Bardsey Island News - Newyddion Ynys Enlli

COMING TO AN END OF ANOTHER EXCITING YEAR ON BARDSEY

2010-12-18T22:12:00.001Z

Only 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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

Bardsey Crier

Poetry about Bardsey - and Fun at the Lighthouse

2010-09-04T21:43:00.000+01:00

Apologies 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.

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.

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.

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!).

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.

Bevan

SHEARWATERS WIN BATTLE WITH FOGHORN

2010-05-31T13:45:00.002+01:00

The Manxies are celebrating on Bardsey. They no longer have to compete with the Lighthouse Foghorn when it is foggy and overcast And it is official.

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.

NOW PEACEFUL BARDSEY, WHERE YOU ONLY HEAR THE BIRDS AND THE SEALS.

UPDATE ON VOLUNTEER MIKE BAKER

2010-05-07T18:36:00.004+01:00

Mike 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.

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.

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.

Another person joins the Yellow Helicopter Club

2010-05-05T16:19:00.003+01:00

This 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.

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.

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. :-))

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BOATMAN, COLIN EVANS AND HIS WIFE MAIR, ON THE BIRTH OF THEIR DAUGHTER

2010-03-07T12:59:00.003Z

OYEZ 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.

Bardsey Crier

CONGRATULATIONS TO GARETH ROBERTS

2009-12-16T13:14:00.000Z

Our heartiest congratulations to Gareth Roberts, Cwrt, Uwchmynydd, for coming 3rd in the Farm Factor competition throughout Wales last night.

OVER to the Winter Wardens to KEEP YOU IN TOUCH

2009-12-03T15:17:00.003Z

FOR 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.

THE PORTER FAMILY AT THE FARM WILL BE THEIR NEIGHBOURS.

WE WISH THE LENNONS AND THE PORTERS A VERY MERRY XMAS.

SO GO AND LINK ON TO JIM AND ELAINE'S BLOG FOR UPTODATE NEWS FROM BARDSEY.

Bardsey Crier

Winter Warden finishing first Task - but where is Elaine?

2009-11-10T22:07:00.002Z

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.

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.

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.

Publish Post

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IAN WRIGHT

2009-10-09T23:59:00.003+01:00

Happy Birthday again.

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!!!

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!

Happy Bithday Ian from all on the island.

Poetry and Writing and FUN Week on Enlli

2009-06-30T20:25:00.003+01:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

We all had a fantastic time; our laughter could be heard across the island.
Many thanks to Steve, Emma, Connor, Rich B, Rich E, Gwyn, Christine, Chris and Carole for helping it be such a special week.

Next year is booked already and vistors to the BBFO website can look forward to new poems appearing soon.

Caring and Maintaining the Observatory

2009-06-28T15:14:00.002+01:00

Richard Brown, our Assistant Warden, has been painting the fascia boards and preparing the Obs to take the new guttering that has just arrived

Bog for the Blog - A new loo for the Gents!

2009-06-11T00:09:00.003+01:00

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.

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!

A'white at the front and A'wite at the sides!!!

2009-06-10T23:41:00.004+01:00

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.

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!

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.

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.

To see how good the place looks now, get booking your next visit with Alicia

Steve Stansfield
Warden

Shearwaters in colour on Springwatch

2009-06-10T21:12:00.004+01:00

At 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.

SPRINGWATCH ON BARDSEY

2009-05-24T22:43:00.003+01:00

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.

Have you heard of Bardsey Island?

2009-05-13T09:42:00.003+01:00

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 :-))

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.

VOLUNTEERS - our biggest asset.

2009-05-08T00:02:00.003+01:00

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!

Ian Wright is back with us and has been helping around the island - pruning bushes and helping fix stiles and boardwalks.

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.

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 uk

News from the island will be more uptodate shortly - thanks to Steve and his team

2009-05-06T13:52:00.002+01:00

Steve 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.

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!

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).

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.

Yorkshire Bev

Ben demonstrates new invention for "Elderly" Bardsey Criers visiting the Observatory

2009-05-01T18:52:00.004+01:00

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 HAS ARRIVED IN THE 21st CENTURY

2009-04-30T19:21:00.002+01:00

The 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.

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.

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".

Anyway, it does mean we will get the news regularly now and photos of birds perhaps on the day they are seen.

My regards to all the visitors and I hope you all get off tomorrow.

The Bardsey Crier

This was the Week that was

2009-04-19T22:54:00.004+01:00

Steve phoned today with news of events on the island over the last week.

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.

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?)

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.

Friday 17 April - About 30 Grasshopper Warblers, 150 Willow Warblers, 70 Wheatears.

Saturday 18 April - 1 male Sup-Alpine Warbler netted and ringed.

TODAY, Sunday 19 April - 2 Black Redstarts, Orange Tip Butterfly (10th record for island).

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.

Saturday 18 April

2009-04-18T20:56:00.001+01:00

At 3pm this afternoon, a male Sub-Alpine Warbler was found on the island.

Ring Ouzel and Garden Warbler

2009-04-12T19:55:00.002+01:00

Ring 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.

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!).

FIRST SANDWICH TERNS OF THE YEAR

2009-03-26T20:44:00.002Z

Today about 20 Chiffchaffs were seen on the island and the first Sandwich Terns of the year - the earliest ever recorded on the island.

Weekend Birding on Bardsey

2009-03-22T10:20:00.003Z

SATURDAY

2 Jack Snipe (1 trapped) - 5 Black Redstarts - 20 Chiffchaffs - 12 Wheatears

SUNDAY

3 Black Redstarts - 15 Wheatears

And finally, the British Naturalists' Association (BNA) are holding a very interesting National Conference in Epping Forest on 9 May. Log on to: http://www.bna-naturalists.org for details.

Book your week on the island NOW

2009-03-18T21:09:00.003Z

A glorious sunny warm day on the island today. Steve reports:

12 Sand Martins - 1 Willow Warbler (the earliest ever recorded - by one day) - 5 Black Redstarts - 1 Swallow - 1 HOOPOE - 1 first winter Iceland Gull (7th record) - 2 Coal Tits.

Oh! and 30 Bottle-nosed Dolphins on a flat sea. Don't you wish you were there?

Island Alive Again - population doubled

2009-03-17T21:34:00.003Z

After a couple of delays due to strong winds, Steve, Emma, and their son Connor, plus the two Richards and Liz James arrived on the Island and walked back up to the Observatory last Sunday. In fact, these six have taken the island population to 11 which has more than doubled it. The other five are Emyr at Nant and Steve and his family at the farm.

Our gang are all working hard to get the Observatory ready for our first visitors in about 3 weeks time. Lots to do - mainly cleaning and decorating and hoping for sun and warmth to help dry everything out. It has helped enormously having Steve Porter and his family checking up on the Obs over the winter and putting the generator on occasionally to try and keep the Obs dry. But we do have one or two wet walls that need attention from our landlord which we hope is in hand.

The lads have been popping out birding and report the following today:

4 BLACK REDSTARTS - 6 WHEATEARS - THE FIRST SAND MARTIN OF THE YEAR - 1 WHITE WAGTAIL - c300 MEADOW PIPITS - 1 MISTLE THRUSH - 6 CHIFFCHAFFS.
Oh! and Steve turned his trousers into shorts on Solfach today I am told - a site for sore eyes! Next we'll hear he's donning a pair of swim trunks.

Wardens hopefully back on Island today

2009-03-15T11:17:00.002Z

Weather has delayed the return of our Wardens to the island and the Observatory but the latest forecast and message from Steve is that they are hoping Ernest can take them over today. It certainly is a bright and sunny morning here in the Midlands. If you go to the home page of our website you will see I have added a new Weather LIVE from Abersoch which will give you a better idea of weather on the end of the Lleyn.

We have heard that Wheatear has returned to the island - I am sure the two Richards will be out and about as soon as they land so expect more reports in the coming days.

Reporting from Criccieth LIVE

2009-02-21T12:59:00.006Z

I am sitting here in the hotel at Criccieth two and half hours into our Council Meeting. 19 Council Members have come together here today for the first of our three meetings this year. Steve Stansfield, our Warden, and his wife Emma are also present, as is our President and one of our Vice Presidents.

We have been discussing the work of the Observatory and particularly receiving reports and making decisions for the coming season so that the Observatory will run smoothly. Our work will continue, including, of course, continuing to provide accommodation for visitors who stay and help us record and study the wildlife of the island.

In case you think I am not paying intention at the meeting, I would add that it is now lunch time and I am enjoying a bowl of soup.

Finally, there was an apology from one of our Vice Presdients (no names no packdrill as they say) and I thought you would be interested in his reason for not being here today. It appears his son persuaded him to take him to the Test Match in Barbados! No comment from a fellow Vice President :-))

January BIRD news from our man on Bardsey, finishing with a good one!

