Earliest and latest since 2006 (last year covered in full by The Birds of Lundy): Earliest in spring 25 Mar 2012 (one), Latest in spring 30 May 2014 (one); Earliest in autumn 14 Aug 2014 (one); Latest in autumn 1 Nov 2023 (one).

New records

4 Sep – One drifted south down the East Side (R.J. Taylor).

4 Oct – A first-year bird was seen flying up and down the East Side, at one point landing briefly on a tree in St Helen's Copse, before being chased off by mobbing gulls (P. Abbott, E. Davis, K. Hale et al.). The 18th LFS record (of which seven have been during autumn migration).

Records accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New record

26 Apr – One mobbed by gulls over the Landing Bay/Millcombe, seen from Brambles on 26 Apr (Colin McShane). The 19th LFS record (of which 12 have been during spring migration). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New record

15 Oct – One on the afternoon of 15 Oct seen to fly in from the sea over the Landing Bay, before turning north and flying up the East Side, then crossing the island near Quarry Cottages (T. Ball et al.). Seen a few minutes later as it flew south along the West Side past T.J. Davis & T.A. Jones who were standing on the southern side of Jenny’s Cove. Record subject to acceptance by DBRC. The 20th LFS record (of which eight have been during autumn migration). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New records

25 Mar – One gliding high from the south on passed straight over an LFS working party at Quarter Wall, then headed rapidly north-east (L. Cookson & K. Williams).

3 May – One over Millcombe (D. Fox, C. McShane).

Records accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New records

20 Apr – One flew north along the East Side, mobbed by gulls and corvids (P. Bolland, K.Rylands, R. Skeates et al.).

15 May – One heading north over Pondsbury was seen to join up with a second Osprey heading north up the West Side (M. Jones).

17 May – One first seen over Rat Island flew north up the East Side before crossing the island near the Old Hospital. The same observers saw what was presumably the same bird repeat the circuit ten minutes later. On the same date, a “probable Osprey”, mobbed by crows as it flew up the island north of Old Light, was reported independently by other observers and presumed to be the same bird, although the possibility of two cannot be ruled out.

Records accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

Photo: Migrating Osprey mobbed by gulls and corvid off East Side, 20 Apr 2013 © Paul Bolland

New records

30 May – One being mobbed by gulls over Castle Hill flew north up the East Side (Pete Clabburn, Charles Crundwell, Suzanne Long).

14 Aug – One flying south just off the East Side on 14 August was watched from the Upper East Side Path alongside the Tillage Field. The bird continued south over Lametor and on towards Hartland Point, circling a couple of times to gain height over the open sea (Tim Jones).

Records accepted by Devon Bird Recorder; the 26th & 27th LFS records. The ratio of spring to autumn records for the island now runs at 18:9.

New records

There were four records of single birds; three in spring and one in autumn:

3 Apr – One flew high over the island having arrived from the West Side at Ackland's Moor (Martyn Roper).

5 Apr – One flew over the jetty (Mark & Claire Tims).

5 May – One flew north over Quarter Wall (Tim Smith).

14 Sep – One passed south along the West Side (A. Turner).

Records accepted by Devon Bird Recorder; the 28th to 31st LFS records.

New records

There were three spring records of single birds:

27 Mar – One flew past the Castle, over the mouth of Millcombe and along the East Side, mobbed by gulls and corvids, on 27 Mar (Tim Davis, Tim Jones, Tony Taylor).

2 Apr – One flew quickly north off the Terrace (Solomon Gilbert).

28 Apr – One was mobbed by Great Black-backed Gulls as it flew east over Shutter Rocks (Martin Thorne).

Records accepted by Devon Bird Recorder; the 32nd to 34th LFS records. The ratio of spring to autumn records for the island now runs at 24:10.

New records

23 May – One, seen from Old House South, flew north along the East Side, mobbed by Ravens as it went. It was later over Threequarter Wall, still being mobbed by Ravens (Rob Andrew, Dean Jones et al.).

4 Oct – One in the Landing Bay at around 19.00 hrs (Darrin Dowding & Ken Ebsworthy).

The 35th & 36th LFS records.

New records

18 Apr – One along the East Side on (Pete Lambden).

17 Sep – One arriving from the north-west, crossing the island and continuing south down the East Side (John Lane).

The 37th & 38th LFS records.

New record

28 Mar – One over Brick Field was wearing a blue darvic colour-ring (Dean Jones). Indications are that this bird had probably been ringed as a nestling in Scotland.

The 39th LFS record.

New record

8 May – One was seen in flight off Quarry Beach during the afternoon, coming as a huge surprise on a day of persistent rain and blustery winds. It was initially picked up due to the cries of the many gulls and Carrion Crows mobbing it. With a Peregrine in tow as well, the bird headed for shore, only to experience a near miss with Lundy Warden Dean Jones standing on the path to Quarry Beach! It then headed back out to sea.

The 40th LFS record.

New records

There were four occurrences (the 41st to 44th for the island), two in spring and two in autumn:

25 Apr – One flying over Millcombe (Stuart Cossey).

27 May – One in flight over Rat Island and along the East Side (Stuart Cossey, Paul & Jackie Holt).

2 Sep – One flew south past Gannets’ Rock (Zach Wait).

13 Sep – One seen heading south towards Lundy from Pennard Cliffs on the Gower Peninsula, South Wales, at 10:30 hrs (Richard Dann) was seen two hours later off the Castle (Chris Dee et al.) and over the arriving MS Oldenburg (Tom Wright, Angus Croudace).

New records

10 Sep – One flew in off the sea and over Millcombe (Rory Akram, Adam Day).

18 Sep – One flew over the Landing Bay (Angus Croudace).

7 Oct – One over the Landing Bay as MS Oldenburg prepared for departure (Angus Croudace, Joe Parker et al.).

1 Nov – One seen from the Ugly (Angus Croudace). This is the lates ever recorded on the island; the prrevious late date in autumn being 27 Oct 2001.

These bring the total number of dated Osprey records for the island to 48.

As Ospreys have, happily, become regular passage visitors to Devon, records are no longer subject to acceptance by the County Bird Recorder. However, given that the species remains scarce on the island, occurrences will continue to be assessed by the Bird Observatory and visitors lucky enough to see an Osprey are encouraged to submit as much detail as possible, including photos if available, when reporting future sightings.

Correction The record of one on 27 Apr remained subject to acceptance by DBRC at the time of publication of The Birds of Lundy. The record has since been determined as 'not proven', so this entry should be deleted.

New records

3 to 7 May – One over Millcombe on 3 & 4 May (D. Clifton, G. Middleton, R. Skeates et al.) and one, presumed the same, seen over the East Side heading out to sea on 7 May (T.E. Baldwin). Record accepted by DBRC.

20 May – One flew in over the Landing Bay from the south-east and circled briefly over Millcombe before reappearing a few minutes later heading in a south-easterly direction back towards the mainland, past the South Light (T.J. Davis, J.R. Diamond, T.A. Jones). Record accepted by DBRC.

