The second full round of monitoring was completed on Wednesday 19th, with no rat sign being found. Wood mouse sign was again found at the majority of monitoring stations, but less so around the fields and Beach Road areas. John Webster represented the team at the Easter Tea at Canna Primary School.
Thursday 20th the third monitoring check was begun. Monkey (Lyn Byrne) arrived on the island to join the team, and Martin Carty left having established the whereabouts of the sea eagles on the island. Abbie Patterson also left after a couple of days monitoring the rabbit population.
Friday 21st strong wind prevented checks on the slopes so the fourth check was begun while removing some of the monitoring stations on Sanday and along Tarbert Road.
Saturday 22nd saw the completion of the third full round of monitoring. No rat sign was found.
Sunday 23rd was a day off, apart from the fourth check and removal of stations in Lamasgor while visiting the Natural Arch. John Webster also checked around Coroghon and Sanday paddocks.
Monday 24th to Wednesday 26th saw the completion of the fourth full round of checks and the removal of the remaining monitoring stations, apart from areas restricted due to sea eagle activity.
Thursday 27th and Friday 28th the team were mostly in the sheds with help from Wendy and Katherine McKinnon sorting through the stations, straightening wires and making chocolate wax from used blocks for use in the permanent monitoring stations that will remain along Beach Road.
Overall 890 monitoring wires had been added to the original 720 stations, giving a total of 1610 monitoring points on the island. Most of these were checked at least four times, and up to six times along Beach Road, Coroghon and around the paddocks. No rat sign was found. Wood mouse activity varied, being recorded at least once at 65% of Sanday paddocks monitoring points, and at 100% of those in Geugasgor, Lamasgor, Langanes, Nunnery, Iolasgor, Bhresgor and West End. Other sign and interference from stock, rabbits, and birds was minimal.
I would like to thank the volunteers John Webster, John McTague, Corinna Goeckeritz and Monkey for all of their hard work, to Biz Bell(WMIL), Bob Swann(NTS) and Martin Carty for their help and support, and to all the islanders for their hospitality especially Wendy, Pakky, Katherine, Winnie, Geoff, Murdo and Gerry.
John Tayton, WMIL
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