Islay Bird News Archive 2006
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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 and six Barnacle! The fields lie empty like the end of a battle when all have gone. Just raw, close cropped grass and lambs. Wheatears and Twite at Craigens and Lapwing too. Red Breasted Mergansers, Eider and a Hen Harrier at Killinallan as well as singing Skylarks and Stonechats. Even the Stags look down without their antlers on the hill. later in the afternoon a Merlin stormed by at Cross Houses - scattering Pipits and Wagtails!
20 April 2006
Southerly wind arrived last night - the geese headed off and Swallows and Martins are everywhere! Our half day tour took us along the Merse in stunning light, Shelduck, Oystercatchers, Dunlin and Godwits too. Up on the hill fields Ravens and Hoodies hung about and Skylarks called, their song filling the air where Barnacles were. At Gruinart a few Barnacle and Whitefront stragglers loafed about and Turnstones did their thing along the shoreline. A Golden Eagle drifted high in the thermals. Magical. Spring arrived today!
18 April 2006
What a super day. The wind headed round to the South West and it felt warm at last! We watched sixty plus Dunlin fly into the Merse off the sea all with black bellies and saw Scaup and Curlew, Red Throated and Gt Northern Divers and Mergansers too. A pair of Great Crested Grebes too. Sand Martins, Swalllows and an odd House Martin around Gorm and a Golden Eagle across the loch whilst we ate our lunch - excellent. We saw five Hen Harriers. Two males. Marvellous. We also enjoyed the odd groups of Barnacles and Whitefronts that are still here. Wheatears and Stonechats and Pied Wagtails with nesting materials. Twite, Linnet and Chough crowned the day in which we also had brilliant views of Mull too.
14 April 2006
It really felt like spring today - blue skies and a wee shower for a short while. Not cold but a west wind blew steadily. We saw Hen Harrier, fourteen Whooper Swans just arriving at Gruinart, Stonechat, Barnies and Whitefronts. We spent a lot of time delighting in the Barnies washing and drinking at Gartmain. Wonderful. The Brent Geese we good to see just below the college and Raven and Lapwing tumbled in the air. Red and Roe Deer on the moss and Buzzards lazily circled above gorse covered cnocs. Fantastic.
13 April 2006
A strange weather day with a family tour. Very cold westerly wind meant times huddled out of the wind sheltered by the Landrover. White Wagtail, Dunlin, Ringed Plover - Barnacles at Gartbreck and a handful of Whitefronts too. Skylarks and Roe Deer in the heather. Cracking light between the showers and of course our wonderful rainbows. We looked for Terns but no luck however five Long Tailed Ducks near the Gaelic College were a real highlight.
12 April 2006
Rain today after a windy night and some of the geese have gone -few on the Rhinns first thing - there is a new quietness to the island, most strange. However we headed down Ardtalla way where we watched an Otter for half an hour fishing and feeding, saw Razorbills, Guillemots and Black Guillemots too. In the woods we had a Blackcap. At Claggain we saw a Red Throated Diver and a Black Throated - both getting into summer plumage. Excellent. Plenty of Seals and gulls too. Red Breasted Mergansers and a single young Whooper Swan.
11 April 2006
Two family tours this day. With all weathers and temperatures we enjoyed the birding. In the morning we started at Bridgened and headed up to Killinallan. Plenty of waders: Oystercatchers, Curlew, Turnstones and Bar Tailed Godwits. Shelduck and Widgeon and some Brent Geese at the head of the loch. Barnacle and Whitefront Geese still everywhere and Red Deer on the hill. Buzzards and Raven too. In the afternoon we saw Great Northern Diver, Chough, Red Throated Diver and a male Hen Harrier. On the spit there were twenty three Knot amid oystercatchers and a lone Sanderling with Dunlin. Marvellous.
