Storm Boelo built up during the day from being overcast, very windy from the south/SW and raining in the morning to drier at time with a little sun attempting to peek through with ever-increasing winds from the west rising to storm-force by evening.
Remarkably, despite the weather several people braved the storm and did a bit of birding, at least in the morning before it became too dangerous to be outside. Rogan W. did a watch on the Sound of Islay at Port Askaig early on and noted a flock of 31 Kittiwakes heading south. Frank Cavanagh found the Snow Goose still at Leorin and 21 Brent Geese and a Pink-footed Goose at Gartnatra. Later he found one of Snow Buntings remianing near Blackrock.
Nick Martin found the Red-breasted Goose on the same RSPB fields near Gruinart plus a bedraggled juvenile Peregrine (photos below).
Neil McMahon and his Naturetrek group also braved the elements and found all 13 Little Egrets present and correct on the flats at Gruinart and saw a Water Rail cross the road near the TRSPB offices. They also had 12 Whooper Swans - apparently 2 pairs with 8 young between them. Neil shared some photos taken during the last week with us - but I'll save them for tomorrow which promises to be equally stormy, if not more so.
Male and female Hen Harriers were noted by Audrey & Bob Turner who managed to arrive via what must have been the last ferry that will run until Monday or later.
Finally James H. noted 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Ruff and the juvenile Peregrine again at Gruinart in the afternoon - perhaps he was out checking that the hides hadn't yet blown away!
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