Tuesday 17th February

Martin has set up a page on Facebook called Islay birds, so far all of you who follow Facebook, follow the link on the right and get even more information on what is happening out here, well done Martin! I forgot to mention yesterday that I saw a Merlin zip across the road in front of me down at Ronnachmore just on my way back in from getting the soaking. Down at Gartbreck itself, Skylarks were singing away, I also saw one of Ed's Whitefronts with a neck collar on but never managed to get its' actual id, sorry Ed! Other sightings from yesterday was a 1st yr Iceland Gull out of Port Charlotte by Barry Barnacal, and Mick had a Glaucous Gull down at Uiskentuie. There were some Fulmars in along the front of the crag here at home as well, a wee change brewing up me thinks!!! Today the Rochdale birders had a Golden Eagle out over Coultorsay, a ringtail Hen Harrier at Grainel with another over at Ardbeg, a female Sparrowhawk up at Ardnave with another at McNicoll's croft, 20 Redwing at Rockside and 150 Skylarks at Coullabus. The 2 Bramblings were to the fore again here at home, the Fulmars were out soaring along the front of the crag and a Merlin was added to our list for today over at the old Kilchoman school on our way over to see James at Gruinart. Mick today had 15 Twite, Chough at Ardnave with Whoopers on the loch there. He also saw a male Hen Harrier at Coullabus as well. James reported seeing frogs out on the road... and there was a ringtail Hen Harrier out in front of his new house, just great! The Hampshire birders had a Golden Eagle out over the Sound of Islay as well as 2 GND and a Redshank on the shore. Along at Eorrabus they 60 Lapwing with a ringtail Hen Harrier back at Carnain. Ashley and his 2 colleagues from Oriole Birding arrived on Islay on a scoping trip, and had a great first day. Coming out of Port Ellen along the "high road" they had a female Peregrine and a ringtail Hen Harrier. along at Uiskentuie, the imm Glaucous Gull, 2 Long tailed Duck and 2 GND. At Gruinart, male Merlin, 50+ Reed Bunting, Grey Wagtail, 500 Golden Plover, over 10 Redwing, 2 Whooper Swan, 30+ Pintail and 4 Greenshank. Loch Gorm held a male Hen Harrier, Machir Bay 40 chough, a flock of 200 Twite, 2 Peregrines and a ringtail Hen Harrier. Down at Bruichladdich, 13 Purple Sandpiper, 17 Pale bellied Brent Geeseand 4 GND, a great first day for them. They also had heard of a report of an Iceland Gull around Bridgend, but were not sure of the exact location.