10 April 2006
Having picked up clients from the ferry this morning in bright sunshine we headed out along Loch Indaal for Whooper and Mute Swans, Wigeon, Oystercatchers and masses of barnacle Geese. Great Northern and Red Throated Divers. In the hinterland we saw Hen Harriers, Buzzard and a Sand martin. Chough from Kilchoman and Whitefronts and well as more Barnacles, Linnet and Curlew. Having dropped off some of the clients at Port Askaig to get back to the mainland we then headed along the Glen Road where we had a cracking Whimbrel and Swallow too.
6 April 2006
Recce-ing Texa Isle for a Bushcraft Expedition today. I was accompanied by DJ MacPhee (Head Keeper) and Ewan Fraser(Coastguard). We had a cracking day seeing wee primroses and almost flowering sea pinks, plenty of birdlife to; a pair of Peregrines, Shag, Greylag Geese, Raven, Buzzard. Mid afternoon everything went into a panic and a Gyr falcon flew right overhead! Superb. returning to the 'mainland' we were satisfied and tired of from a fabulous day.
5 April 2006
Another really good day's birding starting with a family dawn tour where we watched the Barnies leaving their roost from Laggan and Bridgend. Then over Foreland looking at Roe and Red Deer, Buzzard and Hares. Raven lazed around and Hoodies looked for lambs, sitting on fence stobs next to newborns. On the flats were plenty of geese, Redshank and Lapwing on territory. The rest of the day was spent on the Rhinns, Razorbill, Black Guillemot and Common Guillemot. Three male Hen Harriers the last over Gorm with a female chasing another male off! Above Kilhiaran we had great views of Chough with nesting material heading for the cliffs and then a buzzard seeing off a Golden Eagle. Superb. In the burn a Grey Wagtail looked for insects and to finish two male Snow Buntings headed over, landed and then headed off again. Wow!
4 April 2006
A sunny family tour again today. Stating with an absolutely cracking male Wheatear at Borachill Mor. Then we noticed the geese go up over the estate and got a stunning Golden Eagle high above them circling ever upwards. We watched for a long time an spied a Buzzard below good for size comparison! Then onto Craigens; Twite, Barnies, Whitefronts and Stonechats. Up at Bun an Uilt we had plenty of waders and gulls with good views of Shelduck, Wigeon and Oystercatchers. On our return at Blackrock we found two Chough. Great. The wind is still from the NNW so we awaiting the migrants....
3 April 2006
Although the sun has shone today we had cold rain too and a northerly wind keeping the migration at bay. At Crigens we had plenty of Barnacles, a wee number of Twite, a White Wagtail. Further northwards several waders- Turnstone, Oystercatchers and Redshank and a lone Bar Tailed Godwit. A couple of Eider and Wigeon too as well as loads of Shelduck. Then with our family birders from Gloucester we headed out along the raised beach to watch more Geese, Skylarks and Pipits.
30 March 2006
The rain held off and we went around the Rhinns for a morning tour. Watching Black Guillemots,
Shag and Cormorant feeding. Then down to Ellister where we had our first swallow
and a Sandmartin too! (I know they are storming in down in England - but not quite here!)
Round Port Weymss and Portnahaven where we walked Currie Sands - plenty of Common Gulls and
Fulmars. Gannets feeding off shore. Two Chough again and Lapwing too. Curlew on the rough looking
interesetd in nesting. Stonechats, Raven and Reedbuntings completed our morning.
29 March 2006
A custom tour for birders from Melborne, Australia. We had a cracking day in warm
southerlies and mostly blue skies. From carnduncan we headed via gruinart to Craigens
watching Geese, Curlew and Redshank. A brief look along the fileds brought us alot of Twite,
Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. At Bun an Uilt we had four Rock Pipits close enough to
photograph from the landy. Then further up a clearly identified Jack Snipe. Across to
Dunlossit via Borachill and two Choughs and our first Wheatear, a female. Up at Dunlossit
a female Merlin stormed across us and then we spent time deer watching. Ravens and Hoodies
watched us. Four Lesser Canadas were with the Barnies loafing in the fields, a Common Snipe flew
in front of us through the wet fields, then a bright Yellowhammer too.