These sightings constitute the 6th and 7th records for Lundy.

New record

29 May – A female flew low over Millcombe House, being mobbed by corvids, at 12.51 hrs. It flew south-west towards the Rocket Pole before tracking back east along the South End and being lost to view (P.J. Lymbery). It was independently reported being mobbed by crows off South West Point. Record accepted by DBRC; the 8th for the island.

Overwintering bird

Dec 2011 to Mar 2012 – Unusually, one overwintered, causing havoc among the House Sparrows and Starlings around the Village.

Notable autumn-passage count

27 Sep – Five, the highest count of the year, were seen leaving the island for the mainland, all in view at the same time (John Horton).

Long-staying, non-breeding bird

Mar to Jul – What seems highly likely to have been a single, long-staying, non-breeding female was noted
on at least 15 scattered dates from 4 Mar to 2 Jul.

Overwintering bird

Nov to May – It seems probable that multiple records of a single female in Nov and Dec 2018 and from Jan to May 2019 (last sighting on 14th) refer to just one overwintering bird.

Ringing

Ringing control: A first-year male ringed on 14 Sep 2009 (ring no. DA63697) at Nitten Field, Mewslade, Glamorgan, Wales was controlled on Lundy on 03 Oct 2009 (19 days; 51 km; SSW 212°). It was retrapped on Lundy, on both 11 and 27 Oct 2009.

New record

2 May – One, thought to be a female, flew north over the Terrace from above Quarry Cottages (C. Baillie). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder; the seventh Lundy occurrence – the majority of which have been in spring – and the first since May 1991.

New record

15 Sep – During an afternoon of deteriorating visibility due to gathering fog, a male flew in off the sea and perched briefly in VC Quarry (Richard Campey). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder; the eighth for the island.

Crossing record

No records from the island itself, but two migrants (one thought to be an adult female, the other a juvenile) flying south were seen from MS Oldenburg about half-way between Lundy and the mainland on 18 Sep (J. Adams, E. Davis).

New record

22 Jul to 19 Aug – A female first seen over Castle Hill flew across St John’s Valley and Millcombe and up the East Side on 22 Jul (G. Sherman & S. Southon). What is presumed to be the same individual remained on the island and was seen on a further 11 dates until at least 19 Aug. It ranged widely, though was most often seen along the East Side, and was enjoyed by many different observers. Record accepted by the Devon Bird Recorder.

New record

28 Sep – One flew low over the moorland and heathland south of Halfway Wall and towards Pondsbury. Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New record

25 Apr – A soaring male, seen from Castle Hill, drifted north over the Rocket Pole being mobbed by a Raven at 09.45hrs (Richard Campey). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New record

8 May – A female or immature flew north along the West Side (seen from Quarter Wall) during the annual Devon Birds day trip to Lundy (Jon Turner). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New record

22 Jul to 31 Aug – A juvenile ranged widely over the island during this period (Philip & Helen Lymbery, Zoë Barton & Dean Jones et al.). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New record

21 Jun to 26 Jul – A long-stafemale, first seen in the Gannet's Combe area, ranged widely over the island (Jill French et al.).

New records

1 Apr – A female flew high to the south-east, over the Quarries and on out to sea towards the mainland at 13.00 hrs (Andrew Cleave & Michael Foord).

15 May – A female drifted over Millcombe at 08.55 hrs and was later seen over South End, Tillage/Brick Field (being mobbed by crows), and quartering over Pondsbury. It was last seen flying north over Threequarter Wall at 14.55 hrs. (Tim Davis, Tim Jones et al.)

New records

24 Jul to 12 Aug – A female or immature first seen over Pondsbury on 24 Jul (M. Smith) remained on the island for some time, being logged periodically up to and including 12 Aug (multiple observers). It was mostly seen either around Pondsbury or quartering the slopes and combes in the north-east of the island. However, it travelled further south on 11 Aug, when it was photographed – perched on a recently deceased sheep on Ackland's Moor – by Marisco bar manager Ash Garfoot from his bathroom window in Old Light Cottage!

15 Oct – One flew in off the sea from the south-east, appearing to make landfall somewhere around the Terrace, at 08:50 hrs. It was later quartering near Pondsbury at 11:05 hrs and then at various locations across the island, before thermalling and heading off for the Welsh coast in the mid-afternoon (Paul Holt, Tim Jones et al.).

New records

There were three records, two in spring and one in late summer/early autumn:

17 Apr – A female/immature flew over Quarter Wall towards Pondsbury (Stuart Cossey, Zach Wait).

18 May – A female/immature was gained height above Tibbett’s Hill before heading off west (Tim Davis, Tim Jones).

8 Aug – A female/immature flew south over Barton Field (Stuart Cossey).

New records

17 Apr – One flew over the island.

3 May – One in the vicinity of Quarter Wall (Rob Duncan, Luke Marriner).

9 Sep – A first-year bird came in off the sea towards the East Side over the Sugar Loaf and headed north (Adam Day).

As Marsh Harriers have, happily, become much more regular in Devon, records are no longer subject to acceptance by the County Bird Recorder. However, given that the species remains scarce on Lundy, records will continue to be assessed by the Bird Observatory and visitors lucky enough to see Marsh Harrier on the island are encouraged to submit as much detail as possible, including photos if available, when reporting future sightings.

Unusual circumstances

13 Oct – Two ringtails were seen quartering the Pondsbury area at dusk, having apparently arrived – along with other diurnal migrants – when murky conditions gave way to a clearance during the afternoon. Both left soon after first light the following morning, one circling up high over Tibbett’s, the other flying south at island-plateau height, just to the east of Castle Hill (T.J. Davis, T.A. Jones).

Unusual circumstances

21 Oct – An adult (or near-adult) male flew over Millcombe (L. Phillips); the bird’s identity and age/sex were only confirmed thanks to Luke’s careful examination of a series of photographs that he quick-wittedly rattled off as the bird flew high over the valley into a strong headwind.

Notable autumn-passage records

Oct/Nov – During autumn passage, ‘ringtails’ (including adult females and/or first-year birds, which have broadly similar plumage) were recorded on nine dates between 12 Oct and 26 Nov. One on 12 Oct, first seen over the Airfield at 10.00 hrs, later circled high over Castle Hill and left the island to the south-west at 12.30 hrs; two (thought to be an adult female and a first-year bird) ranged widely between Tibbetts and the Airfield on 15 & 16 Oct; one flew in to the South End, apparently off the sea, on 17 Oct; one was over Halfway Wall on 18 Oct; one was along the East Side on 27 & 28 Oct; and further singles were sighted near Pondsbury on 4 Nov and flying south along the West Side near Halfway Wall on 26 Nov. Most Hen Harriers seem to pass through Lundy rather quickly (as shown by the bird on 12 Oct), whereas others may linger for a day or two, occasionally longer, so it is impossible to say how many different individuals were involved in this autumn’s relatively strong showing.

