Bardsey's Wildlife 2019

MOTHS

63: 272-283 293

ROBOTHAM & SIMMONDS

1 INTRODUCTION

The authors have now been visiting the island to study the Grey Seals Halichoerus grypus for over five
years. Their aim is to continue the site fidelity work started by Mandy McMath over a decade ago. Using
Mandy’s female seal identification catalogue and their own growing seal photo-database, they have
collected further evidence showing that Bardsey is an important breeding site for grey seals in Wales
(Robotham & Simmonds, 2019).

2 METHODS

Using high resolution digital cameras and telephoto lenses (300mm and 400mm), images are taken of
the female seals along with their pups within 48 hours of the pups being born. The sites were mapped
and data relating to the mothers, sites and pups catalogued for future reference.

3 RESULTS

3.1 THE 2018 BREEDING SEASON

In total 15 females were re-sighted in 2018, of which 11 (73.3%) showed site fidelity. There are now 121
females catalogued in the photo-database. Currently, 38 of these individual females have been re-
sighted, and 24 (63.2%) of them have shown site fidelity.

25

20

15

10

5

0 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
2013 Matches Same Site

Fig 1. Matches made each year and those of which have been seen at the same site at least
once in previous years

The trend in matches is generally increasing. As the database of females grows each year, more
matches are likely. However, less matches were made this year compared to last year, but still more than
the year previous to that. The number of matches made where the individual showed site fidelity is similar
to last year. This provides further evidence that Bardsey continues to be an important breeding location.

The database increased in 2018 by 29 mothers not previously recorded. Given that the Bardsey ‘pup
count’ is currently in the region of 40-50 each year. Many of these ‘new’ females may simply not have
been seen before or we may only have images of one side of their heads and so have not been able to
match them if we only have their opposite side in the database. Four new matches were made this year,
taking the total number of re-sighted females from 34 to 38. However, the proportion of re-sighted
females has dropped from 37% to 31.4% due to the increase in database entries. With only four of the
matches made this year being new re-sightings, there is growing evidence to support the idea that
known females are continuing to return to pup on Bardsey. The large number of new entries indicates
that Bardsey is also an attractive breeding location for new individuals.

294 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS

GREY SEALS

3.2 PUP PRODUCTION

Another indicator of Bardsey’s importance to these seals is increasing pup production. The number of
pups born on Bardsey has increased dramatically in the last 22 years. From eight in 1998 to 45 in 2018
and 55 in 2019, this is an increase of over 587%.

After a drop in 2012 and 2013, pup numbers have risen by approximately 10 pups per year from 2013 to
2016. Numbers are still increasing with 2019 the best year on record.

60
50
40
30
20
10

0
Seal pups born on Bardsey
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019

Fig 2. Pup production on Bardsey 1998-2019

3.3 THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF RISING SEA LEVELS
AND STORMINESS

There are a variety of different pupping locations on Bardsey, but all are at sea level and so will be
affected by rising sea levels. Some seal haul-out locations could be changed or lost completely due to
rising sea levels. This, combined with increased stormy weather conditions and wave surges, could cause
pup mortality rates to rise (Robotham & Simmonds, 2018).

The more popular sites do tend to offer some form of retreat away from the sea onto the main land area
of the island. However, this brings with it the problem of increased human disturbance. Mothers and pups
that come off the shore onto the areas more frequented by human visitors to the island could easily be
disturbed. A spooked mother may leave her pup and not return to it, resulting in the death of the pup.
These issues need to be considered and perhaps increased signage and awareness could be the key to
guiding the general public in responsible seal watching.

4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Mick Green for his participation in surveys and advice and to Steve Stansfield and the team at
the Observatory for their careful monitoring activities.

5 REFERENCES

Robotham, R. & Simmonds. M.P. (2018) Bardsey’s Grey Seals: 2017 Update. 2017 Bardsey’s Wildlife: Rep.
Bardsey Bird Fld. Obs. 61: 286 – 291

Robotham, R. & Simmonds, M.P. (2019) An update on photo-monitoring during 2018. 2018 Bardsey’s
Wildlife. Rep. Bardsey Bird Fld. Obs. 62: 274 – 279

Rebecca Robotham - Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary, Skegness, Lincolnshire

63: 284-295 295

CHARLES
.

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Section 4

Appendices

Cristin 10 October 2019
© Martha Street

CHARLES Initials Name Initials
LA Noah Dark ND
Name NPB Patrick Davies PD
Luke Anderson
Nick Barlow PB Mark Doggett MD
Peter Barsby GB Louis Driver LD
George Beadle EB George Dunbar GD
Ed Betteridge VB William Earp WE
Vic Bevan AB Mark Eldridge MIE
Angie Bennet FB Colin Evans CSE
Fiona Bithell RB Kate Fox KF
Rob Bithell PB Geoff Gibbs RGG
Phil Blatcher LN Eleanor Grover EMG
Lizzie Bradbury MGC David Hawkins DH
Mark Grove Carter
Toby Carter TC Josie Hewitt JHH
Dianne Charles DCC John Hickerton JHi
Kevin Clements KC Alison Hill AH
Nathan Clements NC Josh Hill JH

Appendix 1

Contributors

Rep. Bardsey Bird Fld Obs.