We walked to Dun Nosebridge see Buzzards displaying and some great wee woodland
species including Siskin and Tits. Returning to Bridgend for Dunlin, Oystercatchers,
Ringed Plovers and Pale Bellied Brents. Plenty of new species for Bill and Shirley
- all the way from Australia!
25 March 2006
Warmer today and went out for a wee while looking for Wheatears - no luck on the
usual places this morning - although I did not have time to go to Ardnave. The rest of
the day has been taken up with redeveloping the website(s) for next month..keep a look out!
23 March 2006
Running a bushcraft and leadership course today. Out at Killinallan where it was quite raw in the
South Easterly wind. fire, food and shelter all successfully completed and lot of
discussion/excercises of effective leadership, courage/values and integrity.
Most interesting and enjoyable! By the way - a Sandmartin went up the glen by Ballimony. Well
done John!
22 March 2006
Another cracking day with a photographer from Hampshire. Having set up the hide at
Bun an Uilt it was not long for the tide to drop and Oystercatchers, Curlew and Redshank
called in. Our patience paid off with some super close photos! Then in the afternoon to
to check out the muddy pools at the head of Loch Indaal. We were rewarded with Dunlin,
Ringed Plover and Rock Pipit, finishing with Purple Sandpipers and Brent Geese at
Bruichladdich. Lots of images and great light.
21 March 2006
First day of Spring! It really felt like it with warm sunshine and brilliant light.
Up to Killinallan with our Stroud Birders- Golden Eagle from Coullabus and plenty of White
fronts and Barnies. Lots of Skylarks, three Hen Harriers, Grey Plovers, Lapwing, Oystercatchers,
and Reed Buntings too. Then on
the water a winter Red Throated Diver and then another - this one in full summer
plumage - amazing, calling and displaying to the other. We then headed for the
merse for a spot of wader watching - Scaup in the distance, 183 Knot, Turnstone, Dunlin,
Ring Plover and lots of
Bar Tailed Godwits and two Black Tailed Godwits. Excellent.
20 March 2006
Getting the Nadair/RSPB schools project posted today. Great Northern Diver just off the pier
and a couple of Black Guillemots too. Purple Sandpipers on the rocks. Yesterday I was out on the
bike for the first time in three months - collar bone still not fixed so must be careful. Geese
feeding and Curlew moving in from th esea and a large flock (200 plus) of Barnacles spotted flying up
Loch Indaal from Ireland. Wonderful. This spring thing is slowly happening - 10 degrees and lunch outside!
18 March 2006
The sun shone and skylarks sang , lapwings on territory an devn the chaffinch sang in
the woods.I walked across to gruinart to meet with a colleague to finish the Nadair/RSPB
schools project. It felt like spring and sounded like it too!
15 March 2006
A much better day despite the freezing easterly wind. We caught the Barnies leaving their
Bridgend roost first thing and then back for breakfast. During the day we went looking for
Chough and on the way to Kilchoman there was plenty of opportunity for great imges of Hares.
In th esunlight we found a great flock of Chough bouncing and playing in the wind. Good enough
to get some splendid flying images.Then we went off for White Fronted Geese and Red Deer.
We were rewarded with some of the best views of Stags I have ever seen. And happy
photographers too!
14 March 2006
The sun started to shine this morning and we were able to get our photographers to capture
on 'film' Geese, Chough and more Geese! We had Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcoln, Linnet,
Twite, Golden Plover and Lapwing. It was cold as we waited for the dusk and the sky filled with cloud and
we were not able to see the amazing sunset that the day promised!
13 March 2006
Rain again today and th eferries and plane did not run. Luckily enough our four Northern
Irish Photographers arrived last night. We had a reasonable day for birds but not brilliant
for
taking photos. A visit to Bruichladdich Distillery this morning warmed us all up and
enabled the couple of hours in the hide at Gruinart to pass interstingly! Hen Harrier,
Shoveler, Redshank, Curlew, Lapwing and Teal. Then onto the otherside for waders and
more rain. We then went looking for Red Deer. Found some excellent ones on the Glen Road
and then into Bowmore for some really good views and photos of Goldeneye, male and female,
and Scaup too. So close you could see the blue bills of the males without 'bins'. Hopefully
tomorrow we'll have better light.
