Wednesday 23rd April

We might have had a slight amount of rain through the night, but "as ever" another good day ensued...The Argyll birder yesterday had a Common Sandpiper at Portnahaven. Round at Ballinaby, he had a count of 400 Golden Plover, 8 Ringed Plover and 4 Dunlin. On the reserve at Gruinart, the Ruff was still present along with 8 Pintail, 10 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall,and 16 White Wagtail. On the mudflats, there were around 200 Dunlin and Ringed Plover while on the flats there were 4 Whoopers. Over at Craigens 12 Greenland Whitefronts and 8 White Wagtail were seen. On Loch Indaal, 46 Barwits were present. David Griffiths heard a Cuckoo yesterday evening over close to Neriby. Today, Louise saw an Osprey up behind Loch Gorm, Michal had 2 Blackcaps at Keills with another outside the office at Bushmills. The Rochdale birders have been busy today as well with a Peregrine at Gearach, a Chiffchaff in the wood over at Tallant, 3 different Hen Harriers close to Bowmore with a Cuckoo heard at Foreland. At Tallant thay also saw 2 Speckled Wood Butterflies while in Ballygrant Wood, they saw their first for the year of an Early Purple Orchid which was in flower. Down at Bowmore the single Pale bellied Brent was still there , wonder if it is injured? Here at home on the bird table this afternoon was Redpoll along with many Goldfinches while there were some large Canada Geese present round at Ballinaby.