2009-01-30T15:34:00.003Z

Our man on Bardsey - Ben Porter - reports as follows:-

Brambling reported by Ben on his bird table at Ty Pellaf early in the month.
Wigeon in early January.
One or two Coal Tits.

Lots (up to 200 which are record numbers) Golden Plovers early in the month together with up to 40 Lapwings

AND ON THE 26TH JANUARY - 1 LITTLE EGRET
AND FINALLY, TODAY, the 30th, in Henllyn - A GREY PHALAROPE.

Bevan

George and Simon - Memories.

2009-01-24T22:23:00.003Z

Don't forget to check the comments that are being submitted. Simon Hughes has reminded us that George and his family stayed on the island for the 1970 season and Sheamus has reminded us of Simon and Gwydion's (and Kim's) friendly brewing competitions and his generosity to visiting birders to the Obs. Simon also draws our attention to George's copperplate log entries. (Can our current warden, Steve, perhaps arrange for a page to be scanned for the web please).

Please keep reminding us all of any memories of either of them that you may have.

Bevan

Goodbye Simon - we won't forget you

2009-01-22T23:18:00.002Z

I journeyed down to Bromyard last Saturday to attend the Funeral Service of Simon Walker in St. Peters Church. The church was full with his family, his friends and his colleagues. They came from all over the UK as during his 52 years life he had travelled far and collected many friends and colleagues on the way.

His colleagues from English Nature (now Natural England) were there, his colleagues from the old days at Severn Trent were there, his BTO ringing friends from the midlands, his friends from the Worcestershire Trust, his friends who had accompanied him on his regular trips over the years to ring the seabirds of the Treshnish Isles off Mull, and of course the Bardsey Observatory and Trust and the island were represented by myself, Dick Loxton, and Gwydion Morley and Kim Atkinson (who have remained his good friends since they both left the island some years ago).

I think all people present learned a lot more about Simon and his devotion to wildlife conservation, as they listened to his brother and his colleagues talk of his skills, committment and humour that we all knew he possessed.

Jan, his wife, appealed to us all to keep in touch and to relate to Angus, their son, any memories we have of his father so that he will have these in the future to remind him of his wonderful dad.
I am sure those of you who had the pleasure and privilige of meeting, working and just being around Simon will do that small thing for them.

Jan and the family gave Simon a private Green Funeral in the morning - he was put in the ground in a wicker coffin, decorated by Jan, as he requested - a conservationist to the end.

I certainly am proud to have known him - you are invited to please post any memories you have of Simon on this BLOG.

Bevan

Simon Walker - Funeral Arrangements

2009-01-09T17:47:00.003Z

Simon's wife Jan has given me the following information.

There will be a private green burial service for Simon on the morning of Saturday, 17th January. On the same day, in the afternoon at 2pm, at St. Peters Church, Bromyard, there will be a service to celebrate and give thanks for the life of Simon, to which everyone who would like to attend is invited.

Funeral directors dealing with Simon's funeral are: Victoria Allen Funeral Services, Church View, 8 Charlton Rise, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1ND - Tel: 01584 879035. No flowers please but if you are wanting to make a donation in lieu of flowers, their chosen charity would be Noah's Ark, a local Herefordshire charity which works and supports children who have been bereaved. Details from the funeral directors.

George Evans - Observatory Warden 1964-69

2009-01-06T23:46:00.004Z

We have only just heard this news, but another past warden of the Observatory, George Evans, died last June. The records show that George was our warden from 1964-69. He was probably there in 1970 too as we were closed for the next three years. The systematic list shows his records but there is no mention of whether we had a warden for those next three years.

Midland birdwatchers of my era will remember George as a meticulous Bird Recorder and extremely competent ornithologist who was well respected by all his colleagues and friends. It is indeed sad to hear of his death. I was hoping to see him in September last when 6 of his friends had a 50th re-union at Cley. Unfortunately, one of the 8 had already died, but we hadn't been able to contact George - little knowing that he was then no longer with us.

Bevan

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i bawb.

2009-01-01T00:20:00.001Z

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i bawb. A Happy New Year to you all.

Bevan
Bardsey Crier & Webmaster

SIMON WALKER - OUR WARDEN IN 1990 AND 1991

2008-12-29T12:20:00.004Z

It is with great sadness that I have to report this Xmas, the death of one of our Wardens, Simon Walker. His wife, Jan, tells me that he was diagnosed back in the early summer with cancer but that chemotherapy was unsuccessful. He died just after Xmas, on the 28 December. He was only 52 years old.

I have tried to contact all the people who I think were around on Council when Simon and Jan were on the island but let me know if you know of someone who would want to know and may wish to write to his wife Jan, or even attend the funeral. (No date yet arranged).

I am sure all our thoughts are with Jan and their young son Angus.

Bevan

Pumpkin Soup

2008-12-18T11:34:00.005Z

Celebrating Hallowe'en on Bardsey? Yes, just because we are three miles off the coast of Wales, we aren't completely out of touch with the rest of the world - and the Wardens were given (we should have grown them on the island!) several pumpkins by the last visitors of the season. Hence the whole island was treated to Pumpkin Soup - a great way to get together - and the soup was delicious.

Gwyn Tracey took these photos of us all - who the bloke with the camera is I have no idea! Must be the ghost of Cristin!

Newyddion Ynys Enlli

2008-12-07T19:17:00.004Z

I am going to attempt to bring you some news in Welsh - but hasten to add that I do not write or speak Welsh. However, I will have the help of other Ynys Enlli followers who will hopefully feed me with information and translate a few articles. It was Ann Own Vaughan who suggested we start with an article written by Emyr Roberts, who regular visitors to the island will know, as he is the Trust Warden who lives at Nant at the north end of the island. It is about his job on the island now and his previous travels before coming to the island four years ago. I will try to give a short summary after the article in English for non-Welsh speaking readers. Emyr is pictured above ringing the Chapel bell at Steve and Emma's wedding.

I would welcome other contributions in Welsh about the Island, its residents and its wildlife - together with short English summaries. During the next three months, of course, as the Observatory is not occupied, news direct from the island will be minimal (but hopefully some from Ben Porter), so it would be nice to get a few Welsh contributions. Please comment on the Blog too - in English or Welsh.

Emyr's article first appeared in Llanw Llyn in November

Cefais fy ngeni a’m magu yng Nghwpennaner gerllaw Cerrigydrudion. Cychwynais fy ngyrfa mewn Meithrinfa Tŷ Gwydr ar y Wirral.

Ymunais â Gwasanaeth Gwirfoddol Dramor (VSO) yn 1971 a threulio 2 flynedd fel rheolwr ar Gynllun Peilot Dyfrhau Tir yn Zambia ble ddatblygais ddiddordeb mewn planhigion trofanol a choed.

Treuliais y rhan fwyaf o 25 mlynedd cyn dod i Ynys Enlli yn gweithio ar wahanol gynlluniau tirlun yn Saudi Arabia. Roedd y rhain yn cynnwys dinas ddiwydiannol newydd yn yr anialwch, ac yna ar ysbyty milwrol. Am y 15eg mlynedd olaf gweithiais i’r Awdurdod Awyrlu Gwladol Saudi mewn gofal o gynllunio a chynnal y tirlun a’r cynlluniau dyfrhau oedd a’u pencadlys yn Jeddah.Yn ogystal a’r 25 maes awyr cartref(domestic) ym mhob cwr o’r wlad. Roeddwn yn arfer hedfan ac archwilio y gwahanol feysydd awyr yn wythnosol.

Y tro cyntaf i mi ymweld ac Ynys Enlli oedd ar ddiwrnod sych,tawel ac oer ym mis Ionawr 2005 i gael golwg ar yr ynys cyn derbyn y swydd o fod yn warden gydag Ymddiriedolaeth Ynys Enlli. Er fy mod wedi derbyn y swydd yn syth cymerodd tan fis Ebrill i mi fedru cyrraedd yr Ynys wedyn a dechrau gweithio oherwydd y tywydd garw!

Mae fy amser ar yr ynys yn cael ei rannu’n ddwy ran dymhorol amlwg. Yn ystod tymor y gaeaf (Tachwedd i Ebrill)

Rwyf yn cario ymlaen i drwsio, cynnal ac atgyweirio y saith tŷ sydd yn cael eu gosod gan yr Ymddiriedolaeth fel tai gwyliau, y Capel, Ysgol a’r Abaty ac yn gwneud yn siwr fod y tai i gyd wedi eu paratoi ac yn barod ar gyfer yr ymwelwyr.