12 March 2006
Whilst everywhere north seemed covered in snow we had rain 45mm in fact.
However it did not stop the birding. We witnessed the dawn with Barnies and
Whitefronts heading over Craigens and a Sparrowhawk too. Two Stags looked on
from the field behind us. We headed for Sanaigmore where loads of Skylarks
fed amid the silage and Gulls loafed about. Our first Lesser Black Backed
awaiting the new lambs! Then onto Kilchoman where it was too windy to use th escope to find the
falcon on the cliff. Thank goodness for kind farmers who invite dus to see it from the kitchen in
the scope. Cracking. Slainte Margaret and Ian. Returning we enjoyed seeing the Geese
munching and occasionally floating on the wild weather. Our Cambridge birder/photographer
had had a great Goose Fest.
11 March 2006
A wee bit of sunshine as we headed for the Oa. Good views of a Golden eagle, Chough and Raven.
Then excellent views of 31 Snow Buntings, masses of Twite, Linnet and Skylarks too.
In th eafternoon we made our way back to the Rhinns, cracking male Hen Harrier right in front
of us and our photographer snapped awy. Also 97 Golden Plover - one odd one which needs checking
again before we get too excited! Plenty of Lapwing, Fulmar and Gannets too. The wind has been
all over today and cold too.
10 March 2006
First day of a Goose Fest. Dreary weather but good views of Geese: Barnacle, Whitefront,
greylag and Lesser Canada as well as Pale Bellied Brents. On Gruinart we had Shoveller,
Bar Tailed Godwits, Knot, Grey Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin,Turnstone, Linnet, Skylarks,
Curlew and Golden Plover.
Chough at Ardnave and Tufted Duck too and a single Greenshank. A good day despite the greyness!
8 March 2006
To Colonsay today working on the Nadair/RSPB schools wildlife project. Arrived by fishing boat
and had an interesting researching sites for school children to visit.There was a swell going
over but there was quite alot to see: Shags and Cormorants, Gulls, Fulmars and Black Guillemots.
On our arrivel a Pair of raven called and circled above then a pair of Chough too. Two large Canada
geese did a fly past too. Plenty of Greylag and a couple of Mute Swans, Shelduck, Mistle Thrush
and male hen Harriers - again two!We did the site visits and meet the school teacher and were
back at Port Charlotte by 1900hrs.
I am planning on running a trip or two with this boat this summer for six people - perhaps
even to see the fanatstic seabird colony here. Anyone interested please contact me.
6 March 2006
Another superb day with brilliant blue skies, calm lochs and great views of excellent birds.
Razorbills, Black Guillemots, Gt Northern and Red Throated Divers, Eiders and Gannets. Loch
Indaal gave us plenty to look at. At Port Weymss there were seals, Shags and Cormorants,
Oystercatchers and Gulls. Curlew and Lapwing, Golden Plover in the fields. Three Grey Plovers in off the sea.
Then loads of Geese went up and over the brow of the hill were one, no two, and then three
Golden Eagles - the Buzzards went up to mob them. We had a spectacle to watch over lunch time.
The afternoon was taken up seeing Chough, more Barnies, Whitefronts and Fulamars. A Grey
Wagtail in glowing yellow,
in the burn, almost finished the day save the sighting of two Whooper Swans at Port Charlotte.
The sun still shining!
3 March 2006
Yet another clear and fab day. Starting at Bruichladdich for Purple Sandpiper,
Oystercatcher, Redshank, Curlew and Ringed Plover then onto Craigens and Killinallan.
We spent alot of time watching the tide going out getting to see Lapwing,
large flocks Dunlin and Sanderling and the odd Grey Plover. Testing out new mobile hide
we had great fun and were well impressed with its' ability to give us the oportunity to keep out
of the wind and geat closer to the birds. A Pipit was within a couple of feet! The sun shone and
the snow slowly melted.
