Sun 31st May

James was on the phone earlier with some sightings over the last few days. On Friday, he had 28 Arctic Terns on Loch Gruinart itself, and last night once the wind had calmed down, (around 11pm I am told), James went out round the reserve to count any calling Corncrakes. He managed to hear 8 in all and a further 4 birds next door on Craigens. He also heard a Water rail in front of the hide, and down in the wood at Erasaid there was a Tawny Owl calling. While he was out he also saw 2 Barn Owls hunting for prey.

The good weather continued on today, and James saw some Painted Ladies and also some Highland Darters out on the wing. JRH

Sat 30th May

Another nice sunny day over here, although there has been quite a wind blowing for most of the time, at least it seemed to be a bit warmer.

A Grey wagtail had been seen on one of the burns on the Rhinns the other day. Back here at home, the elusive Corncrakes are still calling well, but proving hard to see. It does not help that the cover of Nettles and flag iris has grown quite a bit recently. Some of the flag iris has just started to flower too. Instead of catching a glimpse of a Corncrake, we just had to make do with a flypast by 10 young Chough.

Fri 29th May

After a misty start to the day, the weather has picked up, the mist burnt off, and it turned out quite warm, although it was quite windy. Some folk on the guided walk at Gruinart were actually seen putting on sun cream!

Changing the clock back to this morning, I had the good fortune of seeing a Gannet diving at close quarters in the bay down at Port Charlotte.

One of our visitors who is interested in trapping moths, managed to catch a Puss Moth in his trap last night, so was well pleased with that. His total for the fortnight has not been as good as in previous years, but the weather has not been so kind.

Thurs 28th May

Watching BBC Springwatch tonight, I noticed that they want Cuckoo sightings to be sent in, so will try to remember and get this one logged in!

I was speaking with Michal earlier on today, and the tally for the Corncrake survey carried out last week, and the figures are similar to the count of the first survey last year. I think that we may be due another count possibly later next week, weather permitting.

I went out for a quick run to Bridgend this evening, down on a recently sown field at Rockside there were 32 Ringed Plover. Along the road, at Sunderland and there were 70 Greylags on a barley field! Down at Carnain itself, I managed to spot the proud Mute Swans out with their 5 young cygnets as they moved between pools.

Wed 27th May

As I write, the cuckoo is calling outside!

James has just been on the phone with some sightings over the last couple of days. Yesterday, in front of the hide there were 2 Otters, one of the Mute swans was out with 6 cygnets, 37 Dunlin, 2 Gadwall and a single Whooper swan. Down at Carnain, on the pools, the Mute swan was out with her young. It will be interesting to keep an eye on them to see how many they eventualy rear, as last year, if memory serves me right they finished up with only one. Today, James counted 83 Ringed Plover and 245 Dunlin on Loch gruinart itself. JRH

Tues 26th May

Margaret was fortunate to get this image of a Cuckoo this afternoon when she was out in the garden. There had been 2 males calling, with only one female responding. Earlier on in the month, here at home there had not been much activity of any Cuckoos compared with other areas of Islay, but it appears that catch up time is here!

Rory, while on the RSPB guided walk on the Oa this morning had seen 2 separate Golden Eagles, and also a close sighting of a Gannet as it flew over the heads of the group!

Mon 25th May

Want the good news, or the bad news first. Well, I think we really should start with the good news, this morning down at Carnain on the water, was a Shelduck with her brood. The bad news was that seconds before, I had just seen a Gull carrying off one of the ducklings, with the other Shelduck trying to mob the Gull, but to no avail.
Back at home and the Cuckoo has been calling for most of the day in and around the wood, with the female returning her call from time to time.
I had a chance meeting with Trevor Guy the other week who was over here on holiday. Trevor writes www.paghambirder.blogspot.com and has some cracking images, well worth a look at.