Thursday 29 March 2012

Thursday 29th March

Before Neil and Elaine left on Manday, they managed a few more sightings for us...A Merlin at Kilchoman, a strong passage of Gannets moving South off Machir Bay with several Fulmars seen too. 6 Stonechats round at Ballinaby, another Merlin at Sanaigmore. 6 Wheatear were seen around too. A 2nd year Glaucous Gull was at Craigens, as well as a singing Chiffchaff and a Hen Harrier. The Green winged Teal was out in front of the hide, as well as 4 Black tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, another Hen Harrier and 4 Whoopers. Over at Keills they had a Yellowhammer, and single Grey Wagtails at Bridgend and also over at Port Askaig. From the ferry, they had 2 Golden Eagles and a Peregrine over Islay. In Loch Tarbet, birds included were 28 Red throated Diver, 30+ GND, a drake Common Scoter, 20 Red breasted Merganser and 3 summer plumage Slavonian Grebes. Once again thanks sharing your sightings with us.

Today, down on the reserve on the Oa, Dave and the team had carried out a early season survey on the cliffs of early nesting species, highlights were as follows, 3 Peregrines, 2 male Hen Harrier, 6 Chough, 415 Fulmar, 13 Black Guillemot, 17 Wheatear, 1 House Martin and 1 Snow Bunting. Back to this side of Islay, and this afternoon there was a leucistic Barnacle Goose amongst the flock down at Rockside, could this be the Ardnave bird or another one? Further along a Kestrel was out on the wing.

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