Sunday 20th October

Sorry folks, it has been one of those days, what with folk dropping in for a welcome natter this afternoon and just as I was about to do the blog, another friend came in and, well we have a good catch up of events on and off Islay, looking at the clock it is almost time for Monday's entry!!! Right then, here we go.. Yes, the Red backed Shrike has been seen again over at Gruinart by visitors as well as some locals too. Visitors yesterday had seen 40 Chough up at Ardnave, the Horwich Birders had another 18 early yesterday morning here over the dunes at the back of Machir Bay, they also had the WTSE up on the top of Loch Indaal, a male Hen Harrier as they headed up to Sanaigmore and another round Loch Gorm. They counted 70 Twite in a flock at Sanaigmore as well as seeing a Sparrowhawk there too. The North end of Machir Bay held 53 Ringed Plover and 6 Sanderling and out in the Bay itself, 2 GND. Over at Loch Tallant, there were 80 Fieldfare along with some Mistle Thrushes and a few Redwing. They also had seen a Treecreeper in the wood back where they are staying. Today after checking out the Shrike, Peter had headed over to Gortantoid, on the way there he had 2 Greenshank on Loch Gruinart as well as a WTSE. Highlights at Gortantoid included 2 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap and a Treecreeper. The Bancroft group had a Golden Eagle down on the Rhinns this morning, 4 Curlew at Bruichladich with a charm of Goldfinches spotted at Octomore. Young Peter Collinson had a Swallow this morning here over the wood, a flock of 50 Redwings, heard a Fieldfare, 16 Twite, the wood itself had lots of Chaffinches and Goldfinches, 6 Robins, 5 Blackbirds, 21 Jackdaws and further out towards the crag 40 Rock Doves. Going over to Gruinart, a male Hen Harrier was spotted, at Gruinart, Barnacle Geese galore, 31 Whitefronts, 50 Shelduck, 2 Barwits, and a Peregrine while he was going round the moorland trail. The top of Loch Indaal held even more Barnies.. and best still 2 different WTSE, one perched was an adult bird, the other which was flying was an immature bird.  A great start to Peter's stay with Whitefronts, WTSE & Twite all now added to his list.  Should really be a Monday entry now....