Author Archives: David Steel

The trained sniffer dogs and team lead by Simon Chapman Wednesday 27th October comments: As many of you know we discovered a new population of nesting Storm Petrels on the Isle of May this summer but these secretive nocturnal seabirds … Continue reading →

Monday 25th October comments: The Isle of May is a national nature reserve like no other (well that’s a slight exaggeration but you know what I mean). It’s a brilliant place to visit, a brilliant place to work and a … Continue reading →

Friday 22nd October comments: The day of the Dovekie! Well for British birders, we know these birds as Little Auks, and today we’ve seen some!   These small auks (smaller than a Puffin and they feed on plankton – they are that small) … Continue reading →

Thursday 21st October comments: The Isle of May seal colonies are now fully active as more and more seals arrive around the island. Bull seals have started taking up position but more important heavily pregnant mums (known as cows) are … Continue reading →

Tuesday 19th October comments: Merlin meet migration, migration meet Merlin (photos above are all images of Merlin). The number of birds moving through the Isle of May and generally across a broad front across the east coast of the U.K. … Continue reading →

Sunday 17th October comments: Its been one of those days. The Isle of May has been shrouded in low cloud, rain at times, but with a light north-easterly wind blowing meaning only one thing at this time of year; INVASION!! … Continue reading →

Saturday 16th October comments: Time moves on (even island time) and it’s that time of year when we take a step closer to closing the doors for the winter months. Today witnessed another step in that direction as Bex has … Continue reading →

Thursday 14th October comments: the wind has been blowing from the west, with waves crashing against the seacliffs and very little movement in terms of bird migration. however the isle of may is stirring into life as the grey Seal … Continue reading →

Wednesday 13th October comments: For those who watch, study and just enjoy bird migration, we all agree that the east coast has had it quiet this autumn (so far). Yes we’ve had a few highlights so can’t grumble, but the … Continue reading →

Tuesday 12th October comments: It’s fair to say it has been a slow migratory season on the island this autumn with a handful of noteworthy birds and small numbers of common migrants. However today we experienced a flurry of action … Continue reading →