Isle of May NNR - Annual Report 2020
Bex Outram
David Steel
2020
Published: 2022
The start of this season was unlike most: the Reserve Managers arrived on the island on 23rd March as usual but due to the global pandemic, Covid-19, the UK was put into lockdown from that date and all staff were instructed to leave the reserve and work from home. The island was then closed from 27th March until 8th June, when staff were allowed back to work.
2020 also saw a rebrand of Scottish Natural Heritage including a name change to NatureScot. Originally planned in May, it was delayed until 24th August 2020.
BIOLOGICAL RECORDING
Introduction to breeding seabirds
NatureScot monitors breeding seabird populations as part of its management of the National Nature Reserve as well as to report on the Special Protection Area (SPA) qualifying species.
Further seabird monitoring is carried out by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), under contract to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). Data from this monitoring work is integral to JNCC’s national system of long-term monitoring for seabird populations, as the island is one of four strategic monitoring sites in Great Britain. The other three sites are Skomer, Canna and Fair Isle.
NatureScot carries out the population monitoring of the cliff-nesting seabirds, gulls, eiders and terns. UKCEH monitors the breeding success, survival and food intake of the auks, shags, fulmar and kittiwakes. UKCEH, along with the Isle of May Bird Observatory Trust (IOMBOT), provides numerous other pieces of data invaluable to this report, such as the dates of first eggs and chicks and sightings of migrant birds, cetaceans and lepidoptera.
Population monitoring of cliff-nesting seabirds
Sections and timings
The detailed all-island count methodology for the five cliff-nesting bird species (guillemot, razorbill, kittiwake, fulmar and shag) is set out in the Isle of May Monitoring Handbook (SNH, 2001, revised 2002 and 2011). The island is divided into the same standardised count sections as have been used in previous years.
Due to Covid-19 and the national lockdown, staff were allowed back to the Isle of May on 8th June. This delayed the start of the counts until 11th June. Adverse weather, fog and strong northerly winds delayed the counts further, with the final day of counts on 23rd June.
Due to the lack of presence of personnel on the island and the lateness of the counts, Section B, where staff count from Loose Tooth, was completed by boat. This was due to the high disturbance to breeding auks and shags in close proximity to breeding gulls. Staff hired Osprey (RHIB) and counts were conducted from the boat, in the same way as they are done for the caves (Section O).
The majority of the all-island count was carried out by Bex Outram. In sections that were sensitive, data was provided by Mark Newell of UKCEH to avoid additional disturbance. The AIC was carried out between 11th and 23rd June.
Cornerstone plot counts
The counts of individual razorbill and guillemot during the AIC are converted to estimates of pair numbers. The number of both razorbill and guillemot pairs breeding at the Cornerstone plot is monitored by UKCEH. A count of each species was made at the Cornerstone plot at the beginning of every count session.
For each species, the number of pairs known to be breeding at Cornerstone was divided by the relevant Cornerstone count, for every count session. This provided a “k” value which represents the difference between the number of individuals counted and the number of actual breeding pairs. By multiplying this “k-value” with the number of individual birds counted during a session, the number of pairs can be estimated for that session. Keeping raw counts to within a few hours of the Cornerstone plot count allows for the variation in attendance of adults on the cliffs.
This year, the number of breeding guillemot and razorbill pairs at the Cornerstone plot was an estimated figure due to the fact that UKCEH were not present on the island until 10th June and potential early failures would have been missed.
Results of cliff-nesting seabirds
The overall 2020 counts for each of the five cliff-nesting species on the Isle of May are shown in Table 11.1. Counts from previous years are also shown for comparison. Table 11.3 shows the different section totals for each species. A comparison from the previous year, percentage change, is seen in Table 11.4. No formal analysis of breeding success and return rates was made by UKCEH due to the late arrival of staff on the reserve.
Fulmar
Figure 1: Numbers of fulmar, AOS, Isle of May 1990-2020
Click for a full description
Area graph showing numbers of fulmar, apparently occupied sites (AOS) from 1990 to 2020. Year is along the x axis, from 1990 to 2020, and AOS is along the y axis, with a scale that runs from 0-450. Counts are quite variable.
A visual representation of some of the data from Table 11.1, which gives figures for fulmar, shag, guillemot, kittiwake and razorbill from1980-2020.
