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BIRD SIGNS
The Bird signs are there for a reason. Please do not
approach the nesting birds closer than 6 meters. The
foot fall is having a devastating effect on the bird
population. Should visitors see photographers not
obeying the signs please explain to them that they are
killing the birds and to use their lens instead of their
feet. If things do not improve with the bird population
due to the current foot fall we will be forced to close
the island to visitors.
18th - 24th April 2009
The spring migration
was good, with a
total of 70 bird species recorded during the week, and just over
300 migrants netted and ringed. The rarest bird recorded was a
Subalpine Warbler, and some scarce species included Grasshopper
Warblers, Redstarts and a Black Redstart.
We counted over 50 Grey Seals, mainly
hauled out at Sebber, and also saw/heard Pygmy Shrews. The new Cormorant
colony has increased to 187 nests and by mid-April there
were already many half-grown chicks -- a much earlier season
than 2008.
The Guillemots and Razorbills
arrived in force during the week, and the first Razorbill
eggs were laid before we left.
The Gannets continue to increase and
spread. Subject to checking some photographs, the numbers
(including Makestone) are now just over 3,000 pairs. And there's
plenty of suitable space for continuing expansion!
Oscar Merne
AIRMAN
January
2008 saw the publication of the AIRMAN, the latest novel by Eoin
Colfer.
The story is set on the Great Saltee.
VISUAL CHANGE:
2007 brought the
biggest visual change to the Great Saltee. This rock connecting the
island to one of the seven heads collapsed over night.
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