2 March 2006
what a brilliant morning starting at a snowy Port Charlotte just as dawn broke.
Six thirty and it seemed that we were the only ones alive! geese on the loch,
gulls floating above their reflections mirrored in the stillness. Up to Blackrock
where we had the Long Tailed Ducks, Slavonian grebes, Black Throated, Great Northern
and then a pair of Red Throated Divers. Further out three Great Crested Grebes too.
Round the loch as the Barnacles flew over and workers drove to work followed by the
snow plough(!) and we then had the sun right behind us. Whooper swans, Scaup, Dunlin,
Redshank and Oystercatchers. We then headed inland an spied a magnificent Golden Eagle
on a post. It was still windless as we headed back mid morning for a late breakfast
and then an access meeting for myself. The birders headed off and tomorrow we'll catch up.
They must have had a super day. I cannot wait to hear.
1 March 2006
A bitterly cold day with snow on the ground this morning. Up to Ardnave where we
walked in sunshine and biting wind. We could easily see Mull covered in snow some
45 miles away. Plenty of Snipe - five - Barnacle and and Whitefronted,
Purple Sandpipers, Grey Plover, Turnstone and Oystercatchers as well as Golden Plover.
A good number of Chough
and Curlew, also there was a single Skylark singing.. Then onto to Kilchoman where we had a magnificent young Golden Eagle
and hot chocolate at the distilllery. It thawed us out and we headed for Port Charlotte
warm and satisfied from another good day's birding.
25/26 February 2006
A cracking weekend doing a bushcraft course up at the caves. We started with
a Golden Eagle, tracked an Otter along the bay and arrived with a Raven overhead.
Plenty of time and light to make ourselves
comfortable, sorting out the caves, firelighting and preparing food. The night shone with stars
so we had a great time stargazing and telling stories around the camp fire. The night was cold
but we survived and then up with the dawn - again getting a brew on and then foraging
shell fish and seaweed,
and water purifying. Breakfast in full sunshine and then time to discuss kit and even do
a 'sit spot' before heading back along the hill - plenty of Red Deer. A afbulous weekend of learning
in the nature and becoming comfortable with the wilderness.
21 February 2006
The weather has kept clear and brilliant with a blue sky and great light.
Around the Rhinns with cracking views of female Merlin, male Hen Harrier,
Chough and a single Whooper Swan. We followed Otter tracks on the beach at Currie
Sands and had a good flock of Fieldfare on the fields beyond as well as Lapwing and
Golden Plover. A Golden Eagle drifted over the plantation with a Buzzard for comparison.
Up along Long Indaal for Purple Sandpipers, Turnstones and Ringed Plover. Then came the
Pale Bellied Brent. At Blackrock we found five Long Tailed Ducks - easily scoped and clear too.
Gt Northern, Red Throated and a single Black Throated diver, Slavonian Grebe too as well
as the large Scaup flock off Bowmore. An Otter dived. Barnacles took off high above us and we
turned for home. A magical day.
19 February 2006
A fabulous day with clear skies. This afternoon we were up on the Glen Road eagle
spotting and found two over Avonvoggie. Wonderful. Then to Killinallan - waders on the loch:
Redshank, Greenshank, Curlew, Lapwing and Bar Tailed Godwits. We had a female Merlin dash infront
and plenty of lazy Herons. The best was seeing a spectacular sunset, crimson orange and baby
blue with thousands of geese coming into roost. Fantastic!
17 February 2006
A homeschool trip today out to Kilchoman and Machir.
A still day and sun shining too! Plenty of Gulls at Machir, we scanned for
any white winged ones but no luck, Chough and Raven and large rook flocks on the
fields beyond the bay. Four Whooper Swans and a Hen Harrier at Rockside. Plenty
of Barnacles and Whitefronts too. On Gorm there were Teal, Wigeon, Mallard and
Goldeneye.We also found a couple of large Skylark flocks and Lapwing too.
The afternoon was spent pond digging for the homeschool ducks!
