tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32983104115564069382024-03-13T17:35:03.754+00:00Bardsey Island News - Newyddion Ynys EnlliThe Bardsey Crier informs the public - as Criers and Bellmen have over the centuries - of the news and of other important information and events. In this case the news will be about this island of Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) two miles off the end of the Lleyn Peninsula in the Irish Sea where there has been a Bird & Field Observatory for 56 years.Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-1556952008181041602010-12-18T22:12:00.001+00:002010-12-18T22:13:00.845+00:00COMING TO AN END OF ANOTHER EXCITING YEAR ON BARDSEYOnly two weeks to the end of 2010! Another exciting year is very nearly behind us and already we are looking forward to 2011. Bookings are starting to come in and already we have some weeks fully booked. My advice to you therefore, is, send an urgent email to our Booking Secretary, Lis Normand, over Xmas and New Year, before you find "there is no room at the inn". I have just updated the Vacancies page on the Website so you are only a couple of clicks away from choosing your week and emailing Lis (short for Alicia in case you didn't know). <br />
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Now to news from the island. Well, the population has drastically decreased and in fact, there are only seven people now living on the island over the next month or so. Three of them, of course, are our Warden Steve Stansfield (who hails from my home town Rotherham), his wonderful wife Emma (who hails from Southport on t'other side of Pennines), and of course, their son Connor (who hails from .....?) Well, his name comes from Conchobar, an Irish name meaning "Wolf Kin" or "Lover of Hounds", so my guess is he was born within the site of Ireland and they just knew he would love animals - and birds, and fish, and newts, and insects, and plants, in fact all the creatures and living things that can be found on Bardsey Island.<br />
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And we mustn't forget the other four friends who are also at present looking forward to their Xmas dinner on Bardsey - Farmer Steve and Joanna Porter and their two children, Rachael and Ben.<br />
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I just hope that the two Steve dads have swept the chimneys of the Farm house and the Observatory clean so that Santa Claus does not get his cloak dirty when he visits on Xmas Eve. And please, don't forget to leave him a drink and a mince pie. He has to make an extra effort to get out to you. Bardsey Sound is just as difficult to cross in a Sleigh as it is by boat and his Reindeer will need a drink too. Oh!, and can you please ask the cattle if they can spare a little hay for them (only the best quality mind you).<br />
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ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND VISITORS TO THE ISLAND WISH THE TWO FAMILIES ON BARDSEY A VERY MERRY XMAS and we all look forward to seeing you again in 2011. <br />
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Bardsey CrierBardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-54640477135805497452010-09-04T21:43:00.000+01:002010-09-04T21:43:19.964+01:00Poetry about Bardsey - and Fun at the LighthouseApologies for no Social News for three months, but I had not been over to the island, nor has much news been passed on to me. But we have some news now.<br />
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First, we said goodbye to Jim and Elaine Lennon at the end of May after their winter sojourn on the island looking after Cristin and making lots of improvements to the Observatory. Thank you Elaine and Jim. I did notice that Mel Stacey wrote you a poem which you will find on their BLOG but which I have taken the liberty of "stealing" and adding to the page on the BBFO website where we already have one of Mel's poems. Her latest one - "Sounds Silenced", is about the silence now that the foghorn has been switched off.<br />
