Sun 2nd Nov

Hello, well it has not been 33C on Islay, but it has been beautiful. Soft autumn air with no wind and fantastically clear. Great views of Mull from the north of Islay and Donegal from the west. With the air being so still the sound of the geese especially at the roosts, Gruinart and Bridgend has been awesome for want of a better word. Of birds: On Fri 31st Oct there were 2 red kites over the Oa one had a single blue wing tag on the left wing. We think these are Irish released birds. There was also a Lapland bunting over the Oa. (AS). It appears to be a good year for snow buntings with 40 reported at Ardnave and 2 at Killinallen. On Sat 1st Nov there was a jack snipe at Ardnave and at least 5 long tailed ducks visible on Loch Indaal. A tawny and barn owl showing well on a beautiful evening at Gruinart. Today a quick look over the Gruinart floods revealed a huge fall of snipe with loads visible from the hide. (JRH)