Storm Kathleen was certainly impressive on the weekend. It was the roughest that Nia and I have seen it in the harbour, with 6m of swell rolling in and hitting the back of the harbour. Definitely not suitable for any boats but impressive to see none the less.
The harbour during storm Kathleen on the 6th © Alys Perry.
The harbour during storm Kathleen on the 6th © Alys Perry.
Despite Kathleen the harbour and all the buildings remained intact. As we had another week of no boats we carried on with whatever indoor jobs we could. Chris spent his time fixing and mending some of the gates around the farm buildings as well as building new raised beds in the newly rabbit fenced vegetable patch. Nia and I carried on cleaning and re organising the workshop, finishing various admin jobs, cleaning and painting the bungalow and ordering more nice stock for the island shop.
Sylvie and Kelpie enjoying some much needed grain after the storm © Alys Perry.
The chickens didn't mind the storm and have very happily settled into their new home. Their spending most of their time exploring all the new areas around the courtyard.
A pretty sunset over the Central ponds on the 9th © Nia Stephens.
Nia painting one of the doors that Chris recently fixed © Nia Stephens.
Weekly Wildlife Round-Up
It's been a busy week for the Chough with most pairs finishing nest building so their minds have turned to other activities...
The Male Chough displaying for his partner on the 5th © Nia Stephens.
The biggest news of the week in terms of wildlife is that we had a Hooded Crow turn up on the island on the 9th. It was seen sheltering from the wind in the Central fields. The last one recorded on Ramsey was in 2022. Prior to this sighting on Ramsey a Hooded Crow was spotted at St David's golf course a few days before so it likely to be the same individual.
The Hooded Crow seen on the 9th © Alys Perry.
We've had plenty of sightings of raptors during the last week including Peregrine, Buzzard, Kestrel, Hen Harrier, Merlin and Red Kite. There is lots of Kestrel activity in Abermyharan so we are keeping our fingers crossed for another nest there this season. The Buzzards are also pairing up and defending their territory so hopefully it will be a successful year for them too.
A Buzzard sitting on top of a rock on the East Coast on the 10th © Alys Perry.
We have been seeing large flocks of linnets over the past week with 60+ individuals recorded on the 8th.
A male Linnet on the 9th © Alys Perry.
The Meadow Pipits are actively displaying with their parachute flight pattern and are taking up their space in amongst the heather ready for the breeding season ahead.
A Meadow Pipit sitting on top of the heather on the 9th © Alys Perry.
A couple of seals have been seen regularly in and around the harbour and are curious as ever as to what we are doing .
A friendly young female Grey Seal in the harbour on the 5th © Nia Stephens.
Until next week!
Alys Perry
Assistant Warden
Great blog. Brings me closer to Ramsey every time
ReplyDeleteGreat there is painting going on too. Always plenty of painting to be had on the island !!!