Shag
There was a welcome increase in the number of apparently occupied nests (AON) of 27% to 495 AON.
Figure 2: Numbers of breeding shag (AON), Isle of May 1990-2020
Click for a full description
Area graph showing numbers of breeding shag, apparently occupied nests (AON) from 1990 to 2020. Year is along the x axis, from 1990 to 2020, and AON is along the y axis, with a scale that runs from 0 to 1,800. Counts are quite variable and show an overall decline.
A visual representation of some of the data from Table 11.1, which gives figures for fulmar, shag, guillemot, kittiwake and razorbill from1980-2020.
Information provided by UKCEH showed an above average breeding success even taking into account losses in the early season.
The first egg and chick dates were missed; however, the first chick to fledge was noted on 22nd June at Tarbet.
Kittiwake
Kittiwake numbers have increased dramatically, 62% to 4,947 AON, the highest count since 1997 (6,518 AON). This could be due to the timing of counts and recent productive breeding seasons. The lateness of the counts could have included late nests that are usually missed in early June; next year, it would be useful to conduct two counts of kittiwakes, in early June and then two weeks later. This would enable us to compare the results and determine if the timing of the counts has this result.
Figure 3: Number of breeding kittiwake (AON), Isle of May 1990-2020
Click for a full description
Area graph showing the number of breeding kittiwake, apparently occupied nests (AON) from 1990 to 2020. Year is along the x axis, from 1990 to 2020, and AON is along the y axis, with a scale running from 0 to 9,000. Counts are quite variable and show an overall decline.
A visual representation of some of the data from Table 11.1, which gives figures for fulmar, shag, guillemot, kittiwake and razorbill from1980-2020.
Breeding success appeared high and well above average and the return rate of colour-ringed adults was above average.
The first chick was recorded on 14th June, with the first fledged chick on 15th July.
Guillemot
The total number of individual guillemots counted was 23,303, an 8% increase from 2019. To calculate the number of pairs breeding on the island, the ‘k’ value is used; to determine this factor, the number of pairs at the Cornerstone plot was estimated by Mark Newell, UKCEH.
|
Year |
No. of pairs at Cornerstone |
|---|---|
|
2007 |
198 |
|
2008 |
191 |
|
2009 |
198 |
|
2010 |
201 |
|
2011 |
205 |
|
2012 |
195 |
|
2013 |
193 |
|
2014 |
194 |
|
2015 |
220 |
|
2016 |
229 |
|
2017 |
232 |
|
2018 |
228 |
|
2019 |
238 |
|
2020 |
257 |
Using the “k” value (see Table 11.6), the number of pairs of guillemots this season increased 5% to 16,865 pairs.
Figure 4: Counts of individuals and estimated pairs of guillemot on the Isle of May, 1990-2020
Click for a full description
Line graph showing the counts of individuals and estimated pairs of guillemot from 1990 to 2020. Year is along the x axis, from 1990 to 2020, and Count is along the y axis, with a scale that runs from 0 to 30,000. There are two lines on the graph, for raw count and estimated pairs. Numbers have remained relatively stable overall.
A visual representation of some of the data from Table 11.1, which gives figures for fulmar, shag, guillemot, kittiwake and razorbill from1980-2020.
The first egg and chick dates were missed this season; the first fledged chick was on 22nd June along the west cliffs. The last guillemot chick departed on 12th August from Press Cave along the west cliffs.
Razorbill
The number of individual razorbills has increased from last year’s count by 17% to 6,292 individuals. As with the guillemots, a ‘k’ value has to be established in order to calculate the number of breeding pairs on the island. This year, the number of razorbills breeding at the Cornerstone plot has increased to 92 pairs, estimated by Mark Newell, UKCEH.
Using the ‘k’ value (see Table 11.6), the number of breeding pairs is calculated at 4,124 pairs.
Figure 5: Counts of individuals and estimated pairs of razorbill on the Isle of May, 1990-2020
Click for a full description
Line graph showing the numbers of individuals and estimated pairs of razorbill from 1990 to 2020. Year is along the x axis, from 1990 to 2020, and Count is along the y axis, with a scale that runs from 0 to 7,000. There are two lines on the graph, for raw count and estimated pairs. Numbers have been quite variable, with an overall upward trend.
A visual representation of some of the data from Table 11.1, which gives figures for fulmar, shag, guillemot, kittiwake and razorbill from1980-2020.
