Thursday 21st May

Yesterday, peter had been outwith an Australian birder showing him some of our birds here on Islay. Out in front of the old hide, they saw a pair of Wigeon while out in front of they new hide, 24 Blackwits were there, as well as a single Barnie. A flock of 26 Chough seen at Ardnave, from the Visitor centre at Gruinart they heard a Corncrake, and 2 more heard at Ardnave. Peter has been hearing 3 down at the back of Bruichladdich and in the Conisby area. Over on the feeders at The Woollen Mill 3 Siskins were present. Gary yesterday had done the Moorland Trail at Gruinart. On his walk, he had a male and 3 ringtail Hen Harriers, 5 Buzzards, a Golden Eagle as well as an Osprey. He also saw the Blackwits that Peter had. Gary also saw 2 Spotted Flycatchers on top of the fence leading to down to the hide. The Bolton birders had seen both Common and Arctic Terns off Blackrock. Over at Port Askaig, Loch nan Deala held Sedge Warblers, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Water Rail. On Lily Loch, a Dabchick was seen while at Loch Allan, Redpoll and Cuckoo were seen. Bob had been out showing some visitors the birds that we have round Ardnave. While going round Ardnave Point itself, many Wheatears were noted, a flock of 35 Whimbrel seen, on the shoreline 3 Little Stint, 6 Turnstone, out on the water 6 GND, 60 Kittiwakes close in, 200 Artic Tern offshore, 3 Barnies on Nave Island. Bob also reported seeing very large flocks of Dunlins and Ringed Plovers.