Mae’r tymor gwyliau yn cael ei ymestyn o tua ganol Mai yn hwyr i’r Hydref. Fel arfer mae’r Sadyrnau yn brysur dros ben. Dyma’r diwrnod pan fo’r ymwelwyr yn cyrraedd a gadael. Rhaid gofalu fod y bobl iawn (a’u bagiau dillad bwyd a.y.y.b.)yn mynd ar y cwch iawn ar yr amser iawn.Yn ogystal rhaid llnau’r tai ac ail lenwi’r nwyddau e.e nwy, cyn i’r ymwelwyr nesaf gyrraedd.Y rhan fwyaf o’r amser rydym yn ei gael yn iawn ond ambell waith mae pethau yn mynd o chwith!

Mae gweddill fy amser yn ystod y tymor yn cael ei dreulio yn atgyweirio,cynnal a chadw mân bethau, gan ofalu am y gerddi a’r tir oddi amgylch y tai a’r adeiladau, hefyd gofalu fod yr ymwelwyr i gyd yn gyffyrddus ac wedi setlo i mewn. Does dim dau ddiwrnod byth yr un fath.

Roedd y tai (a’r adeiladau fferm) i gyd wedi cael eu adeiladu gan Iarll Newborough ( neu o leiaf ei weithwyr) yn y 1870au. Mae’r tai i gyd erbyn hyn wedi cael eu cofrestru fel adeiladau gradd 2 ac ychydig o iawn sydd wedi cael ei wneud i’w newid. Mae gan bob un doiled compost, dŵr ffynnon ar dap, stôf nwy ac oergell ond nid oes gan yr un ohonynt drydan na theledu.

Mae llawer iawn o’r ymwelwyr yn dod yn rheolaidd blwyddyn ar ôl blwyddyn i fwyhau y tawelwch ac yn bell o sŵn ceir a bywyd prysur bob dydd. Mae’n braf cael mynd yn ôl mewn amser i fywyd syml fel roedd yn y gorffennol.

Fel arfer ryw hanner hanner o Gymru a Saeson sydd yn dod i aros. Rydym yn cael cefnogaeth dda iawn gan bobl Sir Fôn ond ychydig iawn o drigilion Pen Llŷn rydym yn ei weld er fod llawer ohonynt gyda chysylltiadau teuluol â’r Ynys.Buasem yn hoffi clywed gennych ac fe fydd croeso yn eich aros yma.

Emyr Roberts

Mae Emyr hefyd yn artist yn tynnu lluniau bendigedig o flodau ac mae yn gwerthu ei gardiau draw ar yr ynys.Maent yn werth eu gweld ac os cewch gyfle ewch i weld ei ardd yn llawn llysiau a blodau

===============
Summary:

The above article was written by Emyr Roberts, Bardsey Island Trust Warden and describes his background before he came to the island and his work for the Trust.

He was born in a small village near Cerrigydruidion in North Wales. He trained on a nusery on the Wirral and then went out to Zambia working on an irrigation project for VSO. He then spent 25 years out in Saudi Arabia working on grounds and landscaping around a military hospital and a regional airport.

He first visited Ynys Enlli in January 2005 before starting work the following month. He describes his work preparing and maintaining the houses and maintaining the chapel, the schoolroom and the abbey. He talks about his love for the peace and tranquility of the island and of the visitors, many of whom return year on year to the beauty of the island.

A postscript adds information about his love of both vegetable and flower gardening and his skills as an artist drawing flowers.

The photo was taken back in 1978 - 30 years ago.

2008-12-06T23:28:00.003Z

Yes, it does include my wife, Diane, on the left - and our young son Adam. Denise Healey (our Sales Co-ordinator) is front right in sunglasses. The two ladies are Jean Bellamy and Alicia Normand. So, yes you've guessed it, the pirate is non other than a young, slim Bob Normand - who of course denies he ever looked like that. A party of 13 of us from the Midlands spent two weeks on the island doing Voluntary Conservation Work.

Today we have had a Meeting at Penkridge in Staffordshire of the Observatory Council with members attending from the south coast, south Wales, Anglesey and North Wales, Manchester, London and Birmingham and the Midlands. Steve, our Warden and Emma, and the Chairman, came down from Lancashire. It was a long meeting but we covered a lot of ground, attempting to solve problems and make plans for the future running of the Observatory next year and years to come. You will be pleased to hear that Steve and Richard will be continuing as our Warden and Assistant in 2009.

The Observatory is now empty for the next 3 months but our friends Steve Porter and his family at the farm will be keeping an eye on our property to make sure everything is kept dry and in working order for our return in the spring.

We hope to get news of any birds than their son Ben records on the island as he has volunteered to take on again the task of being our bird recorder for the three winter months. Thank you Ben. I look forward to hearing your news and seeing any photos you take.

Bevan

Steve back on the Mainland

2008-11-26T16:17:00.003Z

A quick phone call from Steve yesterday to say they were now in England - home for Xmas.

And a quick trip back to the past in the photo above - what year was this picture taken? And do you know anyone on the boat? If no one can name any of them, then I suppose I will have to let the cat out of the bag - well I did take the photo - it was a transparency - and I have just scanned it digitally.

Bevan

Thursday 19th November

2008-11-21T01:05:00.004Z

Richard Else has now left the island and is back in Bolton. "Still dreaming of Shearwaters Richard?". Richard Brown, our Assistant Warden, is staying with Steve for a little longer when they will be coming off at the end of the month.

On Wednesday 18 November another Yellow-browed Warbler was found. More thrushes were arriving but the weather is rough at the moment and with cold northerly winds and heavy snow falls forecast this coming weekend in England, there could be more birds moving west to try and get away from it. Bardsey could get some hard weather movement in the next few days.

Visitors all gone and weather atrocious

2008-11-10T21:12:00.002Z

The Warden, Steve, phoned today with the latest news.
On the bird front, there are still some of last week's birds still around such as Bullfinch, Coal Tits, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Long-tailed Tits.

The Engineer managed to get over late last week and check our generator which had been playing up and was only firing on one cylinder. In about three hours he managed to get it repaired and it is now working ok again.

All the staff will be leaving the island by the end of this month for a break over Xmas, leaving just Emyr at Nant looking after the Trust houses and Steve, the farmer, and his wife and two children. Their son Ben, of course, will be taking over as Honorary Warden and Bird Recorder while our Warden, Steve, is on the mainland. What's the betting he gets some really good birds on the island while on his own - and he will no doubt produce photographs to prove he saw them.

Our next Council Meeting is in Penkridge on Saturday 6 December when they will be deciding on the Observatory Fees for next year. Next year's visitor vacancies are now on the website and bookings can be taken now, subject to the new charges when they are announced next month.

6 November 2008

2008-11-10T21:11:00.000Z

1 Yellow-browed Warbler recorded.

And then there were 10

2008-11-03T15:27:00.001Z

Steve phoned today (the ten remaining on the island for the time being are Steve, the warden, his wife Emma and their son Connor; Emyr at Nant; the Porter Family at the farm - Steve, Jo, Rachel and Ben; and Richard B, Assistant Warden, and Richard Else, Shearwater Monitor).

Today birds of note recorded are Barn Owl and Firecrest.

A Rough and exciting October week on Bardsey for last visitors of season

2008-11-02T13:45:00.005Z

Bev, Bev and Neil were due to sail over on Saturday 25 October but weather conditions prevented us going until Monday 27th. It was a rough crossing but as we approached the island the excitement mounted, especially when the engine cut out! No safety problems, however for the President, Vice President and 7 others who were dingyed ashore - some of us a little wet from the breaking seas and rain that lashed us as we sailed from Pwhelli to Bardsey in approx. 2 and a half hours.

However, for the 10 people waiting on the slipway to return to the mainland it was a tense half hour while we ferried people back to the boat, with the tide falling, the seas getting rougher, the anchor dragging and the lifeboat racing out from Pwhelli to tow the boat back to the mainland. In the end, only half the party were able to return that day, five having to stay on the island for a couple of extra days until Ernest could get over to take them off.

One of the people due to return was our Bookings Secretary Alicia Norman and her husband Bob. Unfortunately, Lis had had a fall on the island during her stay and had extreme difficulty walking along the gabions to get on the boat. Although drugged with painkillers her one leg was giving her extreme pain which she said was a very bad sprain. (In fact, when she eventually returned home, she had to go to the hospital and after xrays it was pronounced that she had a fractured leg - she was nearly an additional member of the YHC and in fact, would have been, if she had complained a little more strongly of the pain).

Whilst on the island, a presentation was made to Ben Porter to commemorate his membership of the YHC (an embroidered helicopter on his Hoodie which he proudly wore for the rest of the week).

Now to the Birds of the week:

27th October - 7 Whitefronts, Black Redstart
28th October - Pale-breasted Brent Goose, Little Auk
30th October - Woodlark, Twite and Snow Bunting, 47 Brambling
31st October - Hen Harrier, 6 Coal Tits, 2,200 Chaffinches

There were a couple of small Lighthouse attractions producing 2 Storm Petrels of note.
Passage during the week was mainly of finches (Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Bramblings and Bullfinch) plus several Woodcock, Goldcrests, Redwings and Fieldfare. Several Med. Gulls also recorded. On the days when it was calm enough to unfurl the nets, lots of chaffinches were ringed and a record number of Long-tailed Tits, 52 in all.

