Saturday 14th March

Another great day out here again although not quite as warm, so I have been quite glad to have a jersey to wear... Yesterday was Rob's last full day here on Islay... Up on Ardnave Loch they had 7 Whoopers and a Goldeneye with some Chough nearby. Down at Gruinart there was a large flock of Golden Plover, many with summer plumage starting to break through. There were also some Dunlins present and also 3 male Pintails were seen there as well. Thanks to Rob and Ian and their other halves for sending your birds through, see you in August down at the Birdfair folks...Also yesterday Peter Roberts had been out behind Port Charlotte with some some visiting birding friends when they saw 3 Red Grouse with their characteritic calls... Today, Bob has had some Siskins coming in to his feeders, Carl had counted 14 Collared Doves in his garden in Port Charlotte, and this morning here at home, there were 24 Goldfinches, the highest count we have ever had, and still no Greenfinches...The Brambling is still present.