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.