WEDDING DAY FOR OUR BOATMAN

2008-10-25T21:14:00.005+01:00

Today at Uwchmynedd at 2pm, our Boatman Colin Evans married Mair. Ann Vaughan was there and sent this photograph of the happy couple.

Sorry, I forgot - there were 1,000 Chaffinches on the island today. Gale Force winds in the Irish Sea - you picked the right day to get married Colin! We all look forward to seeing you next season. MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH FROM ALL MEMBERS OF THE OBSERVATORY AND EVERYBODY ELSE WHO HAS TRAVELLED OVER THE SOUND WITH YOU.

A lull before the Storm!

2008-10-24T13:56:00.004+01:00

Tomorrow, I was hoping to get over for the last week of the season. However, the forecast is telling us that with winds up to Force 8-9, that we won't be sailing. Monday looks more likely.

Birds this morning - Arctic Skua, Bonxie, a Med. Gull, Arctic Tern and 2 Short-eared Owls.

Our boatman, Colin, is getting married tomorrow and is then on his honeymoon for a week so it will be Dafydd who will be taking us over when the winds drop.

My apologies for being a little behind with the bird news but we have just returned from a week in Scotland (not really birding). I was hoping the hotel would have wireless and I could have taken the laptop and posted news from the island. However, they hadn't yet made wireless available to visitors at the hotel we stayed at so my laptop stayed at home this time. One day, Steve will be able to post the news direct from the island - until then you will have to bear with me.

22nd October - More geese and Whoopers

2008-10-24T13:55:00.000+01:00

Today, a further 20 Whitefronts passed over and 2 Whooper Swans

21st October - some good birds

2008-10-24T13:52:00.001+01:00

A Grey Phalarope, a Pomarine Skua, 3 Great Northern Divers, 1 Little Gull.

28 White-fronted Geese passed through

19th and 20th October -

2008-10-24T13:50:00.001+01:00

15 Mediterranean Gulls on the 19th and 16 counted on the 20th October.

Week commencing 13th QUIET

2008-10-24T13:35:00.002+01:00

The boys caught and ringed 11 CHOUGH on the 14th and 15th October.

On the 17th there was 1 Yellow-browed Warbler

On Saturday 18th October, the visitors were able to leave and new ones arrive.

Sunday 12 October - WHAT A DAY!

2008-10-13T09:19:00.002+01:00

BIRDS GALORE! Unfortunately, the Paddyfield Warbler didn't stay. It couldn't be found today BUT THE FOLLOWING WAS:

200 Skylarks; a Lesser Whitethroat, c30 Chiffchaff; c.30 Willow Warbler; 2 Ring Ouzels; 1 Black Redstart; c100 Goldfinches; c100 Greenfinches; c100 Chaffinches; 1 TWITE; 6 Garden Warblers; c200 Goldcrests; 7 (yes, seven) GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS; c25 Bullfinches; 4 RICHARD'S PIPITS; 1 BARRED WARBLER; 1 YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER; c40 Stonechats; 1 Mistle Thrush; 1 Coal Tit; 2 Mediterranean Gulls; 1 Pomarine Skua; 2 Golden Plovers.

A LOVELY, WARM, SUNNY DAY. LIGHT WINDS S/SE - AS STEVE PUT IT "T-SHIRT WEATHER".

For the six people staying this week, things couldn't have started off better. Obviously Bob Normand and Brian Thompson have got 'em organised - or is it because Mandy's there from the CCW checking up to see whether Bardsey Island really qualifies as a National Nature Reserve? OF COURSE IT DOES!

NEW BIRD FOR THE ISLAND

2008-10-11T11:59:00.003+01:00

Richard Brown, our Assistant Warden, spied a good bird in the Ty Pellaf Withy this morning. Steve joined him and they opened the nets and trapped, ringed and released a first for the island - a PADDYFIELD WARBLER.

New visitors coming to the island today will have an exciting first day. Two that left late on Wednesday last, will be returning as twitchers on the next boat. If the weather keeps fine, Steve can expect a few more birders travelling over today or tomorrow (if the bird stays).

Thursday 9 October 2008

2008-10-10T14:02:00.000+01:00

4 Little Gulls, an Arctic Skua and 1 Bonxie. VERY WINDY!

Sabines and Hen Harrier

2008-10-06T10:51:00.004+01:00

Visitors still not able to leave or new ones arrive. However, those staying have been rewarded today by an Adult Sabines Gull, 2 Balearic Shearwaters and a Hen Harrier came in off the sea from the west.
Later in the day a Yellow-browed Warbler was found and 2 Choughs were caught and ringed on the beach.
Steve asks that all visitors phone him on the island to check on any food shortages in the shop. We are coming to the end of the season so stocks are being run down anyway. Only 3 weeks left in the season.
Unfortunately, Nick Barlow and his party of 7 hung on until today but the forecast is still not good, so have returned home to the midlands. This is the first time Nick has been unable to get onto the island in 21 years. I know how he must feel - it can be most frustrating not to get over. Simon Hugheston Roberts is one of the visitors who should have come off on Saturday last - Simon organises the food for our shop. "Leave some for me, Simon - I'm due over there later this month".

5 October 2008 -

2008-10-06T10:49:00.001+01:00

3 Crossbills and 1 Whinchat. A few Swallows moving through.
Visitors weren't able to leave because of rough seas

Very Windy

2008-10-03T12:12:00.002+01:00

Hailstones yesterday and today, it is very very windy. Unlikely our visitors will leave tomorrow or new ones arrive.

Anyone visiting in the near future (which includes me), are requested by Steve (if they have a space in their bag) to bring a few pounds of mixed bird seed or peanuts. If you can donate a bird feeder that would be helpful too.

Med. Gulls, Leach's and a Yellow browed Warbler

2008-10-02T11:46:00.003+01:00

2 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Leach's Petrels
1 Yellow browed Warbler

Check yesterday's notes as Steve revised the species list and numbers this morning. 46 Skuas of three species in one day isn't bad is it!

1 October 2008 - Seawatch

2008-10-02T00:53:00.002+01:00

7 Black Guillemots, 14 Leach's Petrels, 24 Bonxies, 2 Long-tailed Skuas, 20 Arctic Skuas, 1 Little Auk, 2 Arctic Terns, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Little Tern, 700 Kittiwakes, 250 Gannets, 50 Manxies.

1 Barn Owl, 1 Yellow Wagtail.

Sooty Shearwater and a Mediterranean Gull

2008-09-29T17:06:00.000+01:00

A seawatch produced a Sooty Shearwater and a Med. Gull.

Quiet week but lively today

2008-09-28T14:28:00.002+01:00

The staff have been working hard to find birds this week without much success. However, today is a little different.

2 Yellow-browed Warblers trapped and ringed.
1 ORTOLAN BUNTING
1 LAPLAND BUNTING
c150 Goldcrests
1 Black Redstart
3 Ring Ouzels
1 Lesser Whitethroat
1 Red-breasted Merganser

Osprey day!

2008-09-19T20:12:00.001+01:00

3 Ospreys visited the island today - birds of the year.
The Melodious Warbler and Nuthatch were still on the island and a NEW Great Spotted Woodpecker was trapped and ringed.
At sea 10 Arctic Skuas, 1 Balearic Shearwater, 1 Pomarine Skua and 3 Bonxies.
2 Whinchat, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts.
2 Buzzards, 2 Kestrels and 2 Teal.

Red-throated Pipit and Barred Warbler and the Observatory dined on Sea Bass

2008-09-18T17:57:00.004+01:00

Today, 18 September, a warm, sunny clear day with easterlies, has produced:

1 Red-throated Pipit - flew south.
1 Barred Warbler - at Nant
The Firecrest ringed yesterday is still here, as is the Nuthatch that was ringed a few days ago.
2 Brent Geese
4 Common Sandpipers
7 Black-tailed Godwits
20 Grey Wagtails
2 Yellow Wagtails
70 White Wagtails
3 Pied Flycatchers
1 Redstart
Several Whinchats

SEA BASS? Yes, the Observatory dined well tonight on 10 Sea Bass caught by our fisherman friends who come twice a year to fish the seas around Bardsey. They actually caught 42 but only landed 10 on the island to be consumed by the Staff and visitors. Loverly grub!!!!

