A tricky week this week as the wind has been quite strong, limiting the number of nets we could safely open. it has also turned cold, with ground frost on a couple of mornings. This is good though, as it will make the birds start migration in earnest!  Had some great sunsets this week and despite the cold it has been largely sunny and very enjoyable.

Sadly, the Foxes (there are now three) have learnt that the nets can provide an easy meal! We had hoped this would not happen as they usually go off to sleep for the day before we start catching birds. We suspect that with the colder weather, fewer people living here (so less food being left for them) and fewer berries to eat they are staying out foraging later in the morning and have taken birds from the nets.

Each year they are culled by the community to protect ground-nesting birds, so it seems inevitable that this will now happen sooner rather than later.

The shop closed its doors for the last time today, so we stocked up on a few things and will rely on friends who are coming to the Obs to bring what we need. To be honest it has worked really well so far and we are not short of much, though a conversation last night about Fish & Chips was perhaps not that helpful!

Weather looks good for birding in the nest few days and we did well today with 81 new birds ringed. See below for the summary of how we have done so far. Kay is now ranked 21st for the numbers of birds ringed here by individuals over the last 25+ years. Not a bad effort for 6 weeks work!! For reference, Chris is languishing in 60th place!!