Friday 20th November

Earlier this week the first International Goose Count took place when the whole of Islay is counted on one day and again the following day with the average count being the figure used. So here are the figures for the 17th and 18th November, there were 48,568 Barnies, 4,564 Whitefronts and also 929 Greylags. Thanks to Morven and the team from SNH for the figures. Yesterday Malcolm and Bob headed over to Jura. They had a Peregrine at Feolin, a Sparrowhawk was seen later on with many Buzzards seen on their travels, but not so many geese as on Islay, only 60 Greylags and 3 Whitefronts noted. Mid afternoon today, on their way back from Port Ellen, Gary and Sam saw a rather bedraggled looking Barn Owl, mind you I would have looked a rather sorry sight too as the weather has not been that great with dirty showers of sleet and also some "kid on" snow also.... Before I forget, on Tuesday night, the Islay Bird nerds are holding their monthly meeting at 7.30pm in the Lochside Hotel in Bowmore, so if you are around, you will be made welcome!