Wednesday 17 September

2008-09-18T17:47:00.001+01:00

Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Black Redstart and 1 Firecrest (trapped and ringed)

Big fall of Warblers and Melodious trapped and ringed

2008-09-16T22:22:00.002+01:00

These easterlies have brought in the following:
Melodious Warbler - trapped and ringed
1 WRYNECK; c.10 Pied Flycatchers; 20 Spotted Flycatchers;
200 Chiffchaff; 75 Willow Warblers; 100 Whitethroat; 10 Sedge Warblers;
6 Grasshopper Warblers; 400 Goldcrests; 6 Blackcaps; 6 Redstarts;
2+ Reed Warblers AND
1 Nuthatch (a ringing tick for Steve, the Warden)
Also 2 Brent Geese and 1 Bonxie.

Osprey and Melodious Warbler Day

2008-09-15T15:30:00.002+01:00

Monday 15th - today Steve phoned with news of an Osprey and a Melodious Warbler plus 2 Spotted Flycatchers and 2 Pied Flycatchers.

Three of our regular fisherman friends are staying at the Observatory this week. They have their own boat and go out each day fishing around the island. Steve tells me they caught several big Tope yesterday.

And one of the other visitors is a past Assistant Warden from 1997, Paul Massey. He has returned with his wife. It would be good to hear his comparisons of "then and now". Has it changed Paul? And is it for the better?

Sunday 14 September - a Goose and Heron day

2008-09-15T15:27:00.001+01:00

This day brought 11 BRENT GEESE to the island - a record number. Also seen were 12 Grey Herons, 3 Pied Flycatchers, 3 Spotted Flycatchers and a Balearic Shearwater.

Vice President pays a visit and brings two good birds

2008-09-15T15:22:00.003+01:00

Saturday 13 September - Tony Bianci, one of our long-serving and generous Vice Presidents, nipped over with Colin for the day.

And amongst the birds found on the island that day was a CORNCRAKE, a RED-BACKED SHRIKE and two Reed Warblers.

Friday 12 September - ALL THE SKUAS!

2008-09-12T16:55:00.003+01:00

Weather looks set to be ok for boat crossings tomorrow.

Seawatching today produced - 6 Arctic Skuas, 1 Bonxie, 1 Adult Pomarine Skua and 1 Long-tailed Skua. All the skua species one would expect around the UK in a few hours sea watch off Bardsey. Not bad eh!

And besides, a couple of Risso's Dolphins were seen. Landbirds - very little movement. a Great Spotted Woodpecker (first seen in June) was seen again today.

2nd to 4th good sea passage, then quiet and picking up now

2008-09-11T14:37:00.003+01:00

2nd September - Balearic Shearwater, Bonxie and an Arctic Skua.
3rd - 3 Balearics, 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 2 Black Tern, Grey Phalarope
4th - a long seawatch produced: 69 Sandwich Terns, 627 Common Terns, 182 Arctic Terns, 204 Comic Terns, 1 Black Tern, 1 ROSEATE TERN, 13 Arctic Skuas, 6 Bonxies, 7,000 Kittiwakes, 6,000 Manxies, 44 Fulmars, 300 Gannets. (wind SW light)

10th September - Whinchat and Black Redstart.
11th September - 96 Common Terns, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 4 Arctic Skuas, 2 Whinchat.

It was Richard Brown, our Assistant Warden's birthday yesterday, 10 September. Haven't yet found out how old he was (is he under or over 21 do you think? :-)) Anyway, a cake was baked for him but not sure how many candles were on the top!

Two of the visitors there at the moment are Mike Archer inputting data to our computer records and Mike Armitage, our Beacon Editor.

Yours sincerely has just returned from a 50th anniversary trip to the north Norfolk coast with 5 friends. 8 of us made the journey in 1958, travelling in a van and camping out on Walsey Hills. One of the party, unfortunately, is no longer with us, but one other (who couldn't get down to join us last week), was George Evans, who of course was one of our early Wardens on Bardsey. A better birdwatcher it would be hard to find. Oh! - we did get the White-rumped Sandpiper at Titchwell and 2 Monty Harriers nearby.

August quiet but September is starting with a Bang!

2008-09-01T14:50:00.003+01:00

August is usually a quiet time on the island and this year was no exception. A few skuas moving at sea but little arriving on the island. Its the time when our staff can perhaps escape for a short break - Steve has just returned to the island.

On the 29th August 200 Willow Warblers arrived on the island. On the last day of August (31st), there were 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts, a Wood Warbler, Reed Warbler and an Emperor Dragonfly.

Today, 1 September, 2 Bonxies, 2 Arctic Skuas, a Little Gull, Pied Flycatcher, 2 Ruff and a WRYNECK.

Gales forecast - will they bring birds?

2008-08-15T23:12:00.002+01:00

For the second Saturday running, the boat will not be returning visitors or bringing on new ones tomorrow. However, for the second Friday running, Colin was able to warn visitors and those that had to leave were taken off today (Friday). It will probably be at least Monday, if not Wednesday, before conditions are suitable for boats to sale again.

Birds are few at the moment - but 15,000 Manxies were seen off the island a few days ago together with 4 Arctic Skuas.

Where else would you find that the next door neighbour's children were on holiday from school and yet your parents insisted on schooling continuing in the second week of August? I am referring of course to poor old Connor, Steve and Emma's son. Headmistress Andrea (and two of her children) presumably influenced that decision but now she has left the island I think he should get a few day's holiday with Uncle Bob and his friends next door.

OYEZ

Rough Weather - no boat today

2008-08-09T19:39:00.003+01:00

Visitors were warned that today would be too rough for the boat to take them back to the mainland so several left yesterday. Unfortunately, no new visitors arrived today as usual which is a rare occurrence these days with Colin's larger boat and it being based on the island.

When Steve phoned it was raining (but it was everywhere in the UK I believe - my daughter was erecting two tents in the Lake District in the pouring rain) but the island still reported birds - 4 Spotted Flycatchers and 2 Arctic Skuas.

While Steve was on the phone we checked the Weather Forecast and the Atlantic Chart. It looks as if the lines round the Low out there could bring the odd American bird to these islands. I will no doubt get a call from the island when one arrives.

Bevan

Hen Harrier and Gt. Spotted Woodpecker still there

2008-08-04T09:25:00.002+01:00

Visitors departed and new ones arrived ok on Saturday last. Steve, his family and the staff now have the company of Alicia and Bob Normand, their daughter Andrea and her three children (look out Connor!). And a welcome visitor is David Wright (our ex Assistant Warden), now working over on the East Coast (see a previous BLOG account).

So plenty of good birders on the island this week so go find those birds boys and girls. And don't forget to do some sea watching.

Steve tells me that the Hen Harrier and Great Spotted Woodpecker are still on the islands and sea watching produced 2 Balearic Shearwaters last Thursday, and a Bal. Shearwater, a Sooty Shearwater and a Black Guillemot on Friday last.

Bevan

Two species of Harrier

2008-07-26T20:52:00.002+01:00

Today a Marsh Harrier and a Hen Harrier were seen over the island. Also recorded was a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a young bird of the year.

More Stormies Trapped

2008-07-23T14:03:00.003+01:00

Last night 2 more Storm Petrels were attracted to the nets by luring with calls down near Cafn. Today the nets are out at Cristin and several Willow Warblers have already been ringed. A Green Sandpiper has passed over.

There was a Little Egret recorded at the beginning of this week - another one which indicates that there are more birds in the North Wales region now as the bird spreads north and west as a breeder.

Weather today and forecast is only slight winds but from an Easterly direction which hopefully will mean some good birds may drop in at Bardsey.

Steve is looking for any photos from visitors that could illustrate the Annual Report for last year. They must be of wildlife photographed on the island, whether it be plants, birds, insects, reptiles or amphibians, any sea life. Phone Steve on 07855 264151 or email chough at bbfo dot org dot uk

Bevan

Cuckoo bred on the island and Warblers begin the return trip

2008-07-22T18:03:00.004+01:00

20 Willow Warblers on the island today, the first warblers to arrive on their return journey to Africa.

Caught and ringed a couple of days ago was a juvenile Cuckoo - too young to have flown to the island so we can only assume that it was born on the island. Cuckoos were seen earlier but it was assumed they were travelling through. However, we have now to assume that a female has laid an egg or two in some of Bardsey's passerine nests - Steve's guess is either Meadow Pipit or Dunnock. They have bred before on the island but I don't have the year yet. Can someone tell me please. Will the next returning breeder be a Corncrake I wonder!

Steve played a Storm Petrel tape this week and caught two birds which were ringed.

Richard Else is back on the island on Saturday to continue his Shearwater study. Steve's Assistant, Richard Brown, will be leaving for a short break - if you read this Richard, let us know what you are getting up to off the island (as if I didn't know!). His reply will, of course, be "birdwatching"! If you are passing Penkridge, drop in for a cuppa - the other Bev might cook you a meal!

Richard is holding the camera on both photos.

Bevan

Portable Trap working

2008-07-16T13:09:00.003+01:00

I hear that Richard's Portable Heligoland trap has already resulted in them trapping and ringing three Rock Pipits and a Pied Wagtail on Solfach beach.

