Sunday 26th January

Not been a great day for folk attempting to do the big garden birdwatch with squally showers coming out of nowhere. So, we did try our bit for the cause this morning when it was slightly better with our scores on the doors coming through out at 16 Pheasants, 2 Goldfinch, 26 Chaffinch, 2 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit, 5 Blackbirds, 1 Robin and 3 House Sparrows. Mary had been out and about today and reported through to say there was a large flock of Gulls down at Port a'rhedline (down between Portnahaven and Claddach) and amongst the gulls, an Iceland gull was present. Over at Uiskentuie Mary had a Cormorant and on the low road just out of Bowmore, a male Hen Harrier was seen. Peter had braved the elements too today and had counted 120 Oystercatchers and 35 Curlew. He was also saying that there was no sign of the Iceland Gull there or the Glaucous at Bruichladdich. Wonder how many folk noticed the Blackie ewe along the strand with her newly born lamb? By the way the wind gusted a mere 51mph just after 2pm today on Mike's weather station and yes the rain guage here at home is alreafy over 7.5" for the month, yep, it's going to wetter than last month....