Birdwatching News from Islay 2007
20 November 2007
Three large Canada Geese sitting with some Barnies at Bowmore this morning was
interesting along with various waders and a handful of Scaup and four Pale bellied Brent.
Three Whooper and then onto to Jura. Red Deer, Kestrel, two Ringtails and Corvids too.
Of course the Jura Distillery took some time as well! On our return watching the
geese return to roost was ,as usual - utterly amazing!
19 November 2007
The first day of two with a group of French Naturalists who have come for
spectacle of the Geese and Whisky too! Starting at Ardbeg there were Whitefronts,
a Merlin and good views of a Buzzard. Curlew and and Redshank too. A distant
couple of Divers, Red and GN were nice to see. Up to the North west of
Islay for lunch at Kilchoman. The afternoon ahd us watching plenty of Geese,
including three Pinkfeet and a Lesser Canada. We watched a delicious sunset with Barnies flying across to roost
from Craigens. Finshing with a tasting at Bruichladdich.
14 November 2007
Today is the launch of Wild Scotland's Responsible Wildlife Tourism guidlines at the
World Responsible Tourism Day in London. I mention this as the Guardian's Kirsty Scott
covered this and wrote some very good things about Islay Birding!
see
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/nov/14/conservation.wildlife
so there we are.....
11 November 2007
Final day of Goosefest and we saw a three Pinkfeet, a Peregrine,
numerous Chough, Twite and Golden Eagles over lunch! We scoured the fields for
more odd geese but could not find any more than the Canada and Lesser Canadas
seen at the start of the three days.
10 November 2007
Yet another super birding day. Staring with an Otter and later a female
Merlin at Port Charlotte, then Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, all three Divers
and Plovers at Bruichladdich. Along Lochindaal nine Long Tailed Ducks, Scaup,
Scoter, Wigeon and Mergansers as well as Slav Grebe. We watched the geese coming
to roost once again. Fabulous.
9 November 2007
What a magical start to a three day Goosefest. Canada, Lesser Canada, Barnacle,
Whitefront, Greylag and Whooper before coffee and then Golden Eagle, Sparrowhawk, Ringtail and
plenty of duck and a very amazing 13 Black Tailed Godwits from the hide at Gruinart.
Finishing with the geese roost at Bridgend we had 'just a perfect day'!
6 November 2007
Out with a group goose spotting and gull id-ing. Plenty to see despite the squally weather
and gales just around the corner. Whitefronts, Barnacles, Greylag, three Pinkfeet and
Pale Bellied Brents. Also a male Hen Harrier too.
Plenty of gulls but no white winged ones...yet!
29 October - 5 November 2007
On mainland doing a Homeschool trip vsiiting several castles and museums.
I am also attending a Trail Leaders course. back on Monday 6th November.
26 October 2007
Off to cover the Braveheart Ride for thewashingmachinepost. Very wet today!
24 October 2007
Final day of the Goosefest - and another brilliant one too! We added several more species taking the
list just short of the ton! Plenty of Geese and Golden Eagle, Black and Red Throated Divers,
A Lesser Black Backed Gull was a suprise at this time of year as was a Swallow too.
A Yellow Wagtail - a vagrant here - showed well at the South East as did thousands - literally -
of Fieldfare and Redwing.
23 October 2007
Another cracking day with full sun and a sou'westerly. We headed around the
Merse and then to Ardnave. Pale Bellied Brents, Greenshank, Slav.Grebe, Whoopers,
Golden Eye, Godwits and Knot. On the outer edges of Gruinart we saw Sanderling at at Ardnave;
Twite, Chough and Rockpipits and kittiwake. All in excellent light. A couple of Ringtails
and Merlin too!
22 October 2007
Day one of another Goosefest. Plenty to see despite the grey weather - luckily
the rain held off most of the day; Barnacles, Lesser Canada and Whitefronts around RSPB Gruinart
all set up by a busy Peregrine.
Hen Harrier caused some panic for the duck population too!
Little Grebe, Chough, Lapwing and a handful of Crossbills at Gorm/Sunderland
(Thanks Gordon!) - Whoopers and Greylag. Lots of Fieldfare and Redwing and a couple of Sparrowhawks too.
21 October 2007
Another great day, with plenty of Barnacle, thrushes and the Bar Headed Goose at the Merse.
The wind picked up and we were amazed to see a Raven chasing - for sometime - a Woodcock.
Twite were good to see as were Chough too on the Oa.
20 October 2007
From Claggain to the Merse - is this song title? With Red Throated Divers, Golden Eagles, a Lesser Canada
and three Whimbrel it was pretty super and to improve the day we had six Sandwich terns,
Arctic Skua, Gannet and seven Swallows as well as plenty of geese and hundreds of Fieldfare
and Redwing too.
19 October 2007
Start of a Goose Fest so we headed for the Merse and Gorm where there were plenty of Geese:
Barnacle, Greylag , Whitefront and a single Lesser Canada. Marvellous views of a Peregrine
from Bun an Uilt on the shingle banks.
18 October 2007
Bushcraft day camp for local children as part of their Wildwood Wisdom programme. Spent the day in an
ancient hazel wood. Magical, exploring, amking bows and arrows, watching a Buzzard and listening and observing Greenland
Whitefronts in the fields nearby.
16 October 2007
Out this afternoon for a tour looking for duck and divers. Found Scoter, Red Breasted merganser,
Eider, Wigeon and a 'non duck' Slavonian Grebe. Also a brilliantly close winter plumage
Red Throated Diver.
15 October 2007
Some days are cracking some are more than that. Today was one of them. We headed for
Bunnahabhain on a dreich morning. As we arrived we sat patiently and then...
a great big dog Otter. The sun came out and not only one but four Otters. We
watched for two hours as they fished and ate. Watching us from Shun Bhein was a Golden Eagle!
Back to the
Merse where there were thousands of Barnacles, a handful of Whitefronts and Greylags
and plenty of waders including 631 Knot!
13 October 2007
Birding and Mountainbiking with a father and son team. Excellent views of Geese at Bridgend,
Sparrowhawk at Dunlosit and wondeful three Whoopers passing overhead.
11 October 2007
Having spent yesterday travelling to London, today I was at the Bicycle Show in
Earls Court - I had a chance to do some retporting for 'thewashingmachinepost.net'
so it was a different opportunity and fun too. On the ferry back I had Gannet,
Guillemots, Razorbills and no Glaucous!
9 October 2007
Magical day with our pro photogrpher getting some superb images of Red Deer.
Good views of Barnies and in the dusk three owls - Short Eared, Barn and Tawny
as well as geese and duck.
Wonderful.
8 October 2007
Thousands of Barnies arriving today and we enjoyed watching and photographing them with our
pro photographer. But most of all he was after Chough and we managed to get some fantastic
images. A superb day with a Bar Headed Goose in the late afternoon amid a wee flock of
Barnies. This is most likely to be an escapee or from a feral flock.
7 October 2007
A cracking day from lunch to dusk. Merlin, Golden Eagles, Buzzard, Peregirne, Snipe, Godwits,
and Barnies arriving - wonderful against a baby blue sky. Eight Whooper Swans
against a magical sunset. Beautiful.
6 October 2007
It was time to explore the Rhinns today and a misty one at that. However we had wonderful views
of Chough, a Peregrine and huge numbers of Greylag feeding in stubble. All three divers
on Loch Indaal, Slav. Grebes and Eider too made our Australian clients very happy.
5 October 2007
Another excellent day! Barnacles at the Merse and Gruinart too. Although the wind had
turned South Easterly so only a few coming in - inlcuding a handful of Pale Bellied Brent.
Plenty of duck: Wigeon, Pintail and Golden Eye. Sandwich Terns and a single Glaucous gull.
A distant Eagle once again over the hills and a Merlin and Hen Harrier too. A couple of Whooper
Swans and two Pinkfoot Geese added to the numerous species today.
4 October 2007
After the rain of yesterday morning the sun shone all day - and so brightly too. We headed for
the South east of Islay where we watched a Red Throated Diver off Claggain and Razorbills and Gannets too.
Red, Roe and Fallow Deer and then we spotted the Eagles - all three and watched them for four hours!
A Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon and Kestrel were seen clearly. On our retrun I had message that
500 Barnacle had arrived at Gruinart - so guess where we'll be heading...thanks Ian for the message!
3 October 2007
A dawn start had us watching the Merse once again. Eleven Black Tailed Godwits,
plenty of Barwits, Dunlin, and other waders including Ringed Plover, Turnstone,
Golden and Grey Plovers too.
2 October 2007
Up into the hills today - agian seeing a young Golden Eagle, Snipe and
plenty of Red Deer.Few Greylag but plenty of Wigeon at the Merse.
1 October 2007
What a brilliant day, full sunshine and great views of everything!
Thousands of Greylag (nearly 4.5k) at the merse, Godwits, Knot,
Dunlin, Oystercatchers. A superb Peregrine on a rock and distant Golden Eagle too.
30 September 2007
Another perfect day watching Eagles on the Rhinns, Hen Harriers, Chough and
Grey Wagtails too. Gannets out at sea and a handful of Whitefronts at Claddach.
28 September 2007
Another absolutely cracking day on Jura, long views north east along the
seaboard and with a pair of Golden Eagles, Otters and plenty of wee birds to
identify including a Whitethroat and intermingled with rising Trout and roaring
Stags - it was perfect!
27 September 2007
To the South East and Claggain, Eider and Buzzards and a charm of Goldfinches.
The a walk up over Arigh nam Beist - Golden Eagles and Corvids. Finishing off
at Ardbeg for a great tasting for our French clients.
26 September 2007
To Jura today to watch/see Red Deer, Hen Harriers and possibly Golden Eagles.
Plenty of deer in rut which was great and a Kestrel too. We spent quite a time watching
a ringtail hawk over the stunning autumnal heather.. but no eagles today.
We manged to pop intot he distilery so as the French
birders had a taste of Jura too!
25 September 2007
Watching Choughs at Rockside and 47 Lapwing too. Hen Harriers, Greylag and a single
Whooper Swan was good to see. Teh North wind carried the roar of th erut across the hills and
into the dusk we watched a Barn Owl hawking in this wonderful full moonlight night.
24 September 2007
First of a four day custom trip with a couple from France, birding and visiting distilleries.
Spent the time on the Rhinns watching Gannets, Red Throated Divers, Greenland Whitefronts
and Raven too. Brillant.
We dropped into Bruichladdich on our return to Port Ellen and as the sun came out
towards Port Ellen we watched three Golden Eagles over Red Deer. One was a young bird. Utterly superb.
22-23 September 2007
Wilderness 24 weekend. A great time spending lots of it looking at plants -
Yarrow, Dog Rose, Dandilion, grases and also tracking Otter, Rabbit
and Red Deer. Eating wild food and experiencing true wilderness in the
north west of Islay. Brilliant
21 September 2007
Bicycle Coaching today with 'Dave the Snake' from Cycling Scotland.
Brian Palmer and I are on our way to be VC Ardbeg coaches!
19 September 2007
After two days with the John Muir Award Trust manager looking at projects here on Islay,
With the Mactaggart Third Fund they have been funding the INHT Young Adventurers programme
that Tink and I run, this afternoon we went to Machir bay with a client looking for Chough.
Good to see them in the fields amid the cut barley and on the dunes too.
Twite and linnet aplenty too.
17 September 2007
The sun shone, the wind blue a clear sky ad we headed for Sanaigmore
male and female Hen Harriers, Chough, Linnet, Twite, Razorbill
and Gannet. A cracking Sparrowhawk having a spat with a Raven.
Then two Eagles - the first of four today! Later in the
afternoon having watched the Chough at Machir - then two
more Eagles beyond Rockside. Fantastic!
14 September 2007
A cracking time wader watching at the Merse with a high tide and plenty to
see: Oystercatchers, Curlew, Bar and a couple of Black tailed Godwits, Dunlin and Knot
and a single Curlew Sandpiper. Loads of Teal and Red Breasted Mergansers.
Into the evening there were plenty of Greylags at Craigens - 2000+ and a handful
of pale Bellied Brent at shoreline. A single Barn Owl finsihed the evening with
bats on the old detector.
13 September 2007
Out looking for Golden Eagles today but without much luck in the high hills.
However we had brilliant views of Hen Harriers,
11 Pale Bellied Brent Geese
(Winter is soon upon us)
off Kilnave and Gannet too.A Single Osprey at Gorm was a good find, Linnet, Finches and Swallows abound.
12 September 2007
A lovely day birding - pretty misty in places but we avoided most of it.
Cracking views of Chough at Machir and plenty of finches too. Lots of Reed Buntings,
curlew off th ehill and Greylag moving too. White Wags all over! raven playing
over windy edges.
11 September 2007
On the Rhinns with a misty day and a couple of folks birding a new area.
Buzzards, Pipits, a magical charm of 53 Goldfinches at Claddach and a blue
Merlin striking havoc amongst them! Gannets and Gulls hanging around the coats
and Curlew moving to the seaside from the hill. Loosestrife and Devils Bit scabious
added to the purple of the heather.
9 September 2007
Back in groove of birding once more after a long journey home. Today we were out watching three
eagles - one juv, four Hen Harriers - one male and 42 Chough phew! - a great time! The sixtieth birthday
present for one of the group seemed well worth it!
