Prime job on the puffin place

EVER fancied being marooned on a tiny islet with only puffins and other seabirds for company?

Alderney Wildlife Trust is looking for a dedicated volunteer to join its monitoring team and carry out survey work on Burhou. The successful candidate needs to be available from April to July and, while no experience is necessary, enthusiasm for one of the Channel Islands' internationally protected areas is a must.

Lynn Riley has experienced life there during the seabird breeding season and she describes the job as a privilege.

'Burhou is a magical, wild, beautiful place where the rhythm of the day is determined by the elements and the lives of the seabirds, who will tolerate a sensitive, respectful human visitor to what is essentially their island. What a privilege.'

Lynn went on to explain what the job entails.

'Our day begins with a boat trip and every time my anticipation builds. I love the way the gannets fly close and seem to race with us - I never tire of seeing them. Then the welcoming party of shags, oystercatchers and gulls appear as we draw near and we hear the familiar sounds of Burhou.'

Landing isn't easy and once everyone sets foot on the island the hard work begins.

'The main duties involve counting the number of puffins, gulls and other birds and working out how many chicks they raise each summer,' explained Lynn. 'The work is exciting and varied - there is always something new to discover and learn. Patience and concentration are vital - observing for hours sitting on a hard rock can make physical demands.'

Volunteers spend so much time watching the birds that they begin to recognise their unique traits, added Lynn.

'It can be tiring and taxing, but is always an adventure. You spend so much time among the seabirds that their individuality becomes evident. Sightings of seals and the occasional visit from a bird of prey add to the excitement - rather too much if one happens to be a tired racing pigeon. All your senses are engaged - sights, sounds and smells are particularly evocative.

'At the end of a busy day, which often starts at 5am, there is nothing better than supper and relaxing in front of a roaring driftwood fire. It is great fun, with much laughter, a close sense of teamwork and a great chance to be involved in valuable research.'

The successful volunteer should expect to take trips, which occasionally involve an overnight stay, as often as every 10 days during the summer. He or she should also be flexible, as the trips are heavily reliant on tides and good weather conditions.

Anyone interested in becoming a Burhou volunteer should contact Liz Morgan on 07781 407975 or email ecologist@alderneywildlife.org.

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Rehearsals for this year's pantomime are over, with Wednesday's opening night attracting a full house at the Island Hall.

Lee Flewitt's The Pirates of The Coronation is midway through a four-show run. The performance stars Lee as Captain Marriner, his wife Alex as Lady Fidelity and Paul Durston as the evil Admiral.

Saturday's show is sold out but tickets are still available for tonight's performance, which starts at 8pm. Anyone interested in going along should nip in to Shirley's Boutique in Victoria Street. Tickets are £8 for adults and £5 for children under 14.