15 February 2006
Again the rain fell and although we have had little for the month so far it has been making it up
over the past twenty four hours. Chough at Machir and at the hide - Shoveller, Pintail mases of Teal
including the Green Winged male and the Ringtail causing havoc. Loads of Golden Plover and
Lapwing too.Two folks from the WWT who were also in the hide reported an Iceland Gull at Bunnahabhain.
The sun came out and we headed to Ardnave. On the west cost were plenty of waders including
fifty four Grey Plover, fouteen Purple Sandpipers . The second winter
Golden Eagle played havoc with the geese! Then it started to rain again!
11 February 2006
Upon the Rhinns this day and the sun shone by lunch time, Before we saw Lapwing, Golden Plover,
Barnacles and Whitefronts. We sea watched and had plenty of Gannets, Shearwaters and Guillemots.
Then we headed inland and found eight Snow Buntings beyond Claddach. The afternoon was spent
at the head of Loch Indaal: Red Throated Diver, Scaup, Eider, Wigeon and Pintail too.
A Snipe exploded as a Buzzard flew low over some wetland and
Turnstones and Oystercatchers mooched amongst the washed up seaweed. We waited and waited
for the geese to roost, the light lay long tonight - however when they all took off to roost,
it was well worth waiting for.
8 February 2006
The sun shone and we headed around the Rhinns with our Visit Scotland Journalists.
Great Northern Divers on Loch Indaal, Cormorant and Shag and Black Guillemots too.
Lots of Buzzards and a cracking Merlin.
We followed a wee flock of Chough - along the west. We popped into Bruichladdich
Distillery and then onto Kilchoman for a delicious lunch. Birding continued at Machir -
loads of Gulls - Common and Herring and a handful of Greater Black Backed then onto Gruinart
for the roosting Geese. Superb - another son et lumiere!
7 February 2006
Showing and sharing with a group of journalists and travel writers. We stopped to look at the
Red Deer Stags on the Dunlossit Estate and then onto Finlaggan. The weather was wild but it did
not stop us looking at the Whitefronts and Barnacles. A female cracking Merlin crossed our path and
Ravens hung in the frantic air. The afternoon was taken with seeing the Woollen Mill
and a trip to Bowmore Distillery. Very good too!On our way to Port Charlotte we caught the Barnacles
coming to roost - always one of the best sights!
6 February 2006
UNICEF teaching in a local primary school. They had raised over £200 between the thirty of them!
5 February 2006
Cloudy but clear views today. The wind had changed and a SWesterly brought in a heaviness to the
day. However this did not stop us birding with barnacles starting our day at Port Charlotte
and Gt Northern Divers in the bay. Onto Kilchoman for Chough, Fulmar and an empty
Peregrine perch! Plenty of Geese in the fields and although we scanned for lesser Canadas
we had no luck.We saw Ian and Margaret's new Dutch lambs - thanks, and
We did however witness four groups of high Lapwings heading for Coull.
Lunch at the hide saw us having to decide which raptor to scope/watch - Peregrine or
Hen Harrier both rushing th ewaders and ducks. At Ardnave we tracked an Otter to
it's holt and saw and heard even more Chough, Buzzard and Hen Harrier. On our way
back along Gruinart a young Golden Eagle obliged by sitting on a wall. Fabulous.
Wader watching on the flats at Craigens to finish with Bar Tailed Godwits,
Grey Plover and Dunlin. Staying out long enough to see the Barnies coming to roost.
4 February 2006
Frost this morning and at the top of Loch Indaal there was a thin coating of ice.
We had brilliant views of seaducks from the Bowmore side; Scaup, Scoter, Eider, Golden Eye
- displaying - (those males waste no time!)
and Wigeon. Then we saw the Slavonian Grebes, Knot, Redshank and Turnstones.
We headed for Blackrock for Shag and Cormorant ID'ing - always a tricky one and to view the
Barnacles in the fields behind. We also clearly saw a pair of Great Crested Grebes displaying
wonderfully just offshore. At Uiskentuie we watched a pair of Chough enjoying the warm, yes warm sunshine.
