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| News, Events and Wildlife Sightings at
Cemlyn This year's wardens were David Wright (back again for 3rd year) and Kathy James. Forthcoming Events
Summary 2012
Another successful season with a minimum of 1000 Sandwich Terns fledged from a total of 2051 breeding pairs. This is a 17% increase from 2011’s estimated figure. The Common Tern numbers were also up from 2011 with 197 this year, 147 on the Small Island and 50 on the Big Island. However, breeding productivity was very poor with very few chicks hatching, due to the continuous bad weather through May and June. An estimate of only 20 fledged juveniles was made. Arctic Terns numbers were about the same as last year, with 40 pairs. Again, productivity was moderate due to the weather and the number of fledglings was estimated at 15 individuals. 386 pairs of Black-headed Gulls bred on the islands, with at a large number, 129 on the Small Island. This is almost identical to 2011’s figures. They suffered some predation from gulls, when the chicks hatched, but not to a significant amount. A minimum estimate of 300 young successfully fledged. Disappointingly, Mediterranean Gulls did not return to breed this year, with only one male bird present throughout. Conditions for breeding success were very poor for all species this year. The weather was very cold and wet during April, with long periods of wind and heavy rain throughout May, June and July, and unfortunately this is reflected in the poor breeding success of most birds on the reserve. 336 species of fauna were recorded on or around the reserve over the duration of the season. This comprises of as of 132 birds; 16 mammals; 4 reptiles & amphibians; 13 fish and 171 invertebrate species. 33 species of flora and fauna were also recorded on Rocky Shore transects. Casual sea watches were done. All mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates were recorded. Butterfly transects and moth-trapping were carried out. Daily weather records were kept in the wardens’ log. Visitor numbers and donations were both significantly higher than the previous year, surprising given the poor conditions.
Monthly Report - June 2012
Weather June was generally a warm, wet and windy month with some respite from the wind and rain occurring between the 10th and the 14th and also between the 17th and 20th of the month. There were strong winds and heavy rains spread throughout the month. Tern colony After the nest-count we monitored the uninhabited areas of the islands for further nesting. Areas on the big island were colonised by Sandwich Terns and added another 80 nests to our total. The first Sandwich Tern chicks were noted on the 4th June with Arctic and Common Tern chicks first seen on the 17th and 20th respectively. Breeding and productivity were seemingly successful as many young became visible on the islands. We feel it difficult to give an accurate figure on the number of chicks visible due to the height of the vegetation making it impossible to see adults and chicks that may be residing away from the perimeter of the islands. We would estimate that by the end of the month there were a minimum of 700 visible Sandwich Tern chicks. None of the Tern chicks were known to have fledged by the end of June. Black Headed Gulls had fledged a minimum of 112 young by the month end with an estimate of another 40 still present on the islands. Predation Throughout June, a minimum of 13 Sandwich Tern chicks were predated Herring Gull. The observed number of chicks taken did not exceed the unacceptable level as per the Wildlife Trust guidelines. The Lesser Black-backed Gull that had been identified as a persistent predator of the Black-headed Gull chicks was only responsible for predation of four Sandwich Tern chicks this month. A Great black-backed Gull was responsible for the predation of one Sandwich Tern chick. Laser On June 10th the wardens undertook a sunset patrol (after noticing Goose faeces on the small island) and used the laser to deter the two families of Greylag Geese from roosting on the island.Feeding Survey Feeding surveys were carried out on three occasions. With the help of volunteers, the wardens watched ten Sandwich Tern nests over the course of six hours to observe