Hello, my name is Charlotte
and I’ve just arrived at the beautiful St Abb’s Head to be the volunteer
Assistant Ranger over the next six months. Before the end of March I had never
been to the Scottish Borders (my interview was on Skype), so I was absolutely
blown away by the reserve on my first walk around. I am really looking forward
to the season ahead; there is so much wildlife here!
I have regularly seen hares in
the fields around the cottage, there has even been one in the garden. They’ve
become a bit of a favourite photo subject for me over the last few weeks; some
of my best shots are below. I get to watch great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatches
and all manner of birds visiting the bird feeders in the garden and there is a
rookery in the trees by the office.
The sea birds have really
been arriving on the cliffs over the last couple of weeks. There are huge
numbers of guillemots with the odd razorbill hanging around the edges. There
are shags and kittiwakes sat on nests and I even saw a stoat at the lighthouse.
Looking out to sea, there are rafts of guillemots and razorbills on the water,
groups of gannets flying the v-formation and I was even able to watch two dolphins
on Friday.
My main task over the next
few months will be studying the productivity of the guillemots and razorbills.
So I will be fortunate enough to be spending most of my time up on the cliffs
watching them. So if you see me about
give me a wave and I’m always happy to chat about the sea birds if you’ve got
any questions.
Spring has sprung, I hope
you all get a chance to get out there and enjoy it!
Charlotte
