Thursday 3 February

(Photo credit Islay.org.uk)

Yesterday NatureScot announced the suspension of shooting of Greenland Barnacle geese on Islay, as Avian flu cases in Ireland increases in Ireland.  Given the proximity and the evidence of the interchange between geese and swans wintering in Ireland and Islay, it is a real concern.  Indeed, Shona-Isla reported a dead goose found at Ardtalla on 30 Jan. This bird was originally ringed 4 years ago in Donegal.

Counts of the Svalbard population that overwinter on the Solway has shown a 38% decline on last year. I have yet to receive any reports on Islay but it seems unlikely it will be avoided.

Elsewhere on the Island at Guinart, James had a count of 110 fieldfare. It is noticeably colder this evening as yet more strong winds and heavy rain builds up.

Tuesday 12 October

As my husband says, it was a bit of a 'mizzly' day today - misty and drizzly. Or wet, in other words.  My morning had me striding out in knee deep grass to fetch some wandered sheep.  Though they turned out to be feral goats (in my defence, I didn't have my binoculars), I was nonetheless rewarded with a lovely view of an adult pair of sea eagles near Claddach loch.  This is as good a photo as I can share...

Claddach Loch

You can make out the 2 black figures above the loch. Not the best wildlife photo, I'll admit! But it does give you an idea of todays 'mizzly' conditions.

Lauren has given me today's count at RSPB Loch Gruinart - 7895 barnacles counted in the mist, 34 pale-bellied Brent, 29 white fronts, and one pink foot. Richard Belter this afternoon counted over 20 whooper swan coming in off the sea to the loch. While visiting birder John Overfield reported a Hutchinsii cackling goose among the crowds.

Happily I saved some sightings from yesterday for today.

Peter Roberts endured an other sea watch off Frenchmans rocks in the South-West of Islay - "I tried another sea-watch from Frenchman’s Rocks this morning in a moderate WNW. At least it wasn’t raining and the visibility was good, but, once again there was very little variety in what was seen. I was there for 2 hours (8.30 – 10.30) and had the following (all flying south): Auk sp (mostly Guillemots when definite ID could be established) – 495; Kittiwake – 456; Black-headed Gull – 2; Red-throated Diver – 4; Diver sp. 2; Wigeon – 11; Tystie – 2; Dunlin – 7; Grey Wagtail - 4.  There were also the local Shags, Herring Gulls and about 75 Gannets milling about. I’ve no idea why, but the auks were passing through mostly in the first hour (over 400 of the total) while the Kittiwakes mostly came past in the second hour (over 300 of the total)."

The Horwich Birders were also out and about yesterday:  "Walked up Gruinart side [of Ardnave Point] with groups of waders on ebbing tide - ringed plover 210, sanderling 20, turnstone 18 and chough 20 which is half what we usually saw in the past. Off the point overlooking Nave Isle at least 3 RT divers showing and 1 guillemot. A sea eagle flew in and perched on the island and later flew across over point and off towards Sanaigmore.  At Traigh Nostaig the usual piles of smelly kelp covered in starlings and gulls and there were 18 very vocal chough around.  Small numbers of waders,- oyks, dunlin, r plover, and 8  godwits (probably Bar T."  They continued their birding holiday today with a sparrowhawk at Ballinaby, and 2 WTE (one adult, one imm.) perching on separate islands on Loch Gruinart eastern side.  At Braigo a pair of stonechat, while at sanaigmore there was 18 chough.

More from today - a snipe and 15 twite reported by Tim Daley on the foggy Oa.  At Claddach, 7 chough plus 5 rook feeding on the beach.

Currie Sands, Claddach

Monday 11 October

It felt a lot warmer today, which explains an adder spotted by Anna Hock near Ballameanach cottages today. I was out the other night with the dog and he appeared with a huge (healthy) hedgehog from the overgrown verges near Portnahaven Village Hall, much to delight and amazement of my 5 year old who was hedgehog hunting! (definately unharmed) Tonight, 2 tiny toadlets were crossing the road near the old Manse outside Port Wemyss.  October can often be a fair month right enough, but it is forecast to get even warmer this week so be mindful of your dog when out walking in case of grumpy adders! But winter is coming...

A lot of reports received today, apologies if I miss anything - I may save some for tomorrow so don't be disheartened! 