the number and type of prey fed to the associated chick. Results are still to be compiled with further surveys and analysed. Shoresearch: Only one shoresearch was carried out during June due to a combination of volunteer cover and bad weather affecting the planned dates. Species added to the Cemlyn findings were: Cuvie Kelp, Spiral Wrack, Tube worm, Lugworm, Griffithsia flosculosa and Knotted Wrack. Bird Census: This has been conducted daily and species of interest include: A Barn Owl calling near Hen Blas, Sanderling, Little Gull, Little Tern, Roseate Tern, Teal, Storm Petrel (at sea), Crossbill (flying over the reserve), Lapwing and Grey Wagtail. A Black Tern passing at sea and a female Hen Harrier near to the reserve boundary were reported, but the wardens were unable to confirm. There was a Short-eared Owl sighted just outside the reserve, North-East of the East car park. The passerines had a moderately good breeding season with many juveniles noted. It would appear that predation caused a disturbance for nesting Coots, although one pair managed to rear one juvenile that reached 20 days old by the end of June. Mallard and Shelduck were seen with young, but not seen again so we believe that the young were predated very soon after hatching. One pair of Mallard appeared with a solitary duckling on the 25th which remained the only surviving young of the two species by the end of June. It is possible that the Shelduck families relocated as this is common behaviour of the species. Seven Red-breasted Merganser chicks were spotted on the 24th, only five remained by the end of the month. Other Inhabitants:Grey Seal, Rabbit and Brown Hare seen daily with a maximum count of 29 Seals on the 17th. A dead dolphin floated East past the bay on the 24th (presumably a Risso’s). Harbour Porpoise were spotted from the Trwyn on various occasions throughout the month and a pod of Bottlenose Dolphin (approx. 12) fished in the bay on the 25th. A Feral Cat was an unusual visitor to the reserve on the 29th. Two Mink tunnels and a mink raft were checked weekly at strategic points around the lagoon. No prints were captured, however we found faeces presumed to be from a rat. A Common Toad visited Hen Blas yard on the 23rd and a couple of dead Common Frog were to be seen on the Trwyn. Yield from the moth trap was very poor due to the unseasonal weather. A Small Elephant Hawkmoth was caught on the 18th and the 26th. A Hummingbird Hawkmoth was seen on the Trwyn on the 28th. Three butterfly transects were carried out during June as well as casual observations. It was a very poor June for butterflies. Media and Organised Events:At the beginning of the month we welcomed the Bioblitz to Cemlyn. This was a great success in terms or organisation, visitor interaction and species found. Unfortunately, many of the Sunday’s events were cancelled due to poor weather. The event was captured on film by Greengage films. Starting on the 10th of June, the wardens played host to guided walks on Sundays at 2pm and Mondays at 7pm. These were attended by few participants and further effort was put into advertising these using the facebook page, local media, an events website and posters around the island. The reserve was briefly shown on Springwatch (episode 10) which perhaps boosted visitor numbers slightly. The facebook page has continued to be a valuable tool in interacting with our visitors. Volunteers Visitors:
Monthly Report - April/May 2012
Weather The season started on the 23rd April. April was cold with predominantly NE winds and periods of heavy rain. May began cold and showery, NE winds predominating again mid-month but high pressure dominated towards the month end with fine conditions. Tern colony The first noted sitting/incubating sandwich tern was on the 5th May. The incubation period for Sandwich tern is for 23 to 25 days. So the date for the nest count was set as 28th May. A preliminary nest count was undertaken on a section of the Big Island on 21st May to ensure we had some indication of nest numbers if bad weather prevented a whole colony count. This showed that the number of nesting birds was being underestimated from the ridge. The whole colony count took place as planned on 28th May. Below is a summary of the number of nesting pairs.
