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Annat Baywatch

Sea Eagle Chick 2023

A nice joint effort between Josh from Sea-Scape, ourselves and Justin from the Sea Eagle tagging team resulted in not only identifying a new nest site out Annat but confirmation of a chick put there who is/was around 5 weeks old and healthy when Justin got in (about 7 weeks old as you read this). Was where we thought the new nest would be but Josh confirmed and we called Justin who was out there searching and managed to guide him in. The new chick is now ringed so we can hopefully track it for life and hope to watch it throughout the summer as it grows and fledges from the nest. The new site is close to what we thought was a peregrine falcon nest site but after filming some fighting between neighbours, turns out to be kestrels. Not so common up here so quite exciting too and offered some viewing that was reminiscent of Battle of Britain footage as the small fighters put on a good display trying to deter their far larger raptor relatives! We’re also seeing the other eagles elsewhere (5 in one trip!) and equally impressive battles between them and other smaller adversaries such as arctic terms and other contenders.
It should be emphasised that the ringers checked for prey remains in the nest and it is mainly sea birds and fish. NO lambs or livestock as they are remote enough and have enough prey that they don’t seem to need to target domestic/commercial prey – but as we’ve done for the last few years, let us know if you have any reason to believe they are causing problems as we will work towards compromise if so. We’ll be honest if we hear of any indicators too and the ringers have said they are happy to take witnesses in with them if anyone wants to look for themselves. We’re not trying to hide anything here. There are credible issues in some places but we genuinely don’t think there are here.
Bottlenose dolphin were in again – a good number and still quite a surprise. Thanks to Adam and Gary for letting us know and show a boatload of visitors. Even I was impressed – they are so much bigger than the common dolphin we normally encounter – and we believe the same pod has been exploring the west coast from Mull to Coigach. They were in again last week and despite notifications from Murdo U and Jerry B, we never found them again – so far! Still hopeful. Really not sure why they are here but not questioning it – just hope they’ll hang about.
Orcawatch on the north coast reported a number of Orca pods about – still not sure if coming this way, but really hoping so!
Moon jellyfish blooming, lots more (as yet, small) lion’s mane, and still the most ever Barrel Jellyfish we’ve ever seen!
Plankton seems to have stalled but hoping this warm couple of weeks might kick it off again.

As always, any sightings, please let us know.
Noel query@macraemedia.com
Facebook: 1stNoel, UllapoolSeaSavers, ShearwaterCruises,
UllapoolFishing
Twitter: SaversSea, UllapoolQueen
Insta (still learning!): ShearwaterCruises

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Ullapool Rainfall Figures for the month of May

2023 48.0mm
2022 117.2mm
2021 57.6mm
2020 99.8mm
2019 119.0mm
2018 41.5mm
2017 57.6mm
2016 71.6mm
2015 141.6mm
2014 102.4mm

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Magnolia Tree Planted at Dundonnell House.

On Sunday 4th June friends and family gathered at Dundonnell House to plant a magnolia tree in memory of Tony and Vicky Schilling.  Both were very knowledgeable gardeners, Tony having worked at Kew, and Tony also transformed the garden at the village war memorial.

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Harbour News

Malcolm Macleod has been appointed as the new Deputy Harbourmaster.

Work on the new pontoons is progressing and they should be available for use in August.  Once the installation is complete the harbour will assess the new setup with a view to allocating specific berths to appropriately sized vessels.  Funding for the inner harbour works centred on improving facilities for the following sectors: small boats who have historically worked off the beach; tourist excursion vessels; inshore fishing fleet and visiting leisure craft.
There will be a small balance of pontoons available for locals to rent.  If you would like to be considered for a pontoon berth, please email with details of your vessel, and note there will be stipulations on the rental.  If demand outstrips supply for these berths there may have to be a ballot for allocation.

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