Thursday, 30 September 2021

Thursday 30 September

A lot of rain today, which is welcome on the one had after a very long dry spell, it might be nicer if it was spread out over a few weeks.

Exciting news from Tiree:  a rose-breasted grosbeak. A North American species and a first record for Argyll.  Though there is a lot more ground to cover, I'm sure everyone will be searching for any rarities on Islay.

Hannah found 2 whooper swan at Loch Skerrols. At RSPB Loch Gruinart, James counted 172 barnacle geese, 130 pale bellied Brent geese, 245 golden plover, 75 wigeon and 2 pintail.

Just in from walking the dog round Portnahaven and Port Wemyss. The seals are fairly howling tonight! I spotted my first seal pup of the season earlier at Claddach. Soon McKenzie Island will be speckled with the white pups high up on the grass, always amazing how high up some of the mothers will go for safety. If the past few years are anything to go by, the sea eagles will return to mooch for any losses.

As we see off the end of September, there is still time to tap into your artistic side or recall a summer adventure from your photos and enter the Islay Natural History Trust Community Peatland Project.  Poster below.



No comments: