Tuesday 30th September

Yesterday Peter had seen 2 adult Whoopers Swans along with their 3 cygnets on Loch Gorm. He also saw a male Sparrowhawk close by. Martin has been hearing a female Tawny Owl calling away regularly over close to where he lives at Glenegedale. Today, James had a Merlin close to Lyrabus with a male Hen Harrier nearby as well. This morning Mary and Adrian (one of the vols at Gruinart) had been up at Ardnave. On the Loch, they saw 6 adult Mute Swans along with 6 youngsters, there was also a single Whooper present as well. As they arrived there were 2 Peregrines on a fresh kill, a Rock Dove... They scrapped for a short time with one getting the upper hand and the other took off, calling away overhead. Mary thought they appeared to be 2 large female birds, but she thought it was odd that the 2 were together.... Also on the loch were 39 Wigeon and 9 Teal. Around the lobster ponds they counted 12 Ravens, 18 Ringed Plover, 28 Sanderling, 5 Turnstone, 24 Oystercatcher and also 24 Golden Plover nearby. Out on Nave Island there were 71 Grey Seals along with 42 pups. At the bird nerds tonight, a dreich sort of a night, only bird of note was a Common Scoter close to the pier. Some of us adjourned along to Peter and Pia's for a welcome refreshment, with good craic enjoyed by all!! Coming home there was a Barn Owl just after Sunderland Farm, several frogs on the road and also hedgehog on the verge.