Among the day's records was a grey phalarope spotted by Tim Daley in a rock pool just North of Saligo Bay.  It allowed close views and the opportunity for good photos. Lovely bird to see, thanks Tim.  Tim  was at RSPB Loch Gruinart in the morning, and enjoyed a ring-tailed hen harrier 'cruise across the field'.  In the pools, among the 100s of wigeon and teal there was a male shoveler seen as well as a pair of pintail and 15 black-tailed godwits.  Up to 100 golden plover were in flight overhead, while he noted 8 mistle thrush from the roadside.  In the Saligo area, near the phalarope, 2 pairs of chough and 16 pied wagtails were counted.

The geese have continued to trickle in, Teresa was at Ardnave today and counted 1204 barnies arriving in the 5 hours she was there. Lauren has been in touch with today's totals from Loch Gruinart: 23 white front, 21 pale-bellied brents, 1 pink footed goose (all on the loch) and 6895 barnacle geese feeding on the flats.

Teresa was at Ardnave point for 5 hours this afternoon at low tide. On the east side she enjoyed a good day, her highlights were 37 twite, 4 male snow bunting, 3 cormorants, 13 turnstone, 11 chough, 14 oystercatcher, 3 red-breasted merganser, 6 curlew and 4 seals.  At Lech Gruinart one female/ringtail hen harrier hunting at dusk.

Out with his camera Billy Stitchell had a brambling with the house sparrows, feeding on a rowan tree in Ballygrant woods.

David Dinsley counted 2 Greenland whitefront and 3 wigeon at Cornabus.  He also kindly sent in the following image of a merlin at the Oa, happily digesting one of the resident twite. Resident no more.

Margaret had a flock of whoopers fly over the house heading towards Ireland, the first of the season for her. She also enjoyed views of a male hen harrier hunting below the crag.

David Livingstone had nice views of a white-tailed eagle at Leorin, spooking the geese there. 

Thank you everyone.  

Tuesday 5 October

Forgot to add last night, my mum reported 'loads of geese' at Claddach Loch, plus a single whooper swan.  She could hear the gabbling away from the house so walked up to look.  More barnacle geese have been arriving this afternoon, I counted 3 small skeins flying south off the Frenchmans at lunchtime and curving in towards land against the wind.  James had a high count of 1915 barnacles at Loch Gruinart, plus a red-breasted goose among them.

Photo by Sam Hood.  

While I was out late morning, I took the dogs and my wee lad a walk on the beach near the Coal yard, I heard a strange sound like a distant jet only to be narrowly missed by a low flying peregrine! What a speed it must have been going at! I must have stepped into its path judging by how close it came and how sharp it turned upwards away.  The oystercatchers ahead of me can thank me next time.  A little later, 3 Arctic tern flew low over us, seemingly to see what we were doing.  As I got into the car, a lone swallow flew over.  Earlier at the road end of Gartmain Farm, just outside Bowmore, I had a nice sighting of 3 yellowhammer flying out from the gorse bushes heading into a bare rowan tree.  

A friend in Portnahaven told me about 3 white-tailed eagles on McKenzie Island. So if you're a visitor looking for a good place to catch sight of them, its a good place to start!

Thursday 30 September

A lot of rain today, which is welcome on the one had after a very long dry spell, it might be nicer if it was spread out over a few weeks.

Exciting news from Tiree:  a rose-breasted grosbeak. A North American species and a first record for Argyll.  Though there is a lot more ground to cover, I'm sure everyone will be searching for any rarities on Islay.

Hannah found 2 whooper swan at Loch Skerrols. At RSPB Loch Gruinart, James counted 172 barnacle geese, 130 pale bellied Brent geese, 245 golden plover, 75 wigeon and 2 pintail.

Just in from walking the dog round Portnahaven and Port Wemyss. The seals are fairly howling tonight! I spotted my first seal pup of the season earlier at Claddach. Soon McKenzie Island will be speckled with the white pups high up on the grass, always amazing how high up some of the mothers will go for safety. If the past few years are anything to go by, the sea eagles will return to mooch for any losses.

As we see off the end of September, there is still time to tap into your artistic side or recall a summer adventure from your photos and enter the Islay Natural History Trust Community Peatland Project.  Poster below.

Tuesday 28 September

 Windy day with showers in the afternoon, but bright and sunny for the most part.  First real nip in the air I've felt this season, time to dig the gloves out!

