Winds of up to 24 m/s (Severe Gale 9) prevented any nets being opened today. Even the sheltered net sites had wind in them. The rain forecast to start at 0600 did not arrive until 1000 but it is now making up for a late arrival with enthusiasm!!! Put simply – it is like being back home, but in October!!!!

Despite the awful weather there have been a couple of highlights. A walk to Jutvik before the rain was rewarded with good views of an agitated female Kricka accompanied by at least two part grown, but not able to fly ducklings. There might have been more than 2 but she was keeping them well hidden in the vegetation.

Even better news. At 1000, just as the rain started, a Tornseglare (Swift) was observed feeding round the Obs and making repeated swoops towards the new nest boxes. After an initial land and look in it then came back and entered a box at 1006 and was still in the box at 1045. Breeding, or simply sheltering from the horizontal rain?? Not sure, but a very promising sign for the future. Some new colonies can take 3 years to establish, so a very good start!!!

Rest of the day will be spent on month-end reports and writing up results of nest box monitoring.

There will be just Chris & Kay at the Obs overnight.