Or 'Isle of May' as they say in Fife. After a successful twitch of the Greater Yellowlegs last Saturday, Sunday was earmarked for more chilled out birding on the Isle of May. Late on Saturday, however, a Thrush Nightingale, three Bluethroats and a Red-backed Shrike were reported on the Island. I have heard but not seen Thrush Nightingale in Dorset so a potential tick was on the cards.
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| Grey Seals were numerous around the island |
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| Guillemots were on the cliffs in huge numbers - this Bridled Guillemot one of only a few seen |
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| The first Puffins appeared not far out of Anstruther Harbour |
The tides meant less time than normal on the island - only 2 hours - and after the warden's welcome speech that was down to 1 hour 50 minutes. He was actually very helpful, telling me where all the rarities had been seen, but in the time available I was unable to find any of them. There were migrants around, however, including several Redstarts, a single Black Redstart, Chiffchaffs and a Whitethroat - all easily seen in the absence of cover. One Bluethroat was seen by one lucky photographer in the mouth of a Heligoland trap - but not by me unfortunately.
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| Guillemot |
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| Puffin |
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| Razorbill |
At this time of year on such a warm day half of the Puffins were in burrows and the other half generally out at sea, but it was a good opportunity to practice some flight photography as they whirred to and from the island. Breeding Eider, Fulmar, Kittiwake, Guillemot and Razorbill were also present in good numbers.
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| Fulmar |
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| Kittiwake |
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| Razorbill |
The boat cruised slowly under the auk-covered cliffs before the journey back, which was punctuated by a steady stream of Gannets commuting to and from nearby Bass Rock.
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| Drake Eider |
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| Female Eider |
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| Gannet - 3rd year |
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| Gannet |
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| Guillemots |
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| Puffin with Sandeels |
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| Whitethroat - one of a number of migrants on the island |
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