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Secondly - the Bardsey Crier has just returned from a 6 day visit to the island with friends Neil and Bevan Healey (brothers of course), Mike Baker (who returned to the island after his earlier "trip" in May when he broke his ankle) and Todd Chater (the Slater) who returned with his skills. The five of us (well, I supervised!, the rest worked damn hard), worked on repairing, re-roofing, and refurbishing the inside and outside of the old LSA building just outside the Lighthouse compound. We also had some new help from young Patrick Charles, who was on the island with his mum, our Treasurer, Dianne Charles.<br />
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It was a great week, after the weekend's rough weather, with flat calms, blue skies, clear starry nights, bright moons, a few good birds, and in the company of good friends. It was great to see Steve, Emma and Connor again, Emyr, and Steve, Jo, Rachel and Ben Porter. Oh!, I mustn't forget Shearwater man, Richard Else but unfortunately no Richard Brown (he was off the island that week but returned just after we left. One new friend I made there was Margaret (a little younger than me!). <br />
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My next posting will begin to tell you a few of the other happenings on the island which were new ventures, some very brave and surprising.<br />
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BevanBardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-11508002731136017042010-05-31T13:45:00.002+01:002010-05-31T13:49:43.193+01:00SHEARWATERS WIN BATTLE WITH FOGHORNThe Manxies are celebrating on Bardsey. They no longer have to compete with the Lighthouse Foghorn when it is foggy and overcast <a href="http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/aids_to_navigation/notice_to_mariners/home.html?region=&guid=3096bf8bc3fc3e38467a8d12d7bb1a9e">And it is official</a>.<br />
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And staying visitors on the island, particularly those who venture up to the lighthouse on an overcast night to see the migrants attracted to the light, you will go now, knowing that you will not be at risk of being deafened by the foghorn anymore.<br />
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<b>NOW PEACEFUL BARDSEY, WHERE YOU ONLY HEAR THE BIRDS AND THE SEALS.<b><b></b></b></b>Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-42232963669435327472010-05-07T18:36:00.004+01:002010-05-15T00:51:59.739+01:00UPDATE ON VOLUNTEER MIKE BAKERMike was still in Bangor Hospital early today where he has had his ankle returned to its correct position but it may need further attention. We hope he will be returning home in the near future. He is in good spirits and we all hope his ankle mends properly.<br />
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This has again highlighted how careful one has to be walking up or down from the Observatory to the main track, especially when the grass is wet. Some work was done in the area where I slipped and had my fall but the Observatory will now have to consider how best we can make that track safer. On an island where there are no pavements, tarmac roads, lights, etc. visitors must always be very careful when out walking. <br />
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We all wish Mike a speedy recovery and a big thank you must once again go to the RAF Air Sea Rescue Service for their marvellous prompt service in picking him up and flying him to Bangor hospital.Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-17659419140194996492010-05-05T16:19:00.003+01:002010-05-15T00:43:46.066+01:00Another person joins the Yellow Helicopter ClubThis morning, volunteer Mike Baker from Stafford, joined the Yellow Helicopter Club. Our Warden Steve phoned the Air Rescue Service when Mike slipped and fell on the grassy sloped path approaching the Observatory. Unfortunately, he dislocated his ankle badly and Steve felt he needed immediate attention. Air Sea Rescue needed special permission to fly this morning as the Ash Cloud was getting quite close to the area.<br />
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Mike was taken to Bangor hospital and we are waiting to hear the news. We wish him well but his badge is ready for him and his Special YHC T Shirt has been put on order.<br />
