The gulls have worn pathways into the grass at the lighthouse base. When I first noticed them I was reminded of the patterns in a wetland or a braided stream.  These can not be from aimless wandering. If I paced around and created these paths it would be due to mental illness or anxiety.  As crazy as these birds seem sometimes, I have to assume these pathways were worn walking a fixed, purposeful and predictable route while on patrol. There are only about 7 seven nests in this large grassy area, so there is a lot of territory to defend.  They also walk the perimeter along the stone wall, watching for me to pass by on the human pathway or “walkway” – a sturdy, direct, safe route between two points.  If all the concrete walkways connecting the buildings would be equivalent to one gulls pathway network, I expect they get in more “steps” in a day and are infinitely more aware of the daily events in their little “island” than I.

Concrete walkways and gull pathways (bottom left) in the grass at the base of the lighthouse.

Aerial view of the pathways the gulls have trampled into the grass at the base of the lighthouse. Energy building (top left), stairway to lighthouse front door and lighthouse shadow (bottom center), and bunker with desalination plant (bottom right).

Facility work

• cleaned solar panels
• measurements for new electric fence
• started on the compost bins

Vessels

• Ecotourism: 14
• Private: 1

Weather

Fog in the early am. Clear skies, wind direction variable, 4 to 17 knots. Daytime temperatures 10 to 19 degrees.

Three gull chicks ordered to hide in a sliver of a shadow.