Tuesday 28 Feb

 

Photo from Simon of a young WTE during his stay here on Islay. He returned home a few days ago and we are thankful of his contributions!

No northern lights on Monday night to be seen, at least not as visible as Sundays. Low cloud scuppered most peoples views.  But on the birding front people had more success.

Valerie kicked off the day with a surf scoter among the common scoter flock off Bowmore.  The flock was later counted at 108 by Steve who also noted one Slavonian grebe and one black guilliemot.  Valerie also noted the red-breasted goose at Craigens mid-morning, and the marsh harrier at Loch Gruinart. A little later she was able to catch sight of an ermine stoat.  We have an unusual population on Islay where only some go white in the winter, not all.

Chris was at RSPB The Oa reserve where he counted 95 twite at the feeders in the carpark, and elsewhere a ring-tailed hen harrier and a WTE.   Later at Ardbeg he spotted a single pink-footed goose with around 30 greylag.

Thanks to all for you sightings.