Photo: Male Hen Harrier being pursued by Raven over South West Field, 25 Apr 2014
© Richard Campey

New record – subject to acceptance by BBRC

19 & 20 Oct – A juvenile, initially identified in flight over the quarries at 12:12 hrs (Tim Davis & Tim Jones) ranged widely over the island on 19th (multiple observers). At one point it was seen to predate a Common Snipe, which it settled down to consume on Ackland's Moor (Angus Croudace, Luke Marriner et al.). It was seen at dusk at Pondsbury that evening (Tim Davis, James Diamond) and again in the same area early on the morning of 20th, when it was watched flying fairly high to the south shortly after 08:00 hrs until lost from view (Helen & Ross Bower et al.). The bird evidently left the island at this point as it was not seen again. Many photos were taken on 19th, including a series of outstanding images by Eden Davies of the harrier over upper Millcombe – see here for examples.

New record

12 & 13 May – A ringtail was seen at various locations in the southern half of the island (C. McShane, F. Stuart & A. Woolley). Record accepted by DBRC.

New record

2 Jun – A ringtail soared briefly over North End before flying NNE out to sea over North Light (Tim Davis & Tim Jones). Record accepted by DBRC.

New record

29 Apr – A ringtail quartering over Pondsbury.

New record

13 to 24 Mar – A wing-tagged bird first seen and photographed over the Airfield on 13 Mar was seen regularly until 24 Mar (N. Dalby, S. Wheatley et al.). The wing tags (blue on the left wing, bearing the letter ‘d’ in black; purple on the right wing bearing the letter ‘d’ in white) showed that this bird, a female, had been collected as a chick from a nest in mid-Wales on 10 Jun 2007 and transported to County Wicklow, Republic of Ireland. After rearing in an aviary the bird was released as part of the Irish Red Kite reintroduction programme on 20 Jul 2007. In 2009 she was one of only two females to have bred (though unsuccessfully) – the first in Ireland for over 200 years. Thanks to Damian Clarke, Red Kite Project Manager, Wicklow Mountains National Park for these details. What was likely to have been the same bird was reported daily on Lundy from 11 to 13 Apr. Tony Cross of the Welsh Kite Trust later reported the bird to be on Bardsey Island on 17th Apr. This was the 7th occurrence since LFS records began in 1947.

New record

9 Jun – One initially seen from Castle Cottage being mobbed by gulls high over Millcombe at 07.00 hrs was seen again in the same area an hour later, then near the Old Hospital at 10.00 hrs (S. & M. Rosser). In spite of the rapidly growing British (and now Irish) populations, Red Kite remains an extremely rare bird on Lundy. Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder; the 8th for the island.

New record

26 Mar – Two circled over Ackland's Moor for at least 10 minutes at around 10.40 hrs before drifting off to the north (Andy Jayne). The 9th record for Lundy.

New record

8 May – One toured the island after first being seen over South West Field (Stuart Cossey, Rob Duncan, LFS Work Party). Another drifted north over South West Point on 8 Oct (Martin Thorne). Only the 10th island record.

Red Kites are now frequent visitors to the Devon mainland (especially during late spring and early summer influxes of wandering immature birds from UK breeding populations) and records are no longer subject to acceptance by the County Bird Recorder. However, the species remains extremely rare on Lundy and all reports for the island will continue to be assessed by the Bird Observatory Warden. Please therefore submit full details of sightings, including photos where available.

Correction The Black Kite recorded on 10 May was also seen at 08.55 on the morning of 11 May. Mobbed by gulls, it soared over the South Light, gaining height, before heading off south towards the mainland. The dates are given correctly in the 1989 LFS Annual Report, the 1989 DBR and the 1989 BBRC report.

New record

27 Apr – One drifting south-east off The Ugly (C. McShane et al.) Record accepted by DBRC – the 4th for Lundy.

New record

15 Apr – A kite flew in from the south near Goat Island and continued north just offshore before turning inland over the Battery and heading north-east over the island plateau. Remarkably, it was seen and photographed – entirely independently – by two observers, Joshua Harris and Martyn Roper. Close examination of Joshua’s photos by Mike Langman and of Martyn’s photos by renowned raptor expert Dick Forsman (see June 2014 issue of Birdwatch magazine), dispelled lingering doubts about the species of kite involved and confirmed that the bird was an adult Black Kite. This showed the value of ‘record shot’ photos (even those taken at considerable distance and in tricky light, as was the case here) in pinning down the final identification of a bird as big and apparently ‘obvious’ as a kite. Record accepted by DBRC – the 5th record for the island. Photo © Martyn Roper.

Escaped bird

16 & 17 Apr – To the amazement of island staff (during the closure of Lundy due to Covid-19), an escaped Black Kite, sporting leg jesses, was sitting on the allotment wall outside Paradise Row in the late evening of 16th. Despite its captive origin, the kite created much excitement in the Village, with Paradise Row turning into one giant bird hide, with most of the Lundy residents able to enjoy the bird from their kitchen and living room windows! It was seen again on the afternoon of 17th, battling through strong winds and hordes of upset gulls in Jenny’s Cove, and later seen over the Village by Sue Waterfield.

New record

16 Oct – A juvenile over Ackland's Moor mid-morning, then later soaring off the East Side before heading SE towards Hartland Point at 13:00hrs (Tim Davis & Tim Jones et al.) – the first White-tailed Eagle to be recorded on Lundy for 140 years! This bird, a young male, bearing colour-ring 'G471', had been released as part of the Isle of Wight reintroduction programme led by the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and the Forestry Commission, in August 2020. G471 left the Isle of Wight reintroduction area on 11 October and headed west along the south coast of mainland England, reaching east Devon on 13th. On 14th he flew steadily north-west, arriving on the north Cornish coast near Bude on 15th, the eve of his day-trip to Lundy. After leaving Lundy in the early afternoon of 16th, G471 crossed back to Hartland Point and roosted overnight in woodland near Clovelly, before spending two weeks in the upper Tamar valley, again close to Bude. On 4 November he flew further south-west, roosting close to Stithians and then overflying Penzance and on towards Land's End on 5th, before doing an about turn and roosting near Camborne on the night of 5th/6th. As of 10 November 2020, G471 remained in Cornwall.

New record

9 Nov to 7 Dec – A first-winter bird was seen regularly at various locations along the East and West Sides in the northern half of the island until 29 Nov (D. Beavans, J.W. Leonard et al.). There were two final reports on 6 & 7 Dec. It was photographed, being mobbed by Ravens, by island resident Stuart Leavy on 11 Nov. Record accepted by DBRC – only the 7th for Lundy, the last being in Oct 1997.

Photo below taken on 11 Nov 2008 © Stuart Leavy.

Record assessed as not proven

1 Nov – The record of one along the West Side north of Tibbetts was considered by DBRC as 'not proven'.

Correction The chick found in August 2007 (see textbox on p.89) was picked up at – and returned to – Quarter Wall, not Millcombe as stated.

