Wednesday 25th November

Mary, on her way into work yesterday, saw a female Peregrine down at Uiskentuie. Louise reported through to say that she had seen 2 Golden Eagles, 6 Snow Buntings and 25 Fieldfares whilst on her travels on Islay! Ken yesterday, along with the Burbage birders had a not too bad a day considering the weather. A raft of 52 Scaup and then a raft of 64 Common Scoter were seen off Blackrock. 39 Pale bellied Brent were present at Bowmore. Along the track leading to Laggan, 3 Yellowhammer, 2 ringtail Hen Harriers and a Merlin were seen. A Kestrel, 2 Golden Eagles and a flock of over 120 Linnets were present on the Oa. At the close of play, a juv. White tailed Sea Eagle was out past Ardbeg towards Claggain Bay. At the bird nerds meeting last night, Lesley told me that the Aberdeen team had 99 species in total during their brief stay, a great time, considering the weather... On our way home from the meeting, we had a Snipe at the roadside as came over the hill from Gruinart and just after Sunderland Farm, a Woodcock resting up in the centre of the road, just as well the van has got good breaks... Today, the Sparrowhawk swooped through the garden twice in the hope of catching something, no luck pal!!!