Go back to the home page of the website and read a short note from Richard Else about his census of the Manxie on Bardsey. Richard is having a short break now on the mainland before going back to continue his work.

Bevan

Return Migration underway - Manxies galore - and a new portable Heligoland

2008-07-11T19:27:00.003+01:00

Richard (Assistant) phoned to say the return migration has started with a few waders moving through e.g. Common Sandpipers, Redshank, Curlew and Whimbrel. Today he had a Little Egret, Cuckoo, a Common Gull and a Black-tailed Godwit.

Taking advantage of some empty rooms this week and some wet and windy weather, they have been putting lino down in the washroom and completing painting inside the Obs. - the dining room, staircase and a couple of bedrooms.

Richard has just finished making a Portable Heligoland Trap and the first bird he caught in the farmyard was a Pied Wagtail - just walked it in. They will now be trying it out on Solfach beach. It is about 18 feet long and can be carried by one person.

Shearwaters are very active at the moment, particularly as the nights are ideal at the moment for returning adults feeding their growing chicks. These are variable in size, with even some birds still sitting eggs and others with well grown chicks. Some are evidently up to a month behind others - is it the less mature birds? Richard Else leaves the island for a break tomorrow and a full complement of visitors arrives. Steve will be back, weather permitting, next Wednesday.

Bevan

Another Record Breaker

2008-07-10T23:06:00.002+01:00

In the latest British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Ringing Report, Razorbill M23170, ringed as a chick on the cliffs of Bardsey Island, Gwynedd was reported back on the island for its 41st summer.
So we now have two record breakers - this Razorbill (41) and our Manxie at a minimum of 51 years old (re-trapped again this spring).

Steve will be attending our Council and Extraordinary Meeting this coming Saturday at Criccieth - after his family holiday in Norfolk. Steve, Emma and Connor will be returning to the island a couple of days later.

Bevan

Steve off the island (on holiday!) - the two Richards on their own

2008-06-28T14:34:00.008+01:00

Steve and family came off the island last Tuesday and this morning I received word from them as they were busy stocking up with food to go on a week's holiday on the mainland - East Anglia look out!

Meanwhile, back on Bardsey, Richard Brown, Assistant Warden, saw off our visitors this week but no one arrived. Weather was a bit dodgy but Colin couldn't guarantee they would get over, so unfortunately, one visitor didn't make the journey from the midlands. However, it may be possible for him to get over on Monday as the weather looks like improving.

Bird News on the island is that a few Swifts have been seen and a Grey Wagtail (not breeders on Bardsey) and at sea other non-breeders have been up to 50 Gannets feeding. Richard Else has now finished his survey of the Shearwater burrows he was to do this year but will be checking them all again for confirmation of breeding. I have asked him to write something about his methods which I will put on the website.

Richard Brown (Assist. Warden) was his usual cheerful self when he phoned but did say that it would appear that Steve had laid a few traps for him before he left (joke). Richard has had to repair the Lawn Mower twice (otherwise our composting toilets don't work) and he has also had to repair one of the Cookers. The one thing he hasn't been able to repair is the Obs. Laptop Computer (on which we put the log each evening) which has refused to boot-up. Fortunately, we have back-up and there is another computer at the Obs. This does, however, underline how much we rely on the computer these days and that we must budget for repairs and renewals on a regular basis. (Council take note for future budgets - or have we members or friends in the computer business who can acquire uptodate laptops at very reasonable prices?).

Our intention to have satellite broadband for the Obs. has been delayed as we have to get the permission from CADW to put dishes on or around Cristin so there will be some delay while the forms are completed, submitted and a decision is made.

Finally, Richard tells me that Steve Porter and his family have returned from their holiday on Madeira, so that means that their son, Ben (pictured here) will be keeping an eye on the two Richards and contributing to each evening's log again.

Bevan

Refurbished Shop and Information Centre plus Rose Coloured Starling

2008-06-10T20:36:00.011+01:00

Neil, Bevan and Denise Healey plus me and my wife Diane, returned from a successful week at the Observatory carrying out refurbishment of the Shop and Information Centre. Plans had been prepared, materials bought and sent over to the island and under the watchful eye of the Warden and his wife Emma, the team did an absolutely splendid job which we hope you will like. We are of course, hoping that it will result in increased sales to all visitors to the island, whether staying ones or day visitors.

I will shortly be putting some other photos on the website of the team actually working. We had an "opening ceremony" when we invited all the residents on the island round for tea, coffee and biscuits (juice for the kids) and one of the Vice Presidents (alias the Bardsey Crier) cut the tape.

We all had a great week on the island - we all worked very very hard, Bevan Healey even beginning work at 5.30 AM on one morning. Bevan spent most of his time "up in the gods" i.e. up the ladder in the roof painting the wooden beams and putting up plywood between them all. (Me and the girls painted them first). It really does look great now. Neil (our skilled carpenter) built brand new table tops all round the room plus shelving on which to display our wares and Wall Displays to tell visitors about our work. Denise worked on the curtains in front of the table tops as well as helping Diane with painting walls, varnishing tables, and painting doors. I'm not sure what the VIP did - he certainly didn't get any serious birding done - in fact, none of us did.

The Obs. staff team is working well together and we saw a lot of our new Assist. Warden, Richard Brown and our Shearwater man, Richard Else. Our personal chef (who else but Bev Healey), ably assisted by Denise and Diane, cooked wonderful meals for us every night, with the two Richards joining us. Also staying at the Obs. during the week was Marijke Albus who cooked us a marvellous BBQ on the front lawn on the Friday night. Marijke spent most of her time finding out all about the island's commonest bird, the Manxie. She spent a couple of nights out with Richard Brown catching and ringing them. Richard Else spent every day we were there putting his arm down Manxie burrows playing calls to them to check responses. Marijke even managed to read the Manx Shearwater monograph from cover to cover during the week.

I was looking forward to an evening at another Observatory on the island - Steve Porter's astronomical observatory. But unfortunately for me, the whole family left the island on the afternoon of our arrival - bound for a well earned holiday in Madeira.

My book of the week is Christine Evans' latest one entitled just "bardsey" - Essays by Christine and photographs by Wolf Marloh (published by Gomer 2008) - a beautiful book describing in words and images how she has come to spend every summer over the last 40 years on the island. A copy came home with me.

Visitors this week have been fortunate to see an ADULT ROSE COLOURED STARLING which was present today 10 June. I am not too upset that it didn't appear last week as I have had one before on the island - but not a good Adult like today's bird!

Bevan

VIP due to visit Observatory

2008-05-30T12:52:00.003+01:00

The title heading is really just a warning to the staff that one of the Vice Presidents is due to drop in shortly so they wake up and get the place spick and span. (Problem is they don't have satellite broadband yet). He is also taking Mrs. VIP with him together with his "personal chef" (guess who?) so the two Richards are in for a week of culinary delights! "If they can afford it!" :-))

Alicia (Lis), our Bookings Secretary, has just sent me the uptodate Bookings which I have uploaded to the Website. It shows some vacancies for June and early July but August is completely booked and only one or two spaces in September and October.

If you have missed out this year on your preferred dates, then my advice is to get your booking in now for 2009 (we have yet to confirm the prices which because of rising prices, may have to be a little more). However, it will still work out much, much cheaper than flying to Europe - and they speak English on Ynys Enlli (oops! - well, the warden does - well, if you call the Yorkshire dialect "English" :-))

Bevan

Showers and Short-toed Lark

2008-05-23T17:17:00.002+01:00

Yesterday (and still present today) is one Short-toed Lark. Today 6 Crossbills are on the island.

Jim and Bev have finished putting in the Shower in the washroom - the "turn-on" ceremony has not yet occurred.

Bevan

Good News on Angharad plus a good bird

2008-05-21T17:17:00.005+01:00

When Steve phoned today, I learned that Angharad is back working. It appeared that her ankle wasn't broken, only badly strained. Good news - but it goes to show how careful you have to be when walking on uneven ground (as I found out when I tripped over in Cristin yard and joined the YHC). A GOOD PAIR OF BOOTS IS ESSENTIAL. I have just uploaded some photos of Angharad being prepared for her helicopter flight taken by Ian Wright (himself an ex RAF Air Sea Rescue Crewman). You will find them on http://www.bbfo.org.uk/yhc.htm

And the good bird news is that yesterday (Tuesday, 20 May), they trapped and ringed a MARSH WARBLER. I, of course, questioned their ID (what a nerve!), as Marsh and Reed Warblers are not easy to separate. Steve then read out to me the biometrics and formulas by which they were able to confirm the ID. That shut me up!

Jim and Bev were busy working hard and I will be reporting the results of their efforts when I visit in the near future.

