Jeff Duncan is back over at present for another Islay fix...Yesterday, Jeff had seen GND, Slavonian Grebe and Sandwich Terns off Bowmore on/ over Loch Indaal. Round at Carnain, he had Sand Martins, House Martins and also Swallows. In the evening he saw a female Hen Harrier and about 30 minutes later a male Hen Harrier, both seen from the kitchen window from where they are staying! Also yesterday, Mark had seen a Glaucous Gull at Gortan.
Today, Mark had a Magpie on the reserve at Gruinart. Bob was speaking to some visiting birders at Gruinart this morning and they told him that they had heard 3 Willow Warblers earlier on, on their way down to the hide. On my way back from Bowmore at lunchtime, I saw 6 Pale belied Brent at Blackrock. James reported though a count of 4,375 Barnies and 117 Whitefronts on the reserve at Gruinart... He also saw 2 Ruff while out in front of the hide. Visiting birders came to visit us today while I was out, but Margaret spoke with them and they saw a Redpoll, and 2 Greenfinch along with other birds around here at home. This afternoon, the Yellowhammer was still around. Later on, a Sparrowhawk zipped through, spoofing all and sundry. It flew past and returned to sit on top of a fence post for the best part of 5 minutes before flying off, still hungry!!!!