The first fledged razorbill was seen on 22nd June from the west cliffs.
Cormorants
Cormorants are easily disturbed birds, flighty in nature, and with this new ‘colony’ at the northwest end of Rona there were no visits to this area. Observations were made from the North fog horn and from the boats. Four nests were noted in total through the season. One nest failed and the others went on to fledge 4 chicks, giving a productivity figure of 1. This is the first time cormorants have successfully bred on the Isle of May. One pair attempted to breed in 2017 but failed at egg stage.
Population monitoring of ground-nesting seabirds
Puffin
The first fledged puffin chick was seen on the evening of 29th June walking down Fluke street. The first chick date was missed due to lack of personnel on the island.
The return rate of colour-ringed puffins appeared normal. No information was gathered on the breeding success of puffins by UKCEH.
UKCEH undertook a puffin census in 2017, which resulted in a count of 39,200 occupied burrows with a 95% confidence level of between 32,200 – 46,300 occupied burrows.
Herring and lesser black-backed gull
Nest count
A full count was planned for the end of May but due to Covid-19 restrictions no access to the island or group work was permitted, therefore no count was undertaken.
Figure 6: Estimated nest totals for herring and lesser black-backed gull, Isle of May, 2018
Click for a full description
Line graph showing estimated nest totals for herring and lesser black-backed gull from 1982 to 2018. Year is along the x axis, from 1982 to 2018, and Corrected Count is along the y axis, with a scale that runs from 0 to 7,000. There are three lines on the graph, for lesser black-backed gull, herring gull and total gull nests. Numbers have been relatively stable, with an overall upward trend.
The lines for lesser black-backed and herring gull are a visual representation of some of the data from Table 11.3, which gives figures for lesser black-backed gulls, herring gulls, great black-backed gulls, terns and eider for 1982-2020.
The data for gull nests are summarised in the following table.
| Year | Total gull nests |
|---|---|
|
1982 |
2850 |
|
1983 |
3963 |
|
1984 |
3718 |
|
1985 |
3198 |
|
1986 |
2625 |
|
1987 |
2651 |
|
1988 |
2274 |
|
1989 |
2272 |
|
1990 |
2169 |
|
1991 |
2235 |
|
1992 |
2213 |
|
1993 |
3318 |
|
1994 |
3392 |
|
1995 |
4189 |
|
1996 |
4610 |
|
1997 |
4396 |
|
1998 |
4133 |
|
1999 |
4634 |
|
2000 |
4329 |
|
2001 |
4048 |
|
2002 |
3565 |
|
2003 |
3605 |
|
2004 |
3649 |
|
2005 |
3414 |
|
2006 |
4583 |
|
2007 |
4519 |
|
2008 |
4905 |
|
2010 |
5563 |
|
2012 |
5633 |
|
2014 |
6247 |
|
2016 |
5723 |
|
2018 |
5082 |
Productivity
No count of herring gull productivity was undertaken this year.
Gull management
As part of the Isle of May management plan, designated gull-free zones were introduced in 1997 to increase tern productivity. These areas are North Plateau South to Lochside, East and West Braes, Beacon, St Andrew’s Well, Cross Park and Tennis Courts. No nests were removed this season.
Due to the lack of NatureScot long-term volunteers, infrequent tern watches were undertaken to identify any specialist gulls predating the breeding terns. Towards late July, one pair of lesser black-backed gulls began to predate on fledged tern chicks at Kirkhaven. No action was taken.
Great-black-backed gull
Nest count
To determine the population of great black-backed gulls, several counts are undertaken during May and occupied nests are plotted on a map. This could not be completed due to the lack of staff on the island during the peak incubation period. In 2019, 90 AON were identified, the highest count for the Isle of May.
Productivity
Terns
Roseate tern
No roseate terns were seen in the breeding colony.
Sandwich tern
No Sandwich terns were seen in the breeding colony, although many were seen passing the island.
Arctic and common tern
The first Arctic tern egg was laid on 20th May at the Jetty Triangle, and the first chick hatched on 15th June, with the first fledged chick seen on 6th July.
The first common tern egg was seen on 19th May at the Beacon tern terrace and the first chick on 22nd June, with the first fledged chick seen on 14th July.
