Saturday 30th June

Some sightings through from Peter Roberts who has recently returned from leading a tour to Japan. Before I forget, I heard today that the weather or rather the temperature in Japan is lower at present this year, than it is here in Scotland.
Yesterday evening, Peter had heard 4 GNDs calling away out from Bruichladdich on Loch Indaal, 2 in full breeding plumage with the others in non breeding plumage.Back on Wednesday, Peter had seen another GND over at Claggain Bay., so we are definitely seeing some GNDs summering here on Islay...Back down at the pier at Bruichladdich, Peter had seen at least 8 Tysties, and wondered whether they were actually 4 pairs breeding there.

Friday 29th June

Another scorcher of a day, and not much let up expected over the next few days, and little sign of any rain as of yet..
This evening I found a nest in the undergrowth out in the garden, a Pheasant nest I think with 7 eggs in it...

Thursday 28th June

Another wee cracker of a day... James said it was s hot a day on Islay that he can remember, his thermometer reached 24 degrees at one time this afternoon.
On the bird front some sightings through from James as well.. Today, he had seen 3 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, a Willow Warbler, a Sedge Warbler a Reed Bunting and also 2 Lesser Redpoll, all on one bush on the reserve at Gruinart.

Tuesday 26th June

Yesterday afternoon, Martin had seen a pair of White tailed Eagles on the Low road to Port Ellen from Bowmore around the road leading to the Machrie Hotel.
Today, Gary had  seen 2 male Hen Harrier, and an Osprey and also the Ring necked Duck in at Finlaggan.

Monday 25th June

This morning while waiting for his clients at Islay House Hotel, Garry had seen an Osprey Flying south from Bowmore towards Gartbreck along the shore of Loch Indaal. Earlier on he had heard many Blackcaps and Willow Warblers calling in and around Whin Park.
If you want to see some cracking images of Hen Harriers, click on the link to Gordon Yates  blog on the right hand side of our blog.

Sunday 24th June

Just realised that yesterday was the Mallard Way birder last day of his June fortnight visit. Nothing much to report through from him apart from seeing some Gannets in the Sound of Islay out from McArthur's Head. Thanks for your birds and good to hear that you are home safe to Mallard Way. This evening the Coullabus crowd e mailed through to say that they had seen an Otter from the ferry just after leaving Port Ellen. This was the first Otter they had seen on/ around Islay on either of their visits here and they were beginning to think that it was rather elusive to spot.

Saturday 23rd July

Well another set of visiting birders, "the Coullabus crowd" headed home today. Back on Wednesday evening they had a RTD in summer plumage off Bruichladdich. A walk out around Coullabus the next morning , a ringtail Hen Harrier was seen and then a Roe Deer with her 2 twin calves were . Finally, a short walk in Bridgend Woods provided Siskin and also Grey Wagtail. Many thanks for your birds while you were over and see you at Rutland, at the Birdfair, not long now, less than 7 weeks away!!
This evening, Distillery Dave had been round at Kilchoman, where he had a Greenfinch on the feeders,  a Fulmar gliding along the front of the crag, the customary, noisy Chough as well as a Kestrel and also a Buzzard.