Monday 19th January

As promised, some more sightings through from George and Pat who have been over for a few days last week helping their son move into his new house down below Rockside... Back on Friday they had 2 Stonechats down at Machir Bay and commented that the dunes have moved again after last weeks' stormy weather! On Saturday, between the house and Gortan (the coal yard on Loch Indaal) they noted at least 20 Blackbirds on/ or flying across the road. Another sighting of a Blackbird was in the Co-op in Bowmore perched on top of the bread counter... James had seen another or the same bird in the Co-op on Saturday too! On Saturday am George and Pat had 66 Scaup on Loch Indaal, close to Uiskentuie with 3 RB Merganser nearby and a distant GND. Yesterday up on Ardnave Loch they saw 2 Goldeneye and 4 Whoopers while back at their son's house, 3 Buzzards were seen together, the Rock Dove flock tallied at 68 and they counted over 120 Skylarks closer to the house. Late afternoon, a distant Golden Eagle was spotted over the Kilchoman Crag. Last week while Bob was out on the Goose count, he saw a Pink footed Goose along with other geese present at Craigfad on the Rhinns. Before I forget, keep an eye on the TV this week, on BBC2 "Winterwatch" as they may be some footage from Islay, but not sure which evening...