The first Sandwich tern chick was seen on the 28th May. The first BHG chick was noted on the 20th May. The first Sandwich tern chicks were not seen till early June. Mediterranean Gulls have not bred this year unfortunately. A single male held territory on the Big Island and attempted to mate with a Black-Headed Gull. We await to see if hybridisation has taken place! Predation?Disturbance A LBBG was noted predating BHG chicks from the point of when BHG chicks began to hatch. A Peregrine Falcon was also seen taking several adult terns and gulls, with other prey remains found in surrounding fields. The LBBG predation did not go over the protocol level established last year. Laser We have continued to make use of the laser as a deterrent where necessary and used to scare off LBBG at dusk and geese off the lagoon. The wire around the islands also keeps some geese off but may be set too high in some areas. Human Disturbance There were some early incidents of people walking on the wrong side of the ridge, but no significant incidents.Bird Census This has been conducted daily and species of interest include: Butterfly transect: An attempt has been made this year to undertake weekly butterfly transects. Due to the unseasonal cold temperatures in April no transects were done in April, but five were conducted in May when conditions allowed. However very low numbers of butterflies were noted. Mammals: Grey Seal; Harbour Porpoise; Brown Hare; Rabbit; Common Shrew; Field Mouse; Fox. Reptiles:Common Lizard was seen but no records of live Adder (two dead juveniles). Amphibians: Common Toad; Common Frog. Fish:Dogfish; Eel; Mullet, Sandeels and flat fish. Rocky Shore Survey: After some initial research, we conducted three ‘shoresearches’ during May adopting the Wildlife Trusts’ protocol of the North Sea Survey ‘Shoresearch’. Species found: Channelled Wrack; Flat Wrack; Spiral Wrack; Patella spp.; Edible Periwinkle; Serrated Wrack; Gigartina stellata; Cladophora rupestras; Gammarus spp.; Beadlet Anemone; Hermit Crab; Purple Topshell; Ballanus ballanoides; Plumaria elegans; Dumontia incrassata; Chondrus crispus; Porcellana platycheles; Cancer pagrus; Fucus vesiculous; Rhodymenia palmata. The moth trap: Moth trapping was very limited due to the cold temperatures and high winds. Only eight traps were set during April and May with less than 100 moths caught. Things did not improve into June. Volunteers Visitors Media and Organised Events
Summary 2011
2011 was another successful season with a minimum of 1500 Sandwich Terns fledged from a minimum estimated 1700 breeding pairs. This has increased at least 3.6% from 2010. The Common Terns number where up from 2010 to an estimate of 155 pairs this year, 140 on the Main Island and 15 on the Small Island. A maximum count of 70 ‘commic’ juveniles, but it is known that many juveniles were already out to sea by that point. On the 23rd July the first signs were found of a large predation incident on the small Island with 66 fledged juveniles and two adults found dead. From the daily counts and known predation, an estimate of 110 Common Terns fledged. Arctic Terns numbers where lower again from last year; with an estimate of 35 pairs, there was however greater success with fledglings, an estimate of 25. At least 390 pairs of Black-headed Gulls bred on the islands, with at least 110 pairs on the Small Island. This is an increase of 27% from 2010. They suffered heavy predation at the start of the season; some pairs re-laid but not as many as last year. A minimum estimate of 250 young successfully fledged. A pair of Mediterranean Gulls bred again this year for the second year running. Unfortunately no young were fledged. Conditions for breeding success were very good for all species this year. The weather was very good during April, May, June and July, but with high winds during May. Daily weather records were kept in the wardens’ log. 342 species of fauna were recorded on or around the reserve over the duration of the season. This comprises of 141 birds; 15 mammals; 4 reptiles & amphibians; 8 fish and 172 invertebrate species (mostly moths). Casual sea watches were done. All mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates were recorded. Butterfly transects and moth-trapping was carried out. Visitor numbers and donations were lower than last year.