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Its poor old Bev and Todd who are now left without a "skilled labourer". You know what I think? - they had all been on the bottle the night before - Emyr's special. :-))Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-88918527922321364442010-03-07T12:59:00.003+00:002010-03-07T13:02:26.192+00:00CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BOATMAN, COLIN EVANS AND HIS WIFE MAIR, ON THE BIRTH OF THEIR DAUGHTEROYEZ OYEZ OYEZ - Colin and Mair's daughter Gwen Ellen, was born at 1.03am on 4 March 2010. Congratulations and we look forward to seeing her make her first trip to Bardsey Island. She will be very welcome at the Observatory. <br />
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Bardsey CrierBardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-29630361429135594152009-12-16T13:14:00.000+00:002009-12-16T13:14:47.320+00:00CONGRATULATIONS TO GARETH ROBERTSOur heartiest congratulations to Gareth Roberts, Cwrt, Uwchmynydd, for coming 3rd in the Farm Factor competition throughout Wales last night. Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-42138054537711961362009-12-03T15:17:00.003+00:002009-12-03T15:21:14.890+00:00OVER to the Winter Wardens to KEEP YOU IN TOUCHFOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS - OVER THE WINTER - SOCIAL NEWS FROM THE ISLAND WILL COME FROM ELAINE AND JIM LENNON. THEY ARE STAYING THE WINTER IN CRISTIN AND LOOKING AFTER THE OBSERVATORY AND KEEPING RECORDS OF BIRD AND OTHER WILDLIFE ACTIVITY ON AND AROUND THE ISLAND.<br />
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THE PORTER FAMILY AT THE FARM WILL BE THEIR NEIGHBOURS.<br />
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WE WISH THE LENNONS AND THE PORTERS A VERY MERRY XMAS.<br />
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<b>SO GO AND LINK ON TO JIM AND ELAINE'S BLOG FOR UPTODATE NEWS FROM BARDSEY.</b><br />
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Bardsey CrierBardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-22855238005546166722009-11-10T22:07:00.002+00:002009-11-10T23:15:42.318+00:00Winter Warden finishing first Task - but where is Elaine?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcg0b2ECblHAzYG5DBgAhEixZUmKdYkCiezu98uxGqeaE66EFhxZk8n9FtWwHXZDKNgzrjomRTs7gG2wapCInpe8h0lZUAY-XnqgoD-g5f2q5Bk88IXFTP7mtp3QuX-gGUpiuE7-UoDBnx/s1600-h/Picture+505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcg0b2ECblHAzYG5DBgAhEixZUmKdYkCiezu98uxGqeaE66EFhxZk8n9FtWwHXZDKNgzrjomRTs7gG2wapCInpe8h0lZUAY-XnqgoD-g5f2q5Bk88IXFTP7mtp3QuX-gGUpiuE7-UoDBnx/s320/Picture+505.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Jim and Elaine Lennon are our "Winter Wardens" and will be in residence at Cristin until the spring. We will be hearing regularly from them over the winter about life on the island which will include things like.................................................. we will just have to wait and see.<br />
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However, this photo shows Jim putting the finishing paint coat to the renovated Solfach Hide so if Elaine finds he is missing when there's jobs to be done, she will know where he is - sitting in here watching the Chough and the Turnstones feeding in the seaweed.<br />
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I hope Jim takes some photos of Elaine for us to see. And it would be wonderful during those dark winter nights, when the stars above are shining bright, if Jim can arrange for Steve Porter (the island's resident skyologist (astronomist) to take some photos (he has now had the training) of some interesting aspects of the "sky at night on Bardsey". Steve has an astronomical telescope mounted in his "Observatory" so both Jim and Steve can do a disappearing act in the evenings. Yes, we now have two OBSERVATORIES on the island now.<a class="cssButton" href="javascript:void(0)" id="publishButton" onclick="if (this.className.indexOf("ubtn-disabled") == -1) {var e = document['postingForm'].publish;(e.length) ? e[0].click() : e.click(); if (window.event) window.event.cancelBubble = true; return false;}" target=""><div class="cssButtonOuter"><div class="cssButtonMiddle"><div class="cssButtonInner">Publish Post</div></div></div></a>Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-70439007408590814042009-10-09T23:59:00.003+01:002009-10-10T00:14:24.268+01:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY IAN WRIGHT<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47vVIItBV5zsRAd5-P-dfLkreO6x7O-t_WC2uDlsq5MBut3Y4Skeo0AEwm19lJ_3WzL5JxNwmlj5RNuNlZsVwZXahPoY8PKeRZDyw8V949BnD6ipfit0NO66v9sjyM3fp4FS53tHGdlp_/s1600-h/Picture+1944.