Tuesday, 21 September 2021

Tuesday 21 September

 The local birders are obviously resting ahead of the bad weather coming this week - no reports given into me today! Luckily, though, every corner of Islay has plenty to see when you stand up and look, and round Portnahaven and Port Wemyss is no exception.

Looking out the window today, a ringtail hen harrier flew into sight. The fields opposite the house are fairly overgrown, but there are pasture fields around as well as a wide burn with heavy brambles growing either side of it. It provides good cover for lots of wee birds hiding from the likes of the hen harriers and sparrowhawk that hunt along the route. 

At Claddach by the loch there are plenty of thistle seed heads to feed the large goldfinch flock of around 20 birds, and an other flock of 10 or so linnet.  At the house I could hear a curlew calling from the beach, and watched 4 hooded crows hopping around on the sandy soil in the fields above.  2 herring gull watched me from the shed roof, hoping for a slice of bread.

Bit of wind and heavy rain ahead, so any new arrivals will have to oblige by sitting out in front the kitchen window!

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