Tuesday 5th June

It's been a long day, been up since the early hours this morning, but back home now so time for a quick blog. I notice that I put the wrong date for yesterday's entry...but on double checking I am correct that this is Tuesday and it is the 5th, back on track again!!! Mary had been busy over the weekend carrying out survey work. She had a pair of Canada Geese over on Nave Island on Saturday and also an elusive Barnacle Goose there too. At Ardnave point, there were 3 Golden Plover in summer plumage. Round at the lobster ponds, a pair of Shelduck was seen along with  8 ducklings, also there was a pair of Greylags with their young. There were a large flock of 50 Curlew and nearly 60 Oystercatcher. Round the corner, 8 Whimbrel were seen, 19 Dunlin, 1 Turnstone in summer plumage, 3 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover and 6 Sanderling in varying different stages of moult. Yesterday, Mary had a Black tailed Godwit in full summer plumage at Ardnave, several young Lapwings in flight and 3 pairs with very young chicks as well. Back down in the woods behind the office Mary had a couple of Blackcaps calling away, as well as some Willow Warblers there too. Returning back down to the office, a male Hen Harrier was seen, and later on a couple of Ravens were heard calling away. Today, Mary had a couple of Cuckoos on the reserve at Gruinart, and down on the Rhinns she saw a Short eared Owl. Yesterday, Dave saw 3 Risso's Dolphins off the Oa.