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47vVIItBV5zsRAd5-P-dfLkreO6x7O-t_WC2uDlsq5MBut3Y4Skeo0AEwm19lJ_3WzL5JxNwmlj5RNuNlZsVwZXahPoY8PKeRZDyw8V949BnD6ipfit0NO66v9sjyM3fp4FS53tHGdlp_/s400/Picture+1944.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390742511799121010" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Birthday again.<br /><br />Last year, on Sat 4th October Ian Wright (one of our Council Members) should have been spending his birthday listening to his favourite musician, Van Morrison, live in concert. However, he was stuck on Bardsey due to the strong winds and was therefore unable to make the Van Morrison gig. As a consolation he was presented with a home- made cake that was iced and decorated in the shape of a Morrison's Van!!!<br /><br />Ian obviously enjoyed his impromptu party so much that this year he decided to return with his wife to spend his birthday with all his friends on the island and at the Obs. Ian can be seen here in the centre of the photograph talking to Jo from Ty Pellaf (the farm). A very enjoyable evening was had by all as we watched the sun set over the Wicklow Hills whilst we ate nibbles and drank wine!<br /><br />Happy Bithday Ian from all on the island.Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-38865707495139379742009-06-30T20:25:00.003+01:002009-06-30T23:07:07.805+01:00Poetry and Writing and FUN Week on Enlli<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ADmvrfGE0Uz2FxMGrHFi0YQZu6x4RM0NKfB0KqlH7TrRHDOJaqzyYhOXzIN-NjCG2-9bvTtm5EVd5J8nABXGjM2u35zhDJQtLDNVS3ikTTZEZv2eiRTxxNELXZ7roninJKOs5BTBX0OS/s1600-h/Picture+3895+%5B800x600%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ADmvrfGE0Uz2FxMGrHFi0YQZu6x4RM0NKfB0KqlH7TrRHDOJaqzyYhOXzIN-NjCG2-9bvTtm5EVd5J8nABXGjM2u35zhDJQtLDNVS3ikTTZEZv2eiRTxxNELXZ7roninJKOs5BTBX0OS/s400/Picture+3895+%5B800x600%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353245573493230274" border="0" /></a><br />For the writing week, 20th to 26th June, eight of us journeyed across the sound to arrive on Enlli. Five of us were returning from last year and three new people joined us for the first time. For two of them it was their first trip to the island and they were entranced of course. Christine Evans helped us to get going with some poetic-juice stimulating exercises and she was joined later in the week by Chris Kinsey, BBC Wildlife Poet 2008.<br /><br />We met every morning for a couple of hours to have some starter exercises, and then the days were ours to enjoy and absorb the island, and write Enlli inspired verse. Not only did we write, but we also visited Carole Shearman in Llofft Nant for art and craft sessions. We all made small books on which we could write our poems. An anthology inspired by the 2008 week and prepared for this year is in the library in Cristin.<br /><br />A "round the island sunset cruise" with Colin on Tuesday provided the stimulus for a group poem and we hope that this can be submitted to the website before too long.<br /><br />Our week culminated in a reading evening on Friday when we were joined by Carole, BBFO staff and some Trust visitors. We read our favourite pieces, including the group poem and displayed our art and craft materials.<br /><br />We all had a fantastic time; our laughter could be heard across the island.<br />Many thanks to Steve, Emma, Connor, Rich B, Rich E, Gwyn, Christine, Chris and Carole for helping it be such a special week.<br /><br />Next year is booked already and vistors to the BBFO website can look forward to new poems appearing soon.Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-82907721079223995942009-06-28T15:14:00.002+01:002009-06-28T15:24:39.571+01:00Caring and Maintaining the Observatory<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdf_dvx9BQ4Rpdok2Q-9LrHTi_5fKevEF0qHng-5umd-wdDX2tkBAuLrTwB4gRsP_sn-nQGVlaSp3jGsF9cKBnVMP7BHNNH4X6DyNxvLkFkEOMdF9R-setVTN75G_5bvzjVJZExmk9MG8D/s1600-h/Picture+3884.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdf_dvx9BQ4Rpdok2Q-9LrHTi_5fKevEF0qHng-5umd-wdDX2tkBAuLrTwB4gRsP_sn-nQGVlaSp3jGsF9cKBnVMP7BHNNH4X6DyNxvLkFkEOMdF9R-setVTN75G_5bvzjVJZExmk9MG8D/s400/Picture+3884.