A cooler breeze today, but still bright, dry and sunny - though there is a promise of rain by the coming weekend.
My day started early (midnight to be precise) as several of us carried out the first of 3 Corn Crake surveys over Islay from midnight to 3am. I covered the northern part of the Rhinns from north of Bruichladdich down to just south of Port Charlotte and heard three calling birds.
The only other bird news today is supplied by Hedley Wright who counted 12 Black Guillemots at Port Askaig and a Hen Harrier over Loch Gorm.
I wandered up to Killinallan and noted a small Sand Martin colony (c.15 holes) in a sand bank in the dunes - I expect there are several others and I'll try and find the time to look further here and in other locations I know they are present. It would be useful to hear of other colonies that are dotted about Islay - please let the blog know if you come across any.