Monthly Report - June 2011
Weather June was fine during the first week with cool sea breezes. It then became more showery with a persistent westerly breeze. There was heavy rain all day on the 12th. The next few days were fine with light rain until the 17th when it rained heavily all day. The next fortnight was cool and changeable until the final three days when the weather became settled and dry. Overall a changeable month, cool with average rainfall. Tern colony Unfortunately no tern count was able to be made this year due to poor weather. Therefore numbers of breeding pairs had to be estimated throughout. An estimate of a minimum of 1700 Sandwich Tern pairs was made towards the middle of the month. Breeding and productivity was very successful and an estimate of 890 fledglings/juvs was noted on the 29th. The first fledged bird was seen on the 23rd . There was a minimum of 140 pairs of Common Tern on the Small Island with 20 pairs on the Main Island. The first chicks were noted on the 10th June with a minimum of 80 visible by the end of the month. 30 pairs of Arctic tern were incubating on the Small Island early in the month but this decreased for some unknown reason mid month, as last year. Five pairs were scattered round the edge of the Main Island. The first chick was seen on the 16th June and only 14 were visible by the month end. Black Headed Gulls had fledged 140 young by the month end with an estimate of another 40 still present on the islands. All hatching and fledging dates were about a week earlier than last year. Predation Known predation between 1st June and 30th June
Predation was much reduced this month. Laser There has been little need to use the laser this month as there were no perceived threats to the colony.Bird Census This has been conducted daily and species of interest include: All the passerines had a very good breeding season with lots of juveniles noted. However, waterbirds such as Coot and Shelduck had a disastrous breeding season, the reasons for this are not clear, either predation or poor windy weather. Mergansers were faring better towards the month end. Butterfly transect: Four transects have been carried during June as well as casual observations. Most species were recorded but in very small numbers. Mammals: Grey Seal and Hare seen daily. One record each of Common Seal and Bottle-nosed Dolphin. An Otter was reported on the Trwyn. Reptiles: Adder, Common Lizard The moth trap: Eight traps have been set during June. Poor windy weather meant results were disappointing in terms of numbers and species. More moths emerged as the weather settled at the month end and a few immigrant species were noted. Humming Bird Hawk Moths were present on the Trwyn for several days. Volunteers Visitors and Donations:
Monthly Report - April/May 2011
Weather The season started on the 21st April. April was mainly warm and dry. May was a windy month, with variable wind directions and cooler temperatures. Tern colony The first noted sitting/incubating sandwich tern was on the 1st May. The incubation period for Sandwich tern is for 23 to 25 days. Unfortunately the nest count did not take place because weather conditions were not suitable. The nest count was going to be carried out on either the 23rd or 24th of May. However, the Cemlyn Wardens carried out estimates. The table below are estimates of nesting pairs to the 31st May.
The first Sandwich tern chick was seen on the 28th May. A pair of Mediterranean Gulls have again decided to breed on the big island. However, they appear not to be last year's pair. The wardens have identified this because last year the pair were 2nd summer birds with a small bit of black on the tip of their primary wings This year's pair also have black tips on their primary wings meaning they are 2nd summer birds. Last year birds would have lost their black tips on their primaries for this year. Predation A GBBG and a LBBG were noted predating BHG chicks from the point of when BHG chicks began to hatch. The first BHG chicks were noted on the 17th May and the predation noted from 19th May onwards. An adult Peregrine was seen 7 times and was also observed taking 1 BHG chick on 1 occasion. An immature Peregrine had been seen on 4 occasions and even landed on the Big island, but with out taking any chicks. Laser We have continued to make use of the laser as a deterrent and are still enjoying good results. The laser was used to scare Heron off the weir at Bryn Aber and the road bridge. Geese were scared away from the colony at dawn and dusk. Human Disturbance There were no significant incidents during the period.Bird Census This has been conducted daily and species of interest include: Butterfly transect: Due to the unseasonal cold temperatures, and high visitor numbers on days when the temperatures increased, only one butterfly transects was conducted. With casual observations also Wall Brown, Orange Tip, Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, Common Blue, Speckled wood, red admiral, Small Heath and Small Copper were seen. Mammals: Grey Seal; Harbour Porpoise; Brown Hare; Rabbit; Common Shrew; Field Mouse; Fox; Bat sp.. On the 28th May a pod of Bottle Nosed Dolphin were seen in Bay. Reptiles: An Adder and Common Lizard were seen at the start of the season. Amphibians: Common Toad; Common Frog. Fish: Dogfish; Eel; Mullet, Sandeels and flat fish. Invertebrates: No pitfall traps have been put out to date. The moth trap: Eight traps were set during April and May. 165 moths were caught. The numbers of moths are down 83% from last year, even with on extra trap in the same period. This is probably due to the high winds and cool temperatures during May. For species list see spreadsheet. Volunteers Visitors and Donations Media and Organised Events
Summary 2010
A hugely successful season with a minimum of 1100 Sandwich Terns fledging from a total of 1641 pairs. This is a record number of pairs for the reserve.The season was very long with chicks still being fed on 11th August at least. The Common Terns fared reasonably well with similar numbers to last year. They fledged 70 chicks from 105 pairs. Arctic Terns however, did very badly and only raised two young from 37 pairs. The reasons for this are unclear, but predation, flooding or crowding out by other species may be the reason/s. 308 pairs of Black-headed Gulls bred on the islands, with at least 100 pairs on the Small Island. They suffered heavy predation at the start of the season but many pairs re-laid, leading to a very long breeding season. A minimum of 350 young successfully fledged. A pair of Mediterranean Gulls bred, for the first time in Wales, on the Main Island. They successfully raised two young to fledging. Conditions for breeding success were very good for all species this year. Predation was kept to a minimum by the constant disturbance of potential predators and swift action dealing with persistent individual predators. The weather was very good during April, May and June but becoming more unsettled from July onwards. 332 species of fauna were recorded on or around the reserve over the duration of the season. This comprises of as of 130 birds; 13 mammals; 5 reptiles & amphibians; 8 fish and 176 invertebrate species. Casual sea watches were done. All mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates were recorded. Butterfly transects were done irregularly but regular moth-trapping was carried out. Daily weather records were kept in the wardens’ log. Visitor numbers and donations were lower than last year. Monthly Report - April/May 2010 Weather The season started on the 23rd April. April was mainly warm and dry. May was very dry with cold northerly winds predominating for many days. Winds became milder from mid month, temperatures increasing with light variable winds becoming very warm on 22nd/23rd. The only significant rainfall of the period was on the 29th May. Tern colony The nest count was done on the 28th May.
Predation A pair of LBBG established a territory on the Big Island at the end of April and laid two clutches on the east end of the island. These took a toll on the BHG eggs and chicks in mid-May; 18 eggs and 18 chicks were seen predated but many more were thought to have been taken. Peregrine was also observed attacking the colony on 5 occasions, mainly in the evening. It was seen to take 5 adult terns and 1 BHG chick. GBBG was seen on one occasion taking 1 BHG chick.Laser We have continued to make use of the laser as a deterrent and are still enjoying good results. Mainly used on a pair of LBBG that had established a territory on the Big Island since the season started. This was effective at dusk but the birds would return to the colony by dawn, and they seemed to become used to it. The laser was also used to scare Heron off the weir at Bryn Aber and the road bridge. Geese were scared away from the colony at dawn. The laser was used on the Peregrine once during a dusk attack but did not deter its attacks. Human Disturbance There were no significant incidents during the period. Bird Census This has been conducted daily and species of interest include: Butterfly transect Due to the unseasonal cold temperatures, and high visitor numbers on days when the temperatures increased, no butterfly transects were conducted. However casual observations produced Wall Brown, Orange Tip, Painted