Wednesday 8th May

A fine sunny day, with a light breeze and not too cold, though turning into light rain by the evening.

Gavin Walkingshaw clearly enjoyed his day birding: "Another great day for birds on Islay. A Red-throated Diver in Bowmore Harbour at 9.30 am. A flock of Bar tailed Godwit and a few Whimbrel with a flock of Knot (two in summer plumage) in the bay by the Gaelic Centre. An Arctic Tern in Portnahaven Harbour.  A beautiful Great Northern Diver in summer plumage fishing close to shore in the bay by Port Ellen Distillery at 4.30 pm."

Steven & Julia Garner watched 3 Whinchats, and a Grasshopper Warbler on the road down to The Oa where they saw 8 Twite on the feeders at the RSPB car park.

Mandy H. reports a Whitethroat singing at Carnduncan over the past couple of days and Mary Redman had Mallard with ducklings already out on Claddach loch.  (There were half-grown Lapwing chicks in the fields next to the car park at Machir Bay too). Up at Kilchoman, Margaret B. informs us that the Barn Owl has laid its second egg.