It was the day for the pale bellied Brent geese - Gary counted 5 at Gartmain; Peter and Mark had a high count of 191 at Loch Gruinart with 5 barnacle geese. By the evening they had nearly doubled with James counting 355 Brent there. 

Peter also counted further barnacle geese - 14 at Gartmain and 11 towards Bridgend.   Plus a nice count of 140 skylark feeding in the barley stubble at Craigens.  

Golden plover numbers are rising too - 109 at Loch Gruinart and 19 on the Oa.  Dave also noted at the Oa 1 backcap, one goldcrest and one wheatear.

Visiting birders Mick and Lorraine Highfield sent in their sightings from today - one white-tailed eagle to eat west of Loch Gruinart, then an other 2 on Nave Island. Their walk round Ardnave was rewarded with twite at various points, with their highlight being 40 sanderling and 3 ring plover at the point.  Back at the RSPB reserve walking to the Hide rewarded them with both male and ring-railed hen harrier. 

Thursday 23 September

Nice westerly blast today which brought some activity with it.  Round the village here I watched a merlin harass the starlings, but flew away unsuccessful. Later in the afternoon c.20 pale bellied Brent flew south over the house Port Wemyss towards Ireland.

Ed had a green sandpiper at Cornabus, accidentally flushed from a small pond when walking the dogs. 

Dave had a successful sea watch from The Oa - 1 Arctic Skua, 2 great northern divers, 2 red throated divers, 10 Manx shearwaters, plus razorbills, kittiwakes and gannets. Generally quieter than expected. The highlight was 32 pink feet heading south. 

Gutton for punishment, Pete returned to an other sea watch at Frenchmans Rocks:

" I did another hour crouched in the mist, wind and rain. A total of 110 Auk sp. went by - today the weather was too poor to identify many of them to species, but quite a few were Razorbills. 22 Kittiwakes also wandered eastwards along with 3 Manxies, a single Bonxie, a flock of 12 Turnstones and 2 Curlews. A flock of 22 Barnacle Geese passed overhead. The main interest was a small passage of divers: 26 in all - 5 unidentified, 3 Great Northern, the rest (18) Red-throated. The bulk of the latter came by in two flocks of 9 & 6. The most impressive sight was the continuing presence of 100+ Gannets close offshore, somehow managing to see fish and dive after them in turbulent sea conditions of high, breaking waves, spume and white-horses."

Thursday 26th November

Late last night, George E. Jackson sent me through the following sightings seen by him yesterday.. 

"The weather has been better today - saw some blue sky (though there was a rainbow in it!).

Walked at Loch Skerrols this morning - nothing unusual, but were about 25 Mute Swans, 12 Whoopers (definitely not mute, very noisy), 30 Wigeon, 8 Tufted Ducks, at least 1 Teal."

James today had been out and about on the reserve at Gruinart and had seen and counted the following birds...

"Lots of White tailed Eagles 5 at Gruinart today

Merlins 2

Hen Harrier 1 male

Sparrowhawk 1

Whooper Swan 7

Barnacle geese 10,825 that’s a lot

White fronts 303

Lapwing 335

Golden plover 1410

Linnet flock on the Ardnave road 240."

Thursday 24th September

James today counted 53 Pale bellied Brent Geese and also 16 Barnacle Geese at Gruinart. 

Up here at home, I had a Goldfinch on the feeders and then another one was seen down on the the hedge on the edge of the field. Also seen were several Choughs, some Hooded Crows and also there were some Ravens cronking away out over the crag.

Yesterday, Margaret had been speaking to a visitor who thought that he had seen a Goshawk earlier on in the afternoon.

Thursday 10th October

Yesterday, Nick and Kath had seen a Merlin up towards Ardnave, and then later on they saw another Merlin sitting on top of a rock at the side of the road. They had also another Merlin dash across the road just South of Port Charlotte. The other day they had seen some Swallows around and now reckon that they could be feeding young on the nest... Robin Andrews and his wife, (another visiting birders), had seen a Pale bellied Brent and also 2 Barnies along with around 100 Greylags on their way out from The Machrie Hotel. Down on the Oa, out towards the American monument they had seen 2 Snow Buntings, and then along at the Kildalton Cross they had seen 4 House Martins and also a Swallow practising their flying skills. As Robin said, they were quite "surprised" to see them as all the Hirundines left them in North Yorkshire about 10 days ago. In around Kildalton, they also had a Yellowhammer and also a Greenfinch.