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352382038548888306" border="0" /></a><br />Richard Brown, our Assistant Warden, has been painting the fascia boards and preparing the Obs to take the new guttering that has just arrivedBardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-30568053208560182282009-06-11T00:09:00.003+01:002009-06-11T00:16:39.831+01:00Bog for the Blog - A new loo for the Gents!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrJ6oTtfScg4_VwzM1LGKFLBjn0A7bW_ZheYyfH7faq6cxiIaCKBRr82pfFuAeesDwraeIzZvR8prgllKXl2t1HS51JBjJdCvtB1M_b5RY-epQk1PrsgkcVMFB4PentTmM8aqqjW1KCa2/s1600-h/loo+wall+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrJ6oTtfScg4_VwzM1LGKFLBjn0A7bW_ZheYyfH7faq6cxiIaCKBRr82pfFuAeesDwraeIzZvR8prgllKXl2t1HS51JBjJdCvtB1M_b5RY-epQk1PrsgkcVMFB4PentTmM8aqqjW1KCa2/s400/loo+wall+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345841453154907410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2vqUBA_B1_QfQrDmoqxzhm2YUskWw_4u0Lru48RVrnRjB4Ebayjs3-uznQyTubGdvmTpIcSvVsxyjQVxDduZQiQBQa5Fed-3pHIOduXMWqEU0Unq0_Kr_oOtgPnp2Ot7XcE4TEOs-X3y/s1600-h/bog+for+the+blog+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2vqUBA_B1_QfQrDmoqxzhm2YUskWw_4u0Lru48RVrnRjB4Ebayjs3-uznQyTubGdvmTpIcSvVsxyjQVxDduZQiQBQa5Fed-3pHIOduXMWqEU0Unq0_Kr_oOtgPnp2Ot7XcE4TEOs-X3y/s400/bog+for+the+blog+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345841453315425010" border="0" /></a><br />Richard Brown has created a stunning new loo for the Gents. We now have parties and social events in the gents loo, usually looking at the rare wall, when up to six people have managed to squeeze in! The rare wall is a board that has been attached to the east wall of the gents, and if you find a rare bird on the island you are required to paint an image of the aforementioned rarity on the wall. We have some nice pictures there already and many more will be added soon we hope. We are accepting historical records - Tony John has just done an excellent Quail - one he found several years ago.<br /><br />There are many historical rarities to be added and you don't have to be Johnson or Mullarney to get out the paints and brush! So on your next visit to the island don't be surprised if you are locked in the gents with a brush and a field guide!Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-63054601994226400742009-06-10T23:41:00.004+01:002009-06-11T00:01:06.496+01:00A'white at the front and A'wite at the sides!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxHv6uzoScDqelnqhnU5ZSPOQcpAzARBRCGHgIU8JetyeQ_oibcOR1vpS0FCKlvDadkB1yGJWeEMapwNdCz8JlnRI35qNWuVvX32ULEPCwfE8hQj3SnvKIpY0jn16dU7FlBXlTS1LG6-9/s1600-h/Picture+3027+%28Small%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxHv6uzoScDqelnqhnU5ZSPOQcpAzARBRCGHgIU8JetyeQ_oibcOR1vpS0FCKlvDadkB1yGJWeEMapwNdCz8JlnRI35qNWuVvX32ULEPCwfE8hQj3SnvKIpY0jn16dU7FlBXlTS1LG6-9/s200/Picture+3027+%28Small%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345837049974256674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsg5szf-18RUAYWKH34H1JoJYyE842KpTlWYaFZd6I2LK99dIyTsoFpxqEWVa_i4-GDaJZJWQ30eONFDQBgNqsxBmztaJu-H0ghsvBHklzcj82ew-cGYFNURp5Z7IXwcRwdlFuVL5SHZy/s1600-h/Picture+3034+%28Small%29+%282%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsg5szf-18RUAYWKH34H1JoJYyE842KpTlWYaFZd6I2LK99dIyTsoFpxqEWVa_i4-GDaJZJWQ30eONFDQBgNqsxBmztaJu-H0ghsvBHklzcj82ew-cGYFNURp5Z7IXwcRwdlFuVL5SHZy/s200/Picture+3034+%28Small%29+%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345836278186254802" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMotGytxsEVqO21kjE96bRqf9LdoJSSAtCBhIvMhKwriQsNjzEA1THzj0rWzWJWIN0ce2ZYdBtpmw_ZFxvRgmEPLvObYztV1T74h8sVo3dFbSzPSFvGIC2rql_dNYkj0In2fm0uvUV9RR/s1600-h/Picture+3030+%28Small%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMotGytxsEVqO21kjE96bRqf9LdoJSSAtCBhIvMhKwriQsNjzEA1THzj0rWzWJWIN0ce2ZYdBtpmw_ZFxvRgmEPLvObYztV1T74h8sVo3dFbSzPSFvGIC2rql_dNYkj0In2fm0uvUV9RR/s200/Picture+3030+%28Small%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345836267376453074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQlQQMW1ZWJ6Rn9eR99lHxI2MkegVUawrFoaHWP_S5J_PJuumI9hjCRipyXUXJ10uxDPZa_ks8QfbBGu2WMrUaLaPOSSk9RHnXb6fowem-pXN2XjRcEJSn4zTQqnDPy73SmplFv3BjVSj/s1600-h/Picture+3026+%28Small%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQlQQMW1ZWJ6Rn9eR99lHxI2MkegVUawrFoaHWP_S5J_PJuumI9hjCRipyXUXJ10uxDPZa_ks8QfbBGu2WMrUaLaPOSSk9RHnXb6fowem-pXN2XjRcEJSn4zTQqnDPy73SmplFv3BjVSj/s200/Picture+3026+%28Small%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345836266160530834" border="0" /></a><br />Over the past week or so, the outside of Cristin has had its periodic "facelift", thanks to the hard work of Dan Dawson who has spent three weeks giving the outside and the windows the TLC they deserve. Cristin now looks in tip-top shape and the south facing wall has been painted with rubberised lighthouse paint and the other walls with an oil-based masonry paint.