Breeding confirmed

Another chick, approximately a week old, was seen, this time in Millcombe, on 15 & 17 October. The pattern of sightings during the year suggests that two pairs may have bred in Millcombe. Overall, at least two pairs bred on the island in 2007 in at least two different sites, i.e. Quarter Wall and Millcombe. While the crash in rabbit numbers (and consequent reduction in grazing pressure), combined with the wet late spring and summer may have improved habitat quality, the eradication of rats is probably the most important factor enabling Water Rails to breed successfully.

Breeding confirmed

Breeding was confirmed for the second year running when one medium-sized chick was seen with an adult, and at least one other chick was heard calling, in lower Millcombe on 4 Jun. One was seen at Quarter Wall Pond in late May and one was heard calling at Pondsbury during the first week of June, so it is possible that more than one pair bred. On 4 Sep, an adult and a chick were seen in Lower Millcombe, together with an older juvenile, showing that at least two broods were reared. On the same day, chicks were heard at Pondsbury.

Breeding confirmed

Bred successfully for the third consecutive year, with at least two pairs, one in lower Millcombe in the vicinity of the pond/stream below dam and another in St John’s Valley. An adult with three chicks was seen in lower Millcombe on 18 Apr. A nest with seven eggs was found near Brambles on 21 Apr. Juveniles were seen on at least four dates in Jun and heard calling in lower Millcombe from 6–8 Aug. Birds were also heard calling persistently at night from Pig’s Paradise pond in mid-Jun (where one seen by torchlight on 12th), but no other evidence of breeding. Broods of at least two chicks each heard calling from Lower Millcombe and St John’s on 23 Aug. In Sep, three adults and at least four chicks were recorded in different parts of Millcombe on 7th.

Breeding confirmed

Breeding was confirmed for the fourth consecutive year when chicks were seen in Lower Millcombe on 10 May. Two adults with two chicks were in the Brick Field near Quarter Wall on 16 May. Young were also seen in St John’s Valley and at Pondsbury in Jun.

Notable winter count

The highest count of the year was eight on 28 Dec following the exceptionally severe weather that lasted for most of that month.

Breeding confirmed

Young were heard calling in lower Millcombe on 24 & 29 Apr, providing confirmation of successful breeding on the island for the fifth successive year. On 2 May, Richard Campey saw/heard an adult with at least one calling chick in lower Millcombe, a calling chick near Brambles, an adult with at least one chick at Pondsbury, and an adult calling from mid-way along Quarter Wall, suggesting the presence of four pairs. A brood of six chicks (one of which later died) was seen at Brambles on 4 May. A black fluffy chick (accompanied by two adults) was seen in lower Millcombe on 26 Jun, showing that at least two broods were raised by the pair here. A chick was seen and photographed at the southern end of Pondsbury dam on 11 Aug but found dead on 12th. A chick was heard calling on 15 Oct and six fully grown birds were seen – all in the Millcombe/St John’s areas.

Breeding confirmed

After just one record of a single bird during the first three months of the year (12 Feb), things picked up slightly in Apr when one calling at night was heard from the campsite on 12th and the logbook count reached the dizzy heights of two on 26th & 27th. However, all the evidence suggests that the apparently thriving island breeding population during the period 2007-2011 experienced a sharp reversal in fortunes. One potential explanation might be the exceptionally dry late winter and early spring, which meant that many of the island’s marshy areas, pools and water courses were parched – until the heavens opened in April. There were no Water Rail records at all in Jun & Jul, so it was a welcome surprise when adults and chicks were seen outside Quarters on 12 & 13 Aug, marking the sixth consecutive year of successful breeding on Lundy. A chick was calling in the same area on 7 Sep.

Breeding confirmed

Breeding was confirmed for the seventh consecutive year when a pair of adults with a single chick (“a black bundle of fluff but beak and legs growing fast”) were seen outside Quarters on 16 Jun (R. Healey). An adult was also seen in upper Millcombe on 15 Jun, suggesting a second territory.

No evidence of breeding

Ones and twos were recorded from Feb to May and there were regular reports from Jul to Oct, including up to four birds in Aug/Sep, but for the first time since 2006 there was no confirmation of breeding. There were no records at all in Jun.

Breeding confirmed

Singles were heard calling at Pondsbury on 3 Mar and near the pond in lower Millcombe on 31 Mar. There were no records at all in Apr and only three in May, so it was a welcome surprise when a chick was heard calling from the wet flush running between Quarter Wall Pond and Quarry Pond on 8 Jun (Tim Davis & Tim Jones). An adult was seen in the same area on 14 Jun. A juvenile was at Quarter Wall on 27 Aug (Joshua Harris).

Notable autumn-passage count

There was a notable influx of autumn passage migrants in Oct, when a maximum of 10 was recorded on 15th. This remains the highest count since publication of The Birds of Lundy.

No evidence of breeding

After a late-winter singleton on 29 Feb, the only spring sighting was of one at Pondsbury on 27 May. There were no indications of breeding.

Territorial behaviour but no confirmation of breeding

The first record was of one on 6 Mar. Two were ‘singing’ from St Helen’s Field, after dark, at 20.15 hrs on 24 Mar (Tim Davis, Tim Jones, Tony Taylor), and one was ‘singing’ near Quarters Pond at 03.00 hrs on 23 May (Dean Jones) and on the night of 25/26 May (Tony Taylor), but with no subsequent proof of successful breeding.

Notable autumn-passage count

A count of nine on 15 Nov was the second highest since publication of The Birds of Lundy.

Territorial behaviour but no confirmation of breeding

Once again there was no confirmation of breeding. However, two in ‘Smelly Gully’ (lower Millcombe) on 27 & 28 Mar appeared to be paired “staying very close together in the stream and when sheltering under brambles” (Tony Taylor), one was singing in St Helen’s Field at dusk on 28 Mar (Tony Taylor), and one was calling from Quarters Pond on 7 Jul.

Breeding confirmed for the first time since 2015

An adult was calling from Quarters Pond very early in the morning of 6 May, along with “constant squeaky calls suggesting juvenile birds may be present” (Sam Bosanquet). Breeding was confirmed in the same location when an adult and small young were heard calling during the evening of 28 May (Tony Taylor).

New record

23 Oct – Remains found by the Church (R.J. Taylor). Record accepted by DBRC; the first for Lundy since Sep 2006, which also involved remains only. The last live Corncrake seen on the island was in Sep 2004.

First for Lundy

12 Sep – A clearly tired but otherwise apparently healthy juvenile was captured by hand as it clambered through brambles near to the Terrace Heligoland trap during the late afternoon. It was seen again at around 11.30 hrs the next morning by visitors Sandie & Mark West, along the Lower East Side Path closer to Quarter Wall Copse than to the Terrace. It was also seen later that day, at around 16.00 hrs, by Conservation Team volunteer Ben Hanson, this time back on the Terrace. There was no sign of the bird on 14th. Record accepted by BBRC.

