Thurs 8th Jan

The Canvasback duck was seen again this morning amongst the Scaup at the head of Loch Indaal. It was originally seen by John Armitage, who contacted Andy Schofield and Louise Gregory from RSPB. Later on, it was also seen by James How and Michal Sur. It is the first sighting of this bird on Islay, and Argyll, and had only been seen 7 times previously in the UK. If confirmed by the rare birds committee that would bring the tally to 8. RAS

While down looking at this duck on Loch Indaal, James also had seen 5 Long tailed Ducks, 1 Black throated Diver, several Great Northern Divers along with several Red throated Divers. There was also a large flock of Scaup present too, as well as 5 Slavonian Grebe. Back at the Gruinart, and the lesser Canada Goose, hutchinsii sp is still along with the other geese on the flats. JRH