You're not getting at my Guga!
After last weeks rather inclement weather, it was back to pleasant, warm sunshine again today on the cliffs. It appears that nearly all of the Auks have left the cliff ledges and no longer can we hear their "guttural" calls. A few Guillemots and Razorbills can still be seen on the water and in flight below the cliffs. Puffins (in good numbers) can also be seen in rafts on the sea and in flight, perhaps more noticeable with the reduced numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills. Some Puffins were seen flying towards the cliffs with bills full of sand eels so some Pufflings must still be in the tunnels. It was good to see six juvenile Shags being fed by their parents on the rocky ledge below Bartlett Nab viewpoint.
Today was the last day of the Whale and Dolphin watch week. A shout went up that a Minke Whale could be seen from Grandstand viewpoint. I was on nearby Bartlett Nab viewpoint and scanned and scanned (with about a dozen visitors) but we couldn't locate it. I have never seen a live Whale so very keen to get one on my life list!
So what could be seen today? This list was at 1300hrs.
Rafts of Puffins (400ft below Bartlett Nab!)
Herring Gulls (last of a brood of 3)
The juvenile Gannets (Gugas) are continuing their growth spurts with some showing well their transition from downy white to black plumage.
Gannet life on the ledges continues to be hectic!
These Gannets remain loyal to each other and loyal to their nest even though their egg failed to hatch, better luck next year.
Some Gannets are still collecting "gifts" for their beloved and once graciously accepted, will be placed in the nest!
"And this time, remember to bring some fish home!"
Probably the noisiest birds on the cliffs at the moment are the Kittiwakes!
Adult Kittiwakes
Adult Kittiwakes are pretty birds in their own right, but their young (Tarrocks) are even more attractive!
The "graceful" Fulmar
And finally, two of the common butterflies
Painted Lady
Red Admiral
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