1-4 September 2007
Had a brilliant Gathering - 90 children attended the Coyote Kids programme
and it was very good to meet all the folks and colleagues too.
25 August 2007
Making the long journey to the Wilderness Gathering.
See www.wildernessgathering.co.uk.
Will be back by 8th September.
24 August 2007
More har/mist today however we had good views of Gannet, Golden Eagle,
Kestrel and Peregrine and on the merse in late sunshne plenty of waders
including 154 Knot. Five Swifts at Bridgend were good to see too.
23 August 2007
The har still held on the Rhinns but headed for Claggain - bathed in sunshine when
we arrive with five Red Throated Divers, one young and a leaping Sea Trout!
Further out two Arctic Skuas, gannest and making a nuisance of itself, a Bonxie
hanging around a fishing vessel. To finsih a couple of Snipe and Red grouse on the
heather moorland.
22 August 2007
A sea har held us back a wee bit but we still had some good views of Sandwich Terns,
Turnstones, Dunlin, Artic Tern and later a Little Tern. Chough in the afternoon
and into the evening/dusk - Barn Owls and a single Tawny.
21 August 2007
Full sunshine and a warm day. Great birding and nature watching; Red Deer, an unkindness of
Ravens, Golden Eagles, a single Gropper and at the Merse plenty of waders. We saw Dunlin,
Turnstone, 17 Black Godwits, Bar Tailed Godwits and a little Stint. Fabulous.
20 August 2007
An absolutely cracking morning with a female Hen Harrier, two Basking Sharks and a Minke Whale breaching!
Later a couple of Golden Eagles added to the excitement!
19 August 2007
A good day without rain lasting till dusk: Chough, Gannets, buzzards, Linnets
wonderful charm of Goldfinches and far reaching views to Mull too. Plenty of waders including
seven Whimbrel, Knot, Dunlin, Godwits and Turnstones. We spent quite a time watching
Ravens tumbling off the cliff edges and to cap it all a Tawny and Barn Owl too.
16-17 August 2007
A family 24 nature and wilderness skills event on the east side of Gruinart.
Sandwich Tern, Chough, Redshank, Sanderling and Grey Heron all played their part!
13-15 August 2007
The camp was tremendous with us watching Buzzards, woodland birds, making
journeysticks and other natural and found items,testing skills in the wild and cooking and fire husbandry.
The best was a late night visit by a Barn owl that screeched around the camp.
13-15 August 2007
Last of the summer Young Adventurers camps on the island. News to follow.
12 August 2007
A cracking afternoon and early evening - again on the Rhinns concentrating on the southerly
part. Gannets storming over Frenchman's Rocks, Shearwaters, Curlew, and Fulmar.
later lovely views of Linnet, Goldfinch and Greenfinch and a Hen Harrier but best of all was
a brilliant time watching a blue Merlin. It flew right infront of the landy and we followed it
for quite a time across the moss. Brilliant.
11 August 2007
Islay Triathlon - it is raining...looks like all of us will get wet in the Ardbeg teams today!
10 August 2007
A superb day in the nature and wilderness: Birding from early morning to dusk - we saw Merlin,
Sparrowhawk and Buzzard,
Greylag, Greenland Whitefronts (the resident family!) numerous duck, Gannets, redshank and five Golden Eagles -
all this and we did not leave the Rhinns - from Gorm to Portnahaven. Wonderful.
9 August 2007
Islay Show - unfortunatley no beats due to Foot and Mouth but a great day nevertheless
7-8 August 2007
Family bushcraft expedition for a couple and their two boys.
Despite threats of bad weather we were lucky and were able to do
real wilderness living, learning new skills. Greylag on the loch, Chough overhead
and Herons fishing. late at night a Barn Owl floated by silently in the starlit
sky.
6 August 2007
An appalling day weather wise so no birding - we have
manged to fit the folks in later this week - phew!
5 August 2007
Grand Fondo Ardbeg. See thewashingmachinepost.net for more info!
1-3 August 2007
Another great camp with young bushcrafters enjoying being under canvas
and exploring, discovering, conserving and sharing their experiences.
The weather was not too good but it did not stop us being outside doing the
usual bushcrafty skills and learning about the wonderful
nature that surrounds us on a daily basis here on Islay.
1 August 2007
The second Young Adventurers summer camp till Saturday. Report to follow.
31 July 2007
Dusk this evening was damp with a mist hanging in the air - however we had good views of
Gulls at Craigens,
a Red Stag crossing over the loch and a couple of Barn Owls.
31 July 2007
A cracking mroning with a family tour - we watched a Golden Eagle swoop
down on Red Deer chasing a young one for some distance. Amazing.
The Ravens gathered and a young Hen Harrier distracted us for sometime too!
29 July 2007
Another brilliant day birding with five Hen Harriers - four females: two adults and
two young then a male to top it off.
Later a distant Golden Eagle. With Chough and Greylag and waders at the Merse we
had a great day.
28 July 2007
A cracking long day's birding starting at the Merse with Dunlin, Shelduck, Arctic Terns
and a single Juv. Greenshank.
Along the Rhinns we got great views of Chough, Raven and other Corvids.
Plenty of Gannets moving through and
an absolutely wonderful sightings of an adult Golden Eagle with a young one - magical.
27 July 2007
Having packed up the bushcamp - we did everything from fire husbandry to nature games, pond dipping,
archery, ragwort pulling(!), story telling and wood carving and wittling. Fantastic.
During the evening I was out again with a group on a dusk tour: Amazing sights -
waders: Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Sanderling, Knot greenshank and a possible single Greater Yellow
Legs at Cross Houses. Finishing with a Tawny Owl and two Barn Owls. Superb!
24-27 July 2007
Three days of Young Adventurers camp for the local Wildlife Trust and John Muir Award.
This is funded by the MacTaggart Thrid Fund and is the first of three wilderness
and nature camps on Islay for local children. We will be busy being in the wild,
enjoying the nature at Shorefield
and doing some conservation work too.
23 July 2007
A fantastic morning starting at dawn with the most superb sunrise with the Paps covered in an icing of
pink cloud. The waders at Bruichladdich were good to see: Turnstone, Ringed Plover with young,
Curlew and Common Sandpiper. The Terns were busy diving in the calm dark water. We breakfasted at
Killinallan to the tunes of the seals and more Terns. Rooks and Jackdaws in the fields
and a pair of Buzzards lazily swung overhead.
On our return mid morning in time for lunch we enjoyed a Great Northern Diver off Black Rock and a pair of Shags too.
21 July 2007
The children departed and we went out straight onto to a short tour. Up deer watching on the Dunlossit estate.
Superb views of Red Stags including a gathering of seventy one beasts below Storakaig. Amazing.
Plenty of Redshank and Dunlin on the Merse as we passed on our return.
16-21 July 2007
Another superb week on Islay Estates land allowing young people to do their John Muir Discoverer
Award and getting them to explore a really special part of Islay. We had Oystercatchers,
Pipits, Snipe drumming, sea birds - Gannets, Auks and Fulmars. Some lovely plants too:
Bog Asphodel, heather, Bedstraw Pale Toadflax and still loads of Orchids too.
15 July 2007
An absolutely fanatstic briding evening through to night - it was late!
Golden Eagel, Hen Harrier, Snipe, Woodcock, Corncrake, Tawny Owl,
Spotted Crake calling as well as the most superb sunset in a still Hebridean evening.
Beautiful.
9-13 July 2007
Stramash Bush Camp - taking youngsters out in the nature and wild places
to do their John Muir Award, dicover, explore, conserve and share. Out in the
field till Saturday. Hope it sttops raining - for a wee while....
7 July 2007
An absolutelly brillant time with three generations of one family from Glasgow environs.To
Ardnave and Gorm: Chough, Linnet, Tufted Duck and a superb half hour looking at a
Short Eared Owl in brilliant sunshine. Definatelly the bird of the day!
6 July 2007
A cracking time despite the appalling afternoon birding which hindered the day and held us back.
We ended though with plenty of Waders, Dunlin, Plover and curlew, Terns, Redshank and
Shelduck too. Going into dusk we had three differnt Barn Owls and Red Deer Stags as well and
plenty of Pipistrelle bats.
3 July 2007
Starting at Dawn, and that is early here, I was guiding a pro photographer. We had a great time and he got some superb images.
Using the Landy as a hide we managed to 'capture' Snipe, Chough, Common Sandpiper, Terns,
Hen Harrier, Whinchat and we had a Barn Owl welcoming us first thing. Briliant.
2 July 2007
All day birding - it looked like rain and it did however by luch it had cleared. We watched
young Arctic terns being fed, three Knot - splendifereous in full summer plumage, Plovers,
Dunlin and Curlew, strange but true a Fieldfare too! Plenty of Shelduck with young. From Loch Indaal we headed for Gorm. Chough, Merlin
and Whinchat too. Fabulous. A Roe deer with young was also great to see.
29-30 June 2007
A 'Lads and Dads' bushcraft trip. Snipe on the high moss and Fulamars on the cliffs.
Common Blue Butterflies and Marsh Fritillary too. The lads were excited about sharing a
cave with a family of three young Swallows watching the parents coming in and feeding whilst
they lay cosy in their sleeping bags!
28 June 2007
A cracking day birding. Starting at the Glen watching Deer and spotting Whinchat, Stonechat and Oystercatchers.
We spent a long hour
enjoying a young Cuckoo being fed by it's Pipit foster mother - again!
In the afternoon we went on to Loch Indaal: GND's, Terns - Arctic and Little- seeing off the gulls
Roe Deer watching us, Turnstones, Dunlin and Plovers. A Male Hen harrier drifted by.
Little rain and fresh wind.
27 June 2007
Wilderness living skills and nature awareness with the Young Adventurers of Port Ellen School.
We were learning 'Wildwood wisdom' on the Ardtalla Estate. Listening to birds,
fire husbandry, tracking and being. Great for the young people and staff too!
25 June 2007
On the Rhinns today with folks from Scotland, England and South Africa.
We watched Terns feeding young, Oystercatchers with their young wing
stretching, Gannets and Shearwaters, Common Sandpipers, Stonechats and
Eider with young too. Our Bloemfontein birders got seven new lifers!
Also, whilst sea watching over Loch Indaal outer edges
we spotted a Dolpin. Wow.
23 June 2007
A marvellous dusk tour wih two Male Hen Harriers - one at Mulindry - the other at Storakaig,
Redpoll, Goldfinches, Curlew, Lapwing,cracking views of a fledgling Cuckoo being looked after
by it's Meadow Pipit Foster mother! Red and Roe Deer were in abundance
and on my way home a Tawny Owl was being mobbed by finches.
17- 23 June 2007
What a fabulous week journeying and exploring on foot across the north of Islay.
We slept in caves, cleaned beaches, watched Otters, fished, observed herds of red Deer,
got very close to fauns and their mothers, enjoyed Kestrels flying amid the cliffs,had our spirits risen by
five Swifts and
were inspired by the enormity of the nature and the beauty of the sunsets. Fantastic.
meanwhile the homeschool was vsiting the Silurian - the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
floating/sailing laboratory.
16 June 2007
Having spent the weekend cutting and preparing the final willow for the Port Ellen
Round House project
as part of the John Muir Award Wildwood Wisdom project we are now preparing for
the Islay Journeyman Course that runs until next Saturday. I will repart back on my return.
14 June 2007
After the past weeks of fabulous warm weather it broke today with easterlies and
coldness. However it did
not stop us have a great birding day with four ladies from the mainland.
Plenty of Gulls with young, Oystercatchers, Swallows low behind trees,
Terns, incluidng Little Terns, Orchids, Yellow Rattle and Hemp Agrimony.
12/13 June 2007
Bushcraft Biking recce - working with four folks looking at the possibilities of exploring nature
on mountainbikes. We had great views of a blue Merlin, Hen Harrier, Swallows, Chough as well
as enjoying moving through the wilderness on singletrack and then spending the
night under the stars eating foraged food. Fanatstic - looks like we will run a couple next year...all being well.
11 June 2007
A day tour in calm and sunshine on the South east area of Islay.
Nine or Ten Dophins were a brilliant start after we had watched a male Hen Harrier
for several minutes. On the sea were Guillemots, Razorbills all three divers; Black Throated,
Red and G.Northern. Chough as well as Whitethroat, Redpoll, and Goldfinches too. A cracking day.
9-10 June 2007
Wilderness 24 course. Bushcrafters being bold in the all to hot weather!
We had great views of Snipe and Skylark on th eway out, Auks on the
flat calm sea and on our return a cracking male Hen Harrier.
8 June 2007
An early start an we were out on a photo safari. Our professional photographers from
Grantown we busy with Hares, Chough and Sandmartins. A good lot of images made!
7 June 2007
Another great day's birding with folk from Yorkshire and early start and
terrific views of a male Hen Harrier at Avonvogie. Curlews calling and
warblers all over; Whitethroats, Willow and Sedge. Raven hanging around
and Rooks feeding young. Swallows and Martins enjoying the sunshine like we were too!
At the Merse we spent lots of time watching Arctic Terns and Little Terns too.
Superb against the blue sea and bright sky.
