Sunday 11th October

Michael and Elspeth Anderson from Edinburgh, who spotted the Cattle Egret back in 2009 have returned on another visit. Yesterday afternoon, after arriving off the afternoon ferry had a quick turn out along Loch Indaal and round Loch Gorm. On Loch Indaal, from Blackrock onwards there were small groups of Brents seen totalling around 25 Geese in all, round Loch Gorm there were at least 5 Buzzards. This morning from Blackrock, they saw 3 Slavonian Grebe, around 25 Scaup and at least 5 RB Merganser. Up past Coullabus, there was a large mixed flock of Twite, Linnets with Chaffinches and Goldfinches present there as well. On Loch Gruinart, 3 Barwits were present, with a walk further on produced 3 Meadow pipits and a Snipe. Out from the new hide this afternoon, they saw 35 Pintail and 2 Shovellers. Overnight and through the day, the Barnies have started to return, James mid morning had carried out a count with 5,155 Barnies, 17 Greenland Whitefronts, 5 Whooper Swans, 9 Pale bellied Brent, 200 Greylags and a Golden Eagle. Mandy e mailed through late afternoon to say that the geese were still arriving...