Another damp, drizzly day with a moderate breeze and occasional sunny spells.
A new cohort of visiting birdwatchers were out on their first day on Islay. Mike Bell was full of enthusiasm. Here is his report in full:
"A very successful first day back on the island. Raptors: 2 White-tailed Eagles, 1 Golden Eagle, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Merlin at Gruinart, another Hen Harrier at Eresaid, a cock Merlin on the Coullabus road, a Golden Eagle at Sanaigmore, a male Hen Harrier at Saligo, a Peregrine at Coull and finally a third Merlin at Kilchoman. Also 9 Pink-footed Geese at Kilchoman, 5 Ruff at Craigens, 3 Greenshank at Bun an Uilt, impressive numbers of birds along the Bowmore to Bridgend shore with 57 Whooper Swans, 46 Brent Geese, 5 Canada Geese, 572 Wigeon and 64 Knot among the waders. 33 Siskin at Eallabus".
Laura Edwards-White saw a Barn Owl last night on a fence post near Blackrock and a Hen Harrier at Ardnave Point today, while Dan Brown saw probably the same Barn Owl this morning at Black-park and a Short-eared Owl over loch Indaal this morning. This evening he counted 4 Hen Harriers going to roost. The non-stop raptor-fest continued with Sam Reavey reporting a male Hen Harrier and a Barn Owl at Gruinart in the evening, while Sam Turnbull had another sighting of Golden Eagle at Sanaigmore. However the best raptor sighting was Sam Reavey's Red Kite over Mulindry. (Sam also clocked the other "Bird of the Day" - a Glaucous Gull at Uiskentuie).
Other stuff:
Several people looked today for the Lesser Grey Shrike with no success. Maybe it has finally decided that sub-saharan Africa beckons (I could have given it a lift as that is where I'm headed tomorrow, leaving the blog in other capable hands for 3 weeks or so).
Martin Armstrong has a ringed Brambling at his garden feeders, but can't get quite close enough views to read the tiny ring and find out its origins.
Several folks mention large numbers of finches and Redwings present.
No comments:
Post a Comment