Lady, Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, Common Blue and a good hatch of Small Heath on the ‘trwyn’. Mammals: Grey Seal; Common Seal (29/4); Harbour Porpoise; Brown Hare; Rabbit; Common Shrew; Field Mouse; Fox; Bat sp.. On the 24th April a pod of 15 Bottle Nosed Dolphin were seen. Smaller numbers were seen on the 9th and 29th May. Reptiles:An Adder was seen at the start of the season and a dead Common lizard. Amphibians: Common Toad; Common Frog Fish:Dogfish; Eel; Mullet. Invertebrates: No pitfall traps have been but out to date The moth trap: Seven traps were set during April and May. 248 moths were caught. Volunteers Visitors and Donations: Media and Organised Events Monthly Report - June 2010 Weather June was mainly warm and dry. June was very dry with cold northerly winds early in the month with Southerlies by the end of the month. The only significant rainfall was on the 6th and 7th with over night rain on the 13th and 28th. Tern colony The largest number of Sandwich tern chicks/fledglings visibly on the islands was on 28th June with 403 counted. The first sandwich fledgling was noted on the 29th. The number of Sandwich AIA increased from the 28th May when there was a nest count. The numbers on the New Island increase from 26 to an estimated 100 nest. Two small pockets developed on the Big Island. One area is estimated at 20 and the other 25 AIA. This gives an estimate of 1641 nests. The number of comic terns increased also since the nest count on the 28th May. An estimate of a 120 AIA on the New Island from the 82 nest on the nest count. The estimate on the Big Island of AIA Commic’s has increased to 22. A total of 142 nests. The first Commic chick was seen on 16th June. The colony has now spread to cover all of the Big Island, invading that part of the island previously had no nesting birds, east side. Predation Known predation between 1st June and 30th JuneThe Lesser Black-back Gull was last seen predating on the 10th June.
Laser There has been little need to use the laser this month as herons have not been a threat to the colony. Similarly, geese have not caused any disturbance to the islands. Bird Census This has been conducted daily and species of interest include: One red-breasted merganser formed a crèche with only 11 young, 24th June compared to 30 last year. 8 young seen at the end of the month. Butterfly transect Four transects have been carried during June as well as casual observations. High numbers of Meadow Browns noted at the later part of the month. Mammals: Grey Seal; Hare; Rabbit and Hedgehog. Reptiles: Adder Amphibians: Common Toad; Common Frog Fish: Dogfish; Eel; Sand eel; Blenny spp.; Clupideo; Mullet. Invertebrates: No pitfall traps have been but out to date The moth trap: Seven traps have been set during June bringing the season’s total to 14 . 91 species have been recorded this season. Volunteers Visitors and Donations: Monthly Report - July 2009 Weather It has been a mixed month with many days overcast and showery. Wind remained quite strong. Tern colony The largest number of Sandwich tern chicks visibly on the islands was on 7th July with 211 counted. By continuous counting and observing from other areas of the reserve – on the back of the ridge, the trwyn, the bridge and Hen Blas – we were able to determine a minimum of 850 fledglings. The first Commic fledgling was seen on 10th July. Using the same technique as for the Sandwich Terns, there were a minimum of 125 Common Tern fledglings and 75 Arctic Tern fledglings. By the end of the month the Big Island was empty with 130 Sandwich Terns (both young and adults) on the New Island. Predation
Laser There has been little need to use the laser this month as herons have not been a threat to the colony. Similarly, geese have not caused any disturbance to the islands.Bird Census This has been conducted daily and species of interest include: One red-breasted merganser formed a crèche with 30 young and at the end of the month 28 were still surviving. Mammals: Grey Seal; Stoat; Rabbit; Common Shew; House Mouse. On the 30th 2 stoats were seen on the reserve. A common shrew and house mouse were seen in Hen Blas yard. Reptiles: Adder and Common Lizard. Amphibians: Common Toad; Common Frog Fish: Dogfish; Eel; Sand eel; Blenny spp.; Clupideo; Mullet. Invertebrates: No pitfall traps have been but out to date The moth trap:Twelve traps have been set during July bringing the season’s total to 26 trapping nights. 140 species have been recorded this season. Volunteers Visitors and Donations: Monthly Report - June 2009 Weather It has been predominantly sunny and warm becoming very warm near the end of the month. Tern colony The nest count was done on the 1st June.
