Sunday 22nd May

A mild and fairly calm day, but also quite overcast with intermittent rain showers. 

But the rain didn't stop returning visitors Bob & Pen Mitchell from doing some birding and sending in the following report:

“Hi, this is Bob from South Derbyshire back on Islay. Between Ballinaby and Loch Gorm we’re several Stonechats, Whinchats and Wheatears, plus Curlews.

Walking west from Ardnave Point were 6+ Turnstones, 6+ Ringed Plovers, dozens of Sanderlings, a few Chough, 2 Golden Plover, a Barnacle Goose with ring and around Nave Island a few Little and Arctic Terns.

From the lookout at Loch Gruinart we’re Bar-tailed Godwits, a Whooper Swan, 1 Redpoll, several Willow Warblers and a Corncrake heard.

 Also a male Hen Harrier flying around above the NE corner of Loch Gorm and 40-50 Ringed Plover near the track to Saligo beach and then on the flood near the parking area".