This morning, we watched a male Hen Harrier out on the wing flying over the Machir. Coming back from "Cake o'clock" at Gruinart, we had counted 52 Barnies resting up on a stubble field at Ballinaby along with over 120 Greylags. Along towards Saligo Bay, a male Hen Harrier was spotted flying quite high up and not spoofing or worrying anybody else...

Robin Andrews and his wife, Hilary today had called in for a cuppa, and Robin quickly told us that the sun would be shining by 4 pm, needless to say, we doubted him, but right enough at 15.58 the sun came out. Robin had seen 2 Curlew Sandpipers down the shore of Loch Indaal and also 6 Barwits earlier on, before coming up to visit us. They also had seen Redshank and Dunlin present there as well.

Richard Belter had seen a RTD and also a single Eider off Kintra.  Later on, while on the Oa he had seen Merlin, a Sparrowhawk, Rock Doves and also 3 Chough. At Upper Killeyan, a large flock of Twite was present. Back at Gruinart, Richard had counted 800 Barnies present and he also saw a Swallow out in front of the visitor centre there as well.

Thursday 3rd October

This morning, Gary had seen 8 Pale bellied Brent geese down at the mouth of the wee stream  which leads into Loch Indaal as you drive into Bowmore. Round at Ballinaby, we had seen 6 Barnies resting up in the middle of a large number of Greylags. We also saw 3 different Stonechats while driving along. We saw a Hen Harrier out on the wing below Carnduncan. Coming back, we had a Heron take off close to us below Leek, it took off  out from the roadside ditch. Margaret , this afternoon up here at home, watched as 3 Buzzards were getting mobbed by a large group of Hooded Crows on the ground. they did  manage to take off and headed up to the crag, only to be joined, sitting up there by a Peregrine. Mandy today had seen 20 Whoopers along below Sunderland with some young cygnets, amongst them. There were also 2 of the adults having a sleep after their flight down...

Monday 30th September

Thought that I had cracked the nut and should have been able to show you a couple of images but my pc has other thoughts on the matter, perhaps tomorrow...

The other day, Mandy had seen a juvenile Golden Eagle take off from one of the fields up at Carnduncan and it flew on towards Culbuie and then today she had seen a couple of Whitefronts fly over her house.

Peter had counted 140 Whitefronts fly over his house at Bruichladdich, the same geese I presume were seen by Fiona. Fiona had also seen 6 Whoopers as well, where though I was not told....
James was in touch to give his goose numbers, a count of 1767 Pink footed geese
flying in from the West through to the East. with 785 landing down on Loch Gruinart itself. James also had 23 Whoopers as  well as 3 Barnies as well... A sure sign that the Winter is not that far away...

Sunday 30th September

Just as well that some of the farmers took the option yesterday and got some combining done, as today the weather was not so good, especially as the wind has picked up again...say no more..

Today, Distillery Dave had headed over Gruinart for a spot of birding.. On his way there, he had seen 3 Golden Plover round at Ballinaby, a Hen Harrier, a Merlin, a Sparrowhawk and also a Snipe. He met in with Bob, and out from the South hide they saw a good number of Barnacle Geese in and more arriving, 10 Pintail (all in eclipse plumage), 2 Drake Gadwall, a  single Greenland white fronted Goose,  3 Curlew and a ringtail Hen Harrier and the best part of 800 Teal. Bob, on his way home has a Sparrowhawk as he approached his house up behind Port Charlotte. This afternoon James had counted 685 Barnies on the reserve at Gruinart, 125 Golden Plover, 7 Blackwit, 8 Pale bellied Brent and a Pink footed Goose there as well.

Forgot to mention last night that on our way back from Gruinart yesterday afternoon, Distillery Dave and myself had seen 6 Redwing just as we approached the Hedges below Sunderland, and this afternoon , Margaret spotted a single Redwing on top of one of the headstones next door in the cemetery.

Friday 28th September

Yesterday, Pat, Bob's other half, had seen a Peregrine up beside their house behind Port Charlotte.