6 June 2007
A fabulous day with brilliant birds: Hen Harriers, Chough, Corncrake and
Marsh Fritillary but best of all two Golden Eagles - clear and spectacular on the
Rhinns. Their shadows against the crags was quite extraordinary.
This evening - a Stone Curlew seen at Ardnave!
(Guess where I am going first light!)
5 June 2007
Another bright day with a beginners group along from Bridgend.
We studied Grey Heron, Shelduck, Plovers and Curlew and Oystercatchers All very different
feeding actions and movements. We then had great fun watching the aeronautics of
teh Arctic Terns and Little Terns. Along teh strand we had seven Sanderlings and a handful
of Dunlin and a Little Stint.
4 June 2007
After two days of more or less continous rain it was a joy to be out in the sunshine
once again. We had a group of golfers today and we certainly got loads of birdy's!
A ringtail on at Machrie was a a pleasing sight especially as we witnesses her getting a
Meadow Pipit - not so good for the Mipit! Plenty of Buzzards, Common Sandpipers and
Auks too off the South East coast and best of the day - all three Divers off Claggain bay.
A Wood Warbler at Kildalton added to the final score very nicely.
2 June 2007
It did not just rain today - it poured - what a shock after the fanatstic week
we have had weatherwise! Despite this our Australain birder had some new lifers!
Woodpigeon at Cattadale, Little Terns at the top of the loch and Arctic too. Plenty on
nests. A Whimbrel was a suprise with a godwit and for our Australian a Reed Bunting
at Bruichladdich was new!
1 June 2007
Spent the day with children from Port Ellen School doing their John Muir Award.
We had cut willow, wove it and prepared bushels fro their round house that we have
been building. The dusk tour took us to the Merse watching Terns: Arctic,
Little and a couple of Common. Arctci and Little feeding young. A Little Stint
was a good find in almost summer plumage. To end we had a Barn Owl and Bats along the woods
and river.
31 May 2007
Another cracking day with a Buzzard being mobbed by a Hen Harrier - male over Tallant then the
Ringtail got up to - what a an aeriel dogfight!
That and a Gropper, Willow Warbler and Sedge all competing for the sound sennsation of the
day had us well and truly going. Stonechat, Oystercatcher - still on eggs and Arctic
Terns were good to see.
Later, having dropped off my birders I went to the Spring Watch Team where I set up,
and kept going, our
Kelly Kettle for Simon King!
30 May 2007
An early dawn today with had us watching a Roe Deer stag, numerous Hares and at the merse
on a high tide there were a handful of Sanderling, one little Gull - we had good views - and
Shelduck with young.A cracking hen Harrier was good to finish.
Going into the day, after breakfast, there were Dunlin, Arctic
and Little Terns, Gannest off the Rhinns and of course, Chough in bright sunshine.
Distant Golden Eagles, Sparrowhawk and a Lesser Redpoll too.
29 May 2007
Family bushcraft and the children - all new to Islay - had a great time learning
about the wilderness and importance of being comfortable in it. Firelighting, shelter making,
finding food and seeing two Little Terns, plenty of Oystercatchers and a Buzzard above.
Male Eiders on the sea and Curlew on the moss beyond.
28 May 2007
Golden Eagles today in two places and Hen Harrier, Peregrine as well as Buzzard,
Chough - close by as well! On the Rhinns the sun shone although the wind was strong
and cold from the north east at first then from the NW. Snipe,
A single Pink foot and a Marsh Fritillary were also good sightings for our Lincolnshire
and Bedfordshire birders.
26 May 2007
Sunshine and fun explring the merse. Terns, Curlew, plovers and Dunlin too. A buzzard
floated above and two Treecreepers too. As we headed for the hills we saw Golden Eagle, Kestrel,
Ringtail and plenty of Warblers around Tallant: Willow, Gropper, willow and a Reed Bunting.
The sun shone all day!
24-25 May 2007
Wilderness living and wild brown trout stalking one to one course.
Lots of birds - mainly auks,
Gannets and Buzzard. As we headed into the high moss we were surrounded by Skylarks
and wild goats and red deer - of course - amazing!
22 May 2007
Afternoon and eventide our birding with a returnee client from the North East of England.
We spent the time doing Gorm and and surrounding lands. Hen Harrier, Snipe,
Greylag Geese, Teal and Mallard. Chough and Raven in the sunshine and Curlew with young.
Wheatear and Stonechats all feeding young and a Wood warbler - great to see clearly for a
wee time! We also enjoyed watching the Herons returning to their roost.
21 May 2007
We headed up the glen and found Whinchat, Wheatear and plenty of Deer as well as some cracking
Heath-spotted orchids.Views of a distant Golden Eagle were good and as we headed back to
Port Charlotte we found two Barnacle geese - very late to be on their way!
18 May 2007
This morning we were up at Bunnahabhain - watching Gannet and Shags.
Then down to the merse and to Bruichladdich - Goldfinches, Stonechats and Dunlin.
A Little Gull flew by along the coast.
An afternoon tour around the Rhinns. We saw a Whimbrel in the south,
Whinchat, Two Cuckoos and a Buzzard. Gannets and Shearwaters on the sea inbetween
the huge running waves. On the far side at Tormisdale we had a an absolutely cracking
male Hen Harrier and a pair of Chough. It rained a wee bit, was very windy and
sunny too! This is Islay!
16 May 2007
Day and Dusk tour so out for some hours this day. Despite the wet and drizzle we
were able to see some excellent sights. Plenty of Red Deer - Stags in Velvet
already and Roe Deer too. Whimbrel at Uiskentuie, Dunlin and Oystercatchers too.
Eider and Mergansers on the sea and a Grey Heron fishing in the shallows.
Corncrake calling at Coullabus, Hen Harrier on the moss and a sheltering
Tawny Owl sitting in the window of a local ruin. Brilliant.
15 May 2007
Today we were with some Dutch bird-watchers (who run the
popular website - islay-info.com) enjoying the the spectacular scenery and views on the
Rhinns. A bright blue sky illuminated a cracking male Hen Harrier in the Glean and a pair
of Chough too. A Cuckoo called and then flew overhead being closely
followed by Reed Buntings and Meadow Pipits! A Whitethroat, Redpolls and Curlew added to the magic. At Kilchiaran
there were Gannets, Arctic Terns and Fulmars too. We headed towards Claddach,
watching young Lapwing and a Whinchat too.
10 - 13 May 2007
To mainland this evening - 10th to take Tink an exam markers conference
returning Sunday pm..
10 May 2007
Half day tour - around Loch Indaal: Dunlin, Shelduck, Merlin,
Eider, Arctic Terns and a Water Rail. Further on round to Foreland Road End
there were 127 Whimbrel,a handful of Dunlin and a Curlew Sandpiper.
6 May 2007
Family birding afternoon: They were able to see some magical sights with red Deer, Hen Harriers, Skylarks and Mpits on the hill,
and Redshank, Dunlin, a single Whooper Swan and Swallows around Bridgend. As a matter of interest - on my usual 'birding
by bike' rounds - have had Spotted Redshank, Lesser Yellowlegs and Ruff and Gaganey at Gruinart - Riding alongside a male
Hen Harrier at Gorm has to be a spectacular highlight though!.
Thanks to John and George for the local 'birdline!'.
3 May 2007
Out with the homeschool this afternoon at the head of the loch. In fact it was so
warm we ended up stopping the night! Cuckoo at Bridgend and an Arctic Tern on the sea.
Plenty of Oystercatchers and Plovers on nests and Scaup and Eider on the water displaying.
Dunlin and Turnstones and Godwits too. thriten Whimbrel were see and counted at the Port
Charlotte lighthouse as we set off.
The waning moon was super and light was fantastic.
30 April 2007
Recording Lapwing on a neighbouring croft. Found six nests - all with eggs within an
hectare of ground. Whilst doing so we witnessed Hares boxing and then mating
- Spring in the sunshine....
21-28 April 2007
What a place! TEXA - raw and wild. The folks all did exceptionally well having had to deal with
every weather condition save snow! We found plenty to eat - everything from Mackerel through to Pignuts.
We discovered twenty differnet edible/medicinal plants, saw Hen Harriers, Golden Eagle, Otter,
listened to Snipe drumming each evening and on our departure a pod of Dolphins passed the boat.
Now is the time of reflection, reveiwing learnt skills, shared moments and
the magical opportunity to really existence with minimal kit in a wild place.
Fantastic memories, brilliant experiences.
21-28 April 2007
TEXA - advanced bushcraft course. report once we have survived!In the meantime
we have had wonderful views of Pale Bellied Brent Geese (up to nearly 600)
at the top of Loch Indaal,
stopping for a short while before setting off for their massive journey to high Arctic
Canada. We were pleased to see 11 early Whimbrels too. Today, eight large Canadas
were loafing at the merse. Plenty of Swallows and other hirundines now arriving...
18 April 2007
No tours over the past few days - however the migrants are coming in with
Willow Warblers, Swallow, Sand Martins and today at Black rock - House
Martins too. A few days ago we had a Ring Ouzel up the Gleann too. Many geese have left and
summer is awaiting....
15 April 2007
A fanastic afternoon and early evening with a group of Icelandic folks.
Plenty of Red Deer, trout rising in the lochs and the Hen Harriers
hunting. On the Merse tehre were still alot of Scaup, Shelduck,
Black Tailed Godwits, one Sanderling, Plovers and 34 PB Brents.
A Woodcock flew in front of the Landy on my return home. Magical.
13 April 2007
Final day and we headed with the young people to do some wilderness living skills in the
far South east of the Island. They foraged for food, played super stalking games and built
the most marvellous shelters in the beech woods - Very few geese around now.
12 April 2007
Day two and the sun still shining. We were at Shorefield Bruichladdich today
playing nature awareness games, doing archery and our conservation job was draining
- or rather, filling a new drain with stones! Barines heading North - high,
so they are away till next October, Lapwings displaying and Teal on the
wee lochens in the fields beyond. Skylark singing - marvellous.The first Swallow swept past us
mid afternoon!
11 April 2007
Day one of a three day bushcraft day camp for the
Islay Natural History Young Adventurers. We watched the Scaup and Divers at the head of the
loch, played stalking games, learnt fire husbandry, cleaned the beach and generally
had fun in the nature.
10 April 2007
A great day with a journalist from the Times newspaper. We watched Chough and Wheatears
on the Rhinns.
We also had great fun seeing Gannets zoom by Claddach on their way back from the ocean.
Marvellous sight.
Purple Sandpipers and Pale Bellied Geese between Port charlotte and Bruichladdich
as well as numerous Barnacles and Whitefronts too.
6-8 April 2007
Wilderness living and nature weekend with folks from Southern England.
Happy Easter everyone! Spring is here!
5 April 2007
Family bushcraft day with folks who had traveled from Nottingham via Oban!
We made fire,cooked food on it, made damper bread, built a debirs shelter, watched seals, Red and Fallow deer, listened
to Great Tits and saw a Golden Eagle and a Sparrowhawk..phew!
3 April 2007
Another superb and fabulous day. Full sunshine at Sanaigmore. We saw Chough
on the ground and flying very close in the excellent light. Waders on the
beach and a Gt Northern Diver in the bay.
Our waiting paid off as not one but two Golden Eagles appeared flying on the
thermals. One was a young bird, Wonderful! We watched awestruck for three quaters of an
hour then on to the Rhinns, goose watching and
seeing a male Hen Harrier, Gannets and a single Shearwater. To finsih we saw he three Whoopers
at Port Charlotte. Just a perfect day!
2 April 2007
Fabulous weather today and great views of sea duck at Blackrock: Scaup,
Merganser, Eider and plenty of Barnies too.A good view of a first winter Little Gull.
At Killinallan we searched out
waders; Godwits, Curlew, Redshank displaying, Wigeon and Goldeneye. We finished with a
walk around Ardnave - Chough, Twite, Golden Plover and a
pair of Black Throated Divers. The sun shone ALL day!
29 March 2007
Onto the Rhinns for another half day: Chough, wild goats, Fulmars, Ganet and Hen Harrier.
As well as some magical historical sites...
and a wee bit of sunshine too
28 March 2007
A half day tour in early mist and a wee drizzle. It brightened up and Loch Indaal
with still so we had wonderful views of Divers. Noteably two Gt Northern's in full summer plumage.
Eider and Oystercatchers, Curlew and Mergansers. Plae Bellied Brent were terriffic
to add to the mornings viewing . A Glaucous Gull added to the excitement!
27 March 2007
Filming with STV and a family from Edinburgh (thanks for being here - you were great!)
for Visit Scotland grading scheme. Fantastic day -
with Golden Eagles and our first Sand Martin at Glenmachrie Lots - spring is here!
Another wonderful Islay day.
26 March 2007
Terrific dusk tour starting at Bridgend; Slav Grebe, Scaup, Divers and Scoter too
in the falling sun. We witnessed the Barnies coming in from Gorm over Foreland
and then had a glimpse of a Barn Owl. There was also a chance to Bat watch too.
Pip 45's up and down the Ardnave road.
23-25 March 2007
Wilderness living skills course. Starting with a Glaucous Gull or bushcrafting birders
had a lifer! The birding and nature was surperb with bright skies and far views.
