Diver and two Manx Shearwater passed the West Coast, along with 17 Gannet, 28 Shag, 21 Razorbill, six Mediterranean Gull, five Kittiwake and four Common Gull recorded.

In terms of wildfowl, two Whooper Swan passed the West Coast, two Wigeon, 20 Mallard and eight Common Scoter and four Teal were also recorded. Waders comprised 26 Turnstone, 20 Curlew, four Redshank, two Whimbrel and two Snipe.

As the Grey Seal pupping season nears the end, it has been a record breaking year for Bardsey, with 87 pups born so far.

Grey Seal Pup (C) Elliott Haywood

2026-10-19T14:47:00.000+01:00

An Easterly wind was blowing at Force 4 over the island today; with very good visibility, a sea state of 3, and temperatures reaching 13°C the accompianing conditions. Marine mammal and seal monitoring recorded a total of 185 Grey Seals alongside 13 pups, as well as one Risso's Dolphin off the South End.

Sunset over the West Coast (c) Steven Stansfield

Around dusk, a Tawny Owl was heard in the wetlands, remarkably, this was the first confirmed record for the island since 1961. This record follows on from several unconfirmed reports from the previous few weeks of this species from the wetlands and withies. It was also thought that one had been heard during October 2025 although this was never confirmed. During the day large numbers of Corvids were once again moving through the island with an estimated 750 Jackdaws, 53 Carrion Crows, two Rooks, two Ravens and 47 Magpies observed. Other passage passerine counts included 107 Chaffinches, 15 Goldfinches, one Brambling in off the sea over the South End, eight Siskins, five Greenfinches, three Linnets, one Blackcap, one Yellow-browed Warbler still at Cristin, nine Chiffchaffs, eight Goldcrests, 89 Redwings, two Fieldfares, 47 Blackbirds, eight Song Thrushes, 39 Starlings, 47 Robins, three Skylarks, 28 Meadow Pipits, 21 Rock Pipits, three Grey Wagtails, one Pied Wagtail, two White Wagtails, 15 Alba Wagtails, three Woodpigeons, one Great Spotted Woodpecker, one Blue Tit on Pen Cristin, and one Reed Bunting.

Yellow-browed Warbler retrapped at Cristin again (c) Steven Stansfield

Offshore counts produced 51 Common Scoters, four Teals, one Eider, 34 Shags, 27 Manx Shearwaters, 22 Gannets, one Red-throated Diver, one Fulmar, 80 Kittiwakes, 64 Razorbills, 26 Common Gulls, 16 Mediterranean Gulls, and 12 Black-headed Gulls. Wader and waterfowl counts on the island included 26 Curlews, two Whimbrels, 15 Turnstones, five Redshanks, two Purple Sandpipers, one Snipe, and one Water Rail. Raptors overhead featured two Merlins, one Sparrowhawk, and one Peregrine.

2026-10-18T13:22:00.000+01:00

Conditions were calm today with a Force 3 North-East breeze, excellent visibility, and a smooth sea state of two, with temperatures reaching 11°C. Marine mammal and seal monitoring recorded 125 Grey Seals with five pups, and one Risso's Dolphin off the west coast.

A steady stream of passerine passage was notable today, starting from first light with some thrush movement and continuing well into the afternoon. The bulk of the numbers came from corvid arrivals with 500 Jackdaws, 58 Carrion Crows, 24 Choughs, 19 Rooks, six Ravens, and 57 Magpies, with thrush passage a close second with 333 Redwings, 43 Fieldfares, 14 Blackbirds and three Song Thrushes. Other passage counts included 132 Chaffinches, 16 Bramblings, 36 Greenfinches, 21 Siskins, 18 Redpolls, nine Goldfinches, five Grey Wagtails, seven Pied Wagtails, 13 Alba Wagtails, four Reed Buntings, 68 Skylarks, 35 Starlings, one Stock Dove, and ten Woodpigeons, noted. Counts of passerines landed on the island were much lower but produced some variety including one Great Tit at Nant, 90 Meadow Pipits, 26 Rock Pipits, 29 Robins, 11 Chiffchaffs, six Blackcaps, one Lesser Whitethroat at Cristin, ten Goldcrests, seven House Sparrows and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Two Water Rails were also recorded.

House Sparrow ringed at Cristin (c) Steven Stansfield

Seabird movement and coastal counts offshore featured 14 Gannets, 38 Shags, 30 Common Scoters, seven Wigeons, five Shelducks, two Teals, one Little Egret, 63 Razorbills, 28 Black-headed Gulls, 18 Common Gulls, four Mediterranean Gulls and two Kittiwakes. Wader passage and shorebird numbers featured nine Turnstones, four Lapwings, four Snipes, three Knots, three Redshanks, two Whimbrels, one Golden Plover, and one Bar-tailed Godwit. A notable increase of raptor diversity was noted today with three Peregrines, two Sparrowhawks, one Hen Harrier, one Buzzard, one Kestrel, and one Merlin.

