Friday 22nd February

Yesterday, Chris Corrigan had seen a Slavonian Grebe close in to the shore while  he was at Bowmore. Later on, Chris had seen a male Hen Harrier out over the moorland at Foreland, and then along at Sunderland, he had a female Merlin. Down at Machir Bay, Chris had counted a flock of 35 Chough and then out on Loch Indaal past Port Charlotte, he had a small pod of 5 Bottle nosed Dolphins.
Today, James had seen a Peregrine while out on the reserve at Gruinart. He also had counted 6,805 barnies  and also 91 Greenland whitefronts on the reserve

Friday 3rd February

Today James had seen 3 Greenshank, a Sparrowhawk and counted a flock of 850 Golden Plover on the RSPB reserve at Gruinart. He also counted 6990 Barnacle Geese and 149 Whitefronts on the reserve as well... Over close to Glenmachrie around midday, Margaret spotted a Peregrine on top of a fence post. It must have seen us too, as it was off before I could get the camera on it.... Mike Peacock was in touch today to say that he had seen a couple of Ravens nest building in the trees at Foreland. Down on Machir Bay, Mike had a count of 79 Oystercatcher and as he headed home, he spotted a Merlin at Rockside. Finally mid afternoon, he had a pod of 8 Bottle nosed Dolphins feeding on Loch Indaal out from the pier at Port Charlotte, and also Mike's house...

Sunday 4th December

Yesterday, Gary had seen 20 Siskin in the treetops down at the mouth of the River Sorn as it enters Loch Indaal below Bridgend. Today, he had counted 14 Turnstone and 10 Ringed Plover over at Feolin on Jura. Also today, Mike and Val Peacock along with Pia had a pod of 8 bottle nosed Dolphin close in on Loch Indaal at Port Charlotte around lunchtime. Mike followed them down to Nerabus, about 3 miles or so. Here at home the birds have been making the most of the food available at the feeders, a sign of some colder weather coming in a few days time???

Sunday 20th March

Forgot to mention that when Malcolm and Bob were on Jura on Thursday, that they has heard a Great spotted Woodpecker at Forest Lodge , just out of Craighouse. Yesterday evening, Lesley had a pod of 9 Bottle nosed Dolphins in Kilnaughton Bay and this morning around 7am, Mike had seen a pod of at least 22 BnD off Port Charlotte. This morning, we had a count of 14 Chough out flying around the crag with 4 Buzzards soaring away much higher than them. Peter today had seen his first Gannet in Loch Indaal for the year, and it was actively fishing. This afternoon, Mandy and Fiona heard and saw the Great spotted Woodpecker down near to Loch Skerrols. On Loch Skerrols itself, 2 Dabchicks, 2 Tufted Ducks, a male Goldeneye and 5 Mute Swan were present. They also heard 2 Greenfinch and plenty of Goldcrests. On the flood/ pond at Saligo/ Ballinaby where Peter had the Dabchick the other day, this afternoon a pair of Shelduck were seen, still no Wheatears yet...
This evening, just before 6 o'clock, we heard a deep rumble and wondered if it was an earth tremor?? I spoke to Malcolm, and he had heard it as well, but so far no mention of it on the British Geological Society's website, but will keep you posted if any further info comes through....We live around 4 miles from Malcolm.

Tuesday 24th April

This image of a Grey Wagtail was sent through to me this evening by our "Argyll birder". He was fortunate to take it down at The Woolen Mill, as ever please note the blue sky! Today up at Ardnave, he had 44 Golden Plover at Ardnave, 27 White Wagtails, 15 Tufted Duck on the loch along with 8 Black tailed Godwit on edge of the loch. At the top of Loch Indaal, he counted 82 Black headed Gulls, the pair of Grey Wagtails were at The Woolen Mill. In Bridgend Woods, along the River Sorn he had several Blackcaps and Chiffchaff as well as Goldcrest and Siskin. Finally at Portnahaven, he had 2 Pink footed Geese & 12 Blackwits. Our Hampshire birders yesterday had heard the Corncrake at Rockside road end, on Loch Indaal, a pair of Red breasted Merganser, and on Loch a'Chnuic, beyond Ardbeg, a further 8 Merganser were counted. Along at Claggain Bay, another pair of Merganser, Wheatear, 2 Shag, 2 GND and 2 Gannets offshore.At Sgeil Dubh, both Eider and Whimbrel were seen. A Cuckoo was heard when they were at the Kildalton Cross. On their way home at Cruach they had a flock of over 30 Linnets, while at Pennycraig, 2 Rock Pipits, 4 Ringed Plover and 4 Common Gull were noted. Once again, many thanks. Back on Saturday, Dave saw 15 Botlled nosed Dolphins off the Oa.

Wednesday 9th March

This image of the the Richardsons Canada Goose was taken on Monday by Mike Cartwright up at Mulindry. Mike for over for a few days, over the weekend and by the sounds of it was well impressed with his first visit to Islay! On Sunday, along with his brother, they watch a pod of around 15 Bottle nosed Dolphins hunting off Ardnave Point. Thanks to Mike for the image.
James on the flats today counted 90 Curlew along with 3 Greenshank.

Sun 11th April

A great day here, especially for the folk over for Walkislay. One of the group of walkers had a great sighting of a Golden Eagle, while the others had to make do with a pair of Yellowhammer!

James came back last night after being away on holiday for the past week, and they had 6 Bottle nosed Dolphin from the ferry.

Carl had a Small Tortoisehell down at Portnahaven yesterday, and at home today in Port Charlotte in his garden, he had Goldcrest, Great Tit and Dunnock singing.

Fri 5th March

When Malcolm was out Goose counting this week on the Rhinns of Islay at Octomore, he had 120 Fieldfare and 20 Redwing. Fiona McGillivray and Becky Williamson had been on one of the other routes at the other end of Islay, and over at Bunnahabhain had a White tailed Sea Eagle with yellow wing tags but were unable to identify it. They also had seen another 2 Sea Eagles on the same route the same day.

Louise had been in touch to say that with the longer day light, especially on her way home in the evening on Jura, that she has been noticing Short eared Owls as well as Hen Harriers. Yesterday she had seen a pair of Golden Eagles mating, and had 356 Golden Plover but not at Ballinaby! Over at Port Askaig, she saw 3 Bottle nosed Dolphins in the Sound of Islay.

Tues 30th Oct

The late sightings of the Hobby continues, with it being seen this morning, having a tussle with a Ringtail (female Hen Harrier), before flying off into the shelter/protection offered in some trees. GDY

Down on the guided walk at on the RSPB reserve on The Oa, the bird watchers were graced with 6 Merlin, 5 Golden Eagle, several chough and the sighting of a pod of Bottle Nosed Dolphins. RAS