Raven displaying, Waders; Sanderling, Dunlin, Oystercatchers and Curlew. Lapwing in the field
and Chough on the cliffs, Red Deer in the glens.
We spent time tracking Otters and Stoat too.
As well as all of this learning and sharing new skills was
the order of the two days. Wonderful to be 'out there'.
22 March 2007
The sun shone today and the morning saw a recce to Texa for course I am running
in April.A Blue Merlin(male) stormed past us and we had a pair of Peregrine too.
The afternoon was with clients birding at Bun an Uilt and the Merse.
Plenty of duck;
Eider, Scoter, Scaup, Wigeon and all three Divers.
lots of waders too; Curlew,
Dulin and Barwits.
21 March 2007
Guiding a couple of cycling journalists. They were writing an article on
Islay, whsky and the wild places. It was ceratinly wild with the wind and rain - but
we were warmed by whisky and the craic a wheel!
20 March 2007
Sunshine and guiding a photographer today. Brilliant light and spectacular
image making opportunities. At Bunnahabhain we spent a couple of hours
watching a photographing an Iceland Gull. Then onto the Glen where we picked
up the third of todays raptors - Golden Eagle. We had already seen a Merlin and Buzzard.
We spent the afternoon at the Merse capturing magical photos of Shelduck and reflections.
A Peregrine and Ringtail took our raptor total to five!
19 March 2007
From Bowmore we headed in the snow and wind to the hills. Dunlossit gave us
Geese, gulls and corvids. We chased shards of sunshine and views of the snowy Paps of Jura.
On a high field we had 153 Golden Plover - terrific.In th eglen amid a flock of Chaffinch was
a female Brambling. Onto the merse and eventually to Gruinart.
In between winter squalls we saw plenty of duck; Scoter, Eider, Scaup, Wigeon, Shoveller,
Teal, Pintail and Shelduck. Going through the gull flock an adult Glaucous was very
clearly seen. With the northerlies that have been around ofr a couple of days -
it is not particularly suprising.
17/18 March 2007
Wilderness taster. We headed for the caves in good sunshine, foraging for food and tracking
along the coast. A pair of Ravens in close attendance, Barnies on the fields and Lapwings
too. Inland, once we had found our bivalve supper, we saw Twite, Reedbuntings and a Snipe.
Then the rain came and so much too. We managed to get ourselves comfortable in the caves, fire
going and brew on. The rest of the afternoon was spent practising fire making,
wood collecting, making the cave base warm and insulated, water purifying and watching
the nature. At dusk a Peregrine shot over head. It became colder and and late in the
night the wind blew (Up to 80+mph!)snow. It was difficult to stand in the
early dawn dark morning. We cleared up and on the high ground it really was something.
Twite held to the ground with Skylarks and Mipits too.
Reaching the RV point with the landy Tink was there offering hot juice and flapjack - Luxury!
12 March 2007
Out to Ardnave with the Homeschool looking at ancient habitations and birds.
Excellent views of Chough, Hen Harrier and Skylarks too. On the loch there were
several Tufted duck and Teal too. A Snipe fled infront of us as we walked through some
rough towards
the coast. Twite finished our day in the sunshine.
8 March 2007
Today started early with sunshine and ended with pouring rain. Our East German photographer
had plenty of different experiences but the highlights were a Great Northern Diver
at Killinallan and six Sanderling also a brilliant male Hen Harrier having caught
a Meadow Pipit then landed adjacent to the Landy, so allowing some fantastic image making
opportunites. It stopped a wee while then headed off. Plenty of Barnies loafing and Whitefronts too.
25 February - 5 March 2007
The Islay Birding Office is closed for ten days, however we can take emails and receive calls.
I am on a course and the homeschool is visting museums on the mainland.
23 February 2007
It was wet today over almost all of Islay - however we found a drier south east and
enjoyed Claggain and saw a Golden Eagle being mobbed by Raven, Gannets, Arctic Skua,
Manx Sheartwater and Great Northern Divers too. Eighteeen Red Stags were great to
observe, close to the road too.
22 February 2007
So it was driech this morning but the weather improved and as we headed out along from Bowmore
we had cracking views of Goldeneye, Great Northern Divers and numerous Barwits - 193 in total.
Then scanning there were scaup and ten Long Tailed ducks too. At Garmain we found an adult Ring Billed Gull.
Up over Borrachill Mor for lunch and
two Golden Eagles(one sub adult and one 1st winter) displaying and talon grappling! This time for just one hour. teh they were gone.
Onto Bun an Uilt for more waders; Grey and Golden Plover, Knot and Curlew. What a cracking day.
21 February 2007
Although cooler and cloudier today we still had a cracking time.
We went to the conifer plantations and found Goldcrest, Tits and finches. No
Crossbills this time. We headed up then Glen Road for Red Deer, Raven and
other corvids. Reed Buntings, Barnacles and Whitefronts too. At Bunnahabhain
we had cracking views of the Iceland Gull, all three Divers - Red Throat, Black
and Great Northern. Then just as we we preparing to go we saw the Otter - so
we stayed for another hour! Fabulous. Finishing at the Merse for waders and duck
it was another super day.
20 February 2007
The most super day happened! Not only Long Tailed Ducks, Scaup, Scoter, mergansers, Golden Eye,
and numerous waders including Dunlin, Plover, Barwits and Knot all along the Merse but also
then we spotted two Golden Eagles above Borrachill Mor and we watched them for over an hour.
We had a brew up at Skerrols: more duck, Whooper Swan being escorted but two Mutes and
again more of the Eagles. In fact, we spent over three hours eagle watching in bright sunshine. We even had
one pass right over us - too close for binoculars!
It was one of the best views I have had. That and a Merlin and Ringtail kept our Lancastrian
returnees more than happy! Me too!
13 February 2007
A day on the Merse and Ardnave too. We had great views of Scaup, Eider, Scoter and Slav. Grebe.
A handy groupetta of Knot were good to see as were two Greenshank. At Ardnave we had Chough,
a good 47, plenty of Barnies and whitefronts, an absolutely cracking hen Merlin taking a Mipit right
infront of us and on a ridge above a Golden Eagle. Close enough for our halesowen birder
to digiscope. Wow!
6 February 2007
A custom tour on the Rhinns. looking at various species, history and landscapes.
Plenty of geese, Barnies, Whitefront and Greylag. Oystercatchers, Dunlin, Golden Plover
and Teal. Up from Cultoon Stone Circle in the brilliant sunshine we watched two Golden Eagles -
fantastic. A Merlin, male Hen Harrier and Buzzards added to the spectacle of the whole day.
4 February 2007
A damp day compared with the past two, however we set out for Claggain and enjoyed seeing a
good thousand Barnies on the Eileann Imersay sand at Loch an t-Sailein. They then followed
us to Aros Bay. Absolutely spectacular. At Claggan we saw a Kestrel, Razorbills,
Black Guillemots and a single Black Throated Diver. Plenty of Shags and a handful of
Kittiwakes too. Returning we watched finches feed on the cattle fodder and Curlew,
Oystercatcher and numerous duck too. Soon, too soon it was time for the ferry to take our goose festers
back to the mainland. Welcome back ..anytime!
3 February 2007
Another excellent day. Many Barnies were loafing on the Merse due to night feeding
by the full moon. Plenty of other wildfowl too: Whooper Swans, Teal, Eider, Wigeon,
Scaup, Scoter, Pintail and Long Tail duck. Marvellous. Then to Bruichladdich -
for a wee dram and Purple Sandpipers - of course. We headed for Ardnave and had
cracking views of Chough , Twite, a Glaucous Gull and Raven too. Waders around the shore and Eider
and RB Merganser
on the sea.
2 February 2007
Day one of a three day goose fest. What a day. Clear blue skies and great views of Geese.
The moon is nearly full so they are on the fields and the roost. A Greenshank was in amongst
them at Bridgend. Up to Bunnahabhain following Barnies in the fields and Whitefronts too.
The Iceland Gull was still around and Great Northern Divers, Red Throated Divers and Guillemots too.
Then over lunch a pod of Dolphins - six - including a couple of young started feeding infront
of us. Absolutely and utterly amazing, teh Sound was pancake flat so we had brilliant views - after
a handful of minutes they headed North fishing and jumping. We followed them in the scopes to
the horizon. It took half an hour. The Golden Eagle and Red Deer on Jura seemed tame after that encounter!
31 January 2007
An afternoon tour with folks from South Carolina. (Hello George the birder)
We headed for Craigens and had the most delightful views of Reed Buntings, Pipits and Linnets.
Then onto Gruinart where the was a blue(male) Merlin, Greenland Whitefronts and then mass
excitement when a Peregrine gave chase to a Skylark. It was the most amazing dogfight
with the lark finally escaping. Waders at Bun an Uilt: Godwits, Dunlin, Redshank, Curlew and
Oystercatchers. having dropped into bruichladdich we then headed back to the Merse for
the spectacle fo the Barnies coming to roost. Brilliant.
28 January 2007
Today we headed down to the SE of the island. Claggain had us seeing
Black and Red Throated Divers, Guillemots and in the woods
Long Tailed Tits, one GoldCrest and plenty of Fieldfare and Redwing in the
fields beyond.
We then spent along time watching an otter on a wee lochen fishing.
Whooper Swans and a storming Peregrine made for a great day. To finish we had a
Lesser Canada loafing with nearly six hundred Barnies.
27 January 2007
Another superb day birding: At the Merse we had Sanderling, Knot,
Oystercatchers, Plovers and on the sea there were Scaup, Scoter, Slavonian
Grebe, all three divers and four cracking male Long Tailed Ducks. All very
visible and close in. Plenty of barnies and Whitefronts, Greylag and Pale Bellied Brents
too. We got the Green Winged Teal at Gruinart, Ringtail, Merlin and on our return
another Golden Eagle - this time the young bird from last year.
26 January 2007
What an amazing day - not only did we have six different raptors,
Golden Eagle, Merlin, Hen Harrier, Kestrel, Buzzard and Peregrine but also masses
of other birds including 33 Yellowhammers!
And this was the start of a Goose Fest.
We found three full Canadas, a Pink Foot, masses of Barnies and Whitefronts. At Bunnahabhain
we had lunch in the company of an Iceland Gull and an a great big dog Otter. We finished at Bridgend
with the returning Barnies against a salmon sky. Marvellous.
18 January 2007
It seemed that the rest of Britain was under the wind today however we headed North
around the Glen road and Dunlossit. Cracking view of a Merlin flying alongside a
scrubland and we saw five Woodcock too! Plenty of Geese, Barinies, Whitefronts and a two Lesser Canadas
at Mulindry. The best, though was a Barn Owl at Lossit late afternoon. It was cool but not too blowy!
14 January 2007
Another BTO survey along from Carn to Port Charlotte. Snipe, Gulls and and two cracking
Great Northern Divers. Thsi morning out on the bike and noted a Lesser Canada at Gruinart Flats. Heavy winds
meant I kept my head down most of the way!
Alot of bookings are now coming in - thanks and if you have not yet already - space is filling fast!
You are welcome.
6 January 2007
Doing a BTO coastal survey walking between Port Charlotte and Bruichladdich Pier.
Plenty of Curlew - 29 in total, Greta Northern Divers on a ruffled sea and
9 Scoters too. Turnstones and a single Redshank. No Purple sandpipers - they must have been hiding!
A cosy lunch at my friend George Jackson meant we were able to thaw
out and fill in all the documentation in comfort!
4 January 2007
Very windy during night and now we have a north westerly. Few Geese in fields
as they were feeding by the moon. This early tour was bright
and the two Chough behind Port Charlotte added to the morning's birding.
3 January 2007
A dry morning meant we were out in a calmish grey Islay along Loch Indaal,
Pale Bellied Brent Geese, loads of Barnies roosting at the Merse
(they have been feeding by the full moon), Oystercatchers, Wigeon,
one Whooper Swan, Goldeneye and Whitefronts too.
Behind the strand we had two Chough and I spotted a female Merlin that then alighted
a post and allowed us all - our Canadian and London birders to watch for a good ten minutes - super.
2 January 2007
A brilliant day after big storms of the past days. We were out on a custom tour.
Plenty of duck around Gorm, Teal, Mallard, Wigeon and of course Barnies, Whitefronts
and Greylags. Then.. a cracking male Hen Harrier, plenty of Lapwing and a good flock of
Golden Plover. Onto Loch Indaal, Peregrine, Chough and other corvids, Eider, waders and Buzzards too.
Finally at Bun an Uilt for more waders; Barwits, Dunlin, Knot and Oystercatchers. Shelduck
and Mergansers too. Fabulous. Happy New Year to you!
1 January 2007
It is the NEW YEAR 2007 - Welcome!
27 December 2006
A dusk tour with plenty of Barnies coming to roost - still amazing to witness,
and Whitefronts heading to the hill
lochs too. We enjoyed seeing three Woodcock heading out of the woods to feed before it
became too dark to see anything. The rain started to fall and the owls waited!
25 December 2006
A very Merry Christmas to you all. On this day we went along the loch, Pale Bellied Brent(23
yesterday at Foreland Road End) lots of Barnies loafing on the coast fields at Octofad and
along to Coultorsay and 6 Chough at the Foreland Road End cliff. I hope that your Christmas
is fabulous.
