Sun 27th - Mon 28th April

Once again, for some reason or another I was unable to access the web to do the blog, but better late than never!

Over the last 2 days, the migrants are starting to return and stay, rather than just passing through. The Cuckoo had been heard over at RSPB Loch Gruinart reserve on Sunday morning, as had 2 Corncrake, with the Spotted Crake being heard on Sunday evening. A whinchat had been seen on the reserve also on Sunday. The Barn Owl had been seen out hunting in the dusk on Saturday night. A small group of 9 Whimbrel were up at Ardnave.

On Monday, another Cuckoo was heard over at Carnduncan, while in the afternoon, James heard 2 Grasshopper Warblers when he was at Ballygrant. Michal also heard one, in the evening beside Loch Gorm, he also had a flock of 120 Golden Plover again at Ballinaby. James reported in to say that he had done a count of the Rook nests being occupied on the reserve, with a total of 137 nest sites this year, a rise from 120 in 2007. Back here at home, there were 2 pairs of Swallow that were inspecting nests, possibly returning birds. JRH, MS & IKB