Today, Bob had seen a Kestrel over towards Octomore and in the gull flock there, he saw 2 second winter Med. Gulls along with the Common and Herring Gulls present. Kenneth had found a dead juvenile  Common Tern as he came off Machir Bay and late morning, he had seen 2 small groups of Pale bellied Brent  Geese at the top of Loch Indaal. Late afternoon and Margaret saw a male Hen Harrier skirting along the front of the crag. Around 6pm, Distillery Dave had seen another male Hen Harrier flying over the  road down at Rockside road end. Margaret and myself took a quick drive over to Gruinart once we had finished our tea and were rewarded with a count of 87 Barnacle Geese coming down the loch and landing on the mud flats.... Wonder what tomorrow will bring???

The weather has been dry today although there had been a slight dampness through the night, but the combines and balers have been out trying to make the most of it, not a good harvest for sure!!!!!

Thursday 27th September

Late yesterday afternoon, Mandy had seen a Kestrel down close to McNicol's croft.

This morning, Gary had seen 6 Barnacle Geese down at the top of Loch Indaal while he was having a look see while parked at the entrance to Whin Park. Louise had a Starling on her feeders this morning, a first for the Gatehouse list.. At the manse at Craighouse, Louise had seen a Sparrowhawk. Later on, she saw a Merlin and then a Hen Harrier up behind Ballinaby. Bob, this afternoon, saw a Little Gull among some Black headed Gulls at Carnain. The BTO sent more details about the Greylag goose that Bob had been handed in to him. It was initially caught and rung back on 12th of December in 2012 over at Ballinaby.

Here at home, a quick bird watch after tea produced 2 Buzzards, a Peregrine, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Raven and around 30 Chough.

Yet another image of our very local Sparrowhawk, taken in the evening sun, through the kitchen window, earlier this evening...

Tuesday 3rd October

The wind may have dropped a little, plus it has veered round a point or two as well... Mike had attempted a seawatch yesterday, not to be beaten it was done from his pick up truck.. Top counts were 505 Kitttiwake, 32 Brents, 2 RTD, 5 Diver sp. Up at Ballymeanach, on his way home Mike had seen a Wheatear. Mary Redman yesterday saw a flock of 60+  geese battling past Orsay island in the wind and driving rain. Later on, Mary had seen a Wheatear at Claddach and also 3 Brent Geese close to the shore there. Bob yesterday had seen 3 Snipe and 38 Goldfinches down towards Port  Charlotte. A count by James at Gruinart first thing his morning produced 1440 Barnies, 14  Pinkies, 26 Brent and 5 Ruff. Down at Port Charlotte, Ron from Islay info had seen 9 Whoopers flying South down Loch Indaal at breakfast time. Mike carried out another seawatch today, his tally came though at 3 RTD, 17 GND, 12 Diver sp., a Bonxie, 5 Common Scoter, 7 Whooper Swan, and 181 Barnies. On his way back to his vehicle, Mike had a Merlin and then a ringtail Hen Harrier out over the crofts at  Portnahaven.. We saw a Grey Wagtail here on the gravel at the house at lunchtime and then a male Hen Harrier as we headed pat Saligo with another seen along at Leek. Gary had a Merlin flying along the road at Ballygrant. Down at Gartmain, 4 Turnstone and 33 Brents were at the mouth of the stream. He saw a male Hen Harrier on the merse at Bridgend while at Carnain, Gary had 600 Greylags, 350 Barnies, 100 Curlew, 150 Oystercatcher, 17 Knot, a Sanderling, 50 Golden Plover, 3 Grey Plover, 33 Rock Pipits, 18 Pied Wagtail, 6 Teal, 17 Common Scoter, 11 RB Mergansers and 10 Barwits. Bob had been over this afternoon at Gruinart with Martin seeing around 5,000 Barnies, 30 Whitefronts, a female Pintail, 30 Wigeon, 250 Teal, a Blackwit, 30 Golden Plover, a Sparrowhawk, as well as a fly past of 14 Whoopers. James carried out a final count at Gruinart at tea time which came through at 4,915 Barnies, 40 Whitefronts, 26 Brent, and 4 Pinkies as well as a Peregrine for good measure.

Thursday 28th September

The weather comes first, yet again... it rained last night, the story line does not finish there as the rain gauge is now recording this month as being the wettest month so far for this year, so I wonder what it will finish at, come the end of the month..

