Monday 16th February

A mixed sort of a day with the weather... it started out okay, so along with Elizabeth and Mike the "long term" vols from RSPB, we started out on the WeBS count that I normally help Bob with (Bob is away at present). After 30 minutes or so we gave up due the deteriorating weather! It turned a better day later on, only for some dirty hail showers to come by, and after that the roads department were gritting the roads....The Hampshire birders had seen a ringtail Hen Harrier down at Uiskentuie and they were saying that the Pale bellied Brent and the Scaup flock had moved across Loch Indaal to Bruichladdich. At Blackrock they had a good number of Wigeon and a male Red breasted Merganser. Back here at home the Bramblings were around with the birds feeding away good style. Bird fair winner Mick has been the most of his visit, seeing a Peregrine from his cottage, Raven and the Brambling also.. He had seen plenty of Chough at Machir Bay and GND and 20- 30 Eider there as well as a Stonechat there too. Up on Ardnave 5 Whoopers, a RBM, Goldeneye, Pochard, Wigeon and Tufted Duck.