Escape from Bardsey Isand

At 7pm the shout went up: Get ready to meet the boat at 7.30 tomorrow morning or be prepared to stay on the island for sometime!

'But', I said, 'surely it is still dark at that time'. I was correct but the boat still came and we saw the dawn come up behind the Tudwal Islands as we crossed Bardsey Sound the treacherous stretch of water that lies between Bardsey and the mainland.

This was a few days earlier than scheduled but given that the last people that missed the last October boat from the island were there until December 15th (and there is a major storm on its way this weekend), it was probably wise.

Here are a few more pictures from my three weeks on the island:

A recently moulted pupo

A kittewake

The little bull pup hauled out on the grass (shown below in part 3) has acquired a friend - another pup which has started to moult.

A new born - just a few hours old.

A magnificent bull seal.

Mother and Pup swimming class - they have playfully wrapped some strands of seaweed around themselves!

Above: some Risso's dolphins pass by.

To learn more about the wildlife of Bardsey Island take a look at the Bardsey Island Bird and Field Observatory blog here.

Barsey Island Seals Part 3

I am back on the island where we have little internet connection - so here is just a quick picture of a pup in the process of moulting to be getting on with. Faced with the strong winds and waves you will see that he has hauled out on the grass at the top of the shore that he was born on. Much of his white fur has now come off - and some lies on the grass next to him. 

The Seals of Bardsey 2

Trying something new here.

Here is a little bit of film showing a mother grey seal and her tubby pup in the water.

Click here to view XXXX

The Seal Pups of Bardsey Island 1

Bardsey Island

There is an island off the north coast of Wales and at this time of year (Autumn) grey seals haul out there to give birth to and suckle their pups, which are born with coats of purest white. Here are just a few images.

A pup that has recently moulted - shedding its white fur

Here a younger pup suckling

And another that is starting to moult.