Friday 23rd October

Yesterday was Graham and Jo Morton's last full day on Islay. They had taken in the walk through Ballygrant woods and along towards the Lily Loch. In the woods, they saw a few Chaffinches, 2 Treecreepers, some Coal Tits, a Goldcrest and a Redwing. On Ballygrant Loch, 2 Mute Swans and 2 Dabchicks were present while along at Loch nan Cadhan, a further 2 Mutes were seen along with 40 Greenland Whitefronts. Overhead, 25 Fieldfare, a Raven and a total of 4 Buzzard were seen. Today, they headed home as did Wally and Jude who had seen 96species during the past 10 days. Thanks to you all for your sightings, it is what makes the blog tick... Yesterday, James carried out a Goose count at Gruinart with the tally coming through at 24,330 Barnies, 140 Greenland Whitefronts, 78 Greylags, 14 Pale bellied Brent, a Canada hutchinsii sp, 10 Whoopers, 2 Hen Harriers and 2 Sparrowhawks. Visitor Stephen Kirkup from Sutherland is over for a few days and is amazed with the sight of birds everywhere, especially the geese! He had seen both male and female Hen Harrier, South of Ballygrant and also 30 Brent Geese on Loch Indaal. The Green winged Teal was seen out from the new hide this morning by Roger Broad, Gary had a Leach's Storm Petrel at the top end of Loch Indaal, flying along towards the coal yard from the Uiskentuie end. We saw a ringtail Hen Harrier out on the wing, hawking over the ground as we headed out around midday.