15 December 2006
Another cracking(less wind - no rain) day with great views of Chough, Barnies,
Brent and Whitefronts.
Three Whoopers at the Merse and four Long Tailed Ducks as well as Scaup,Great Northern Diver,
Scoter
and Slav. Grebe. Twenty Three Pintails were good to see in the early afternoon light.
14 December 2006
No rain and less wind. We started at Bridgend and made our way on the tracks to
Coullabus. Red Deer stags, Barnies in the fields and then whilst we watched a huge
flock of Rooks and Barnies from behind us I heard a Buzzard. Looking up there it was
mobbing a young Golden Eagle. It was so so close and flew right above and infront
of us. We had great views and two adult birds hung over the hill keeping a watching brief.
Later we went out wader watching and then to find a GND (Great Northern Diver). We found a couple
but they were intermittent in the rough water around Carraig Dubh.A Carion Crow was an added extra
- not very common amid the Hoodies - However we did have two
lifers, GND and Golden Eagle, today for our clients!
13 December 2006
Another wet and windy afternoon but we had some great birding with plenty of geese,
Buzzards on the ground feeding, Chough at Sanaigmore and a Woodcock on our way home.
12 December 2006
On a wild and windy Rhinns this afternoon. A handful of Barnies, Whitefront
and Greylag. Plenty of Lapwing at Claddach and 40 Turnstones feeding in the fields.
Gulls at sea and Cormorants and Shags hiding out on rocks in the leeside. The waves were huge!
9-11 December 2006
Still filming and finishing images off. Plenty of views of Geese, Waders and vistas.
The weather has not been particularly brilliant so we have been squeezing the
opportunities when we can. 27 Whoopers at Gorm this afternoon (11th) and Merlin too.
8 December 2006
After a couple of days general touring and filming landscapes we headed for the Oa and
to see Chough, Peregrine, Gannet, Divers and Goats and the possibility of an eagle.
In the afternoon Patrick continued
with DJ MacPhee, the head Keeper at Dunlossit, filming him at work.
5 December 2006
Having spent yesterday out and about with our french film maker today we spent time with Dr
Ogilvie talking about the management of geese, scientific work and many other things. Patrick
Glotin was succesful in making a super interview with him. Many thanks to Dr Ogilvie. Before we
left Bruichladdich we saw a couple of Purple Sandpipers. We the
went onto the merse filming geese roosting having spent the night feeding in the almost full moon.
Dunlin, Plover, 13 Barwits, 8 Knot and numerous duck including Scaup, Wigeon, 5 Pintail and
Eider. We then progressed to the Woollen Mill for more filming and finished at a flight pool
on the Dunlosit Estate to watch the wildfowl come in. Fantastic.
3 December 2006
Another wild day but luckily this was not to hold us back as we were indoorrs interviewing folks
about nature and the wilderness.
2 December 2006
More filming today up at Dunlossit. - Yes our french film maker has stayed on... We accompanied Donald James the head keeper checking
grouse - we saw three - we got watched one only 4 yrds away from us! Woodcock and and Snipe too,
as well as Red Deer on the hill. Fabulous!
30 November 2006
The day of the storm. We walked from Bruichladdich having spent time with Patrick
talking with Dr Malcolm Ogilvie. The wind was incredibly strong and we watched
Lapwings scudding across he loch and Barnies around the fields
hanging on with their toenails! It is always amazing that the birds manage in this type of storm when we are so
incapable without layers of wool and gortex!
28 November 2006
More filming tody of geese. The Dawn was fanatsic with the light just
perfect and Patrick Glotin got some great shots of the Barnies leaving the roost.
Later we did bushcraft skills adn more birding! We watched Turnstones
and Curlew on the shores of Kilinallan and Ravens above. The early evening was taken with
observing Red Deer. Wonderful
27 November 2006
Start of a three day expediton with Patrick Glotin, french film maker who makes films for
Canal Plus. We watched Golden Eagles down the sound, Barnacle Geese loafing in the fields
and Lapwing and other waders around the merse and Mulindry.
27 November 2006
A meeting with a manager from the John Muir Award. We managed to get out in the
morning getting to Port Mor, up on the Moss behind and through the peat bogs to the back
of Gearach. Hen Harrier,
Snipe, Linnets and Redpoll too. The sea was very wild, Cormorant and Shag clinging to the rocks.
22 November 2006
Out at Dawn today. It was utterly still - what a change- and the baby blue sky eventually washed through
the salmon pink rising of the sun. Plenty of Barnies leaving the top of Lochindaal and
ducks everywhere. Wigeon, Pintail and Eider. The Scaup were vsible as the loch was so still.
A Buzzard cried pitifully in the Sycamores behind us. Dunlins, Knot and Oystercatchers fed
as well as Curlew, Godwits and Ringed Plover. Fabulous seeing the Barnies lift off
for another day.
18-19 November 2006
Running and teaching an oil painting course at Bruichladdich. Whilst
waiting I saw a couple of Purple Sandpipiers on the foreshore. The course went well with
plenty of work and experiments being carried out successfully! This evening, Sunday, it is
utterly, utterly wild!
16 November 2006
A half day saw us circumnavigating Gorm. Barnies, Whitefronts and Greylags.
Plenty of corvids too. Fieldfares and Redwings still moving through but most
exciting of all was a female Merlin running amock amid Meadow Pipits - marvellous
excitement - especially for our clients from Texas!
15 November 2006
A super day missing rain and the sun too. A custom tour led us to watch Red Deer,
See Merlin, enjoy two male Hen Harriers, Lapwing, Turnstone and Chough too.
On Ardnave we had cracking views of waders, Chough and Raven. Plenty of Barnies
and Whitefronts as well as Greylag and numerous duck: Wigeon, Eider, Tufted and Teal.
Still a few Whooper Swans with young and five Pale Bellied Brent at Black Rock.
6 November 2006
A late trip but such a trip! A juv Golden Eagle chasing a fieldfare(!) extraordinary
on the Rhinns and a Peregrine sitting on a peat bank. Plenty of thrushes and Whitefronts,
Barnacles and a single Woodcock.
3 November 2006
Out with the Homeschool this afternoon goose watching and exploring the beach habitat.
Lots of Scaup at the top end of Loch Indaal, Dunlin, Turnstones and Ringed Plover. The kelly
Kettle was lit as the sun went down and the geese flew in. Hot chocalate and flying Barnacles.
How great is that. On top we found a perfectly preserved Gannet skull.
1 November 2006
Calm, cold and blue skies - superb with occasional rain and rainbows.
At the Merse we watched masses of Wigeon, Scaup and waders too. Whooper Swans
and Barnacle Geese. Up to Bun an Uilt for Curlew, Godwits, Megansers and a Chough on the beach
as well as
a pair of Golden Eye. Onto Balinaby where we delighted in seeing over five hundred
Golden Plover, Lapwing and more geese. A male Hen Harrier drifted past. Finish at Bruichladdich we
watched all three divers and a Black Guillemot. The light was incredible but as the sun dropped
we were all aware of the winter cold.
31 October 2006
Last night the wind tore into all our dreams and changed to the north. This morning it was bright and clear
and cold and windy, very windy. We headed south east and found plenty of Redwing, Fieldfare,
Merlin, Sparrowhak and a Peregrine right in front of us lashing into a Redwing.
Up to the Glen to see Red Deer and then for nearly half an hour we watched two adult and one juv Golden Eagles.
Absolutely majestic. The sky was blue and the three flew close enough for excellent id work.
As the day drew on we fund ourselves at the merse watching Barnies, Pink feet, waders including two,
somewhat late, Black Tailed Godwits - good to see them alongside Barwits to compare.
30 October 2006
It will be forever known as the day of four Merlins! Our Castle Douglas birders
experineced plenty of geese, Pale Bellied, Barnacle, Whitefront, Greylag and Pink Foot.
nearly 170 Whooper Swans with plenty of Juvs too. All three divers too: GN, RT and BT as
well as an American Scoter in amid others.
But the stars were the four female Merlins in different venues. One even perched right
next to the landy. It was the day of the Merlins!
27 October 2006
With so much rain over the past days the ferry to the mainland this afternoon will be
well watered! I am off to the Braveheart Ride with 'thewashingmachinepost' -
fingers crossed for a dry day tomorrow. Tink will still be here so any queries
can be attended to.
26 October 2006
Another family birding trip today. Plenty of Barnies, Leser Canada and in Bridgend Woods
a Brambling. The Lapwing in the fields and and large numbers of Redwing moving from
hedgerow to hedgerow. Lots of Whoopers around still with plenty of juvs..
25 October 2006
A family birding afternoon, plenty of barnies, a wee group of Whimbrel, five in total,
Oystercatchers and the Little Auk was seen at Bruichladdich - hiding near a rock
- not looking too well - especially as the sea started roughing up. A cracking
Red Throated Diver was a good introduction for the youngsters.
24 October 2006
Despite the weatehr we had a superb day birding - Barnacles, Lesser Canada,
Chifchaff, all three Divers and Slav Grebe - we missed the Little Auk outside
Port charlotte boohoo - but a Merlin made up for it. At dusk we watched Red Deer,
Barnies coming to roost and Whooper Swans heading south - fantastic.
23 October 2006
Dawn and Dusk with a bushcraft family day in between. Watching the Barnies leave their roost, seeing
Hen Harriers, the odd Godwit and Lapwing too. During the day we had a top bushcraft
family day with four boys and their parents. Excellent fun discovering new skills and tastes!
Then in the evening we were out watching deer, a cracking Jack Snipe right infront of us -
clearly to see and the geese heading for their roost to close the circle on the day.
22 October 2006
Was out from an early dawn to a late dusk and beyond today. Plenty of Barnies, Whitefronts
and an odd Pink foot. The dawn was great watching them explode from the roost at Gruinart
and seeing a Peregrine storm through too. Shoveller and Teal and Wigeon too. The 21
Whoopers we saw yesterday whislt being with friends at Killinallan yesterday were
still resting up. A bushcraft course with a family took up the day
learning and exploring new skills and - the geese still
comimg in, were a constant! The dusk had us seeing fanatsic views of Jack Snipe right infrnt of
us, Barn Owl and the mass of geese departing Sunderland for Gruinart. It is still wonderful
to experience and share.
20 October 2006
Bright skies and even more geese - although no counting today we watched the Barnies, Whitefronts and numerous
Pinkfeet pile in. Unoficially there must be over 20k in by now. We were delighted to check in
over 100 Whooper Swans and watch all three diverss - GN, Black and red throated on Loch Indaal
as well as Slav Grebe and numerous sea duck too.
19 October 2006
Another AMAZING day. We watched geese arrive over the far end of the loch and headed immediately
for Gruinart. And there they were - hundreds of Barnacle storming in despite the easterlies.
We started counting and our Australina Birding and RSPB worker was up for it too. We watched
for five hours from Bun an Uilt - saw sixty species and 6514 Barnies! Also two hundred and
sixty Pink Feet - the most I ever seen here on Islay. It was utterly superb.In the hour after we left
George Jackson who was counting with us had 6200 so all together 12714 Wow!
18 October 2006
Sunshine and warmth and the wind stopped so we headed to Killinallan to
try and catch the geese coming in. We had fouteen Whitefronts in off the sea,
forty-one Pale Bellied Brent and six Barnies. Loads of waders as usual at this time of year
including a fine flock of Knot. We then headed to watch Red Deer with our
East Kilbride family regular nature watchers. We first caught a female Merlin, then
a Golden Eagle then the roaring and mating Deer - fabulous.
Finishing at the merse we ended with sixty five species. Not bad considering
we spent two hours deer watching.
17 October 2006
Another overcast day however we had a brilliant time birdwise. On the Rhinns we saw
Hen Harriers, Gannets,Swallows(!), Sandwich Terns, Great Northern Divers, Chough and Whitefronts too.
Then onto the
head of Loch Indaal: Peregrine, Barnacles, a Lesser Canada Goose, Ruff, Scaup, Golden Plover,
Grey Plover, Dunlin, Whooper Swans and Eider as well as Slavonian Grebe. Fantastic. Seventy two species in all - wonderful.
16 October 2006
Back to Gorm on an overcast day. Even more Barnies today nearly 100 more indeed.
White Fronts and Greylags altogether too. A Ringtail on a post gave us good views and
Stonechats, Skylarks and Reed Buntings too. (Well, the harriers have to eat something!)
To Ardnave to try and find Snow Buntings but no luck although excellent views of Twite
and Chough more than made up for it!
14 October 2006
More geese today at Gorm, two hundred and seventy three Barnies
feeding at Gorm with masses of Greylag. Chough at Machir, Hen Harrier on the fields below
and Stonechats too. To Bun an Uilt for lunch and the afternoon wader watching: Godwits,
Curlew, Dunlin, Ringed Plovers, Turnstone. Plenty of duck too: Mergansers, Shoveller,
Wigeon and Eider. A lone Red Throated Diver was great as was a hectic Sparrowhawk but
best of all was a male Hen Harrier floating alongside us.
13 October 2006
Grey but no rain and still the wind has to turn to the north. This morning was spent on
a photo shoot with Mark Unsworth of Islay Studios for the Nadair Project. Then in the
afternoon we went with the Homeschool to witness the Red Deer rut. Super and exciting
for the children.
