The primroses around the Mire Loch are looking beautful, especially with the sun shining on them! Lizy

Primroses Primula vulgaris near the Mire Loch

Cuckoos have arrived back for the summer, I just heard the first one of the year calling behind our office. The picture is actually from July last year when I spotted this young one along the track to the lighthouse, but they are about, so keep your eyes peeled. Lizy

Juvenile Cuckoo

If you've been wondering why there are so many dead rabbits to be seen on the reserve...




Text of picture reads: Please be aware that there is a disease called Myxomatosis effecting the rabbits on the reserve. This is fatal to rabbits but cannot be transferred to humans or to dogs. The disease is endemic in the rabbit population throughout the UK, and has periodic local flare-ups.
When we see carcasses, we hide them out of sight as much as we can, but it is impossible for us to keep the area totally clear. We do not remove the carcasses entirely, as they provide a good food source for scavengers in the area.
Sorry if this detracts from your visit to St Abb’s Head, but the situation is outwith our control.

Spring has disappeared again! I was up on the cliffs doing some monitoring when I got caught in this surprise hail shower which turned the cliff-tops white for a short while! Interesting weather for the start of April.  Lizy

View of hail covered stacks at St Abb's Head