Ladies, gentlemen and children….introducing CAMMY, son of ROCKY! We’ve already mentioned in our blogs that we know individual seals at our colony, and indeed, that we have known several of them for many years. Over this time, we have realised from our observations that contrary to popular belief, grey seals are not just grey blobs that eat fish. Indeed they seem to have distinct ‘personalities’, just as we see elsewhere. For example, some animals are naturally more “relaxed” than others no matter what whilst others seem “bolder” or “more aggressive”. We test this in the colony by recording different individuals’ responses to a mildly alarming sound stimulus – a wolf call. This is delivered by our specially designed RCV (remote controlled vehicle), aka ‘Cammy’. We have started conducting these “Cammy tests” this week and have managed to successfully test two animals (even if Cammy did take a couple of tumbles down some hidden pot holes…!). Charlotte and Luke showed great determination on the first test day, waiting outside in seemingly endless rain showers for a Cammy-friendly break. Points for effort?
In other news, we have objectively observed that there are an unusual amount of rainbows (even of the double variety: what does it mean?!) on North Rona. We have determined that this can mean one of two things: either this is a magical isle where dreams can come true, or alternatively an indication of what can only be described as variable weather conditions. We favour the former and are now simultaneously on the look-out for leprechauns and pots of gold at the bottom of the rainbows in our study area, as well as births.
Finally, Amelia has become obsessed with ‘Bananagrams’- a favourite evening past-time. Friends and relatives, you should be worried. Is “Ai” really a word? Also, Luke found a carrot today that he truly believes is shaped like a seal. Make of this what you wish…