Further sunny, dry and warm weather.
Peter Gill was over on Jura today and noted a Kestrel near Feolin and our first Common Sandpipers of the year north of Craighouse.
Various sightings of our White-tailed Eagles included one from David D. of an eagle hunting Fulmars offshore on The Oa. Marc Eden was at Sanaigmore this evening and counted 37 Manx Shearwaters moving south offshore.
I met up with Jim Dickson and David Jardine this morning for a day visit to try see if the Pied Crow, Hoopoe or Ring-necked Duck were present. We failed to rediscover the crow or hoopoe and eventually ran out of time for the duck as I took them to the ferry at Port Askaig at 3pm. On my return I decided on a quick look at Loch Ballygrant and was delighted (for me, but saddened for them) in seeing great views of a male Ring-necked Duck in bright sunshine, quite close with three Tufties and a female Goldeneye. The Ring-necked Duck that was reported a few days ago was a female, so this must be a second bird. However, We saw a good selection of species including Islay's first Whimbrel of the year at Portnahaven and numerous Wheatears, Sand Martins and 1-2 Swallows, with a selection of wildfowl at the RSPB Hides including 2-3 Gadwall and a handful of lingering Greenland White-fronts and Barnies. Loch Indaal near Port Charlotte produced plenty of Red-throated Divers (20+), Red-breasted Mergansers and eiders along with a few Guillemots and Razorbills.
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