2026-10-17T15:59:00.000+01:00

Today’s weather conditions presented a gentle North-East wind blowing at Force 3, good visibility, and a smooth sea state of three as temperatures reached a mild 12°C.

Seabird movement and coastal counts were quiet featuring three Gannets, three Black-headed Gulls and eight Kittiwakes. Wader and waterfowl numbers included featured one Grey Plover, one Snipe, one Whimbrel, four Curlews, three Redshanks, 11 Turnstones, one Water Rail, and three Moorhens. Raptor diversity increased notably today with two Buzzards, two Peregrines, two Merlins, one Sparrowhawk, and one Kestrel all noted during the day.

Visual migration counts produced a noteable passage of corvids and finches with 450 Jackdaws, 17 Rooks, 23 Carrion Crows, seven Ravens, 28 Starlings, 48 Chaffinches, one Brambling, two Greenfinches, 11 Goldfinches, eight Siskins, four Linnets, and three Lesser Redpolls. nine Woodpigeons, 39 Skylarks, six Meadow Pipits, ten Rock Pipits, one Flava Wagtail, three Grey Wagtails, one Pied Wagtail, and two Alba Wagtails all noted.

Jackdaws spiralling down onto the Narrows (c) Steven Stansfield

2026-10-16T15:59:00.000+01:00

The weather today presented a North-West wind blowing at Force 5, good visibility, and a sea state of 3, with very light showers setting in during the evening as temperatures reached 12°C.

Sunset from the South End (c) Ezra Sherwell

Marine mammal counts recorded 304 Grey Seal including 29 pups, and invertebrate observations produced one Convulvulous Hawk moth, one Rush Veneer, one Square-spot Rustic, one Turnip, one Swallow-tailed Moth, and one Angle Shades.

Swallow-tailed Moth (c) Steven Stansfield

Convulvulous Hawk moth (c) Steven Stansfield

Seabird movement past the island featured two Great Northern Divers, 44 Gannets, Arctic Skua, 62 Mediterranean Gulls, one Little Gull, 26 Black-headed Gulls, 22 Common Gulls, 352 Kittiwakes, three Guillemots, and 336 Razorbills and 16 Common Scoters. Shorebird counts produced five Whimbrels, 42 Curlews, five Redshanks, four Turnstones, three Snipes, and one Golden Plover. Raptors sightings included two Sparrowhawks, two Peregrines, one Buzzard, and one Merlin.

Passerine records from the day produced some visual migration overhead which included 59 Skylarks, five Swallows, 21 Meadow Pipits, 47 Rock Pipits, eight Pied Wagtails, three White Wagtails, and one Alba Wagtail, 17 Redwings, 16 Chaffinches, 19 Goldfinches, 11 Siskins, 20 Linnets, one Lesser Redpoll, two Reed Buntings and one Woodpigeon. Passerine numbers on the island stayed fairly steady with 21 Robins, six Stonechats, two Song Thrushes, two Blackcaps, eight Chiffchaffs, 11 Goldcrests, 24 Choughs and one Great Spotted Woodpecker.

2026-10-15T15:58:00.000+01:00

Today’s weather set in with moderate rain persisting all day, accompanied by a strong South-West wind shifting to North and dropping from Force 7 to 3. Visibility was poor, with a sea state of 4 and temperatures reaching a mild 15°C. Marine mammal and reptile observations recorded one Slow Worm noted at Plas. Grey seal monitoring around the island haul-outs tallied 45 at Solfach. Invertebrate records included one Painted Lady, one Silver Y, two Rush Veneers, one Rusty Dot Pearl and one Humming-bird Hawk-moth.

Sunset from Cristin overlooking the West Coast (c) Ezra Sherwell

Seabird and wader counts featured 90 Gannets, 18 Shags, four Black-headed Gulls, 12 Kittiwakes, 17 Razorbills, five Whimbrels, 16 Turnstones (including two ringed down on the South End), four Curlews, one Purple Sandpiper, one Snipe, and one Redshank. Remarkably, two late Manx Shearwater chicks were found down on the south end during nocturnal surveys, one calling from its burrow and another stargazing outside its burrow, the latter was subsequently ringed.

Passerine numbers were represented by 16 Meadow Pipits, 13 Rock Pipits, 32 Robins, 12 Blackbirds, four Redwings heard passing over the South End at night, two Blackcaps, one Yellow-browed Warbler, 11 Chiffchaffs, and 12 Goldcrests, one Chaffinch, five Goldfinches, 32 Siskins, and 14 Linnets.