12 October 2006
Brilliant blue skies and a cracking day birding and nature watching. Chough at Ardnave
with Raven and Twite too. Plenty of waders - Curlew, Redshank and Dunlin. At the merse we had
Whooper Swans, Pintail, Wigeon and three hundred and sixty four Barnacles, washing and loafing.
We later headed for the hill to watch the Red Deer rutting - those that know me know
I do not have a television buit there has been plenty of coverage of rutting deer recently on
a programme of the BBC, acording my clients this was far better seeing it daylight and live too!
10 October 2006
A super and bright morning wader watching at Gruinart. Plenty of Godwits, Curlew, Plover
and a couple of Barnacle in off the sea! Good views of sea duck and chough too over Ardnave.
Still waiting the northerlies and so are the House Martins and Swallows too!
9 October 2006
A terrific Dusk today with geese flying across the ssetting sun. High tides
meant that everything was pushed up on the surronding fields: Barnacle, Whitefront,
Greylag and numerous waders. Marvellous.
6 October 2006
What a day - rain from the south west on and off all day - however we had some really go sightings:
Gannets, Curlew, Gulls, a single Kestrel, Stonechats and Golden Plover too.
We watched the rain come in off the Atlantic. Shag and Cormorant hiding amid the black rocks and
to finish a close pair of Chough. Our Inverness birds despite the weather, had a great day!
6 October 2006
Wet but we stayed by the Merse and had some reat views of sea duck including some
cracking Pintail,
Whooper Swan
and numerous waders; Sanderling, Dunlin, Snipe, Curlew and Godwits too.
A Hen Harrier to finish was excellent.
5 October 2006
A day of wee brown jobs and identifyng them: Meadow Pipits, Rock Pipits,
Stonechats, Linnets, Reed Buntings, Wren, Goldfinch and House Sparrows.
At Gruinart there were plenty of duck: Teal, Wigeon, Pintail and Shoveller.
Excellent. We also had some brilliant Black Tailed Godwits, in their
remenants of summer plumage and Snipe too.
4 October 2006
Another good morning and we avoided the incoming weather too!
Up to Ardnave, Chough, Hen Harriers, Lapwing, Fulmar and at
Rockside, in amongst the Greylag and odd Barnacles were fifteen
Greenland Whitefronts.
3 October 2006
A cracking morning with good light - we could see as far as Ben More on Mull.
We also say Barnies coming in - only 13 but that is a start we also had over 150 Snipe
over Gruinart. Later a Ross's Gull was spotted too by James
at the RSPB - we had gone by then! Agh! Bridgened/Blackrock there were plenty of sea duck:
Scoter, Wigeon, Merganser, Scaup and Pintail too. Brilliant.
2 October 2006
A North wind over night and the temperature fell. Only four Swallows.
We had a driech day weatherwise but the new arrivals
started to come in. Whimbrel, Knot, Godwits, Pale Bellied Brent Geese
and plenty of Dunlin. A male Hen Harrier
was excellent on the hill. In the late afternoon
we had thirty one Greenland Whitefronted Geese at Rockside. Super. The SYHA birders
headed off the island and the rain came down.
1 October 2006
The Swallows are still here! On Loch Indaal
there were several Red Throated Divers in assorted plumage from full
summer to full winter. Also a sizeable scoter flock, Eider and various auks too.
Heading around Gorm we had six Barnacle Geese hanging out with the six hundred Greylag,
a Peregrine, Lapwing, Hen Harrier, Red Deer and then onto Ardnave
for lunch. Mute Swans, Tufted Ducks and the Ardnave Chough 'yoof group'! On the strand
at Traigh Nostraig there were plenty of waders; Godwits, Oystercatchers, Plovers,
Turnstones, Sanderling and a very good view of a Little Stint - it's V marking on the back very clear.
A male Hen Harrier on our return was a good end to the day.
30 September 2006
Last day of September and the Swallows are still here. We were on the Rhinns
with a group from the SYHA birding for three days. We had great views of Gannets,
Shearwaters and plenty of gulls. Redshanks and Turnstones on the shoreline. On the
hinterland we delighted in Hen Harriers, a Kestrel and Buzzards too.The south-easterlies are still
here so no movements today!
27 September 2006
What a day with the South-easterly rising with the rain. However
we had a great morning and early afternoon. Golden Plover, Red throated
Diver, Guillemots and Long Tailed Tits along the road to Claggain. At Ardtalla we had two
adult Golden Eagles and Red Legged Partridge too. Plenty of Wigeon at Bowmore and another
male Hen Harrier too.
There are still Swallows around and a handful of Barnacles have arrived - maybe as forward obs.!
26 September 2006
Yet another cracking tour finsihing at dusk. From the Merse to the Rhinns and back with
a dusk expedition to the glen later. Gannet, Whooper Swan, lots of waders including Dunlin,
Sanderling, Redshank, Snipe, Godwits and Turnstones. Chough, Sparrowhawk and numerous finches too.
In the dusk we had the most amazing sights of rutting Red Deer and a single large stag walking towards
us as close as ten metres away on the Glen Road. FANTASTIC!
23-24 September 2006
To the Mid Argyll Triathlon. Two teams went from Islay in the Birding Landy.
Despite the wet we did well with the VC Ardbeg B team coming second overall.
22 September 2006
The wind, the wind - last night 4 miles short of a hurricane it was blowy.
Today it was calmer and we had a good time seeing Hen Harrier,
Common Sandpiper, Linnet, Twite, Grey Wag, manx Shearwater,Gannet and a distant Golden Eagle.
Plenty of Goldfinch on the Rhinns and Stonechat too. Oh yes and sunshine as well!
21 September 2006
What a fantastic day! On the loch at Gartmain we had Brent Geese, Wigeon,
mergansers, Dunlin, Ringed Plover and then four Curlew sandpipers - very clearly seen and
great to compare against the Dunlin who were feeding not ten metres away. We headed south
and towards the Oa; Chough, Raven and Peregrine. On our return there was a ringtail and
a cracking young Golden Eagle feeding and flying too. A male hen Harrier and Sparrowhawk to
finish a wonderful time.
20 September 2006
Rain and rain but it did not dtop us having a good day's birding. Cracking Ringtail
was a real highlight and so close to us too. Also twenty nine Pale Bellied Brent
at the top end of Gruinart that had obviously just arrived. It will not be long
till our other winter geese visitors come. Godwits, Chough and a storming Sparrowhawk
were excellent sights too. A large flock - over sixty, of Linnet was fabulous too see too.
19 September 2006
All day, five raptors and we managed to avoid the rain most of th etime. On th erhinns we had
Gannets, Shearwaters, Kittiwkes and Red Throated Divers. Plenty of Linnet, a single Whooper
Swan and a cracking female Merlin. Buzzards and Wheatear. Further up country a
Whinchats and Stonechats. After our safari lunch we headed for the Glen and saw lots
of Red Deer Stags (no rutting today) and a Hen Harrier, A Golden Eagle and a Peregrine
falcon. It was superb.
17 September 2006
A dusk tour and still air with Swallows still rushing to get the last midges and flies.
Ravens slouching about - always on the look out though. Herons feeding on Loch Indaal
and the best: A Barn Owl really close, and a Tawny too. Fabulous.
15 September 2006
Dawn and it was clear and bright. On Gruinart we watched Greylag Geese coming off their roost,
Waders feeding in the low tide and Buzzards hanging around. Rooks and Jackdaws
and Starlings too. A Hen Harrier was good and a sparrowhawk too. The dawn chorus was great
as the sun rose over Jura.
13 September 2006
Another cracking dawn with a Ringtail, so many Greylags and Buzzards too. Best of all was a Peregrine creating havoc
amid Jackdaws and Rooks. It eventually got too muddled and headed off. Tufted duck at Ardnave
and Chough too. Whitethroats,Linnet and assorted finches too. Super.
12 September 2006
What a funny day with rain, mist and sunshine. We watched Gannets off the edge of Britain,
Shearwaters and Red Throated Divers too. Our photographer took some great images of Whooper
Swans and a lone juv Green Whitefront. Fabulous. To end with we had a cracking male Hen Harrier
drifting alongside the mobile hide. Have a look at Michael Windle's photographs on www.naturalvisions.co.uk
- they are brilliant.
11 September 2006
Custom Tour today for a professional photographer. Unfortunately the weather beat us but we
did have great views of a male Hen Harrier at Bunnahabhain and Chough too. Plenty
of waders at the merse through the showers! Dunlin, some still in summer plumage, Turnstones,
Ringed Plover, Godwits and Curlew too. Hopefully tomorrow maybe better...fingers crossed.
9-10 September 2006
Islay Experience Kayak and Craic weekend. As I am not allowed to padddle still
I am organising this even so will be coast bound - still - it gives me a chance
to bird from the shore! First frost today on the hill - Brrrr.
7-8 September 2006
Now back on Islay - plenty of sea birds from the ferry. Today and tomorrow building a living willow
hide/sculpture for the local primary school community garden and being filmed by the BBC too.
So watch out - I'm the baldy wee guy behind the whithies!
30 Aug - 4 September 2006
Down to the Wilderness Gathering see links page. Meg and Stephen Davies are here manning
the office so
please ring if you have any queries. Thanks
28 Aug 2006
Another top morning birding with hundreds of Greylag Geese on the fields around Gruinart,
We apent quite sometime watching a Hen Harrier - female - getting mobbed by Hoody Crows.
Plenty of Stonechats, Reed Buntings and M'pits as well as Rock Pipits, Eider and Curlew too.
Young Buzzards on the wing learning from the elders....
26 Aug 2006
An absolutely super birding trip today with plenty of waders,
Dunlin, Plover and Curlew as well as Whimbrel moving on Gruinart. In the hedgerows Goldfinch
and Linnet as well as Stonechat, Whinchat and a hectic Sparrrowhawk but the best of all
was finding an osprey hidden up on a wee grassy island on Gorm, taking off, hawking, catching
a large brownie and then devouring it. It had us there for over 45 minutes and was FANTASTIC.
24 Aug 2006
Dawn was fabulous today and over Gruinart we watched well over 400 Greylag Geese leave the
roost. It was fresh and the mist hung in the hollows. A Peregrine Falcoln sat on a stone in the drying loch and then departed.
The light was so clear that Colonsay seemed a stretch away and Mull a wee bit further.
Whimbrel passed overhead, Curlew called, Oystercatchers piped in the sun and Dunlin showed off doing their
aerial displays. A buck Roe Deer shouted at us. The sun rising meant we were heading back - another dawn,
another day on Islay. Magical.
23 Aug 2006
Another family out on a Bushcraft expedtion the Redshanks seemd to be moving
over Gruinart as we prepared a fire to cook hard won bivalves and drink fruit tea.
Again the sun shone and the light was fantastic. Oytercatchers called and we completed the day with a very excellent shelter to
hide from the wind.
22 Aug 2006
Family bushcraft day with two families enjoying the sunshine, warm air and wind too.
With Herons flying low over a drying Gruinart and Buzzards on posts we set to
learning how to make fire,
collecting sea food and learning where to look ofr fresh drinking water. Everyone was
successful and we enjoyed a bivalve feast cooked on an open fire on the strandline in bright
sun. Fabulous.
19 Aug 2006
Port Charlotte Gala day where again we had a stall, meet old friends and new and
the sun shone despite rain earlier. On the loch I spied a Red Throated Diver before
the RNLI did their demonstration...
17 Aug 2006
Family nature and adventure day watching birds at the head of Loch Indaal
and seeing Dunlin, Oystercatchers and Eider mooch about. Up onto the Mor for Skylarks,
Stonechats and Wheatears as well as Linnets. Then onto making a lunch at the lochside, fire
side spirit and boiling teh kelly kettle numerous times - finishing with shelter building
and listening to the calling of the seals. Magical with the brilliant blue sky and relected sea.
16 Aug 2006
Another great day with plenty of Warblers: Whitethroat, Willow and Sedge. In the afternoon
we heard
a Gropper too. The best though was in the morning when 35 Whimbrel arrived at the Merse and
above Borrachill Mor a Juv Golden Eagle flew around. Fabulous. That and a single Sandwich
Tern amid a handful of Arctic Terns were good for comparisons and also a highlight.
15 Aug 2006
A family from Paris joined us today; We saw plenty despite the early rain: Eider a Duvet(Eider)
Buse Variable(Buzzard), Huiter Pie (Oystercatcher), Barge a Queue Noire (Black Tailed Godwit),
Curlew Cendre (Curlew) and twenty three Curlew Corlieu (Whimbrel) in off the sea at Ardnave. terrific.
Off course we had the impressive Crave a Bec Rouge(Chough) at Ardnave.
14 Aug 2006
Bushcraft day with the Boys Brigade from Bathgate. Learning skills unkown to
city teenagers! Herons floated by as we learned firelighting skills, fire
husbandry and shelter building on the coast. Oystercatchers were constant companions
and there were plenty of cockles and Mussels to be found. Oh yes, and the rain held off!
12-13 Aug 2006
I was supposedly taking out a Lads and Dads bushcraft 24 experience but
upon picking up the chaps at the port
we found that one of the two youngsters had been seriosuly ill ALL night
so we made the decision not to proceed. Hard but better for everyone. Hope you are
feeling better now Findlay.