Breeding pairs
Kirkhaven colony was counted on 18th June with additional occupied nests included from the monitored plot. The Beacon colony was counted on 23rd June; this was later due to this colony being apparently predated before staff arrived on the island (signs of predated egg shell and scrapes on the terraces). However, both Arctic and common terns did relay. A total of 400 pairs of Arctic terns bred, 15 common terns and one roseate/common hybrid (see Table 11.5.).
Figure 7: Counted number of nests of Arctic, common and Sandwich terns, Isle of May, 1990-2020
Click for a full description
Line graph showing counted number of nests of Arctic, common and Sandwich terns, apparently occupied nests (AON) from 1990 to 2020. Year is along the x axis, from 1990 to 2020, and AON is along the y axis, with a scale that runs from 0 to 950. There are three lines on the graph, for Arctic tern, common tern and Sandwich tern. Numbers for Arctic tern have been very variable. Numbers for common and Sandwich tern have been variable initially but have decreased to low levels.
A visual representation of some of the data from Table 11.3, which gives figures for lesser black-backed gulls, herring gulls, great black-backed gulls, terns and eider for 1982-2020.
Productivity
Only one plot was monitored in 2020, the Mouse House field and terrace. Each nest was marked and the number of eggs, chicks and fledged chicks noted. All chicks in this area were ringed, helping keep track of the number of chicks that fledged from each plot. This was then used to calculate a productivity figure. The overall productivity was 0.60 chicks fledging per pair, a slight increase on last year’s figure, 0.55.
| Figures for: | Mouse House Field and Terrace |
|---|---|
|
Nests monitored |
72 |
|
Breeding attempts |
72 |
|
Eggs |
130 |
|
Average clutch size |
1.81 |
|
Number hatched eggs |
93 |
|
Hatching success |
0.72 |
|
Fledged |
43 |
|
Productivity |
0.60 |
Predation
No scheduled tern watches were conducted due to the lack of long-term volunteers; watches were more informal when NatureScot staff had spare time. From the limited observations and casual sightings when out, there appeared to be very few predation attempts at the Kirkhaven colony. In late July, one pair of lesser black-backed gulls began to predate on fledged chicks from the roost at Kirkhaven.
The Beacon colony appeared to suffer predation, presumably from a pair of crows nesting in the Low Light bushes, oystercatchers and possibly peregrines. On a day visit in May, NatureScot staff observed many displaying terns at the Beacon colony; staff put out tern boxes and canes to help reduce the impact of predation. On arrival in early June, it was evident the colony had been predated with signs of egg shell still present in the breeding area, and adult crows were frequently on the Beacon itself. Some terns went on to relay at the Beacon and some had perhaps moved to the Kirkhaven colony. For instance, three pairs of common terns successfully bred at Kirkhaven, in an area where they have not bred in many years.
Eider
Nest count
No nest count was conducted this year.
Figure 8: Nest counts and corrected estimates of breeding eider, Isle of May, 2018
Click for a full description
Line graph showing nest counts and corrected estimates of breeding eider, apparently occupied nests (AON) from 1990 to 2018. Year is along the x axis, from 1990 to 2018, and AON is along the y axis, with a scale that runs from 0 to 1,400. There are two lines on the graph, for raw count and population estimates. Numbers have remained relatively stable.
A visual representation of some of the data from Table 11.3, which gives figures for lesser black-backed gulls, herring gulls, great black-backed gulls, terns and eider for 1982-2020.
Eider management
No management specific to eiders was undertaken this year.
Other breeding birds
These are observations of numbers from around the island from NatureScot staff and volunteers, UKCEH and members of the Isle of May Bird Observatory.
Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus)
Work by David and Margaret Thorne, IOMBOT, identified nest activity on the island and identified one occupied burrow. The same male and a female were seen and recorded regularly at the burrow until mid-August but no breeding attempt was made.
Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
Only one pair and ducklings were seen leaving the island this season; however, other pairs may have attempted to breed and gone unnoticed due to the lack of our presence in the spring. Two pairs were seen around the island in mid-June.
| Year | No. of pairs |
|---|---|
|
2007 |
3 - 4 |
|
2008 |
5 |
|
2009 |
6 |
|
2010 |
6 |
|
2011 |
4 – 8 |
|
2012 |
6 |
|
2013 |
4 |
|
2014 |
3-4 |
|
2015 |
3-4 |
|
2016 |
4 |
|
2017 |
3-4 |
|
2018 |
3 |
|
2019 |
4 |
|
2020 |
1 |
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
It is not known whether any mallards bred on the reserve.
| Year | No. of pairs |
|---|---|
|
2007 |
2 |
|
2008 |
0 |
|
2009 |
0 |
|
2010 |
0 |
|
2011 |
0 |
|
2012 |
0 |
|
2013 |
2 |
|
2014 |
3 |
|
2015 |
0 |
|
2016 |
0 |
|
2017 |
0 |
|
2018 |
0 |
|
2019 |
1 |
|
2020 |
0 |
Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
Due to the lack of personnel on the reserve in early spring, no territories of breeding pairs were mapped.
| Year | No. of pairs |
|---|---|
|
2007 |
19 |
|
2008 |
19 |
|
2009 |
17 |
|
2010 |
17 |
|
2011 |
14 |
|
2012 |
16 |
|
2013 |
9 |
|
2014 |
20 |
|
2015 |
19 |
|
2016 |
24 |
|
2017 |
13 |
|
2018 |
20 |
|
2019 |
25 |
|
2020 |
- |
Feral pigeon (Columba livia (domest.)
No specific counts were made of feral pigeons on the island. They nest on the island in burrows and rock crevices.
Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
| Year | No. of pairs |
|---|---|
|
2007 |
0 |
|
2008 |
0 |
|
2009 |
0 |
|
2010 |
0 |
|
2011 |
0 |
|
2012 |
2 |
|
2013 |
3 |
|
2014 |
3 |
|
2015 |
6 |
|
2016 |
4 |
|
2017 |
4 |
|
2018 |
4 |
|
2019 |
1 |
|
2020 |
4 |
Rock pipit (Anthus petrosus)
Due to the lack of personnel on the reserve in early spring, no territories of breeding pairs were mapped.
| Year | No. of pairs |
|---|---|
|
2007 |
8-9 |
|
2008 |
9-10 |
|
2009 |
12-14 |
|
2010 |
15 |
|
2011 |
13 |
|
2012 |
23 |
|
2013 |
18 |
|
2014 |
24 |
|
2015 |
24 |
|
2016 |
20 |
|
2017 |
15 |
|
2018 |
23 |
|
2019 |
n/c |
|
2020 |
- |
Pied wagtail (Motacilla alba)
Due to the lack of personnel on the reserve in early spring, no territories of breeding pairs were mapped.
| Year | No. of pairs |
|---|---|
|
2007 |
8 |
|
2008 |
9 |
|
2009 |
11 |
|
2010 |
12 |
|
2011 |
13 |
|
2012 |
18 |
|
2013 |
14 |
|
2014 |
13 |
|
2015 |
12 |
|
2016 |
12 |
|
2017 |
9 |
|
2018 |
10 |
|
2019 |
10 |
|
2020 |
- |
Carrion crow (Corvus corone)
The same pair, “Patch” and partner (Patch named after a white patch on the chest), successfully bred and fledged four chicks on 9th June from their nest at the Low Light bushes. One chick was found dead on 12th June; the remaining family party stayed around the island for much of the season. This is the second year this individual pair have successfully bred on the reserve.
Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)
A pair was seen regularly throughout the season but no evidence was found of any breeding activity.
Wood pigeon (Columba palumbus)
In early June, four nests were found: the Bar - one egg, which abandoned soon after; Arnott Garden – two chicks, fledged on 21st June; Top Trap – 2 eggs that were later predated; Low Light bushes – well developed with adults present, went on to fledge chicks in late summer.
Wrens
One pair bred at the Low Light bushes; on 14th June, adults were seen feeding young, with the chicks fledging the nest on 21st June.
