We duly repeated the journey and sat waiting for the second boat and were entertained by a seal who followed in a kayaker and surfaced very close to the jetty a few times to admire the motley collection of would-be sailors. The short crossing was as calm as I've ever known it and after the climb up to the meeting point and the briefing by the warden, we decided first to head to the farm in the hope of spotting Short Eared Owls in the valley.
Whilst we sat eating the first of our sandwiches, we were treated to Swallows calling overhead, a Sedge Warbler or two singing next to us along with several Whitethroats and a very enthusiastic Wren.
A brief pause in the Sedge Warbler's repertoire
A Wren giving it everything
We were there for no more than about 20 minutes before the first owl sighting, quartering the valley a bit too far off to photograph, and then 10 minutes later a second, slightly (not much!) closer.
Short Eared Owl quartering
A distant Short Eared Owl
As we cut across the valley, we spotted two Spotted Flycatchers, probably fresh in migrants, plenty of Meadow Pipits, Oystercatchers, and seeming strangely out of place, Canada Geese and Curlew around the pond.
Although we have seen the concentrations of Guillemot, Razorbills and Kittiwakes on the cliffs here before, it is still breathtaking how so many things can make a life here in such precarious circumstances.
Although we have seen the concentrations of Guillemot, Razorbills and Kittiwakes on the cliffs here before, it is still breathtaking how so many things can make a life here in such precarious circumstances.
One of the main villains of the relative peace (due to its less than palatable habits ie at this time of year, it is the most serious predators of Manx Shearwaters) it will happily try and knock Puffins out of the air for breakfast, it will eat the eggs and nestlings of most things, and most importantly, has a bit of an evil glare.
Me, I think thats quite an impressive record, however distasteful. But then I'm easily impressed. I find Golden Eagles are impressive, and Owls, and Peregrines, and Merlins.. and and and.
There is something impressive about a bird taking top place in its particular food pyramid, and Great Black-Backed Gull should be shown some respect in my view.
Handsome birds.
Around the cliffs looking down on the sea, apart from the usual seabirds about which one becomes quite blazee, was the odd seal, looking as cool as ever. I always imagine that if seals wore sunglasses, they would be the coolest sunglasses ever.
Most people come to Skomer for the Puffin experience, and it is special. I can't think of much to say about them really, except it is a true privilege to try and photograph wild birds who are so trusting that they are frequently too close to focus on. Its a fabulous experience for which I hope the opportunity to partake in it will never be removed.
I didn't get as long as I'd have liked at the Wick, with the call of the boat back, but despite the papparazi of which I was a part, everyone was more than a little distracted by where they were, seeing what they were seeing, and feeling a part of these very wild birds lives. More wild than wild.
Me, I think thats quite an impressive record, however distasteful. But then I'm easily impressed. I find Golden Eagles are impressive, and Owls, and Peregrines, and Merlins.. and and and.
There is something impressive about a bird taking top place in its particular food pyramid, and Great Black-Backed Gull should be shown some respect in my view.
Anyway, only slightly lower down the pecking order, I give you ....... the Lesser Black-Backed Gull
Handsome birds.
Around the cliffs looking down on the sea, apart from the usual seabirds about which one becomes quite blazee, was the odd seal, looking as cool as ever. I always imagine that if seals wore sunglasses, they would be the coolest sunglasses ever.
Most people come to Skomer for the Puffin experience, and it is special. I can't think of much to say about them really, except it is a true privilege to try and photograph wild birds who are so trusting that they are frequently too close to focus on. Its a fabulous experience for which I hope the opportunity to partake in it will never be removed.
I didn't get as long as I'd have liked at the Wick, with the call of the boat back, but despite the papparazi of which I was a part, everyone was more than a little distracted by where they were, seeing what they were seeing, and feeling a part of these very wild birds lives. More wild than wild.
Comedic, well dressed, colourful, photogenic, confiding, and truly the wildest of birds most of us will ever share space with. It is little wonder that all sorts of people make the pilgrimage there and can't believe their time there is over already.
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