10 Aug 2006
Islay Show - after a slow start there were plenty of folks around and we did quite well
on our Birding and bushcraft stance. Thanks to everyone who visited.
9 Aug 2006
Family bushcraft morning with Chough flying above us as we lit a fire and cooked
freshly collected cockles and
mussels - fabulous. This afternoon - prepaing for tomorrow's Islay Show.
7 Aug 2006
A good day's birding with some great views of migrants and raptors. On the Merse
we had Curlew, Whimbrel, Black and Bar Tailed Godwits, Terns and Whooper Swans.
Then up around Gorm and Sanaig - Buzzards, Peregrine Falcon, Red Grouse, Chough,
Gannets, and a cracking Osprey with prey being
mobbed by more Buzzards! Several Oystercatchers in off the sea.
Plenty of wee birds including Yellowhammer, Linnet, Willow Warbler and
a lone Cuckoo on a wire.
Although it threatened the rain never arrived but the sun did!
6 Aug 2006
Grand Fondo Ardbeg - see thewashingmachinepost.net for details.
4-5 Aug 2006
A basic bushcraft camp tonight with adults. Finding new experiences in sleeping in the tipis'
firelighting in the pouring rain and shelter building with minimum kit. They prepared
wonderful beds of heather/bracken and some had sprung bases of rhodedenron! Purifying water, making nettle teas
and being out of doors in challenging circumstances was excellent for all.
4-5 Aug 2006
A basic bushcraft camp tonight with adults. Finding new experiences in sleeping in the tipis'
firelighting in the pouring rain and shelter building with minium kit. They prepared
wonderful beds of heather/bracken and some had sprung bases of rhodedenron! Puriying water, making nettle teas
and being out of doors in challenging circumatances was excellent for all.
1 Aug - 4 Aug 2006
What a super expedition, the young bushcrafters had a challenging but invigorating time
testing new found skills, birding and enjoying being in the nature. Sleeping in a cave was
the most popular of activities with firelighting and nature watching come close runners up.
Foraging for food was also fun. The main enjoyment from eating it around the fire.
It was a great adventure, lots of laughter and the whole trip was well worth doing.
1 Aug - 4 Aug 2006
Stramash bushcraft and birding camp...more later. Living in Tipis and with mother nature.
31 July 2006
Rain again and wet too! However it did not stop our enthusiasm for the Rhinns:
Snipe, Gannets, Shearwaters and passing Auks - A Ringtail on the edge of th epeat and Stonechats, Linnets
and Whinchats too. Who says summer birding is boring?!
30 July 2006
Sunny, rainy and thunder and lightning today although we nissed the last bit as we were
in Ardbeg Distillery! Up to the Oa today. On our way we had Whooper Swans
at Bowmore, Turnstones in full summer plumage, Eider in eclipse and Arctic Terns fishing.
A cracking male Hen Harrier on the Oa and Chough, Gannets and Whinchat too.
29 July 2006
We could have been beaten by the weather today - if we allowed it to. with a SYHA group
of birders we braved the weather and were rewarded with some great views. Starting at the
Merse we had the tide with us and the we did not have long for the waders to start piling in: Dunlin,
Oystercatchers, Barwits and Black Tailed ones too with remnants of summer plumage and then
in flew 9 knot in full summer plumage - great. Then...up the exploded as a Peregrine stormed
the strandline. Mergansers, Shelduck, Eider and Wigeon. Hen Harrier in land between showers and
downpours. Up to Ardnave for Chough, Raven, Tufted Duck, Linnet and Wheatear. Wonderful - even
if the
rain did pour!
28 July 2006
Dawn at 0500hrs and wet, however it did not stop us and we enjoyed seeing Rooks come off the roost,
hanging about on the wires. Five Whimbrel were a good find and the usual waders on the merse too.
27 July 2006
A dusk tour had us watching a super flock of Starlings over Bruichladich
pier enchanting us with their aeronautical antics we went onto listen to Corncrake, seeing Red Deer emerging, Herons heading to their roost and a good half hour
watching a Barn Owl hunt, head back with prey and then re-emerge hunting again. Fantastic!
27 July 2006
Wilderness living and bushcraft skills day with folks from Edinburgh. Warm weather and the tide was heading out so
we could forage well on the sea shore as well as firemake, shelter build and find water too. The Seals were loud
at the mouth of Gruinart and terns screamed across the loch.
26 July 2006
Another warm and lovely day. Great fun and laughter with folks from the east and south and
Wales too. Wader watching at the merse, Ravens aon the hill and Hen Harriers teaching their young
hunting skills. Two Golden Eagles were a delight and worth waiting for.Their golden heads
clearly seen against a brilliant blue sky. Further off Sanaigmore were flocks of auks: Razorbills
especially and Gannets too. Excellent
25 July 2006
Brilliant day in hot sunshine with a Dutch family doing both birding and
bushcraft starting by red deer watching at Dunlossit and then picking out Hen Harriers,
Buzzards and Ravens on the hill. Wonderful.Stonechats and Skylarks all around.
The kelly Kettle appeared at coffee time as we
wader gazed at the Merse: Plovers, Curlew with young, Oystercatchers and Eiders too.
Onto to lunch where they made a wee fire, collected seafood, made bread and created a feast.
The seals disappeared with the incoming tide and we headed home having caught glimpses of a
Ringtail and a young Buzzard too.
24 July 2006
Have just returned from leave and a homeschool expedition getting the Islay B team to
re visit their french and practice a living language.
That and seeing Montague Harriers, Wall Creepers, Warblers, Alpine Chough - yes-
we were inthe Alps too - brilliant. Also giot to see the Tour de France - amazing.
29 June 2006
A family custom tour with folks from Canada. We spent the day on the Rhinns watching Hen Harriers,
Chough and seals. Up on the hill was a Buzzard and over Orsay and Mackenzie islands a
Peregrine sent masses of Terns and Gulls sky hill in panic. Fumars on cliffs and Common
Sandpipers in the burns. Linnets with young, wild goats and Shags on the edges. Black Guillemots,
Gannets and Manx Shearwaters passing low over the Atlantic. Even the sun burst through
at times.
27 June 2006
To the Oa today but just before I popped into Skerrols for a scout around - a single Osprey
was good to see, then another! That make three if you include the one at Ballygrant!
At Kilnaughton there were Terns, Red and Great Northern Divers, Common and Black Guillemots,
and Sandmartins. Then Up onto the high ground where we watched not one but two Golden Eagles
- one carrying food. We watched and watched - long enough to get the Kelly Kettle on,
boiled and drink tea! Hen Harriers followed and Chough too. Bright skies, blue seas and views
right across to Donnegal. Just Magical.
26 June 2006
With Red Deers, Lapwing and Curlews on the hills we enjoying brilliant light
and warm winds. From Dunlossit to the Merse we spent time immersing ourselves in the
nature: Orchids, Ragged Robin, Bog Myrtle and the last of the Yellow Flag Iris.
On the hill a purple hue of th eheatjer is slowing taking over.
Whinchats with young, Buzzards too and warblers from tree tops. On the Merse and beyond we had
Gulls, Arctic and Common Terns and lots of young Eider. Fabulous.
19-24 June 2006
Weather wise it could not have been more of a challenge and added
to the John Muir Award for the expedition - it was very cold - more like October
and this certainly challenged us. However we found a fantastic site - an open cavern with fresh water,
wood and after a couple of days of sorting - good shelter. Due to winds of up to 70mph it
was difficult and dangerous for foraging and fishing and setting homemade creels.
However we did get some brown trout up the hill and enjoyed them immensely - a nice change to
the limpet and mussel diet! Gannets and Sheartwaters passed and resident Shags with young
and Rock Doves kept us company. Fire husbandry in the pouring rain tested us and we were able to keep
the hearth going all the time - a tricky thing in itself with such damp wood. Beach
cleaning also took up part of the award and we managed to find loads of fishing nets, plastic and
line too. We were biterly disappointed when we discovered six fire places on a beachhead
all within 10 metres of each other and on the grass rather than beach itself. These had not been
cleaned away. Shame on those who care so little about this amazing wilderness. We spent an afternoon
tidying them up. As we operate a leave no trace policy it is hard when one sees
others who could not care a toss! The final day had the sun shining for a wee while and we packed away
did a final clean and made ou rway back over the hill. We found Marsh Fritillary butterflies,
Butterwort, Bell Heather, Purslane, Bistort and Sorrel. Red Deer and Wild Goats on the hill
and everyone came back with an antler or two!
19-24 June 2006
Leading Journeyman Course - report to folllow - as I write it is pouring with rain!!!
15 June 2006
Another warm but not so sunny day. We headed out on the Glen Road, finding Lapwing, Whinchat,
Stonechat and plenty of Red Deer. In the distance floating above Beinn Bheigier was a
Golden Eagle. Buzzards, Raven, Curlew, Willow Warbler in the scrub and Jackdaw too.
As it was just a half day the time ran
by quickly and too soon we were making our way back.
14 June 2006
Sunshine again and the dawn was great form the Machrie outwards. Curlew, Hen
Harrier and Redshank. The sun was bright and midges fierce. Herons and Swallows over
the water and Merse. Bar Tailed Godwits, Sanderling and Dunlin. A Corncrake was
heard at Eresaid. We then headed off west for the day: Buzzards, Fulmar, Chough,
Raven, Sandmartins and Swallows. Willow Warbler, Whinchat and great views of young
Redshank and Lapwing too. Flowers everywhere and butterflies too. What a joy to be here.
13 June 2006
Another amazing day with seventy-three species seen! Highlights were: Little Terns at the
head of Loch Indaal, Sanderlings and Turnstones too. Hen Harrier, Golden Eagle,
Red Throated Diver all on the Rhinns. Grasshopper warbler, Sedge and Willow too.
Several Chough, Sandmartins and wonderful views of Common Sandpipers with young. Brilliant.
Corncrakes too and Whooper swan. The sun shone, safari lunch at Claddach amid
large movements of auks and Gannets. the light was super and allowed great views. Orchids,
Tormentil, Sundew, Changing Forget-me-not, Birdsfoot-trefoil, Scurvy-grass,Sea Sandwort
and Sea Holly. And to finish several sightings of Marsh Fritillary Butterfly. Magical.
12 June 2006
What a cracking days birding on the Rhinns with birders from Glouscestershire.
At Kilchiaran we enjoyed observing SandMartins feeding young, Common Sandpipers,
Fulmar, Ringed Plovers and Oystercatchers. Out on the ocean blue were plenty
of Gannets. Raven cronked above. The sun shone and we were out of the wind. Then
onto Cultoon Stone Circle for a kelly kettle brew up and
where we had the most amazing views of Golden Eagle -
too close for bins let alone scope! What majesty! We then headed off with Wheatear,
Whinchat and Stonechat along the tracks. Luncheon: on the lochen there was a Green Winged Teal,
Red Throated Diver several gulls and three Arctic Terns and a couple of Curlew.
We had our lunch and then another brew and then off the sea came a very beige angular Buzzard.
It attacted evrything to mob it and when it was foced down we could clearly see feathery legs and a
dark tail bar after a white patch. A Rough Legged Buzzard - wow! Female Hen Harrier followed after
Portnahaven and then assorted geese at Ellister including WhiteFronts and a single Whitethroat on
some bramble. What a fanatastic day.
9 June 2006
Another warm day and a couple of families out with weans. One family from
Switerland - birding: enjoying Terns, Dunlin and Sandmartins as well as Buzzards
hanging in the wind above the raised beach at the head of Loch Indaal. In the afternoon we went
bushcrafting with folks from Ayrshire: firelighting, shelter making and finding water.
Swallows all over as were wee buntings and chats.
The dusk saw us looking for and finding owls, Red Deer and enjoying time listening and watching
a Song Thrush singing - just singing.
8 June 2006
24 degrees today and t shirts all round - some folks even sported shorts! On the Rhinns and
enjoying Sand Martins, Common Sandpipers, Chough and Grey wagatil at Kilchiaran as well
as Fulmar, Wheatear and Whinchat too. On thesea were plenty of Gannets. At Claddach a
Green Winged Teal was very visible as well as Curlew, Greater Black Backed Gulls and
Common Gulls. Wee birds such as Reed Buntings, Stonechat and Whitethroats. It was a brilliant
day and the sea so calm. Hen Harriers across the moor, Cuckoo highly visible being mobbed
by Meadow Pipits, Lapwing and Redshank with young. On our return Black Guillemots,
Mistle Thrush and high swirling Buzzards.
6 June 2006
Another great day hot sun meant shirt sleeve order and t-shirts too! Male Hen Harriers,
Whinchats, Orchids, Raven and Willow Warblers in the hinterland beyond Bridgend. At the
strand
there were Dunlin, Little and Arctic Terns, Oystercatchers with young, Chough and
Ringed Plover too. On the Rhinns we enjoyed Fulmars nesting amid huge numbers of flowers
tumbling down the cliffs - a riot of purple, red and yellow. No Red Throated Diver or
sign of the Osprey spotted here yesterday but we did have Whitefronted Geese, Tufted Duck and
a lone Whooper Swan at Ellister. It was great being in the warmth of the sun and birding
without a care in the world!
