Thursday 3rd April

A bit of a murky, dank day out here today... Yesterday, James had a count of 10 different Hen Harriers over the reserve at Gruinart and up to Ardnave itself as well. He also saw 2 Red Grouse at Gruinart and up at Ardnave, James had a male Merlin and also a 2nd yr Golden Eagle there as well. Today, Danny had a count of 40 Fieldfare on the hill road between Coullabus and West Carrabus and down close to Saligo Bay in one of the Ballinaby fields, 40 Ringed Plover were present. This morning down beside the Coastguard cottage there was a Pink footed Goose amongst some Whitefronts. Further along the road there was a Whitefront with a more white at the top of its' beak, really quite noticeable. Coming back from Gruinart, at lunchtime we had a Snipe take off from the side of the road close to Culbuie. Back home this afternoon, James spotted a Peregrine being mobbed by a Raven over the crag when he came over to do some work with his sheep. The Snow Bunting that James had at Ardnave with the white ring Z4, was caught and rung in Calais on the 23rd of February, James saw it on the 19th of March!