Sunday 1st April

Better news today was that both the fires that we had yesterday were out this morning, a big relief to everyone. It did not after all come down into Glen Osamail. Thinking back to last big fire on Islay, it was a couple of years ago at least, in May, all the ground nesting birds were on nests, this year in comparison, I do not think that these birds would be sitting, possibly building nests. Also thinking back, although the ground may be look barren for a while it is amazing how quickly it will all green up again. We actually saw a Lizard running over the blackened ground yesterday

The other day George had found a Song Thrush's nest with 4 eggs in it. Yesterday on Loch Indaal down below his house, George had 2 Red throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, a Redshank on the shoreline along with some Rock Pipits too. Today George saw a female Blackbird carrying nesting material and up here the Jackdaws have been at the same ploy of late too. A visiting birder commented last night on the lack of Stonechats around, they are here but not so many about yet.