Friday 11 April 2014

Mew Island in March - Birds and Seals

A few days ago I posted about my trip over to the Copeland Bird Observatory Island  CLICK HERE and also I told you I would later post about me visiting Mew Island on the same day.  Well I am doing that today as I will be back on Copeland this weekend and I am sure I will have many more photographs to show you when I return!  There was only the Scientists, Norman and myself made the trip that day and Philip with his boat came to the other jetty on this occasion to pick us up.


Norman walking down to the jetty.


 While waiting for the scientists to arrive at the jetty, this was the view from the boat.


These are Common, Black headed and Herring Gulls  All nest on these islands.



Off we go again.  
You can see the new jetty in the background that had been erected over the winter months, thanks to 4 very brave people in terrible conditions.



On the cliffs I saw the Fulmar had paired up for breeding already.




Seals basking on the rocks.


Nearing Mew Island



This is the channel that Philip skillfully brought the boat through to reach Mew's jetty.  We could see the bottom through the water and it was not too far away!!!



This is my first view of the lighthouse as we walked up the path.  
You can just see a little house with a red door where a warden stays most weekends to look after the island.



He had a Woodpecker as a door knocker.



                             Eider Ducks that also nest on the islands.



The other side of the lighthouse.  
There was a helicopter pad just off to the left of this photograph.


 This tiny building was once used for keeping flags in before 
the lighthouse was automated.



Another disused building however I do not know what this one was used for.


I found this island was very different to the Bird Observatory Island and I will show you a few shots of its landscape.



These are Curlew and Gulls that lifted when I got near to them.


There were many more black Rabbits on this island 
than the other Copeland Islands.



 There were many more pools of fresh water on this island.




 After a couple of hours, it was time to leave, pick up the rest of the members on the Observatory Island and head back to Donaghadee harbour.  As you came see the mist was rolling in and the journey back was not as calm as the one out.






Seals basking on the rocks with the occasionally 
'looking up' to have a look at us.





 Both pairs of Fulmars.




 I think the Gulls were pleased that we were leaving their island.

I hope you enjoyed seeing Mew Island and visiting my post today.

Many thanks for leaving comments on any of my posts.

23 comments:

  1. It looks a great place. The other disused building was used for growing tomatoes; it is an old greenhouse.

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  2. HI Adrian Yes the little lean is still be used by the man who looks after the island but I do not know what the house was used for. Perhaps when I go to Copeland this weekend end, someone will know. Have a great weekend

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  3. What a glorious spot though fogive me, it doesn't quite look like what I understand as 'basking weather'.

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    1. Hi EC Now you got me thinking about the word 'basking'. I know what you were thinking, that is did not look a scorching sunny day as in Australia and as we would say here in Northern Ireland, " It was splitting the trees"!!! so I looked it up and here is what 'basking' means "lie exposed to warmth and light, typically from the sun, for relaxation and pleasure. Now I do think the seals were doing just that.

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  4. What a wild and beautiful place this looks like, and what a privilege it must have been to visit here. love your shots and the seals, as well as the birds and rabbit are fascinating. This reminds me of some of the places we saw in Alaska on some of the offshore rookeries.

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    1. HI Jeanne Many thanks for your comments. When are you going to visit the Emerald Isle'?

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  5. Gorgeous series, interesting shot with Norman, I like it and the old flag house.

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    1. HI Lynn Many thanks for comment. I am sure Norman will be pleased.

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  6. I LOVE the woodpecker door knocker!

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  7. Hello on a gorgeous, spring day in TENNESSEE. Wow---after the long and bitter winter we had this year, Spring is even more inviting and lovely.

    Wow---gorgeous island. I loved seeing the birds nesting on those steep cliffs... The seals are gorgeous... AND I loved that red door and woodpecker door knocker.... Neat!!!

    We are now home 'again' --after our 5th trip since the end of February.... Seems as if we visited five different states --although the trips weren't planned for that reason... ha... BUT--as I always say, it's great to be home... I did publish a blog post today--so check it out when you have time. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  8. Wonderful series of photos, but since I LOVE lighthouses I had to keep going back to yours here. Makes me want to visit lighthouses again.

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  9. A fascinating series that takes us along on this fabulous visit. The black rabbit was such a surprise. The whole group is very well done.

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  10. What a beautiful place..................................

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  11. great lighthouse and blue expanses of the sky and sea. adored the black bunny! cute seals, too.

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    1. Hi Tex Many thanks for comment. I am off to the Copelands now. Have a great weekend.

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  12. Wow!!! Thank you for sharing these photographs of this beautiful place. I would love to be able to explore there. Because I can't, it's great to be able to see it through your photos.

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  13. HI Anne Many thanks for comment. I am so glad you enjoyed seeing this island through my photographs. HAve a great weekend.

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  14. A fantastic series of photos! All are so gorgeous! Such a beautiful landscape too!

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  15. So much to see! Wow, I am amazed at all the different gulls, and even a black bunny. For me that would be like hitting the jackpot! :)

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  16. You sure do take some incredible treks. I really love doing these kinds of activities. You never know what you'll find beyond the target birds. I love exploring new areas. Thanks for sharing your fun. Seeing a Fulmar nest would be really nice.

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  17. What a great day you had! It looks like a rugged and very historical place.
    Your photos are really good (as always)!

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