Good Deed

With all the birds around the Islands at the moment you are always going to see something. The other day we saw a Guillemot in the water going around and around in circles and we thought the worst.

It looked like it had a broken wing until we got closer and realized that it had it's bill stuck into it's chest. The Guillemot must have caught it's bill when it hit the water. Well this is the only thing I can think of.

Anyway we slowly got closer to try and get a hold of the bird which proved a bit more difficult than I first thought, but eventually we got it. Looking at it I don't think it would have ever got itself free so it was a good thing that we spotted it.

Well that was our good deed done for the day.

Sunset Cruise

Well our Sunset Cruises have started again and we went out on Tuesday 21st May for our first trip of the year. We could not have asked for a better night for it. Calm seas, sunshine and lots of birds.

I have a lovely gang with me and we just pottered around slowly.

The only thing that sort of spoilt the night was that the cloud covered the sun right at the last minute but by then it was getting cold and late and it was time to go home anyway.

We will be doing these trips every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7pm to 9pm. Weather permitting that is.  Here are a few pictures I got that evening.

Mallard Chicks

After gale force winds we have had over the last few day's I've just looked at the weather for the rest of the week and it's looking good, so if your planning to join me this week please get booked as it will be busy.

As I have not been to sea over the last few day's I have just been playing catch up at home. Oh I hate paper work. Never mind it has to be done, so with my head down in paper work, I  got a knock at the door and it was my neighbour. She asked me if I knew anything about Mallard chicks. "A little but not alot I said" Well I have six and I don't know what to do with them as they don't have a mother.

The look on her face said it all, and I just knew what was coming next. I don't suppose you could look after them as your the only person I know who knows anything about birds. Deep down I really did not want the hassle but after seeing them and my daughter Charlie tugging on my leg saying "Please Daddy Please" how could I say no.

So there we have it. I'm now a Dad to six mallard chicks.

After a few calls to make sure I'm doing the right thing and a quick look on Google, I now have them in a box keeping them warm in my living room.

They are cute but even my dog  Bud was looking at me as if to say "What have you done" I know mate but it's only for a while.

To be honest I'm pleased they are in the house, because the way the wind was last night they would never lasted and now at least they have a sporting chance.
They also a little lucky that we don't have any cats around and I have a walled garden which is really protected so they can wonder around without any worries.

Even though the wind was strong today they were very happy in the garden, eating flies, bits of grass and drinking water. I even got a dustbin lid to make into a pond for them.

I'm now the best Daddy in the world, so they better survive or I will be the worst Daddy in the world.

Anyway I will keep you updated throughout the coming weeks on their progress and hopefully its a happy ending.

   

Tufted Duck

I have only seen a Tufted Duck in the harbour a few times but they are really nice to see. When I got back today it was still there so I grabbed a few pictures in different types of light and I was very pleased with the outcome.

Here's my Tufty and the colours are just beautiful.

Egg Time

With lots of bird activity going on around the Islands at the moment and I noticed lots of Guillemots are sitting eggs now. We also have lots of other birds on eggs to, but we still are waiting for the Artic Terns and Kittiwakes but I don't think it will be long for them either.

We watched the Kittiwakes collecting muddy grass and frantically stamping it down in a hurry to build their nests. Some of the lucky Kittiwakes that have their nests high up the cliff faces, don't have to do a thing as their nests are still perfect from last year.

I also noticed the Yellow Billed Guillemot was back. I would love to know how old this bird was as I have seen it in the same place now for over 4 years. Speaking of Guillemots, we saw the Orange Ringed Guillemot from last year again and I found out how old it was thanks to the BTO.

  Guillemots one eggs

 Kittiwake building their nests

Pairing Razorbills

Lone Guillemot looking for love

              Yellow billed Guillemot      

                         

The Guillemot we found again the other day and it was ringed on the Isle of May, Fife as age nesting on the 21st June 2009 but sex was unknown. It's really pleasing to see the bird again after all the bad weather we have had lately. Fingers crossed we see this bird for many years to come.

Angel of the North

Since it's the year of the Puffin on the Farnes this year I thought I would just post some pictures. Enjoy the pictures and don't forget to join me on Serenity II this year and watch out for some fantastic trips to coming up throughout the year.