Grey Heron

Unusually high number of sightings

Jul to Oct – There were records of ones and twos on the unusually high total of 35 dates between 1 Jul and 27 Oct, perhaps indicating the presence of one or more long-staying individuals. 

Autumn migrants observed flying between Lundy and the mainland

8 Oct – Two birds watched from the Castle were flying low over the sea towards Hartland in calm conditions and excellent visibility during the early evening. They were followed a few minutes later by a third bird flying on a similar trajectory. All were calling loudly as they left the island, but it was unclear whether they had started their flights from Lundy or were simply passing close to the South End, perhaps having crossed from the Welsh mainland (Tim Davis & Tim Jones).

Unusually high number of sightings – and a new record count

Jun to Oct – Recorded on the unusually high number of 55 days between 19 Jun and 15 Oct, with one or more long-staying individuals in Jun-Aug and again from late-Sep into Oct. A flock of 19 birds flying south on 14 Sep exceeded the previous record day total of 16 on 25 Jul 1975.

High spring count

19 Mar – A flock of 7 flying north past Jenny's Cove appears to be the highest-ever spring count for the island.