JUST A REMINDER TO ANYONE GOING OVER TO STAY IN THE OBSERVATORY IN THE NEAR FUTURE - ALWAYS CHECK FOR THE CURRENT POSITION ON FOOD IN THE SHOP BY PHONING THE WARDEN ON: 07855 264151 A FEW DAYS BEFORE TRAVELLING. AT THE MOMENT WE HAVE NO MILK SO BRING UHT MILK BUT NOT A COW!

Bardsey Crier

Another Yellow Helicopter Club member

2008-05-18T19:17:00.002+01:00

Don't panic, no one on the island has been rushed to hospital. I have just had a back-dated claim, which has been already approved by the Board. The person who is to be added to the membership is Jane Strick, who, together with her husband, Arthur, farmed the island from Ty Pellaf for many years.

Jane's claim is that on the 3 December 1982, she did travel on a Wessex 2, XT604, of 'C' Flight, 22 Squadron, RAF Valley called to Bardsey Island to 'casevac' her from Ty Pella to C & A Hospital, Bangor. (I like the detail - we must request this on all future claims).

With this sort of detail, there did not appear to be any doubt that she was eligible for membership of the YHC - particularly as she has a witness - one Ian Wright, who was Crewman on that very flight. If anyone knows Jane's phone number, can they please ask her if she can confirm that, in fact, the Crewman was Ian Wright (must tie up all loose ends, you know, Ian!)

Ian of course, is well known to many Friends of Bardsey (and has just spent a week doing voluntary work at the Observatory. The photos below of his work revamping the Office is proof of the quality of his work. (His island skills are well known throughout the world and we thank him for his generosity in making them available to the Obs.)

SO NOW WE HAVE NINE MEMBERS OF THE YHC (5 FEMALES AND 4 MALES).

Thinks! - I wonder who has travelled to or from the island in the most ways. The different transports I can name are: fishing boat; Yacht; Jet Ski; Water Skis; helicopter; raft; canoe; Trinity Boat; Microlight; Swim; Has anyone yet arrived by Hot Air Balloon or Parachute? I daresay our Swiss friend who has just flown in his jet-propelled hang-glider might drop in one day.

I would like to hear of people who have arrived or departed from Bardsey in any of the unusual transports listed above - or any other even more unusual forms of transport!

Bevan

Sub Alpine and Nightingale trapped, etc.

2008-05-18T14:50:00.006+01:00

Yesterday (Saturday 17th), the Sub-Alpine Warbler was re-trapped - and a Nightingale was also trapped and ringed.

Other goodies yesterday were a Black-tailed Godwit and a GOLDEN ORIOLE.

Ian Wright has just left the island after a week helping with painting, decorating and modifications (a complete revamp) of the OFFICE and we have photos to prove which Ian brought off the island. Hopefully you will find them on this Blog or I will put them on the main Website.

I must ask Steve to ask Steve Porter (our resident farmer and Beekeeper) to tell us how the bees are doing just behind the Cristin Heligoland. Mine in the garden were doing fine (bringing in loadsw of nectar from oil seed rape - and then, four days ago, desided to swarm into a neighbours' apple tree. I collected them that evening and transported them to my apiary 3 miles away and put them in a new hive. I will let you know how they get on. Now I must get up to the allotment and do some digging, planting and weeding.

Bevan

Sub-Alpine Warbler trapped and ringed

2008-05-14T09:57:00.003+01:00

Tuesday, 13 May - female Sub Alpine Warbler trapped and ringed. Other birds today of note: 1 Great Northern Diver and 2 male Redstarts.

Bev and Neil Healey drove up from Staffordshire with a Van load of materials which Colin took over in the afternoon. Main things being timber and panels.

And Birds today (Wednesday 14th) - 2 drakes and 1 duck Eider.

YHC (Yellow Helicopter Club) - I have also discovered four other people that are eligible, one unfortunately who is no longer with us. That person was Maurice Tibbles, the famous Wildlife Film Maker (Life of the Cuckoo - remember?) who was taken off the island in October 2001 by the RAF Air Sea Rescue. He died later that year.

The other three people were Adele Powell, a volunteer with the Whale and Dolphin Society; Libby Barnden, who farmed with her husband Dave at Ty Pellaf; and one of my fellow Vice Presidents, known to all Bardsey Island lovers - Peter Hope Jones. Peter had to be taken off in 1998 because of a serious nose bleed. So two of your Vice Presidents have spilt blood on the island :-))

So the total number of YHC members has now risen to 8 (eight). We don't want any more :-))

Oh! and finally, Steve tells me that Ian Wright has been helping the staff with re-fitting the office in Cristin and re-decorating. You won't recognise the Observatory - it seems to be getting a complete "make-over".

Bevan

Birds Galore

2008-05-11T13:29:00.004+01:00

Report from Steve of Birds yesterday (Saturday 10 May)

1 pair of Garganey
1 Wood Warbler; 1 Lesser Whitethroat; 1 RING-TAILED HEN HARRIER; 1 WHINCHAT (first of year); 2 Tree Pipits; 2 Grasshopper Warblers; 7 Spotted Flycatchers; 40 Sedge Warblers; 10 Blackcaps; 10 Whitethroats; 16 Willow Warblers; 30 Wheatears; 1 Bar-tailed Godwit (ringed); 14 Whimbrel.

Just heard this morning that we have another member of the YHC (YELLOW HELICOPTER CLUB). Angharad Roberts, daughter of Gareth and Miriel at Cwrt Farm, was on the island playing with the children and 'oops, slipped and fell and broke her ankle I am told. The Yellow Helicopter was sent for and off she went to hospital. WE SEND YOU OUR "GET MENDED QUICK" MESSAGE Angharad as we know you are essential, not only to the workings of Cwrt Farm but also to the smooth running of the Observatory and the Island. There will be an important cog missing for a while. (Fancy being called a "cog"!)

BUT NOW ANGHARAD HAS JOINED THAT ELITE GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALSO MADE A TRIP IN THE YELLOW HELICOPTER - WHICH, OF COURSE, INCLUDES BEN PORTER, DOT TYNE AND THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE OBSERVATORY - (a'hem - thats me, the Bardsey Crier). THREE FAMOUS PEOPLE!

Bevan

Dotterel Day

2008-05-09T14:40:00.002+01:00

Thursday 8 May was Dotterel day! This is the weekend when they can be found on many regular migration spots throughout England and Wales. Bare ground - golf courses, hill tops - anything looking a bit like the area where they will eventually nest - seems to attract them every year. A female was recorded at the South End yesterday.

And what else? Blue-headed Wagtail, Wood Warbler, Reed Warbler, Turtle Dove, 15 Willow Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 10 Sedge Warblers, 10 Blackcaps, 6 Whitethroats, 30 Wheatear.

Breeding Birds: 2 pairs of House Martins nesting at the Lighthouse. It looks like being a poor season for seabirds - no Guillemots yet, only 1 Puffin but it may be that they are a bit late returning - only time will tell.

Some very Good News however - whilst out last night catching and ringing Shearwaters, our oldest bird was caught again. WE BELIEVE THIS BIRD HOLDS THE RECORD NOW AS THE OLDEST RINGED BIRD STILL LIVING - SHE WAS RINGED 50 YEARS 347 DAYS AGO.

TODAY, Friday 9 May - 1 pair of Garganey on Carreg Pool and 1 Wood Warbler.

Bevan

Golden Oriole Day

2008-05-06T12:43:00.003+01:00

Bev and his brother Neil went over to the island yesterday to take some food for the team and to do some work on the new generator exhaust. They were that busy, trying to finish the work before coming off the island with Colin (they only arrived about lunchtime) that they didn't manage to see the GOLDEN ORIOLE that flew past the Observatory at one stage.

That's devotion to duty. Miss out on a bird like a Golden Oriole in order to make sure visitors have electricity. Fortunately, Bev has seen one before, albeit abroad - but Neil hasn't.

The Obs. is looking into getting Satellite Broadband on the island so some of the residents can access the internet. Grants are being sourced and it is looking encouraging so it is hoped it won't be long before you will be getting reports DIRECT from the island. I had an email yesterday, asking if I could put more detailed information about the birds recorded on Bardsey, in the NEWS section. Unfortunately, my time is limited and I have to get the information from Steve by phone. I turned to this Blog as a way of doing something quickly, even when away from home and the PC as I can use the laptop which is more mobile. With the Blog I can access it from any online computer anywhere in the world and quickly do a note to you all - when I have some news.

In the not too distant future, we should have the facility for Steve to keep you updated on a daily basis. Isn't technology wonderful! (No, I hear a lot of you saying - and there are many times when I would agree)

Bevan

Merry Month of May

2008-05-02T17:12:00.002+01:00

Bird hews from the island is of a Redstart, a Hoodied Crow, Reed Warbler, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and Sedge Warblers. Last Sunday over 300 birds were ringed, five species of warblers - Grasshopper, Willow, Whitethroat, Blackcap and Sedge.

