Thurs 7th Feb

Well, I am sorry to report that I did go out this afternoon to try to locate the dead Pilot Whale, but to no avail, so perhaps the tide along with the wind through the night possibly took it back out to sea. Perhaps it will be found on a more accessable beach next time! IKB

There have 2 separate sightings of single Snow Bunting on the South coast of Islay recently and also some separate sightings on the Oa, but certainly not the large flocks of around 50 birds seen a few years ago on the Oa. RAS

Whilst out Goose counting today, there were around about 200 Lapwing along with 200 Golden Plover at Duich, 35 Teal on Loch Tallant and 150 Lapwing at Gartbreck. On the return home there were 18 Brent at Glenburn on Loch Indaal. MAO & CF

Over at Ballinaby, this morning there were 175 Lapwing and 55 Golden Plover in the turnip stubble, while across the road on the wet grassland there was a solitary Turnstone amongst a group of 12 Ringed Plover. The Glaucous Gull was still to be seen there too. Down at Machir Bay, 19 Curlew flew overhead as did 170 Oystercatcher late afternoon. 5 separate Snipe were flushed out too. MAB