Conservation project Malgas Island, Saldanha - Day 5 (Final day)

And just for a change a few more pictures of birds! I cannot believe that 5 days have just flown by, pardon the pun! No Pelicans to report - which is great news.

Actually caught a Kelp gull with an egg in its mouth awhile back, but really there is nothing one can do, frustrating! Oh and i obviosusly got too near a nest as this time the gull actually banged me on the head, i nearly jumped out of my skin, they really are quite aggressive. I think between Heidi and myself we have taken enough pictures to last us a lifetime but you just cant help yourself, these Gannets are magnificent creatures. When you are sitting in the middle of the colony surrounded, you just cant help but click away.

Oh i forgot the main event of the day, i emptied the toilet, that was interesting - i will save the detail. We went for our last patrol this evening with an absolutely magnficant sunset - we are so lucky to be here. Really sad to leave its been a truly wonderful experience.

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Tomorrow morning we get collected at 7am and its back to the mainland and reality, but i will definately be back. I will never forget this truly magical place.

Conservation project Malgas Island, Saldanha - Day 4

We woke up this morning  to the demise of a poor starling killed and eaten by two Kelp gulls, i know these birds as scavengers, i havnt experienced them actually attacking other birds, quite strange.  Finished our first patrol for the morning no Pelicans sighted. There are loads of lovely fluffy babies and as always the colony is a hive of activity.

Yesterday we came across a juvenille Cape Comorant who appeared to have fallen from his nest, he could fly but was very shaky - the poor thing spent the night trying to get back to his parents and this evening Heidi found him dead on the rocks, so sad and there is nothing you can do, nature has to take its course.

Been quite misty here today but not cold, in fact it gives Malgas a different look and feel, really pretty.

Last patrol of the day and we are lucky enough to be able to go right into the middle of the colony. There is a sort of path which the Gannets seem to use as a runway, they are very cumbersome taking off and landing, often just literally splat!

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