Name Initials Name GREY SEALS
Robert Normand
Lewis Hooper LMH Ben Porter Initials
Steve Hughes RSH Joanna Porter
Sam Prettyman RMN
Martin Hosier MH Gareth Roberts BJP
Liz James EJ Rebecca Robotham
Angus Jennings AJ Mark Simmonds JP
Phil Jones PJ Mark Simmonds SMP
Connor Stansfield GR
Harry King HK Emma Stansfield RB
Andrew Lawrence AL Steven Stansfield
Richard Layton RL Lizzie Waring MS
Dewi Lewis DLe Tom Williams MPS
Elfyn Lewis EL Jeff Wragg CJS
EJS
Raphael Long RL Apologies for any omissions SDS
Paul Massey PRM
Luke Nash LN LW
Alicia Normand AN TW
JW

CHARLES

Appendix 2

ACCOUNTS

of Bardsey Bird & Field Observatory

Dianne Charles

BARDSEY BIRD AND FIELD OBSERVATORY £ 2018
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT £
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2019 3,560.00
3,714.78 3,171
INCOME 3,203.81 4,635
Subscriptions 18,443.00 1,769
Donations and Miscellaneous Receipts 3,495.88 12,533
Income Tax Recoverable 39,193.26 3,956
Grant from NRW 35,377
Sales 55.39
Visitors Fees 32.92 48
Bank Interest 71,699.04 30
National Savings Investment Account Interest 61,519
1,400.50
EXPENDITURE 14,983.01 1,401
Cristin - Rent Expenses 16,419
Running Expenses 500.00
Improvements 1,948.86 145
Equipment 775
Bank Charges 20.67
Report 3,446.00 65
Sales Expenses 1,978.85 3,349
Salaries and National Insurance 29,654.44
Petty Cash and Sundries including Postage and Telephone 2,975.58 758
Projects 29,434
Publicity -
Insurance 199.46 3,886
787.51 2,371
EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR 57,894.00
13,804.16 -
851
59,453
2,065

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BARDSEY BIRD AND FIELD OBSERVATORY 2018
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2019
£
Note ££ 12,090

CURRENT ASSETS 17,618.10 1,222
1,070.82 4,115
Debtors 1 4,148.19 24,674
10,700
Stock 2 144.36 598
34,729.29 5,265
National Savings Investment Account 10,721.22 25,483
84,148
Cash in Hand 862.72 8,519
75,629
Bank Balance High Interest Business Account 42,598.46 75,629
111,893.16
Bardsey Flora Account 37,059
12,843.90
PayPal Account 10,000
99,049.26 2,065
CAF Account 29,124
99,049.26
Current Account 20,000
29,123.90 9,520
LESS : CURRENT LIABILITIES 3 32.64
Creditors 10,700
1,318.13
NET CURRENT ASSETS 10,000.00 0
13,804.16 1,454
NET ASSETS 31,642.57
831
REPRESENTED BY: 30,000.00 4,000
75,629
ACCUMULATED FUND 9,520.00
Balance at 31st December 2018
Add Transfer for Heligoland Fund 10,699.86
Less Transfer to Solar Fund 21.36
Less Transfer to Reserve Fund
Excess of Income over Expenditure for the Year 10,721.22
Balance at 31st December 2019
9,594.75
RESERVE ACCOUNT 1,318.13

AW ACCOUNT 10,912.88

BARDSEY FLORA FUND 1,421.67
Balance at 31st December 2018
830.92
Add Bank Interest
Balance at 31st December 2019 4,000.00

SOLAR FUND 99,049.26

Balance at 31st December 2018
Donations
Add Transfer from Accumulated Fund
Balance at 31st December 2019

HELIGOLAND FUND

TONY CHARLES MEMORIAL FUND

BIRDS OF BARDSEY FUND

CHARLES

BARDSEY BIRD AND FIELD OBSERVATORY £
NOTES TO THE BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2019
12.50
1. DEBTORS AND PAYMENTS IN ADVANCE 6,392.60
Running Expenses 11,213.00
Income Tax Recoverable 17,618.10
Grant from NRW
1,070.82
2. STOCK 1,070.82
Promotional Merchandise for Resale
84.50
Stock is stated at the lower of cost 9,815.30
or estimated net realisable value 2,842.04
3. CREDITORS
Sales Expenses 102.06
Running Expenses 12,843.90
Salaries
Sundries

Examiner’s report on the accounts of
Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory

I have examined the Balance Sheet at 31st December 2019 and the Income and Expenditure Account for
the year ended on that date as shown on the attached pages 1 to 3 and certify that they are in
accordance with the books and records of Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory.