Purple Sandpiper at Bruichladdich, Two Pinkfeet with a mix of Greylag and Whitefront
at St Kiaran's. The rest of the Rhinns brought Fulmars, Buzzards, Raven and other corvids,
Rock Doves and Kestrel. More Geese and then an adult and young Whooper Swans on the
Port charlotte distillery pond. A super end to a cracking day.
3 February 2006
A stunning afternoon to start a weekend's Goose fest. Having picked up our folks at Port Askaig
- they saw three dolphins from the ferry and immediately we had a Sparrowhawk, Fieldfare
and Redwing - a Buzzard at Finlaggan sending them all for the trees. Via the Woollen Mill
for the elusive Dipper and Coal Tits, Great Tits and Blue Tits and then onto Bridgend
for the roosting of the Barnacles. A baby blue sky with lines of crimson was the backdrop.
A stunning sight.
29 January 2006
The weather has been brilliant over the past few days with the Barnacles contrasting
nicely against the azure sky. Crisp light allows excellent birding and at the homeschool
Garden Birdwatch we counted nineteen House Sparrows, numerous Starlings, three Blue Tits,
Greenfinches and Great Tits as well as a pair of BlackBirds, Dunnock and Robin but the best
were three Chough that went over the garden and landed on the workshop roof opposite the garden
for a wee while!
26 January 2006
Another fabulous day sarting with six Dolphins in the loch! Then later up at the back of Bruichladdich
whilst out with the homeschool fieldtrip we had four Snipe, a Woodcock and masses of Geese on the hill.
We tracked Roe Deer and found a buck and a doe hiding in the woodland. Superb.
21 January 2006
A calm loch and a chance for a couple of hours around Bowmore and the battery.
We had plenty of Turnstones, Ringed Plovers and several Purple Sandpipers. On the loch the
Scaup flock was visible through the scopes from the Gaelic College, Gt Northern Diver,
Eider, Long Tailed Duck,Slavonian Grebe
and we also had a adult Ring Billed Gull - probably
the same one that has been around for sometime. A Peregrine excited the waders and Ringtail
sent the Geese on the fields scattering. On our return there were two Whooper Swans
(adult and young) on the Port Charlotte pond.
17 January 2006
Working on the Nadair/RSPB schools project today. This meant a trip to Jura.
On the way we delighted in an Otter pottering about and on our return a Golden Eagle.
Even the Jura bus stopped for a look!
15 January 2006
Well,today the sun was not shining! Definately not! The wind and rain came right across the loch,
the Ringed Plovers hiding out amid the rocks and one Purple Sandpiper too at Bruichladdich.
Two Pink footed Geese were with several Greylags.
At the head of the loch were 23 Pale Bellied Brent. We then headed for Ardnave. A wild day
watching Geese moving from Nave Island to Islay. Then we came across the Chough, nearly
thirty plus of them, great! A wee flock of Twite too. From the hide were masses of Teal, Wigeon,
Shoveller and four Black Tailed Godwits - a very scarce sight. A Ringtail and Sparrowhawk
sending everything up in turn. So despite the weather the birding was wonderful.
14 January 2006
First day of a weekend Goose Fest and what a day it was too. Sunshine all day and it took
away the coldness of the south easterly wind. We started at just down from the Gaellic
College watching Scaup, Slavonian Grebe, Mergansers, Eiders and Long Tailed Ducks.
A group of Whooper Swans flew towards Laggan. At Gartmain we enjoyed seeing the Barnacle Geese drinking and
washing and there was a single Lesser Canada amongst them. Onto Gruinart where we wader watched from
the Killinallan side - Knot, Dunlin, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Bar Tailed Godwits, Redshank
and above Gortaintoid two Golden Eagles - wonderful.A Hen Harrier and Twite showed nearby the farm.
