Wednesday 9th February

"John and the Port Ellen 4" has sent through their birds which they saw yesterday..

"A better day weather-wise and we targeted areas that we thought might yield raptors.  

Area easy of Loch Gorm : WT Eagle (juv) traversing the track between junction of B8017-18 & minor road south of the loch.

Near Grulinbeg (B8018): Peregrine.

Near Garra Eallabus (minor rd to Ardnave Point): spectacular views of a perched Merlin (male) in the low rays of the sun.

Loch Gruinart RSPB : female Hen Harrier

Sadly, no Golden Eagle to make the "Big Five" in one day!

Buzzards everywhere!  Where have they suddenly appeared from? We don't remember there being so many in previous visits.  It's like being at home."

Gary and Wendy had stayed at home at Carnain yesterday but still managed to see a variety of birds

"Their list today is all around Carnain: Barnies, White fronts, Greylags, Oystercatchers, Curlew, Starlings, Blackbird, Robin, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Mute Swan, Pale bellied Brents, mixed flock of Redwing, Fieldfare, two Golden Eagles, and a Hare."

Chris Corrigan and Helen had braved the elements yesterday and "had seen a flock of around 120 Twite in a field at Upper Killeyan. Later on, 2 Slavonian Grebes, 3 Long-tailed Ducks, 2 Great Northern Divers, 1 Red-throated Diver and the Common Scoters, Eiders, Goldeneyes and Red-breasted Mergansers off Bowmore (but no Scaup). Not easy viewing in the choppy seas!"

Mike and Lesley had also been out and about, seeing the following birds on Islay,

"On the Oa yesterday morning, a ringtail Hen Harrier on the way up sitting on a fence post. A few Fulmar from the Monument and thanks to  Chris Corrigan who showed us the Twite flock  down there as well. Located a Ringed Plover behind the Gaelic Centre at Bowmore. On the Gruniart Road, great views of a Peregrine. At Ardnave Point 30 Chough then back at the car park a flock of 27 Twite. On the road back we passed 'The Port Ellen 4' who were admiring a handsome male Merlin, so many thanks to them for showing us."