Monday 8th August

A busy day at work - no time for birding unfortunately- But I have seen 2 male Hen Harriers as I have been driving about, both in the Gruinart area.

Sunday 7th August

Well the wind and rain arrived - to be fair more wind than rain. Lots of birds sheltering in the bushes. At Gruinart 2 Whinchats, 1 Stonechat and a Spotted Flycatcher. As well as lots of Willow Warblers.

Saturday 6th August

Had a message from Gary who has had a Crossbill over the back of his garden and a male Hen Harrier on the Glen road. At Gruinart there has been a Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Lesser Redpolls and 2 Hen Harriers, 1 brown female and 1 brown male. Looks like it is going to be a bit breezy tomorrow - maybe we will see a few birds on the move.

Thursday 4th August

A grey start to a sunny, but windy day- Unfortunately I have been stuck inside at the computer, so not much to report- I have however seen a Peregrine and a couple of Redpolls at Gruinart.

Wednesday 3rd August

A belter of a lightening storm last night with a good wetness of rain. The rain has carried on most of the day. But lots of birds hawking for midges in the bushes - 5 Willow Warblers and a Spotted Flycatcher in one bush in the garden as well as a lizzard under the bush. An Osprey has been reported from the Loch Gorm area.

Tuesday 2nd August

A beautiful morning, with a roe buck grazing outside the house and a couple of brown hares on the cut road verge. The day clouded over and the wind and rain arrived by mid day as forecast. Best bird of the day - a singing Grasshopper Warbler in from of the Visitor Centre at Gruinart.

Monday 1st August

Another day and another month, yes it is now August which means not long to the Bird Fair.  I was in touch with the organisers this morning, to double check that all was well with our stand....Oh, and before I forget, the rain last month was just over 4 inches in total.

On Saturday, Gary and Sam seen an Osprey when they were parked up at Gartmain. It was seen fishing between Gartmain and the Gaelic College in the wee bay there on Loch Indaal.  On Sunday, they walked down on to the Sound of Islay from the Lily Loch, with lots of Gannets, Tysties and Kittiwakes seen. On their way back up to their car, they heard a Great spotted Woodpecker in the trees. Helen Brown saw a Grey Wagtail on her decking outside her house at Ardnahoe today, and early afternoon, Mandy had heard a Corncrake calling down at Machir Bay.