New records

9 Jan to 10 Feb – One was seen regularly on the pond and around the chicken feeder at Pig’s Paradise (Quarters). It was extremely shy and scuttled off quickly whenever it caught sight of people.

15 Mar – One was seen in the north-west corner of Pondsbury.

These are the first records since 2006.

New record

16 Oct – A passing nocturnal migrant was recorded calling in flight at 21.40 hrs on the night of 16-17 Oct (Tim Jones).

Breeding census

Eighteen territorial pairs were estimated during the breeding seabird census in late May – exactly the same number as in 2004 – with the majority of territories north of the Battery on the West Side and north of Halfway Wall on the East Side (D. Price et al./RSPB). Other pairs included those on Miller's Cake, Rat Island and Dead Cow Point.

Breeding census

The RSPB seabird census resulted in a breeding population estimate of 18 territorial pairs, which – remarkably – is exactly the same number found by the 2004 and 2008 surveys. Pairs are invariably found in the same locations from census to census, the majority occupying sites along the West Side and around the North End as far as Tibbetts Point along the East Side (information contributed by David Price).

Notable spring-passage count

9 Apr – An exceptionally high spring count of 48 must have included at least some passage migrants, as the island’s entire breeding population is less than 20 pairs.

Winter survey

The third national BTO Non-Estuarine Waterbird Survey (NEWS) took place on Lundy – during a period of SW to W gales and heavy rain – between 23 & 28 Jan. The 18 Oystercatchers recorded were all along the relatively sheltered East Side.

Notable summer counts

A flock of 24 birds was at Brazen Ward on the unusual date of 24 Jun, whilst high counts during July included 22 on 11th and at least 30 on 29th. The highest count of the year was of 50 at Brazen Ward on 19 Aug; presumably a mixture of adults and young of the year.

Winter count

30 Jan – A total of 27 counted during a walk of the entire island perimeter (Tim Davis & Tim Jones).

Winter count & occupation of breeding territories

3 & 6 Feb – A total of 52 counted during a walk of the entire island perimeter. Feb 2018 was unusually mild and several pairs were already defending breeding territories along the East Side on 6th (Tim Davis & Tim Jones).

Winter count

30 Jan – A total of 58 counted during a walk of the entire island perimeter (Tim Davis & Tim Jones).

Ringing

Colour-ring sighting: An Oystercatcher ringed and colour-ringed as an adult (aged 2+ years) on the Gann Estuary, Dale, Pembrokeshire on 17 Feb 2018 (ring combination, right leg: orange ring with black digits 52; left leg: plain orange ring over BTO metal ring no. FJ06160) was identified from its colour-rings at Gannets Bay, Lundy on 6 Jun 2018 (109 days; 68 km; SSE, 149°). This bird was also seen on the Gann Estuary on 02 Apr 2018, 11 Nov 2018 and 10 Dec 2018.

Notable autumn-passage count

31 Oct – A flock of 40 was the highest count on the island since Dec 2000.

Hard-weather influxes

Jan – The hard weather early in the year brought notable influxes to Lundy, with records on nine dates from 5 to 20 Jan, including 44 on 7th, 64 on 9th and 37 on 17th.

Nov/Dec – The severe winter weather of late Nov and most of Dec brought unusually high numbers to the island, some of which were in emaciated condition and could be picked up. There were five on 28 Nov, 63 the next day, then almost daily records in Dec, with maxima of 50 or more on nine dates, including 100 on 12th and 150 on 14th. Seventy were still present on 29th. The count of 150 was the highest for many years, but still some way off the record of 400 on 24 Oct 1958.

Hard-weather influx

26 Feb to 8 Mar – Following a single bird on 3 Feb, the 'Beast from the East' led to a small hard-weather influx at the end of that month and into early Mar. On 26 Feb, a flock of 26 flew north over the helipad area and were later found in the lower aerogenerator field (Pete Lambden). The following day a flock of 18 flew north over Pondsbury, whilst two additional birds flew in from the direction of Old Light and settled near the water tanks (Zoë Barton & Dean Jones). There were nine on 28th, five on 1 Mar (including two on rocks off Shutter Point) and ones and twos on three other dates to 8th.

Poorest year since LFS records began

Single Lapwings were seen on just five days (2 & 6 Jan, 1 & 2 Feb and 1 Dec), making 2019 the worst year since LFS records began in 1947 and illustrative of the widespread and catastrophic decline of this beautiful and once common plover.

Hard-weather influxes

6 Jan – A count of 50 (associated with hard weather) is the third highest mid-winter total recorded for the island (after 100 in Jan 1955 and 85 in Dec 2000).

Nov/Dec – A notable arrival at the end of Nov coincided with the start of a prolonged cold spell, with 20 on 28th and 30 on 29th. Unusually high numbers continued to be seen through Dec, with a max of 40 on 12th and 20 or more on nine other dates during the month.

Hard-weather influx

28 Feb to 6 Mar – There was a small but noticeable hard-weather influx associated with the ‘Beast from the East’, consisting of records on five dates between 28 Feb (three) and 6 Mar (three), and a maximum of 10 on 1st at South West Point.

Notable late-autumn count

16 Nov – 40 were over the Airfield, equalling the highest count since Jan 2010.

New record

7 May – Two.

New record

8 May – One.

New record

25 Mar – One heard calling in flight over Ackland’s Moor (Stuart Cossey).

New records

2 May – One at Pondsbury with four Dunlins (Tony John, Richard Campey).

15 Sep – One in Brick Field (M. Shakespeare).

Records accepted by Devon Bird Recorder; the third and fourth for Lundy, following those in May 1998 and Apr 2000.

New record

23 Apr – One on heather moorland just north of Pondsbury, and later by puddles on the main track at Halfway Wall, on 23 Apr (Kevin Rylands). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder; the fifth for Lundy.

New record

26 & 29 Mar – One in St Helen’s Field (M. Jones). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder; the sixth for Lundy. Photo © Mike Jones.

New record – subject to acceptance by Devon Bird Recorder

20 & 21 May – One initially heard and then seen with a Ringed Plover and two Dunlin in Lighthouse Field on 20^th, was also heard calling during the evening of 21^st (Stuart Cossey, Luke Marriner et al.).

Subject to formal acceptance, this is just the seventh record for Lundy.

First for Lundy

16 Mar – One was found near Stoneycroft during the late afternoon of Monday 16th March (Neil Trout).

The following is a transcript of Neil's entry in the LFS logbook (see photo below):

"16/3 16.20 to 16.40 hrs. Killdeer. Initially in Stoneycroft Meadow but flew to temporary pond on Ackland's Moor, beyond water tanks. From distance, thought to be a Ringed Plover but closer inspection allowed the following notes to be recorded: – Bulky plover, larger than ringed plover with longer tail. Double wide, black breast bands with lower part of lower breast band more mottled. White breast band between the 2 black bands was a brighter white than the belly. Upperparts mid-brown to greyish brown. Legs greyish flesh. Bill black with length of half the head width. White supercilium flaring towards rear of ear coverts. White on lores extending onto side of face. dark eye with thick black line between eyes, over loral area. White collar broadening onto chin and upper breast. Call a 'Klee-oo'. Flight details too brief to note anything. 10x40 binoculars, down to 30 yards."

