Tuesday 7 June 2022

Tuesday 7th June

The RSPB did a survey by fast boat setting out from Port Askaig (courtesy of Gus Newman at Islay Seaventures) of breeding seabirds along the cliffs from Saligo to Smaull this morning There were plenty of Razorbills, Guillemots, Shags and Fulmars but no Kittiwakes. Whether the numbers counted reflect an increase, decrease or status quo we wait to find out once numbers are fully tallied (though the total lack of Kittiwakes is a definite decrease as the former small colony there has completely gone now). Other birds noted on the journey were Golden Eagle and Peregrine plus a Great Northern Diver at sea between Islay and Colonsay. On Nave Island it was a surprise to see a flock of 60 Bar-tailed Godwits and 15 Knot.

Back on land the Great Egret was showing well from the North Hide at Gruinart this afternoon (another digi-scoped image below) and there were 2 Swifts seen by Mark Shields over Ballinaby.



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