I asked about Peregrine and this year 2 pairs are again breeding.

On the last day of April, 25mm of rain fell on the island in 12 hours. Richard (Shearwater) is back on the island after returning from a funeral on the mainland so we are back up to full complement.

Bevan

Turtle Doves are not extinct

2008-04-27T21:12:00.002+01:00

Whilst speaking to Steve on the phone yesterday, young Ben (the infamous twitcher who lives on the island (jealous, jealous, jealous) and takes photographs of all the rare birds he sees just to shame the wardens in front of visitors at the nightly call-over) called in on the radio to report a Turtle Dove on the narrows. Can't remember when I last saw one in this country. Steve tells me that Bardsey gets more Turtle Doves in a year than the whole of Wales does.

Still a few Grasshopper Warblers on the island.

A couple of us are hoping to nip over one day this week to carry out some machinery repair work so will bring back some uptodate photos of the new Wardening Team at the Obs. I might even get one or two good rare bird photos from our young friend Ben to delight your eyes too.

Bevan - Bardsey Crier

Lighthouse Attraction

2008-04-24T17:28:00.003+01:00

Lighthouse attractions on Bardsey can be dangerous for the birds (occasionally hundreds of birds are killed) but they can also enlighten us on what birds are passing over the island on migration at night.

On Tuesday night, 22 April, a lighthouse attraction brought down the following species:

120 Grasshopper Warblers; 80 Sedge Warblers; 100 Willow Warblers, a Wood Pigeon; 6 Sandwich Terns, seveal Black-tailed Godwits; a few Whimbrel and 1 Little Egret.

Without doubt, as we have said in the past, Bardsey must hold the record for being the best place in the UK for Groppers (Grasshopper Warblers). In recent years they have become rather a scarce breeding bird in the UK, having disappeared from many of their previous haunts. But attractions bringing in these numbers seems to indicate there are still plenty moving back north in the spring. (In Staffordshire, at one site where we have suitable habitat (heathland), last year 18 Grasshopper Warbler territories were recorded within a very small area. (I have to admit that unless I am very close to them, at my ripe old age (??), I am now unable to hear their song. I do how have a digital hearing aid and will be out shortly to check whether this enables me to hear them again.

Today (Thursday 24th April), the island has Blackcaps and Willow Warblers and during our phone conversation, Steve photographed a Siskin from his office window.

Bevan

Lots of Birds and Sun on Bardsey

2008-04-22T14:26:00.002+01:00

Tuesday 22 April and the news today from the island is that there is lots of sun and lots of birds. In no particular order but Steve mentioned Grasshopper Warblers, lots of Willow Warblers, 137 Wheatears yesterday, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Whitethroat, Tree Pipits, Flava Wagtails, White Wagtails, a Tristis Chiffchaff ringed, the first Swift, Great Northern Diver and loads of Manxies (they are probably going out tonight to ring a few of them).

Steve tells me that 130 litres of Paint has been applied to the Observatory since they all returned and it all looks spick and span. Several more weeks are now fully booked (check the Bookings page on the website).

Bevan

April Showers be blowed!

2008-04-14T21:06:00.002+01:00

April didn't bring showers - it simply chucked it down! Well, it did in Portugal for the last few days of our break. We are back in England now and Steve tells us that it even snowed on the island (as it did in my home town in England while we were away).

But, nevertheless, the birds were on time in Portugal, and Bardsey and I even heard that a Cuckoo arrived today (14 April) in Staffordshire, which is the normal arrival day for them. Who says our climate is changing? Home to fruit blossom, frosts forecast tonight (check greenhouse heater thermostat works as just put tomatoes in) and the starlings still trying to access my swift boxes, even though I have stuffed the holes with cloths with the intention of pulling them out in a couple of weeks time when the swifts return to our road.

Bev and Jim have returned from a week on the island after installing the new generator - now fully working and even running the microwave. The two Richards are doing fine and Bev Healey rewarded them for their help with the installation by cooking them a few meals whilst he was over. Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsey can't touch our Bev for cooking - I would back him against them any day.

I hear from Bev that young Porter is gripping them all off at the evening bird call. Wonderful! And not only with the birds he sees but he is also taking some great photographs to prove he has recorded them. Word is that Steve, the warden, is getting quite worried that his job is in jeopardy!

So get your booking in NOW. What more do you want? A warm and comfortable Observatory and away from the noise and bustle of civilisation for a week - you can't beat it.

Bardsey Crier

Last Day of March and looking good

2008-03-31T10:29:00.003+01:00

Today is actually my wife and my wedding anniversary. I won't tell you how many years but some of you will know - you may even have been there. I well remember that we hired a Ford Consul and after the wedding we motored north to Yorkshire to call and see my Grandparents and then on to Ilkley to stay at the Ilkley Hotel on Ilkley Moor bar Tat of course. One posh night in a hotel and then the quality of the accommodation "went down" (in cost anyway). Then up to Grasmere and then on to SW Scotland when birding started taking over e.g. the geese. Then on up to Glasgow, under the tunnel, and on past Lomond and round to the west coast and up to Oban (Divers galore on the sea). Our accommodation had reduced from Hotel to Guest House, to Pub, to Council House B&B by the time we got to Oban and then up to Fort William. Then we turned inland to the Cairngorms where we stayed a night and got stuck in the snow I remember trying to get round the east side of the Cairngorms but couldn't make it and had to return back (Diane finding me Golden Eagle on the way near the Devil's Elbow). Our last day was spent motoring down to the Forth and on the ferry across to Edinburgh we lost all the oil out of our gearbox and only just made it off the ferry and into a Ford agents. Our last night B&B in Edinburgh was the worst accommodation of the week. I keep telling my wife, we must do it all again. Maybe we will set off this afternoon :-)) ?? years later.

Bardsey News! - just phoned the island but no reply. I guess they are busy meeting the boat (last Saturdays delayed) so no news is good news. I will carry on with this when they phone me back.
Bev and Jim arrived on the boat but weren't met by the Warden and his staff - for the simple reason, there had been a fall of migrants and they were busy catching and ringing. Bev phoned towards 6pm to say they had caught and ringed 300 birds today, mostly Goldcrests, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs. There were 5 Firecrests on the island and also recorded today were Black Redstart, 2 Ring Ouzels and Swallows. The other good news is that Jim and Bev have already managed to get the new large generator up to the shed, using the Tirfor that they took with them. Tomorrow they will be starting on getting the old one out and putting the new one in. Weather good and forecast ok so cross fingers, everything running to schedule at the moment. Bev is now on cooking duties I expect.
This Bev and his wife are off early tomorrow birding elsewhere - if I find an internet cafe I will let you know what we get. I might even skype Steve to get the latest island news.

March winds do Blow - will we get snow?

2008-03-21T16:40:00.004Z

Our Warden Steve, Emma (his wife), and their son Connor plus two Richards (Richard Brown, the Assistant Warden, and Richard Else, Shearwater project officer) managed to get over to Bardsey a week ago, on Friday, 14 March. Thank goodness they did as the weather has since deteriorated and as I type this gales are blowing not only in the Irish Sea but also throughout much of the UK, with sleet and hailstones, and snow on the way.
I had a chat with Emma on the phone and everyone is busy decorating and cleaning up the Observatory after four months being empty. But, according to Emma, they are all tackling it with gusto and good humour but will be having a day off tomorrow when they all celebrate Easter with their neighbours at the farm. And, would you believe it, there was one turkey left on the island after Xmas which will be the subject of the main course tomorrow.
Even though the weather at the moment is cold, wet and windy, spring has arrived and their are lambs on Bardsey and the spring bird visitors are arriving on time. Swallows, Sand Martins, Chiffchaff and Wheatears have all been recorded over the last week. There was a Great Tit today and Dunlin, Purple Sandpipers, Jack and Common Snipe (caught and ringed) have been seen. Steve is particularly upset that a Mute Swan was recorded on the island whilst they were absent. (It seems it would have been a new bird for the island for him:-))
So everything is underway to get the Observatory into full running order for visiting birdwatchers so I hope you are booking your weeks with the Booking Secretary.

79mph winds at Aberdaron - Steve and family still marooned - but in England!

2008-03-12T15:41:00.004Z

Steve, Emma and Connor are still in Lancashire, watching the weather forecast to see when the gales abate and they can be carried back to the island by boat. Storm Kirsten is approaching the UK and if you want to watch the progress have a look at bbfo.org.uk and at the bottom of the first page you will find the weather forecast for seven days ahead.

Logging on to: http://meteonet.nl/aktueel/brackall.htm will show you the Atlantic Chart and the depressions and wind strengths and directions.

Why are the British so interested in the weather, I wonder? I hear you reply "because we are surrounded by water and our weather is ever changing", particularly in the Irish Sea.

Frogs have spawned in my garden pond and the first male smooth newt is around.