5 June 2006
A fantastic day with warm sunny weather. From Bridgend we headed for the Glen Road a Snipe flew up infront of us
and we went onto
Dun Nosebridge. Plenty of Willow Warblers and Sedge too. Lesser Black Backed Gulls
and Herring in the fields beyond. Ravens near the pigs and Lapwing, Woodpigeon and a cracking
pair of Whinchat. Shelduck and Curlew too. We spent some time watching
a Buzzard getting mobbed by two male Hen Harriers!
Then further north too Bunnahabhain where we had lunch a long views of Golden Eagle on Jura.
Also a Cuckoo being mobbed by M'pits.
Back to Bridgend and along the strand to see Arctic and Little Terns, a single Sanderling
and lots of Ringed Plovers. A flyby of a pair Chough was a good end to the day.
2 June 2006
Lads and Dads bushcraft day learning at the loch side at Gruinart. As we started a Barn Owl
flew by early! Practising firelighting, shelter constructor and finding safe water.
Great fun and good sharing too. The wind was not so bad today and the sun shone ALL the time!
1 June 2006
A fine early start with little wind and bright light even at dawn. Dunlin on the
Merse with Oystercatchers, Shelduck and gulls heading out to feed. Up at the Flats we spent alot of time watching Red
Deer stags moving regally across the landscape. Marvellous - all in velvet too. A Sparrowhawk
keep all quiet for a time and then the warblers started again - Willow, Sedge and a Garden Warbler.
to finish we had a cracking Corncrake. Magical.
30 May 2006
One to One bushcraft and leadership skills course today. Up to Killinallan where
there were Terns and waders. Seals on the sand bars. Firemaking and foraging - superb
bivalves and fresh seaweed. The sun was shining although we had to find natural windbreaks
as the N.Westerly was very strong and cold. The sea blue and the sky and skylarks continuously sang.
Lapwings and Swallows, Stonechat and a lone Whinchat as well as Wheatears.
27-28 May 2006
Wilderness 24 experience so we headed for the caves and went foraging at Killinallan. The tide was just
right so plenty of food for the evening feast. Arctic Terns, Fulmars and Gannets accompanied us as we
headed along the coastal edge. Making ourselves at home our Northern Irish and Glaswegian
bushcrafters settled in well and a couple of them even found it warm enough to have a swim
in the burn! Firemaking, water purifying, cooking and making the caves comfortable took the
evening and by the time bats were flying we had settled around the camp fire to tell stories.
Too cloudy for any stories but before it got really dark we went up to look for Red Deer and
wild goats - successful with both! The morning evntually grew sunny and a single Raven
bade us good day. It was right and we striked camp and made our way slowly back to the RV Point.
Azure sea and bright skies were hard to beat, the Lapwings and Skylarks singing us back!
25 May 2006
From Austria to Arizona today with American birders from Phoenix.It was a delight seeing
Great Northern Diver and Gannet in the same scope view out on a calm-ish Loch Indaal. Then
at Bruichladdich Dunlin, 3 Sanderling, Rock Pipit and 47 Terns - mainly Arctic but a
couple of Common too. Round the Merse and towards Bowmore for ducks, Eider and Mallard,
Ringed Plover and Oystercatchers too. A cheery Grey Wag on the Sorn was great against the
burbling river catching flies low over the water. Skylarks and Willow Warblers filled
the air with song and although the wind was present it had moved to the south so was not
so cold in the bight sunshine.
24 May 2006
We had some folks from Austria today and it was sunny! Windy too. From Bridgend we pootered
along the merse, watching Shelduck, Dunlin and Pipits feed in the shallows. A shower caught us out but soon passed.
Then up to the flats where we had a great view of a male Hen Harrier, Lapwing and numerous gulls.
Ending at Ardnave for lunch, not before we rejoiced in witnessing newly fleged Stonechats
taking their first flight! We watched Chough, Grey Heron and more Oystercatchers, Swallows and
Sand Martins before heading out along the eastern headland to the tip. There the sea was so
blue and Gannets fell, diving and fishing. Arctic Terns, Razorbill, Eider, Fulmar and Kittiwakes
too. On the remote shoreline there were Dunlin, Turnstones and Ringed Plover. Our
return along the strand was breath taking with our Austrian birders amazed at the colours and
unending, yet ever changing views.
23 May 2006
Yet another early start - and superb too. The clouds turning pink beofre the sun rose,
with the paps of Jura standing proud against the salmon sky. We started at the Merse to see waders and
a Grey Heron hunting in the calm shallows, Shelduck footering about too. Up over the top to
Gruinart to enjoy Oystercatchers, Lapwing and a Corncrake. Up to the Old School again the
Cuckoo called
and wow! we saw the Hen Harriers doing not one but two food passes. Brilliant.
Red Deer, Roe Deer and Hares were good too.
22 May 2006
An early start seeing the dawn - but wht a dawn with Male Hen harrier having a set to
with a Red Grouse on a nest - amazing. The grouse won, Red Deer moving across the moss,
Red Throated Divers, Gannets and Eiders too - all before breakfast. Then afterwards
leaving the Rhinns and Chough, Fulmar and wild goats we headed for Killinallan. A
handful of waders, Linnet and hirundines. The best was at the end of th eday with a male
Hen Harrier doing a food pass and then four Long Tailed Skuas short cutting th emoss at
Kilchoman new school. Wow. It was even more amazing when the harriers went up to intercept.
What a day!
19 May 2006
The sky spent alot of rain today however we managed to remain dry for our dusk tour
and travelled the strand enjoying the antics of the Arctic and Little Terns.
Corncrake was found again - infact several, and although we got so close
to one at Craigens we still could not see it. Reed Buntings, Linnet and eight
Black Tailed Godwits in the dying light.
18 May 2006
Jura and the sun shoe. We really enjoyed seeing Curlew on th ehill - one with a Kestrel haking just above it's head-
cracking. Stonechat, Buzzard, Willow and Wood warblers, a couple of Twite and Plovers too.
We spent sometime at the walled garden - absolutely amazing. For dusk we were back on Islay and
listening and watching a Corncrake at Craigens, as if this was not enough, a super Tawny Owl
and bat detecting too. A big day - but magnificent with it!
18 May 2006
Just returned from a super dawn tour. It was very windy during the night. At 0500hrs
the wind was strong still and rain hung about, in the air. However by 0600hrs the sun was shining
upon us and we were listening to Corncrake - 3! Above the flats the light tore
through the greyness. Sedge Warblers, Willow Warblers and Tits were busy at the
woodland/scrub edge and on the watery flats Shoveller and Teal footered about.
On the Merse were Dunlin and Oystercatchers and 7 Whimbrel awaiting the departure
of the tide. After breakfast we are off to Jura....
16 May 2006
It remained dry till the last hour of the day today so we were lucky on a custom tour.
Starting at Bowmore we headed out for Ardtalla. A Whooper Swan at Kildalton was good to see
as were Great Northern and Red Throated Divers off a very calm Claggain Bay. A
Grasshopper Warbler too. Grey Wagtails added colour to the reeling and then a Cuckoo joined in.
Whimbrel and Curlew for
comparasion were good for our clients and as we headed along the Glen road towards
Dunlossit a Whinchat and Stonechat were great too.With sixty six species before the rain
came down meant we had a good day birding before poor weather drew a close of play!
15 May 2006
Birding from Dunlossit to Gorm. A good day with plenty of species. Red Deer at
the hill and some lovely Heath Spotted Orchids too. At Dun Nosebridge we found Willow
Warbler, Tits and Raven too. Down to Mulindry and there were Buzzards and plenty of Lesser Black
Backed Gulls on newly ploughed fields. Along Loch Indaal we had Dunlin, Eider and
Oystercatchers then at Sunderland Chough and Heron on nests. Reed Buntings, Wheatear and Stonechats
too. The wind abated as we toured to Arnave Chapel; Whimbrel, more Chough and Curlew too. We
stopped to try and hear a Corncrake but no luck on the flats this afternoon. On way way back we
picked up some oysters for tea for a couple of the clients - mmm - lovely.
12-13 May 2006
A weekend of Wilderness 24 Course up to the caves with a journalist and photographer.
Saturday was a good dy to be out of doors, sunshine and warmth again. Dunlin and Sanderling on
the strand, Lapwing in fields beyond and Whimbrel passing heading North. Great Northern Divers,
shelduck, Skylark and Raven too. We got settled into the
bushcraft groove and mades the fire, had brews, looked at foraging
and id-ing edible plants. The night in the caves was good.
Plenty of Guillemots on cliffs and gulls as well.
Sunday was wetter but we had a cracking Cuckoo at Gortantoid visbly being seen
off by Meadow Pipits.
11 May 2006
A fabulous day with Sussex and Kent birders who had travelled down from Mull.
The pressure was on to top their trip there the day before, and I believe we did!
Clear skies and from the ferry
pick up so we went out to the Oa. Tufted Duck, Red Grouse, male Hen Harrier, Willow Warbler,
Chough, Sedge Warbler adn a Golden Eagle being mobbed by Hoodies. Fabulous. Then up to the Merse
for assorted waders including Sanderling in off the sea, an injured Wood Sandpiper and a
couple of Whooper Swans. On our return vias the woods we caught up with Wood Warbler
and Siskin and a Brambling too just near one of the wee cottages! With nearly seventy
species today - it was great.
10 May 2006
Blue skies and t shirts - I even took off my woolly hat! Just the morning today
but what a morning! Around from the Merse we saw 39 Arctic Terns, a couple of
Little ones too. Shelduck and Oystercatchers and 2 Scaup, a bonny pair.
Plenty of Eider - oooing. We then headed for Killinallan via the high route,
Sedge and Willow Warbler, Wheatear, Martins, Swallows and Stonechats. The air
was full of Skylark. Up on th esand there were odd groups of Whimbrel as well as
other waders too. Common Gulls on nests and then in the far distance Bolsa way
a Golden Eagle.
8 May 2006
Cracking day with some fantastic sightings too. On the Rhinns we had
auks: Guillemots, black and common, Razorbill, Gannet and Common Sandpiper.
The Marsh Harrier was spotted around Kilchianran as were Chough and Fulmar.
Then onto find the Dotterel in amongst the Golden Plover at Machir. We also had
a Peregrine sending everything up. Sand martins, Swallows and House Martins. On our return
Willow warbler at Eresaid, Terns at Uiskentuie as well as Black Throated Diver in full
summer plumage, Eider, Dunlin and Ringed Plover. Brilliant.
4-7 May 2006
On mainland - taking the homeschool to visit saxon sites and castles on the
east coast of Northumbria whilst Tink attends an exam markers meeting.
We will be camping - what's new and hopefully enjoying the east spring weather.
3 May 2006
Marvellous day with a warm wind, a handful of White fronts with Greylags at Gorm,
Chough, Whimbrel and a single Black Tailed Godwit in full summer plumage. Superb.
At Bruichladdich we had four Purple Sandpipers and in the later afternoon two Common
Sandpipers too. Male Hen Harriers, clearing skies and Twite, Linnet and Lapwing all
bright and fresh looking.
2 May 2006
Absolutely foul today and the poor farmers seem to be losing lots of lambs to the
cold and wet. Spent the afternoon surveying the new site for Port Ellen Primary Schools
pond. On my way over found a couple of Black Tailed Godwits at Bridgend and thirteen
Whimbrel at Port Charlotte. Everything else seems to be hunkered down...
1 May 2006
One to one bushcraft course learning fire husbandry, foraging and shelters for the wild.
Chough above us and Oystercatchers on the shoreline. It seemed to rain all over Islay today save
us. Lucky! - PS a Corncrake was calling at Gruinart and one seen at Portnahaven too.
30 April 2006
Just a quick one about our fabulous Texa trip. There was so much going on taking time to
learn about being in the wild in a remote place without trees! That was the first challenge
as setting up the bashas and then having to dig a gypsy well for water. Finding food
was another challenge and creel making took quite a time. Not without success giving us
plenty of edible, shore and velvet crabs. Marvellous. Supplementing these with limpets and
winkles the food was not too bad. Sea weed; Sea Lettuce and Oarweed were good as were
Scurvy grass and Silverweed too. No luck with fish though. A resident otter and seal seemed to have the monopoly! We birded:
found thirty five species and had some really interesting ones - Snipe, Warblers and
a Honey Buzzard on our return. There are so many memories that each will bring home
with them - be it surviving the gale, making a creel, seeing an otter, digging a well,
laughing round the camp fire or just being in the nature and celebrating life! On
our return the team were all heroes and the hotel had quite a last night party. Wow.
Thank you all for making this expedition.
24-29 April 2006
Running and teaching on an advanced Bushcraft course on Texa. Putting theory into practice -
no trees here and real opportunities that will test the skills of all the students. Exciting stuff!
Again - report on my return. Tink is in the office and running the homeschool - marvellous!
23 April 2006
Am off with Roger Eaton on his charter boat talking a bunch of Journalists out on a sea
trip...wonder what we will see? report on my return from Texa - see above.
22 April 2006
What a difference a day makes!
Damp and cooler today but we still saw Swallows, Sand martins and House Martins.
Two White Fronted Geese a