On the Other side a Peregrine stormed by
upsetting all and sundry.Greenland Whitefronted Geese loafed about,
a single Pinkfoot too. We finished by watching several thousand Barnacles heading
for their roost from West Cross Houses to Bridgened. The sun was setting, the noise
of th ebarnies and the sight of them streaming past was a fitting end to the day
and it was almost over but then a Merlin stormed by - metres from us. Show off!
13 January 2006
Working on a Nadair/RPB Environmental Education project visiting two schools
and surveying a couple of sites. Had a cracking Sparrowhawk with prey at Craigmore Woods
and then a male Hen Harrier floating along the west side of Kilnaughton. Many Barnacle Geese
in neighbouring fields and lots of winterborne pools of water...everywhere!
12 January 2006
No tours today, however on my to physio we noticed that so many of the birds were
hunkered down against the mad wind from the ssw. A pair of Raven were not too
bothered at Blackrock and all along the strand there were gulls, Herring, GtBB'ed
and Common, floating in the air just above the surf line looking for and windblown morsels.
A pair of Chough showed off at Uiskentuie. All sensible beings are inside as the winter wind
rattles and sings round the stone houses and grey spume drifts across dour fields.The
benefit is the knowledge that this is not a permanent state of affairs!
12 January 2006
No tours today, however on my to physio we noticed that so many of the birds were
hunkered down against the mad wind from the ssw. A pair of Raven were not too
bothered at Blackrock and all along the strand there were gulls, Herring, GtBB'ed
and Common, floating in the air just above the surf line looking for and windblown morsels.
A pair of Chough showed off at Uiskentuie. All sensible beings are inside as the winter wind
rattles and sings round the stone houses and grey spume drifts across dour fields.The
benefit is the knowledge that this is not a permanent state of affairs!
9 January 2006
The moon was shining last night and the temperature dropped.
The geese were feeding by moonlight above Port Charlotte and one could hear the
barking in flight and see them
flying and moving about the fields. A wonderful sight their black and white markings bright
in the moonlight.
4 January 2006
A good clear day over much of the island so our mixed group from Suffolk/Norfolk and
Edinburgh we in for a good one. At the top of the loch we enjoyed seeing the Pale Bellied
Brents, Oystercatchers, Cormorants and a dog Otter that enthralled us all fishing and eating
for a good twenty minutes. We then moved round east to where the Scaup were and found four
Long Tailed Ducks (two pairs). In the trees behind a Mistle Thrush was singing in the sunshine! Redwing,
Fieldfares and Geese were in the fields beyond. At killinallan we wader watched: Knot,
Bar Tailed Godwits, Dunlin and Sanderling ...then five Grey Plovers. We did well for
the raptors too: Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Hen Harriers male and female, Buzzard and a very distant
Golden Eagle. another cracking day!
3 January 2006
Only half a day that started with the good Dr O phoning (thanks) to say an adult Ring Billed Gull
had been seen from Bowmore. We had a bunch of novices looking for waders and ducks
this afternoon that was great fun. Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Ringed Plover, Knot and
Oystercatchers. Scaup were rafted out from Gartmain, Pintail, Eider, Wigeon, Shelduck
and Teal. The loch was flat calm and light good so all species were clearly identified.
2 January 2006
The rain held off and we went to the Oa. on the way a Golden Eagle loafed about the top
of the loch. A great start! On the Oa there were masses of Twite, Linnet and on the
cliff edge Mark found a load of Snow Buntings! Chough and Raven, Divers on the sea far below
and great views of Eire and Northern Ireland. On our return a pair of Hen Harriers and
another eagle. The Barnies and Whitefronts in the fields at Kilnaughton and a single
second winter Ring Billed Gull.
Photographic Images
Islay Birding are grateful to
Carl Reavy and Jeremy Hastings Digiscoping, Peter Henricson (Sw) and Dave Protherough
of ReJIG for the use of images on this website. Please note that the bird list comes by kind permission
of Malcolm Olgilvie in his book: 'The Birds of Islay'
Tel: 01496 850010 or 07810 460 175
Email: islaywildernessguide@hotmail.com
The Old Byre Main Street, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay, PA48 7TX
Part of the Wildwood Wisdom Cooperative