On Tuesday 17th, Assistant Lundy Warden Rosie Ellis reported that the island plateau was shrouded in claggy low cloud, with "shockingly poor visibility" and the bird was not seen by those out peering through the murk (in spite of rumours on social media to the contrary). Neil's initial sighting therefore turned out to be both the first and the last.

Record accepted by BBRC. There have been two previous BBRC-accepted records in Devon, and about three further historical (pre-BBRC) records.

New record

31 Aug & 1 Sep – Two confiding juveniles were at the North End, between John O’Groats and the top of North Light steps (E. Price). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder. This is the first accepted record since 2005. Photo © Elisabeth Price.

New record

11 to 16 May – One with damage to its left leg was seen and photographed just south of Tibbetts (S. Barnes, B. Canavan, J.W. Leonard et al.). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New record

11 to 13 May – Two were showing well west of the main track, opposite the brick Field silage heap, from 11 to 13 May (C.G. Marcol, B. Tuck et al.). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New record

16 Sep – A juvenile was seen in flight near Old Light at 15.00hrs, then between the Rocket Pole and the Devil’s Limekiln from 18.00hrs until dusk (Andy Jayne). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder. Photo © Andy Jayne.

New record

2 Oct – A juvenile was on the Airfield (Tim Cleeves, Martin Kerby). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New record

18 to 22 Sep – A juvenile was at the North End on 18th and then on the Airfield 20th to 22nd (Julian Bowden et al., Andy Jayne). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New records

24 Aug – A juvenile was on the Airfield on 24 Aug (Rosie Hall, Dean Jones, Richard & Rebecca Taylor et al.).

27 Aug – Two juveniles were photographed at North End (David White & Alice Hasted).

Records accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New record

19 to 21 May – A female was at Shutter Point (Kim Brett, Barbara Harrington et al.). Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New record

13 & 14 May – A female was at North End on 13th (Tim Davis) and two were in Middle Park the following day (Alan & Sandra Rowland).

6 to 13 Oct – A juvenile, first seen by the Old Hospital on 6 Oct (Paul Bullock et al.), remained in the general vicinity of Quarter Wall, being seen at Quarry Cottages and at the eastern end of the Airfield, until 13th.

Records accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New records

27 Sep – A juvenile was photographed in South West Field by Lundy Ranger Matt Stritch during the late afternoon.

11 Oct – One seen and heard calling in flight over the Terrace (Dean Woodfin Jones, Zoë Barton). The bird appeared to come down in the vicinity of Quarry Cottages or Brick Field, but could not be relocated.

Records accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New records

25 May – One was seen over South West Field (Tony Taylor) and later flying back towards South West Field from the Airfield (Luke Marriner), when it appeared to land near Old Light but could not be relocated.

15 Sep – A first-winter individual dazzled in landrover lights was ringed at North End (Joe Parker).

Notable spring-passage count

3 May – A count of 15 was the highest since May 2004, but far short of the record 105 seen on 4 May 1967.

Strong spring passage

Apr & May – Recorded on 27 dates during a significant visible migration of this species through Devon and elsewhere in western Britain, perhaps a consequence of flocks being delayed and/or displaced by the poor spring weather. After the first individual on 21 Apr, further ones and twos occurred on most of the next few days, followed by six on 28th and 21 on 30th, then 15 on 2 & 8 May and 16 on 6th, but only ones and twos from 10 May onwards, the last a single bird on 28 May.

As of early July 2020, the count of 21 on 30 Apr 2012 remains the highest recorded during either spring or autumn since publication of The Birds of Lundy.

Notable autumn-passage counts

25 & 26 Aug – Passage flocks of 10 and 12 birds were over South West Field on 25th and a flock of nine was seen the following day. These are by far the highest counts since publication of The Birds of Lundy in 2007.

New records

7 Feb – One at the North End (A. Liker); an unusual date.

25 & 26 Oct – Two flying over South West Field and the Lighthouse Field on 25 Oct (T.J. Davis) arrived at the same time as three Brent Geese during a period of strong north-easterly winds. A total of 14, in three small groups, were seen flying over the sea off North End the following day (T.J. Davis & T.A. Jones).

New records

6 Jul – One was heard calling in flight over the campsite at approximately 23.30hrs (Kevin Rylands).

27 Aug – Two or three heard calling in flight over the village at 02.10hrs (Richard Taylor, Tony Taylor) were probably the same as three straight-billed waders reported by non-birdwatchers as having been near the Rocket Pole the previous evening.

New record

1 to 5 May – One in South West Field on 1st (Neil Trout) was seen again at Pondsbury on 2nd (Martin Thorne) and 5th (Tim Davis & Tim Jones).

New record

15 Apr – A bird in partial breeding plumage was photographed resting on the tideline at Hell’s Gates (Peter Newman).

New record(s)

30 Apr to 9 May – One in Devil’s Kitchen during the afternoon of 30 Apr (Frances Stuart). What was probably the same individual was then in Barton Field with a Greenshank from 4 to 7 May (Rob Duncan, David Kightley), in High Street Field with a Whimbrel on 8 May, over Millcombe on 9 May, and again in High Street Field later that day (Stuart Cossey).

New record

18 Mar – Two spring migrants in breeding plumage were at Pondsbury (S. Wheatley). These were perhaps most likely to have been birds from the Icelandic population returning north to their nesting grounds.

New records

24 Mar – One in breeding plumage was at the pond outside Barton Cottages (Kevin Welsh, Grant Sherman).

10 Jul – One at Pondsbury (Andrew Jewels).

New record

4 Jun – One was in the Brick Field at approximately 19.00 hrs (D. Mantijay).

New record

9 Aug – One, closely followed by a Dunlin, flew south past Rat Island on 9 Aug (Dean Jones).

26 Aug – One “loosely associated with seven Curlews” flew past Old Light calling (Richard Taylor).

New record

8 Aug – One flew south, close inshore past Rat Island, together with three Oystercatchers, at about 07:00 hrs (Dean Jones)

New records

21 Aug – One flew southeast near Halfway Wall with four Whimbrel (Alan McCarthy, Jenny Coomes).

3 Oct – A juvenile was photographed at Pondsbury during stormy weather (Darrin Dowding, Paul Bullock).

Notable series of early-autumn migrants

11 to 23 Aug – Between one and three birds recorded on six dates, including three in Brick Field on 14th and two there on 11th and 16th. While Turnstones are regularly seen feeding on short, coastal grassland at other sites around the UK, this is an unusual occurrence for Lundy, where most previous sightings have been of birds on rocks at, or close to, sea level (though in Birds of Lundy (1980), Nick Dymond notes that Turnstones sometimes shelter on the plateau in severe weather). Subsequent sightings were of seven on 2 Sep and five on 10th, then two on 8 Oct and one on 12th. Altogether, this is one of the best showings by this species for many years.