Predation
Deterrent We have continued to make use of the laser (actually an astronomical laser pointer) as a deterrent and are still enjoying good results. The herons are still disturbed by its intrusion though we no longer find it necessary to use on the geese. To date there has still been no predation and little disturbance by herons, perhaps in part due to their continued disturbance by the laser and human presence. Additionally, the laser was found to be extremely successful in “spooking” a peregrine which landed on the Big Island to feed on the Sandwich Tern chick it had killed. This was very pleasing as a peregrine on the island causes immense disturbance as the terns become very panicked. Bird Census This has been conducted daily and species of interest include: Butterfly transect A combination of high winds at the beginning of the month and high visitor numbers in the second half of the month has meant that only one butterfly transect has been conducted to date. Species seen were Green-veined White, Small White, Wall Brown, Orange Tip and Painted Lady. Casual observations revealed a large amount of Painted Lady and Red Admiral towards the end of the month. Mammals: Grey Seal; Harbour Porpoise; Brown Hare; Rabbit. On the 19th, 22nd and 23rd Bottlenose Dolphins were spotted swimming in the bay with a pod size of approximately 15. Reptiles: Adder and Common Lizard. Amphibians: Common Toad; Common Frog Fishes: Dogfish; Eel; Sand eel; Blenny spp.; Clupideo; Mullet. Invertebrates: No pitfall traps have been but out to date The moth trap: Six traps have been set during June bringing the season’s total to fourteen. 90 species have been recorded this season. A complete species list is kept on a spreadsheet. Volunteers Visitors and Donations: BBC Springwatch Monthly Report - May 2009 Weather Mainly very high winds, overcast and heavy showers. During last week in May the wind dropped. It has also been brighter, warm and very warm on occasions. Tern colony Chris, Dawn and Phil went on the main island to do some maintenance on the wire surrounding the main island, 27th April. The wire was placed around both islands before the season started to prevent geese and heron walking on the islands and trampling on eggs. The Sandwich terns and Black-headed gulls did not go on the main island for five days but roosted on the small island. From the 2nd May Sandwich terns and Black-heads started to roost on the main island again and the numbers increased during the month. There appears to be two pockets of Sandwich terns and a third one developed from 25th. Predation Individual big gulls and the occasional crow attempted to attack the main island but with little success. There does not seem to be any patterns developing. Only one Black-headed gull egg was seen taken by a Herring gull. The peregrine has also made a few appearances and it is suspected that there is more than one pair in the area. Peregrine(s) has been seen going over Tyn LLan direction; possibly Carmal Head. A peregrine attacked the island on the 27th and took a Black-headed gull chick and flew over towards Wylfa power station. Bird Census This has been conducted daily. Species of interest include: Butterfly transect Due to wind speed, only one butterfly transect has been conducted to date. Species seen were Green-veined White, Small White, Wall Brown, Orange tip and Painted Lady. Casual observations revealed a large amount of Painted Lady butterflies towards the end of the month. Mammals: Grey Seal; Harbour Porpoise; Brown Hare; Rabbit Reptiles: Adder Amphibians: Common Toad; Common Frog Fishes: Dogfish; Eel; Sand eel; Blenny spp.; Clupideo; Mullet Invertebrates: No pitfall traps have been but out to date The moth trap: Eight traps have been set, the species list is starting to grow! Visitors and Donations: 1,117 visitors between 27th April and 31st May Summary 2009 289 species of fauna were recorded on or around the reserve over the duration of the season. This breaks down as of 107 birds; 11 mammals; 4 reptiles & amphibians and 167 invertebrate species. Casual sea watches were done. All mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates were recorded. Butterfly transects were few due to strong winds but regular moth-trapping was carried out. Daily weather records were kept in the wardens’ log. Visitor numbers and donations were higher than last year attributable to a successful breeding season, BBC Springwatch and better weather. |
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