Another couple of foul days - strong SW winds bringing lots of rain and cancelled ferries.
Ric Else and Hazel Watson from Rathlin sent in further notes from their first, all-too brief, winter visit to Islay: "We've had an absolutely brilliant three days here, although of course we really need much longer to do justice to such a great birding island! I don't think we saw anything too unusual, but we did see just about everything we were hoping for (apart from Otters, which we never have any luck with!).
The most extraordinary sight was EIGHT White-tailed Eagles sitting together out on the marsh at Loch Gruinart. We could hardly believe it! Similarly, wonderful views of 30+ Choughs at Ardnave was a real spectacle for us, but presumably not unusual at this site? Also Hen Harrier, four Grey Plover and finally a Golden Eagle on our drive back from Ardnave, the latter perched on a high boulder in view of the road.
We're heading back to Rathlin now, but will surely be back someday for another fix of geese galore, eagles and Choughs. Keep up the great work with the blog. We'll be following with interest."
On Saturday, Billy Stitchell sent in some photos including a couple of some ducks on Ballygrant Loch (see below). There have been a large number of Ring-necked Ducks appearing in the UK of late including 5 on one loch in Kintyre - and here are a couple more: well done Billy for getting out on such a rainy, stormy day and finding these rare N. American birds.
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