Friday 5th January

Rainy to start, but brightening a bit to be fairly sunny, dry and calm by the afternoon.

Kevin McCormick sent in the following on his last day on Islay: "After the heavy rain this morning I didn't go far initially and watched the birds on the rising tide of Loch Indaal near Bridgend. I disturbed 2 Snipe on the way to my vantage point and then counted 34 light-bellied Brent Geese among the Wigeon. I had 3 Bar-tailed Godwits among the Oystercatchers before they were joined by what became 120+ group of Dunlin and a couple of Ringed Plover. On the Loch were two pairs of Long-tailed Duck, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Slavonian Grebe, and a couple each of Great Northern and Red-throated Divers. We then went down to the Mull of Oa. The light was fantastic (and it stayed dry) but there was not much birdlife around. I did see one male Hen Harrier. We also saw a few of the wild goats including one that can't have been more than a few days old. Our highlight of the day though were the two Barn Owls we saw from the car around 4.30pm - one perched, one flying and both seen from the main road from Bowmore, perhaps just half a mile before Bridgend.

Heading back home tomorrow but a wonderful trip as ever (if too short). It is so good to have the website and access to the WhatsApp group. Thanks to all involved and look forward to the next trip".

Phil Edwards was on the ferry back to the mainland today, and by the sound of it it wasn't the most exciting time of his life!: "The ferry journey was probably the most boring I have made.  After 2 GND on the edge of Port Ellen Bay, there were no birds save one Common Gull until just off the mainland coast where a Black Guillemot and a Black-throated Diver were present.  Should you be interested in West Loch Tarbert, there was a WTE on the rocks at the mouth and 2 Red-throated Divers halfway up.

 

So that’s it.  Many thanks for the blog which I read all year and am grateful to have been able to contribute to.  Possibly not back for Xmas 2024, but should be for 2025.  I wish all Islay birders a very happy and productive New Year."