Tuesday 26 November 2013

Monday 25th November

Whilst gathering sheep on the hills of the Oa today we saw 2 Golden Eagles, 3 Woodcock, 5 Snipe, and a female type Hen Harrier. Some counts from the Oa from last Friday included 427 Twite, 51 Chaffinch, 54 Golden Plover and a Grey Wagtail.
Today, Pete had seen a Water Rail well when flushed from a ditch at Bolsa Track near Port Charlotte. The saga in his garden continues with a very bold rook flying off with the food he put out for the Blackcap yesterday. Undaunted he has crushed another one of his fat balls and put that in a more sheltered spot in the garden in the hope that smaller birds may find it more accessible......

3 comments:

MickB said...

What time did you see the Goldies? We keep going up there and have not seen them yet. We keep sitting on the bench overlooking the cliffs. Is that the correct place?

Unknown said...

Dear Ian,

I'm visiting Islay for the first time this weekend... a whistle stop trip. I wondered if you could advise regarding a good chance of White-fronts, chough, otter, red deer, scaup, scoters, harriers and goldies... I know its a big ask but a bit of a starter would be greatly appreciated.

Andy
bigcroftsy@talktalk.net

Ian Brooke said...

MickB - that is about the best place, can be anytime of day but lots of patience and some luck required!
Andy - White-fronts you should see as you drive around the island, try RSPB Gruinart if not. Chough - best chance is Ardnave (north from Gruinart) or near Machir bay on the west coast. Otter - can be anywhere but in front of Bunnahabhain distillery is a good spot. Scaup and scoters (plus much more) on Loch Indaal, view from Bowmore or Bruichladdich with a telescope. Harriers and Goldies, again can be anywhere but try RSPB Oa reserve.