Thursday 1st October

A mostly dry day with a southerly breeze.

James H was in the North Hide at RSPB Loch Gruinart in the afternoon and found the (or a) Glossy Ibis, as well as 3 Ruff, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 0ver 1000 Teal, 150 Wigeon, 21 Shoveler, 40 Pintail, and 3 Gadwall. 

Two male Hen Harriers were seen, one by visitor Cathy Earle near Cultoon on the Rinns and one by Rogs close to the airport. Mary McR saw a Grey Wagtail near Octofad and 2 White-tailed Eagles at Uiskentuie, while Clive McK reported that the breeding pair of House Martins at Creag Mhor had fledged a youngster. He also saw 4 Mistle Thrushes in the morning there feeding on Rowan berries, and 4 Light-bellied Brent Geese on Loch Gruinart. There were 3 more Brent at Port Ellen, seen by Ed B.

Finally, Rogs found 22 Turnstones, 9 Knots and 8 Red-breasted Mergansers close to the Gaelic College outside Bowmore. 

Thursday 1st October

Weather very similar to yesterday, but basically drier, with light to moderate winds from a generally southerly direction.

Cathy Earle  and Rogan W. both noted male Hen Harriers as they birded across the island today - one between Portnahaven and Kilchiaran, the other near the airport. Mary R. saw a Grey Wagtail at Gleann near Octofad then a couple of White-tailed Eagles at Uiskentuie. Clive McK. up at Gruinart  confirms the late nesting House Martin still with a single fledgling plus 4 Mistle Thrushes and 8 Brent Geese out on the flats. Ed B. saw a further 3 Brent Geese at Port Ellen and in the evening Rogan counted 22 Turnstone, 9 Knot and 8 Red-breasted Mergansers from the Gaelic College.

However, James H. scored the best birds of the day up at RSPB Gruinart from the North Hide where he saw either another or the same lingering Glossy Ibis, and a strong supporting cast of 3 Ruff, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Gadwall, 150 Wigeon, 21 Shoveler, 40 Pintail and 1000+ Teal. Clearly the RSPB Floods and hides are back on form again after the earlier autumn period when they have to be drained to cut back emergent vegetation and get them prepared for the winter arrival of wildfowl.