I was on island patrol this morning. We normally work in pairs, so we split patrol between us and went off in opposite directions around the island, to get more coverage.
Lots of wildlife spots today, including seals, chough, a peregrine falcon, several gull chicks, shelduck, oystercatcher chicks and some curlew.
The visitors also kept us busy today - one person passed out at the top of the steps, on arrival, and another man had already fallen on the mainland and was sporting a black eye when he arrived. They were both adamant that they were fine to stay on the island, but we kept an eye out for them, all the same.
Sadly some people think the island rules don't apply to them and were spotted off the path, taking photos. The Assistant Warden later found a collapsed burrow in that area, with a crushed egg inside. Puffins only lay one egg a year, so it's too late for them to try again this year ☹️
I know people think we're just being awkward when we ask them to move their stuff off banks, especially when it looks quite flat and sturdy, but it's about what's underneath; what you can't see.
No visitor boats tomorrow, so we'll see what other jobs have been lined up for us instead.
Off to bird log soon, to update the assistant warden on our sightings. Bird log happens every evening so that the island staff can build a picture of what's on the island and where it is. Time for a homemade brownie and a cuppa first, though!
Blimey. Glad the bloke is OK and didn't fall backwards down the steps. That's really upsetting about the puffin's egg. Too many people today think that rules don't apply to them or that they know best. 😤 Good job the island has wardens and volunteers like yourself to protect the wildlife and the habitats there.
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