Tuesday 17th April

An earlier entry for once, Walkislay is going well with an otter seen close to the shore, might get some images from somebody, yes Tam and Neil did promise us an Otter... On Sunday, Peter and Pia had a Purple Sandpiper along with 20 Turnstone at Bruichladdich. Along at Gortan, they had a 2nd yr Iceland Gull in amongst some other Gulls, also there were 4 Brent Geese. The White tailed Sea Eagle was seen over towards Port Askaig. Yesterday the "old Faithful" Iceland Gull was up at Bunnahabhain. Over at Gruinart, 3 Glaucous Gull were present, all seen from the viewing platform. Also, were a small group of Barnies and also the Canada Goose on the flats. Peter reckons that there are around 250 - 300 Barnies in the Gruinart area and another 50 - 100 round by Ballinaby. At The Woolen Mill, a pair of Dippers were seen, and over at Port Askaig 11 Black Guillemots were seen and at Bunnahabhain a further 14 in the Sound of Islay. There were also 6 off Port Charlotte yesterday too. Today, at Port Ellen there were 15 Pale bellied Brent Geese in the edge of the bay, Margaret had a Reed Bunting on her way up to Kilchoman Distillery, and Bob had 4 Common Sandpiper in Kilchiaran Bay