Wednesday 30th April

Been one of those days, hence the late entry, so here goes. Last night the famous Islay Bird nerds met up at the hide at Gruinart, a bit of a crush with 20 folk coming along including 5 visitors, great to see you folks, as ever all made welcome with some food provided by Margaret and Pat, many thanks folks! On Monday, Mark had a Redstart down on the Oa and Richard Gordon who was on the guided walk there yesterday morning, spotted an immature Glaucous Gull following the plough. The nerds had a good time and from the hide we heard Snipe drumming, saw Whimbrel, Shelduck, Pintail, Shoveler, Mallard with young, Greylags, Redshank, Single Ruff , Lapwing but no Corncrake was heard last night! James was saying that thee is around 260 Barnies still present and the single Pale bellied Brent was seen up at Ardnave earlier on this week. Yesterday am, Michal heard 3 different Cuckoos between Port Ellen and Kildalton cross, and also 2 groppers and 3 Sedge Warblers too. He had a single Common sandpiper opposite Lagavulin Distillery and a Yellowhammer at Kildalton Cross. Today Michal saw a Whitethroat at Moulin on the reserve at Gruinart while over at Bunnahabhain, 2 Common sandpipers were present and 40 Black Guillemots as well. At Ardnahoe, a Cuckoo was heard, a Common Sandpiper seen and another Gropper heard. Finally above Caol Ila a Whinchat, Whitethroat, 2 Groppers. 1 Cuckoo and Mistle Thrush were all heard! Alistair staying down at Portnahaven saw 9 Whimbrel out at Claddach.