Wader counts
Co-ordinated wader counts were undertaken every one to two weeks from the end of July onwards, once the breeding seabirds had departed from breeding sites. All other sightings were casual sightings by NatureScot staff and bird observatory residents. Below is a table of the peak counts per month.
| Species | Feb | Mar | Apr* | May* | June* | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Oystercatcher |
52 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
40 |
104 |
41 |
41 |
- |
- |
|
Golden plover |
- |
1 |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
2 |
5 |
4 |
- |
- |
|
Ringed plover |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Whimbrel |
1 |
1 |
- |
- |
1 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
- |
- |
|
Curlew |
62 |
47 |
- |
- |
2 |
36 |
68 |
59 |
69 |
- |
- |
|
Turnstone |
11 |
23 |
- |
- |
1 |
110 |
160 |
125 |
111 |
- |
- |
|
Knot |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2 |
5 |
8 |
- |
- |
-- |
|
Dunlin |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
21 |
7 |
8 |
1 |
- |
- |
|
Purple sandpiper |
20 |
2 |
- |
- |
- |
34 |
119 |
42 |
116 |
- |
- |
|
Common sandpiper |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
2 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Common redshank |
1 |
2 |
- |
- |
1 |
15 |
23 |
55 |
15 |
- |
- |
|
Green sandpiper |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
3 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Greenshank |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
- |
- |
- |
* Months when no personnel were present on the island due to COVID-19.
Mammals
Grey seal
The first grey seal pup was born later than usual as it was discovered in early October. Once again, the St. Andrews Sea Mammal Research team were not present and will not be for the foreseeable future. The seal season appeared to be successful once again, with disturbance kept to a minimum, and the island was closed to visitors on 30th September and the main jetty systems from 31st October.
During the autumn months, the grey seals of the Isle of May were beamed to the homes of millions during the pupping season. Michaela Strachan attended on one day (for an interview), whilst for two weeks, live cameras and night vision work brought the lives of the seals at Kirkhaven to BBC Autumnwatch. At peak times, 5.2 million viewers were watching, with a huge interest in the Isle of May on social media platforms.
Cetaceans
Generally a quiet year for cetaceans as there were no human observers present on the island throughout the entire spring period and late summer proved quiet.
Mice
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the mouse researchers from the University of Nottingham and Manchester were unable to visit the island this year, therefore no mice research was undertaken.
Lepidoptera
Butterfly
Records of butterflies were made by informal observations from members of Fluke Street and the IOMBOT residents throughout the season. A trial systematic butterfly transect began this year in line with the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, UKBMS. Due to the low number of staff, this didn’t start until 8th August. It proved successful and will be continued in future years.
The first butterfly record of 2020 was a small tortoiseshell on 25th March, with a single peacock noted on 9th November as the last record. Ten species were recorded throughout the year; all the common species were noted along with the less common speckled wood, comma and wall. There was no notable ‘event’ this year; a peak of 100 individual peacocks were present on 30th and 31st August and red admiral were most common throughout the year (although no personnel were present during April and May). See Table 12 for full details of the records.
Moth
Moth trapping at Fluke Street was undertaken by NatureScot staff; this was disrupted due to the living situation in Fluke Street and access to power. The MV light trap was set up in the garden outside the principal keeper’s cottage and the assistant keeper’s cottage. A second trap was available to those at the IOMBO, who had the trap running by the Low Light bushes. Trapping commenced on 16th June and continued throughout the season until 29th October.
Trapping was conducted on a total of 24 nights, with a total of 64 different macro species being recorded along with 5 confirmed micro moths.
Two new species were first records for the Isle of May: miller and copper underwing. Both were single records on 8th August and 10th August respectively. Buff ermine was recorded for the second time and straw dot for the third time.
Although not comparable with other years, the most numerous species was bright-line brown-eye, with 45 individuals recorded in one night. See Table 13.1 for full details.
VISITOR REVIEW
It proved to be a very strange and difficult season for all regarding visitors and boat sailings. As a result of Covid restrictions, boats only started operating from 15th July, nearly four months after their original start date (1st April). Although boats started sailing from this date, heavy restrictions were in place, with all boats restricted in the number of people being carried and the May Princess having plastic Perspex screens to keep people apart. As a result, visitor numbers were a fraction of those carried in previous seasons, with a total of 3,287 visitors between 15th July and 30th September.
VOLUNTEER REVIEW
It was an unusual season regarding volunteers, as with all aspects of island living: Covid-19 restricted our usual practices. As a result, the two NatureScot staff did not return until early June and volunteers were not recruited for the season. However, there was extra help and support as the two Noss NNR seasonal workers (Jen Clarke and Duncan Halpin) were present from early August until the end of October. As they were unable to work on Noss due to closure for the season (directly linked to Covid-19), their support and help was much appreciated throughout this period.
All TABLES are available in the attached spreadsheet listed below.