Notable series of late-summer and autumn migrants

25 Jul to 21 Oct – Recorded on five dates in late summer and autumn. The first was on 25 Jul when a single calling bird flew over the Landing Bay. Two flew past South West Point on 31 Aug, followed by two over Millcombe on 4 Sep and a single calling bird on 6 Sep (all records Stuart Cossey). The last of the year was one on Rat Island with three Oystercatchers on 21 Oct (Paul Holt).

New record

26 Aug – One remarkably tame juvenile was seen around the village until 7 Sep. It was so unconcerned about people that it presented a tripping hazard!

New record

18 Sep – One was on the track south of Old Light.

New record

29 & 30 Jul – One in the Landing Bay was reportedly following people up and down the Jetty on 29th (R.M. MacDonald et al.).

New record

15 Sep – Three were seen on White Beach (A.J. Bellamy). This is the highest number recorded on Lundy in recent times; the only higher count being of four birds, half a century ago, in Sep 1967.

New record

30 Aug – The remains of a predated bird were found by the gate between South West Field and Tent Field (Tony Taylor & Denise Wawman).

New records

30 Aug – A juvenile was seen in flight over the Campsite and later photographed at Rocket Pole Pond (Pete Clabburn & Charles Crundwell).

3 Sep – A juvenile was roosting on Rat Island during the evening (Jamie Dunning).

13 Sep – One was with Golden Plover on the Airfield (Louisa Bartlett, Chris Dee et al.).

New records

15 Aug – On a busy boat day, an adult in breeding plumage was initially seen at the Devil's Kitchen, later moving around to the peace and quiet of Lametry Bay (Luke Marriner, Joe Parker).

New record

10 Sep – Two at Pondsbury (Nik Ward) were the first for the island since Aug 2007.

New record

28 Aug – A juvenile was on the pond outside Barton Cottages at 08.00 hrs (Beccy MacDonald) and in the Brick/Tillage Field area at 20.00 hrs (Ryan Burrell, Luke Sutton).

New record

26 Oct – One was in Lighthouse Field near Stoneycroft (Gavin Bennett, Dean Jones).

New record

9 & 10 Aug – A juvenile was seen and photographed at Pondsbury (Shaun Barnes et al.).

New record

16 May – One at Pondsbury.

New record

27 May – One, on the main track near Quarter Wall, was photographed by Nicola Saunders (Lundy Warden). These are only the 11th and 12th spring records for the island. In addition, one was seen in flight alongside MS Oldenburg about 15 minutes prior to the boat's arrival in the Landing Bay on 2 Sep.

New record

27 May – One seen and photographed near the jetty (S. Barnes). The 13th spring record for the island.

New record

5 May – One in the Lighthouse Field.

New record

1 to 9 Sep – One was seen in various parts of the island during this period. It was west of Brambles, presumably on the main track up St John’s Valley (Connor Willmott) and on the main track near Threequarter Wall (D. Rudge) on 1st; feeding on the main track up from the Lambing Shed on 4th (Richard & Rebecca Taylor); on the Beach Road on 5th; and on the roof of the pig shed (!) in the Tillage Field on 9th (Steve Rosser).

New records

27 May – Seven were on rocks below North Light (Martin Thorne). This is the highest count ever recorded in spring and the second highest ever for the island (eight were seen on  29 Aug 1977).

21 Sep – A juvenile was at North End (Dean Jones).

New records

19 Apr – A bird still in non-breeding plumage was along the main track (Dean Jones).

16 May – Two were on the eastern side of Rat Island during the afternoon (Dean Jones & Rob Waterfield). These are the 16^th and 17^th spring records for the island.

New record

12 Apr – One at Pondsbury (Stuart Cossey, Chris Dee). The 18^th spring record for Lundy.

Notable spring-passage count

16 May – A count of 15 birds was a high total for spring, numbers usually being fewer than 10. The highest spring count on record is only 24, on 11 May 1949.

Notable autumn-passage count

31 Aug – A count of 20 was, at the time, the highest since publication of The Birds of Lundy.

Strong spring passage

22 Apr to 22 May – Spring passage birds were logged on 15 days between 22 Apr (one) and 22 May (one), with unusually high counts in mid-May. Four in full summer plumage in company with two Ringed Plovers were feeding on bare ground by the West Side track above Devil’s Slide on 13 May. Peak counts were more than 20 on 14 May in multiple locations including the Airfield, Pondsbury, Middle Park, Middle Park Pond and North End, with 30 present the following day.

New record

10 Mar – A count of eight at Virgin’s Spring equalled the previous highest count for Lundy on 2 Jan 1988.

New records

5 Feb – Two.

8 Apr – Two.

New record

25 Oct – Two birds were circling MS Oldenburg as she approached the Landing Bay (Gavin Bennett, Rob Duncan, Justin Zantboer et al.).

New record

14 May – Four at Brazen Ward (Dean Jones).

New records

16 to 23 Feb – Four were on rocks in the Devil’s Kitchen/Hell’s Gates area on 16th, followed by two in the same general location on 19th, then two at Gannets’ Bay on 23rd (Martin Thorne).

11 Dec – One was photographed (very unusually) on grassland on the West Side (Jonny Morgan).

New records

30 Oct – One was photographed on the rocky perimeter of Rat Island, a few metres away from a bottling Grey Seal (Rosie Ellis).

13 Dec – Three were in the Devil’s Kitchen (Martin Thorne).

20 Dec – One was flushed from pools by Quarter Wall (Kevin Waterfall).

New records

15 May – One was roosting at Brazen Ward at high tide (Zach Wait et al.).

8 Nov – One on Rat Island (Stuart Cossey).

20 Dec – Two at Brazen Ward (Paul Dean).

New records

13 to 15 Sep – One near Quarter Wall Gate was the first since Aug 2004.

14 Oct – One.

New record

27 Aug – A juvenile was on the pond in front of Barton Cottages (Richard Taylor, Tony Taylor). Photo © Richard Taylor.

New record

5 Sep – One was seen and heard during the early evening as it circled over the Village, calling repeatedly for about ten seconds before flying off to the south-west. Though it was already dark, it was thought possible the bird was attracted by artificial light (Dean Jones).

