Friday 13th April

Peter and Pia returned earlier this week, just as the ferry was coming up the Sound of Islay, Pia spotted a White tailed Sea Eagle being mobbed by Gulls, it was leaving Jura and flying over to Islay. Mary sent some sightings through from yesterday, on the regular Thursday walk at Gruinart, they had a Willow Warbler which appeared to be competing with the Wrens for top spot at singing! Later on they had a Golden Eagle rising on the thermals above the Craigmhor area. On her way home, there was a single Whooper on Ellister Loch, with Wheatears busy at Claddach. Behind Portnahaven were a pair of Snipe, as well as a Chough with a seemingly sore throat by the sound of it! Visitors from the Bolton area had seen Little Grebe earlier this week on the Lily Loch, here over the crag at Kilchoman, 17 Chough yesterday, and noting fewer geese as this week has progressed. Up at Ardnave they had 10 Black tailed Godwit along with the leucistic Godwit. Also present were 6 Ringed Plover. Here at home there was a Goldcrest on the old apple tree and our first Wheatear on the crag, both this afternoon. It was Chris's last today, and he had a male and female Hen Harrier over towards the airport. At Gruinart a further 2 Hen Harriers and a Golden Eagle. More Wheatear were seen at Ardnave, with 6 seen and 14 Oystercatcher on Ardnave Loch itself. Down the back of Bridgend he had a Sparrowhawk. Chris also commented on fewer Geese around the island, compared with the start of his visit, Gruinart still seems to be having geese present, but possibly just a gathering point for them before heading off!