2026-10-14T15:44:00.000+01:00

Today’s weather set in with a southerly wind blowing at Force 6, good visibility, and a choppy sea state of five as temperatures reached a mild 16°C. Marine mammal and reptile observations recorded one Slow Worm tracked by Plas. Grey seal monitoring around the island haul-outs tallied 47 at Henllwyn, 30 at Solfach, ten at Carreg yr Henwy, and three elsewhere, alongside seven pups.

Grey Seal pup (c) Steven Stansfield

Seabird movement and coastal counts featured one Great Northern Diver passing the north end, two Manx Shearwaters, 126 Gannets, 22 Common Scoters, one dark adult Arctic Skua, one Mediterranean Gull, 21 Black-headed Gulls, five Common Gulls, 156 Kittiwakes, four Guillemots, and 290 Razorbills, 16 Purple Sandpipers, five Whimbrels, 43 Curlews, six Redshanks, and ten Turnstones.

Passerine numbers across the island included one Woodpigeon, one Collared Dove, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, six Skylarks, 14 Meadow Pipits, 15 Rock Pipits, one Grey Wagtail, and five Pied Wagtails, 18 Robins, two Song Thrushes, two Redwings, one Blackcap, one Yellow-browed Warbler, one Chiffchaff, five Goldcrests, 11 Starlings, two Chaffinches, one Greenfinch, two Goldfinches, and 26 Linnets.

2026-10-13T13:44:00.000+01:00

A westerly force 6 wind dominated the day, with good visibility, a sea state of 4 and dry conditions, temperatures reached 16°C.

The highlight from seawatching was a juvenile Pomarine Skua off the South End, with two Arctic Skua also seen, while a Balearic Shearwater passed the West Coast along with 33 Manx Shearwater. Other notable seabirds included a Black Guillemot and a Puffin, amongst a total of 2609 Auk sp., mainly Razorbill. Five Mediterranean Gull, three Common Gull, 478 Kittiwake and 311 Gannet were also recorded, as well as 10 Common Scoter and a female Pintail off the south end.

On land, a Yellow-browed Warbler was found at Plas, while a Lesser Whitethroat was around the Observatory and Withies. A Snow Bunting was briefly seen at the Narrows and other migrants included 16 Skylark, 12 Goldcrest, five Song Thrush, a Lesser Redpoll and two Siskin.

Chough (C) Elliott Haywood

Elsewhere, a female Merlin was seen around the mountain, six Whimbrel, two Dunlin, two Purple Sandpiper, and two Redshank were recorded, whilst a Great Spotted Woodpecker remained at Nant.

Very little was seen in terms of other wildlife, with a Humming-bird Hawk-moth recorded at the Observatory.

2026-10-12T11:38:00.000+01:00

Today’s weather brought misty conditions with mizzle persisting through most of the day, though a short period of good visibility broke through at midday. Winds blew moderately from the South-East at Force five alongside a sea state of three, with temperatures reaching a mild 16°C.

Seabird counts produced 41 Gannets, 27 Common Scoters, 13 Teals, 96 Razorbills, 17 Kittiwakes, four Manx Shearwaters and one Fulmar. Records from around the coasts included 18 Purple Sandpipers, 16 Curlews, nine Whimbrels, nine Turnstones, five Dunlins, two Redshanks, and two Snipe one Little Egret, 150 Herring Gulls, 18 Great Black-backed Gulls, 11 Black-headed Gulls, six Common Gulls, ten Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and a Yellow-legged Gull. Raptors sightings featured two Sparrowhawks, two Merlins, and two Peregrines.

Merlin on the South End (c) Ezra Sherwell

Passerine counts included one Whinchat, 73 Robins, one Lesser Whitethroat, three Blackcaps, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 11 Chiffchaffs, seven Goldcrests, a Spotted Flycatcher, 27 Rock Pipits, 22 Meadow Pipits, 16 Skylarks, ten Starlings, four Song Thrushes, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, one Flava Wagtail, three Grey Wagtails, two Chaffinches, one Goldfinch one Linnet and five Reed Buntings.

Marine mammal monitoring offshore recorded two Common Dolphins, while seal haul-outs tallied 93 Grey Seals and nine pups. Invertebrate and mammal records included three Red Admirals, two Silver Ys, one Rush Veneer, one Turnip, one White-shouldered House Moth, and a Wood Mouse.

2026-10-11T13:26:00.000+01:00

Today’s weather conditions presented calm and clear conditions with a gentle South-East wind blowing at Force 4, very good visibility, and a smooth sea state of one with no precipitation. Temperatures reached a mild 14°C.