New record

2 to 4 Sep – A juvenile at North End. Describing their initial sighting, David & Elisabeth Price and Peter Slader wrote: “Three waders flew in from the north over the sea into the North End (John O’Groats) and a Turnstone call was heard. However, the leading bird was not a Turnstone. They pitched down onto the short turf and heather and immediately began feeding on the insects in the vegetation. Two were indeed Turnstones, but the third bird was a juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpiper. The Turnstones soon left, but the Sandpiper remained, allowing close views and much photography”. On 4 Sep James Leonard commented: “Buff-breasted Sandpiper (juvenile) feeding happily on grass at the Quarter Wall around the footings of the cottages. It found one really large orange worm, which it downed with great relish. Not fazed by passing people or the landrover.” This is the 14th Lundy record, and the first since Sep 1983. Record accepted by DBRC. Photo © Elisabeth Price.

New record

11 & 12 Sep – A juvenile was on the Airfield (Tim Frayling, Dean Jones, Mark Worden et al.). The 15th LFS record. Record accepted by DBRC.

New record

9 to 12 Sep – Two juveniles frequented the main track end of the Airfield and Brick Field. Although news of their presence was first widely reported on 11th, when they were seen by Gareth Bradbury, an entry in the LFS logbook showed that they had first been seen on 9th by Celia & Tony Sawbridge. Both birds were still in the same area on 12th (David & Elisabeth Price, Peter Slader & Nik Ward), but could not be found on 13th, following a fine, clear night with light NW winds. The 16th LFS record. Record accepted by DBRC.

Buff-breasted Sandpipers, 11 Sep 2018
© Gareth Bradbury

New record

10 Sep – One was seen and photographed just south of Halfway Wall, staying until 12 Sep (Chris Flower, Stuart Leavy, Grant Sherman). About 20 individuals of this North American breeding species have now occurred on Lundy since the first in 1950; the last was in Sep 2004. Record accepted by DBRC.

New record

24 & 28 Sep – A first-winter bird was at Pondsbury on 24th (Mike Stephen) and at Halfway Wall and Pondsbury on 28th (J. & M. Bowden, C. Dee et al.). Record accepted by DBRC.

New record

4 & 5 Sep – One near the Brick Field silage heap (A. Mottahedin-Fardo, D. & E. Price, P. Slader). Record accepted by DBRC.

Pectoral Sandpiper, Sep 2013
© Elisabeth Price

New record

12 & 13 Sep – A juvenile frequenting Quarter Wall and Brick Field Ponds on 12th and during the morning of 13th (David & Elisabeth Price, Peter Slader, Nik Ward et al.), was relocated at Quarters Pond during the afternoon of 13th (Andrew Jewels et al.) and was again at Quarters Pond on 15th (Tony Sawbridge). Record accepted by DBRC.

Pectoral Sandpiper, 13 Sep 2018
© Tim Jones

Peregrine predation

28 Oct – One was seen being attacked by a Peregrine over Quarry Beach: “After short grapple, Woodcock flew down into kelp at the water’s edge. Peregrine sat approx 40 feet up on ledge for 10 mins then left N. Woodcock flew to cliff bottom after further 10 mins” (T. & K. Dobie).

Strong autumn passage

23 & 24 Oct – The first autumn migrants of the year were two on 23 Oct, followed by a very good count of eight the following day – the highest number in one day for many years, coinciding with a general influx of migrants from the north-east.

Unusual record in Apr

Singles on three days in late Mar and unusually in Apr (one flushed at Pondsbury on 4th) were most likely migrants passing through on their way back to breeding grounds.

Strong autumn passage

Recorded on 21 days between 19 Oct (two) and 19 Nov (one), with a max of eight on 11 Nov.

Peregrine predation

The remains of two Peregrine-predated Woodcocks were found by Luke Sutton on 4 Apr, whilst Richard & Rebecca Taylor watched a Peregrine carrying a Woodcock over Millcombe and up the East Side on 8 Nov.

Nocturnal record

22 Jan – Three located by torchlight at night in Brick & Tillage Fields (Dean Jones).

Nocturnal record

4 Jan – Three were in Tillage Field and on the Airfield during a late-night walk (Dean Jones).

Latest ever spring record

13 May – The latest ever spring record when one flew over Pondsbury being pursued and then taken by a Peregrine (Tim Jones, Tim Davis, Stuart Cossey).

Ringing

Ringing recovery: A first-year bird ringed on Lundy on 13 Oct 2010 (ring no. EX62011) was hunted (presumably shot) at Wirwignes, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Pas-de-Calais, north-easternmost France, close to the Channel coast, on 03 Jan 2013 (813 days; 453 km; E 97°). This recovery perhaps hints at a continental wintering destination for some of the autumn migrants passing through the island.

Hard-weather influx

Dec – A major influx during the severe cold spell in Dec peaked at 70 on 27th, with an estimated 50 on each of the following two days. James Leonard wrote in the logbook for 22-24 Dec: “Basically Snipe everywhere, particularly at South End on banks warmed by sun. On 23rd one apparently sat on the front of the fire truck by the helicopter landing pad. It didn’t move when the siren was played but did when the door opened.”

Notable autumn-passage record

23 Oct – 25 were around the edge of Pondsbury at dusk (Richard Taylor).

New record

23 Sep – A juvenile on Pondsbury (Andy Hauser & Jean Shotter) was only the third record for the island, following single birds as long ago as Nov 1955 and Oct 1960. Record accepted by DBRC.

New record

6 Oct – One feeding close inshore in the lee of Rat Island was watched from the jetty (R.J. Campey). This constitutes the 12th sighting since organised bird recording was established by the LFS in 1947, and the first since Oct 2005. Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New record

11 Oct – One seen and photographed from MS Oldenburg during a round-the-island trip (Steve McAusland/MARINElife) – the 13th LFS record. Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder. Photo © Steve McAusland.

New record

11 Feb – The fresh corpse of an adult was found along the Lower East Side Path above White Beach (Mr & Mrs Vincent per Dean Jones). This followed a period of Atlantic gales, when winds reached 70 mph on 9 Feb as Storm Ciara bore down on the island. It seems probable the bird was a victim of weather-related exhaustion and starvation. Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder; the 14th for the island.

New record

12 Apr – A single bird was rafting with Kittiwakes off Jenny’s Cove (Stuart Cossey, Chris Dee et al.) – the 15th Lundy record and first occurrence in Apr. Record accepted by Devon Bird Recorder.

New records

9 & 15 Aug – A noisy individual flew low over the Jetty and Rat Island at about 13:30 hrs on 9^th. Another flew low over the Village at about 08:00 hrs on 15^th, circling low between the Castle and the Village, allowing good views before it gained height and left the island to the south-east (both records Dean Jones). A remarkable ‘double whammy’ given that the most recent previous occurrence was as long ago as 2000!

New records

30 Aug – One was heard calling in the Landing Bay during the early evening (Stuart Cossey).

New record

27 Aug – Three; the first since July 2007 and only the second since Oct 1996.

New record

16 & 17 Sep – A calling bird flew high over Quarter Wall and Ackland’s Moor during the late afternoon of 16th (Dean Jones). It was still present on 17th, when it was heard and seen in flight over the Airfield and later near Pondsbury (Richard Campey).