<br /><br />As well as the walls being painted, Dan set to on the windows - who of you can remember the wash-room window or boot-room window opening? Mmmmm... it has been a long time but with a blow torch and several hours on each window, decorating guru Dan now has them opening, sanded down and painted - they look excellent!<br /><br />And then there is the GWOBR!! What is a GWOBR I hear you ask? Well, it simply means AWARD in Welsh (as all our Welsh speaking/reading viewers will know). Anyway, the GWOBR/AWARD has hung on the south wall of Cristin since 1977, when it was presented to the Observatory by HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, for the efforts of the Observatory and its members, made towards the protection of the island and the creation of refuges for birds.<br /><br />The guttering and rain tanks are all being moved and renewed too. As you can see, some of the unsightly tanks that were around the building have been moved to a new platform constructed by Rich B at the back of the building , and he and I will be replacing all the guttering soon so all the rain from the building is collected in one place.<br /><br />To see how good the place looks now, get booking your next visit with Alicia<br /><br />Steve Stansfield<br />WardenBardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-87766545620183682742009-06-10T21:12:00.004+01:002009-06-10T21:24:07.409+01:00Shearwaters in colour on SpringwatchAt last they made it tonight when the cameras recorded Shearwaters flying, landing and entering their burrows - looking very unlike a Manxie as they were photographed using heat imaging which showed reds and yellows rather than black and white. The Bardsey Island Trust were thanked for their help but Steve, our Warden, did manage to be listed in the credits at the end. Staying visitors on the island during the breeding season can be shown this spectacle by our wardens on a dark night during the summer. The calls of the birds are heard all over the island at night and it will be a night to remember if you pay us a visit.Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-29436519570640589122009-05-24T22:43:00.003+01:002009-05-24T22:57:52.796+01:00SPRINGWATCH ON BARDSEY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwx5jsMaP4BK6Uq5EyiyTC22fBoXR3w5goRiQA0idVH3WD5bqw3IHA_ITkw2j5dNOkb5QMZBohjZTN-DetmgrmqkoIcCft2BAHNExsEfjKH74B67gKvXFy5MsXaE3uccM7ZkskUVJe5zYf/s1600-h/Picture+1200+%28Large%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwx5jsMaP4BK6Uq5EyiyTC22fBoXR3w5goRiQA0idVH3WD5bqw3IHA_ITkw2j5dNOkb5QMZBohjZTN-DetmgrmqkoIcCft2BAHNExsEfjKH74B67gKvXFy5MsXaE3uccM7ZkskUVJe5zYf/s400/Picture+1200+%28Large%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339510595193197570" border="0" /></a><br />Springwatch was on Bardsey filming at the Observatory yesterday. It will be broadcast on the TV some time this week. In the meantime here is proof Simon King was there - photographed with Connor.Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-5490184960173514732009-05-13T09:42:00.003+01:002009-05-13T09:54:45.198+01:00Have you heard of Bardsey Island?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OCTuhwv-aEvNQoL3d9fAvXmBDaRw6e1Z4S9TGY79pNkhyphenhyphenRi1thyphenhyphenpQHXyfrCDIevgPY-3sGU4FguZYacG2Y3e6fqhO2CFLi5cjEIZGAvyGJvXTDP_VJAofnwSdVyjohfdvlNgqsuTaxD1/s1600-h/Picture+864.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OCTuhwv-aEvNQoL3d9fAvXmBDaRw6e1Z4S9TGY79pNkhyphenhyphenRi1thyphenhyphenpQHXyfrCDIevgPY-3sGU4FguZYacG2Y3e6fqhO2CFLi5cjEIZGAvyGJvXTDP_VJAofnwSdVyjohfdvlNgqsuTaxD1/s400/Picture+864.