Sunday 19th April 2026

I don't know whether to whisper it or shout it from the rooftops, but the sun shone all day, the skies were their bluest of blues, and the wind was a light breeze. What's more, these conditions look like continuing for the week, gradually warming.

This lovely weather brought with it the summer's first Corncrake, at Portnahaven, reported with delight by Louise M. Cuckoos were reported from Jura (2 on stereo at Ballard, according to Louise) and Ardillistry (Mary-Ann F).

Steve Rogers sent in his WeBS count from Loch an t-Sailein, finding: Oystercatcher 18, Greylag 25, Herring Gull 8, Heron 2, Curlew 2, Canada Goose 4, Shag 3, GBB Gull 2, Shelduck 2, RB Merganser 9, GN Diver 2, Dunlin 98, Sandwich Tern 2, and Common Gull 2, also seeing 2 Otters and 15+ Common Seals, while a Willow Warbler was singing close by. Steve also had his first-ever Twite in the mixed finch flock in his garden at Emerivale on The Oa side of Port Ellen. Thanks, Steve.

At lunchtime, Ed B reported his first Orange Tip butterfly of the summer at Cornabus and the 'ping' of his WhatsApp message disturbed me as I was watching my first one at Bruichladdich.