Monday 14th November

Many thanks to James for keeping the blog afloat whilst I was away on "annual leave", nowhere exotic this year, nowhere warm, no complaints. We were up on Skye for a week, Kestrels were common, as were Hooded Crows, we saw Golden Eagles too, as well as the odd Hen Harrier. After that, over to the other side of Scotland to Portmahamock, close to Tain. Different countryside there, but good birding on Loch Fleet, there was a new hide, hidden away, in fact we almost missed it! There was another good hide down close to Nigg which was also great to visit, both hides were great for waders etc with a Sparrowhawk upsetting the waders at Nigg! On to Perth, birdwatching on the back boiler now, and a chance for Margaret to carry some retail therapy out, and for us both to look at some new ideas.... We also caught up with old friends which was great, one of whom I had not seen for almost 40 years, so a lot of catching up there.... On the ferry, we spoke with a lady who we had met on Fair Isle a few years ago and is over on Islay this week to catch the geese, so no doubt will meet up with her before the week is out! Will get back to Islay birds tomorrow, and again thanks to James for holding the fort...