J.S. Craig 2nd July 2020
19 The Coppice
Mancetter
Atherstone
Warwickshire

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Leave a legacy for Bardsey’s wildG RliEfYeS E A L S

You could leave a wonderful gift to support Bardsey’s
Observatory and help the future of the island’s wildlife.

Since 1953 Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory (BBFO) has been
studying and monitoring the migrant and breeding birds and other
wildlife on Bardsey and providing education to thousands of visitors.
This important work helps towards ensuring the protection of the
island’s flora and fauna.

Remembering BBFO in your Will could help us to ensure
that Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory will be here for
generations to come and can continue monitoring the
island's wildlife and provide a welcoming and relaxed place
to stay on this special island. Please remember we are an
independent charity and not to be confused with the
Bardsey Island Trust or the RSPB and would not benefit
from any gifts left to those organisations.

Our success as a Bird Observatory is made possible, in part,
by the generosity of people who share in our passion for
wildlife and choose to leave us a legacy in their Will. This is
one of the most effective ways you can support BBFO.

Unlike income from grants, unrestricted gifts left in Wills
have the advantage that they can be used to support
general running costs and be directed to where they are
needed most at the time, therefore helping to ensure that
we can maintain the high standards of research and
monitoring that we have attained in recent years. Every
amount we receive, large or small, contributes to the future
survival of the Observatory.

Your gift would make an important contribution to our
work, enabling the Observatory to help safeguard the
island’s wildlife for future generations and continue
monitoring migrant birds like the Cuckoo or the rare and
enigmatic Chough which nests on Bardsey.

Having a will ensures you can provide for the people and
causes you care most about and that you have control over
who benefits from your estate. Once you have taken care of
family and friends, please consider remembering BBFO in
your Will and make a difference to conservation.

For further information contact Dianne Charles (BBFO’s Chair)
[email protected] or telephone 0121 2490490

CHARLES

Become a member
of Bardsey Bird Observatory

Follow our progress – receive our newsletter three times a year
See our work – receive a copy of the latest Bardsey’s Wildlife
Come and join in – attend our members’ weekend and AGM

Our primary objective is to monitor and census the breeding and migratory birds
that use the island, and also its other wildlife. Observatory staff undertake a
census every day of all the migrating birds on the island, this is recorded in the
Observatory’s daily log and then published in our annual report Bardsey’s
Wildlife.
Our work is supported in part by monies raised from our membership. As well as
supporting our vital conservation work, members receive a copy of our report,
Bardsey’s Wildlife, and three editions our newsletter, the Bardsey Beacon, each
year. We hold an annual members’ weekend and AGM on the mainland in North
Wales where members, staff and Trustees meet up.

Visit www.bbfo.org.uk/membership

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Standard £30
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Under 21 £20 or FREE Green membership

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Join our friendly staff on one of our highly acclaimed
Guided Wildlife Walks, or come on an after-dark
night-time adventure to ‘Meet the Manxies’ in the
world’s fourth-largest Manx Shearwater colony.

.
To find out more visit www.bbfo.org.uk/things-to-do

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Learn from the experts about Bardsey’s Wildlife and
get to see nature up close and personal on one of our
superb Storm Petrel expeditions or join in with our
daily ‘Moth Mornings’ at the Observatory.

CHARLES

Caffi Ynys Enlli Bardsey island café

Fully licenced bar, café/restaurant & farm shop

Now serving ice cream, fresh homemade cakes, scones & Bara brith
Lunches, teas, coffee, soft drinks, beers, wines & spirits
Home-cooked breakfasts & evening meals (to order)
Fresh seasonal vegetables from the Island

email: [email protected] Tel: 07535 064 943

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Bardsey Island Crabs - Cranc Enlli

Freshly caught and prepared
ready to eat Dressed Crabs

Perfect on its own as a snack or on sandwiches
or as a main meal with salad or pasta

Available from Emma at the Observatory

email: [email protected] Tel: 07855 264 151

CHARLES

We stock Europe's largest range of optics and accessories for birders including many leading brands: Acuter, Barr & Stroud,
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Tel: 01905 312877 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.birders-store.co.uk

in-store | online | telephone

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• Enjoy the very best birdwatching trips in North
Wales, Scotland, Norfolk, Spain, Morocco and
Costa Rica

• We offer custom and set-departure daytrips and
tours

• Contact Alan and Ruth for details

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Bardsey Lodge

The Lodge offers fantastic opportunities to get away from the
stresses of daily life and enjoy the peace and, quiet and

remoteness of Bardsey. Stay in our comfortable rooms, enjoy the
beautiful views, the wonderful wildlife and tranquillity of a small
Welsh Island. The lodge can accommodate up to 14 guests in its

two single rooms, two double/twin rooms and two four
bedded/family rooms.

CHARLES

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