Seabird movement and coastal counts included 12 Gannets, 26 Shags, seven Cormorants, 11 Kittiwakes, five Common Scoters, 22 Razorbills, nine Common Gulls, three Black-headed Gulls, and a Mediterranean Gull. Waders and coastal species were represented by 24 Curlews, three Whimbrels, three Turnstones, a Purple Sandpiper, one Ringed Plover, two Snipes and a Redshank. Raptors numbers featured two Peregrines, a Buzzard, a Merlin, and a Sparrowhawk.

Passage counts of passerines produced 119 Meadow Pipits, 32 Skylarks, 24 Alba Wagtails, 19 Rock Pipits, seven White Wagtails, four Grey Wagtails, two Pied Wagtails, 34 Chaffinches, 29 Goldfinches, 29 Linnets, 23 Siskins, five Lesser Redpolls, four Reed Buntings, one Swallow, 40 Carrion Crows, 46 Choughs, 21 Rooks and ten Jackdaws.

Other passerine counts on the island included two Greenfinches, 31 Robins, four Blackcaps, nine Chiffchaffs, seven Goldcrests, a Yellow-browed Warbler at Cristin, a Firecrest at Nant, three Song Thrushes, and a presumed freshly arrived Great Spotted Woodpecker first spotted on the mountain above Nant before dropping onto a fencepost on the Narrows and working its way up the Island via the Withies, Cristin and Ty Bach.

Yellow-browed Warbler caught and ringed at Cristin (c) Steven Stansfield

Marine mammal monitoring offshore recorded seven Common Dolphins off the South End. Grey seal counts around the island haul-outs tallied 51 at Henllwyn, ten at Solfach, and ten elsewhere at the South End, alongside seven pups. Invertebrate sightings included one Red Admiral.

2026-10-10T12:21:00.000+01:00

Today’s weather conditions presented a moderate-to-fresh West wind blowing at Force 6, paired with moderate visibility and a choppy sea state of five. Temperatures reached a mild 13°C. The Northern Lights were briefly visable looking North from the Observatory.

Northern Lights looking North from the Observatory (c) Steven Stansfield

Seabird movement and coastal counts included one Arctic Skua, 2050 Razorbills and 111 Guillemots, 166 Gannets, 168 Kittiwakes, 10 Manx Shearwaters, 15 Shags, one Cormorant, seven Common Scoters, 156 Herring Gulls, 11 Great Black-backed Gulls, three Lesser Black-backed Gulls, three Mediterranean Gulls and one Common Gull with ten Curlews, five Whimbrels, four Turnstones, three Redshanks, one Ringed Plover, and one Snipe on coastal and wetland areas around the island. One Merlin at Withies and one Peregrine were also noted.

Landbird migration and grounded passerines brought a mix of autumn migrants, including one Yellow-browed Warbler at the Observatory, one Blackcap, seven Chiffchaffs, seven Goldcrests, 28 Rock Pipits, seven Meadow Pipits, two Alba Wagtails, nine Goldfinches, one Siskin, and two Chaffinches, 16 Robins, one Redwing at the Observatory, one Wheatear, one Great Spotted Woodpecker at Nant, and one Skylark at the Narrows.

Marine mammal and seal monitoring recorded a total of 194 Grey Seals hauled out across the island, alongside 25 pups. Invertebrate and mammal records included two Red Admirals, one Painted Lady, and one Common Shrew found in the solar room.

2026-10-09T12:16:00.000+01:00

The weather today brought fresh and breezy conditions, featuring a West wind blowing at Force 6 with a rough sea state of seven and moderate visibility. A brief shower midmorning was the only precipitation recorded, while temperatures reached a mild 16°C.

Coastal view over the West Coast from the Narrows (c) Ezra Sherwell

Seawatching efforts recorded some strong movement throughout the day featuring 117 Gannets, 864 Kittiwakes, 26 Manx Shearwaters, two Common Scoters, two Great Skuas, one Arctic Skua, one Arctic Tern, 1993 Razorbills, 148 Guillemots, four Black-headed Gulls, three Mediterranean Gulls, and two Common Gulls all moving south along the west coast. Other seabird and coastal counts included 21 Shags, five Cormorants, 140 Herring Gulls, 12 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 13 Great Black-backed Gulls, 34 Curlews on Henllwyn, 10 Turnstones, four Whimbrels and three Redshanks. Raptors noted included 2 Merlins and a Peregrine at the North End.

Landbird migration and grounded passerines featured 33 Rock Pipits, 14 Meadow Pipits, one Pied Wagtail at Solfach, 13 Goldfinches, two Linnets, 19 Robins, nine Chiffchaffs, six Goldcrests, one Great Spotted Woodpecker at the Observatory and a Wheatear at the South End.

Marine mammal monitoring offshore recorded a Risso's Dolphin off the west coast. Insects noted were 4 Lunar Underwings at the Observatory, 2 Humming-bird Hawk-moths at the Observatory (including one in Joel's bedroom), and a Red Admiral at the Observatory.