Bob McMillan had seen 2 juv Peregrines, 2 Whooper Swans, 15 Barnies, 20 Ruff, 6 Blackwits and 2 Wheatear at Gruinart this morning. Richard and Kate this morning  had been up at Ardnave where their top birds included 15 Chough and a Snipe. Back down the road and around the reserve  at Gruinart, they saw an Osprey on the ground, a Peregrine, a distant White tailed Eagle,  6 Pink footed Geese, 15 Barnies, 50+ Pale Bellied Brent and some Wigeon. Some Blackwits were seen, still in breeding plumage, along with 4 Knot, some Dunlin, Sanderling and also Oystercatcher, Curlew and Redshank present. Gary had a great day as well, while out with clients.. 2 Golden Eagles were seen out from Bunahabhain, an Otter there as well, a Grey Wagtail at Persabus, another Otter at Coal Ila, a Kestrel at Port Askaig, a White tailed Eagle out from Kilmeny, 4 Shelduck over at Gruinart and Gary late afternoon had counted 120 Brent in. This morning, we followed a Sparrowhawk as it flew along the road in front of us below Culbuie. Margaret late morning watched a Golden Eagle being mobbed by around 30 Chough out past the war graves.

For your information, it is raining AGAIN...

Saturday 29th April

The wind may have veered round from the North, but it still feels rather cold.... 

Bob yesterday evening had been over at Gruinart for some birding. He had counted 600 Barnies,  also present were 7 Whitefronts and a Pink footed Goose. On the flats, he had 58 Blackwits. Out from the South hide, he had a further 90 Blackwits, 30 Redshank, 20 Snipe, the drake Green winged Teal and also 14 Whoopers. While he was there Bob reckons that around half the Barnies flew off North, straight up Loch Gruinart....James yesterday had seen/ heard a Cornrake along the flats, saw the Pinkie too, counted 9 White Wagtails, counted 72 Pale bellied Brent at Blackrock and saw 4 Gadwall on the floods. Today, James had a Chiffchaff in his garden and heard another Corncrake on the reserve. This afternoon, we counted at least 180 Golden Plover at Ballinaby. Also seen there were 15 Greylags, 2 large Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck and 2 pairs of Stonechats.

Thursday 13th April

Today, I saw my first Swallow of the year, unlike some folk that have seen them already, the good thing about this was it was at home...Late afternoon, there was a large flock a large flock of around 300 Barnies flying over towards Coull to roost up for the evening. Armin had a count of 50 Oystercatcher at the mouth of the River Laggan with around 300 Barnies flying NW towards Bowmore. Wonder if Armin and myself had seen the same Geese???  On his way back up towards where his car was parked, a Heron flew past, he had also seen some Pied Wagtail, not that common a sighting down where Armin comes from, close to Reading!! Bob this morning had counted 28 Whitefronts just after Sunderland Farm. While he was up here Bob and myself had seen a male Chaffinch and also a House Sparrow with BTO rings on, could they be some George E. Jackson had rung here previously, another question to ponder on!!!Mike Peacock today carried out the WeBS count from Portnahaven back up to Port Charlotte with his tally coming through at 33 Common Scoter, 28 GND, 3 RTD, 54 Razorbill, 5 Guillemot, 8 Tystie, 8 Shag, 5 Sandwich Tern with 2 Twite spotted at Nerabus. Oliver Woodman this morning had walked round Ardnave Point, seeing plenty of Otter footprints, but  no sign of any Otter themselves! He had more success on the bird front with a Peregrine, 6 GND offshore and also 12 Chough. Along the flats at Gruinart, a male Hen Harrier was present, and then later on while driving over the hill on the "Glen road" another male and also a ringtail Hen Harrier with a distant Golden Eagle spotted over the far hills.

Monday 26th September

Back on Saturday, Lesley had a passage of between 60 - 70 Swallows fly past her house close to Carraig Fhada over at Port Ellen. She also saw 30 Pied Wagtail including 2 White Wagtails, a small number of Sanderling and Dunlin and a female Merlin. Today, Lesley had 2 Ruff at Kilnaughton Bay. She was also saying that someone had a pod of 12 Dolphins in the bay just before miday. James this morning, over on Loch Gruinart had 3 Barnacle Geese, 9 Grey Plover, 1 Little Stint, a Curlew Sandpiper and also a Merlin.

Remember the Islay Bird nerds meeting tomorrow evening at 7.30 pm at the visitor centre at RSPB Loch Gruinart, so see you there, if you are around...