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335228996114534338" border="0" /></a><br />What a stupid question! Now the Observatory has Satellite Broadband, the whole world is learning about Bardsey and it's birds. Not a day goes by now without I get an email from the island - it was great in the past as emails from Steve disappeared the day he returned to the island after a break on the mainland. No peace for the wicked now! His latest email sends me uptodate pictures of Cristin's courtyard - looks like he has cut the grass :-))<br /><br />If you log on to the "Latest Sightings" link on the Obs. home page, you will now get daily updates on the birds our staff record on the island - yesterday it was a Red Kite - but it isn't all birds as you will see. We are, after all, a "Bird and FIELD Observatory" and we study not only birds, but Insects, plants, animals and all creatures of the sea which abound around our wonderful island.Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-54421755728152873762009-05-08T00:02:00.003+01:002009-05-19T17:21:32.355+01:00VOLUNTEERS - our biggest asset.Weather poor - Mike Archer and his band of budding volunteers are making good headway with checking all the ringing data. They have completed one volume of checking with 21 more to go!<br /><br />Ian Wright is back with us and has been helping around the island - pruning bushes and helping fix stiles and boardwalks.<br /><br />What would we do without our volunteers! I have just received a CD with loads of photos of Bev and Neil Healey and Michael working the last two weeks on the Observatory buildings. I will try and put some of them on the main website.<br /><br />Prospective volunteers should contact our Warden direct on the island by email giving their phone number and Steve will phone or email you. warden at bbfo dot org dot ukBardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-44763183331756041262009-05-06T13:52:00.002+01:002009-05-06T14:07:38.654+01:00News from the island will be more uptodate shortly - thanks to Steve and his teamSteve has set up a BLOG so he can directly put uptodate records (and sometimes photos) on the web. There is a link on the home page to his Blog (Island Wildlife News). He is still having a few problems with uploading of information but within a couple of weeks this should be ironed out and he and his staff will hopefully be keeping you "and the world" uptodate on the birds that breed and visit our island. <br /><br />My Town Criers BLOG will therefore not be containing bird news shortly, but will continue with an "off the island" view of Bardsey and stories of the people and other happenings on the island which sometimes make for more interesting reading than even the birds, dare I say!<br /><br />If Steve, Dave and Dave don't keep us informed, then you will see sparks flying from my BLOG and igniting his. So look out Steve - it could be war. (Note: Steve and I were both born in Rotherham, Yorkshire - although a few years separate us - and I don't think it is likely that two Yorkshiremen will get to blows - well, not physical anyway - cos I think he would win).<br /><br />Ay up Steve, I don't see any Pom Skuas on your Blog yet - but with 10 off Criccieth today I would have thought some must have passed Bardsey.<br /><br />Yorkshire BevBardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-59677453696153663882009-05-01T18:52:00.004+01:002009-05-01T19:02:32.933+01:00Ben demonstrates new invention for "Elderly" Bardsey Criers visiting the Observatory<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL22cE6hGnDdv_TMS5wVbp7MRoW93ymQgliR0213-inEjIQBxP0EC-48riV0cObDjs0es2p9RPZ9ePda100NUNTpi_ebmB2kFwgvVDUlFHFIbIopXDFigApEQ3nArc-QW20PHSX_kx2FSe/s1600-h/Boat+modificationsCNV00154"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL22cE6hGnDdv_TMS5wVbp7MRoW93ymQgliR0213-inEjIQBxP0EC-48riV0cObDjs0es2p9RPZ9ePda100NUNTpi_ebmB2kFwgvVDUlFHFIbIopXDFigApEQ3nArc-QW20PHSX_kx2FSe/s320/Boat+modificationsCNV00154" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330916060481685186" border="0" /></a><br />This latest picture taken by Liz James is of our neighbour Ben Porter demonstrating the latest gadget installed by Colin Evans on his boat. I understand it has already been named the "Bardsey Crier's Ladder" but will be available for use by other elderly visitors to our wonderful island. A big thank you to Colin for these six steps to heaven!Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-240068887282172932009-04-30T19:21:00.002+01:002009-04-30T19:29:55.306+01:00BARDSEY HAS ARRIVED IN THE 21st CENTURYThe first of no doubt many thousands of emails has just arrived from Bardsey - thanks to a young man who has just installed Satellite Broadband at Cristin.<br /><br />As I write this, Steve, or his Assistant Richard, is probably sitting in the Library at Cristin surfing the web when he should be in the sitting room next door conducting the log for the last day of the week before our visitors leave the island.<br /><br />This is certainly a day to remember as it now means communication to the island has improved a hundredfold and information from and to the island will improve, hopefully making life just that much more easy. "That's a joke, I have to say. Life will now become much busier and there will have to be "Internet Log-on times, both on the island and here in my home, otherwise I will never manage to do the washing up, or shopping, or look after the allotment or my bees, or even do any birding".<br /><br />Anyway, it does mean we will get the news regularly now and photos of birds perhaps on the day they are seen.<br /><br />My regards to all the visitors and I hope you all get off tomorrow.<br /><br />The Bardsey CrierBardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-8719762745657098192009-04-19T22:54:00.004+01:002009-04-19T23:09:28.023+01:00This was the Week that wasSteve phoned today with news of events on the island over the last week.<br /><br />Easter Sunday - an Easter Egg Hunt was organised for the youngsters on the island AND a female House Sparrow was trapped and ringed - a rare bird.<br /><br />Wednesday 15th April - Connor celebrated his 7th birthday. He had 23 island people to his Pizza Party and Competition - the winner was Richard Brown with his Chocolate and Apple-topped Pudding PIZZA. The judge gave him the prize for taste and originality - absolutely delicious everyone said. Oh! and during the day they had the first TREE PIPIT of the year, about 350 Willow Warblers and 60 Greenland Wheatears. AND Trinity House has a NEW Ship which was moored close inshore that night and lit up the sky like Blackpool Tower with all its lights on. (Was that especially for Connor's benefit?)<br /><br />Thursday/Friday 16/17 April night - A Lighthouse Attraction - 6 Grasshopper Warblers, 12 Wheatears, 1 Ringed Plover, 30 Manxies picked up and a Short-Eared Owl attracted.<br /><br />Friday 17 April - About 30 Grasshopper Warblers, 150 Willow Warblers, 70 Wheatears.<br /><br />Saturday 18 April - 1 male Sup-Alpine Warbler netted and ringed.<br /><br />TODAY, Sunday 19 April - 2 Black Redstarts, Orange Tip Butterfly (10th record for island).<br /><br />And the week finished with the volunteers finishing Connor's birthday present - a brand new Bedroom of his own - courtesy Mum and Dad, Bardsey Trust, BBFO, and volunteers, Bev, Neil and Michael.Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-78891542882819325992009-04-18T20:56:00.001+01:002009-04-18T20:57:40.964+01:00Saturday 18 AprilAt 3pm this afternoon, a male Sub-Alpine Warbler was found on the island.Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-2233098506319680982009-04-12T19:55:00.002+01:002009-04-12T20:01:58.141+01:00Ring Ouzel and Garden WarblerRing Ouzel and Garden Warbler seen today. Three volunteers arrived yesterday, Bev and his brother Neil, plus Michael - they will be carrying out several voluntary jobs during the next week and maybe beyond - improving the Warden's accommodation and some work on the Obs. building too. <br /><br />Vice Pres. and Bardsey Crier Bev not able to "supervise" this time and sorry chaps - you'll have to do your own washing up. I am needed at home in Staffordshire to count Heronries, get the allotment up and running, and monitor birds and bats on a proposed windfarm site. Never a dull moment! But I will be thinking of you and waiting for those phone calls telling me of the rare birds you have seen (between sawing and hammering!).Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3298310411556406938.post-20547141783010897932009-03-26T20:44:00.002+00:002009-03-26T20:48:29.507+00:00FIRST SANDWICH TERNS OF THE YEARToday about 20 Chiffchaffs were seen on the island and the first Sandwich Terns of the year - the earliest ever recorded on the island.Bardsey Crierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473891358424951818noreply@blogger.com0