Friday 30th April

Some birds seen by Karen Graham yesterday, mainly up at Duncansby head, almost as far North that one can go on the mainland included the following...

"We thought we would see Puffins on the cliffs but not one was spotted. Large numbers of Guillemot and Razorbills along with Fulmar and Kittiwake. A number of Bonxies were weaving in and out hoping to catch one of the smaller birds in passing but they were keeping low above the waves.   Several Larks singing over moorland areas."

Lauren Stewart had seen the following birds at Gruinart... 

"There were 9 Whimbrel at Killinallan this morning. Lots of Grasshopper Warblers, Blackcaps and a GS Woodpecker around the reserve too, Mark also had a flock of Lesser Redpoll yesterday."

Thursday 29th April

 Nothing much to report to you all this evening, but last night Karen Graham was on the phone saying that she had seen over 1,000 Grelags arriving in at Loch Fleet which is up North, not the Loch Fleet down in Galloway!!!

Wednesday 28th April

 Yesterday, David Wood and Martin Armstrong had seen a Brambling in Dave's garden down the Oa...

Also Jack Flemng sent me the following.... 

"We've had an almost resident flock of c. 20 goldfinch at the feeders in the garden - the most ever ‐ but by God they go through the seed - mostly by chucking what they don't like away"

Tuesday 27th April

Some birds seen by Steve Wrightson seen yesterday over at Bunnahabhain included 2 Grey Wagtails as well as some Swallows, Shelduck and also a few Gannets flying out on the Sound of Islay.

I received through this e mail from Lauren Stewart, earlier on this evening, who now works with the RSPB on Islay as an assistant Warden.....

"Heard a Corncrake last night out on the flats at Gruinart along with some drumming Snipe. Lapwing chicks also running around the flats this afternoon."

Monday 26th April

 All the below reports of birds seen were from Friday onwards... 

James had reported seeing the following birds yesterday evening...

"Really warm here today (Sunday) and things are starting to dry up.

Saturday : Black tailed Godwits 39 on the Floods, Canada geese 3 big ones on the Floods, Blackcap singing along the woodland trail, Whimbrel 2 Port Ellen and Common Sands 2 Port Ellen.

On Sunday : Grasshopper Warblers 2 singing, White tailed Eagle over Reserve at Gruinart."

Peter sent the folowing birds seen by folk as well...

"Magpie - one reported on the Islay Facebook page at Port Ellen on Saturday and another at Ardfin golf course on Jura via Louise Muir on Friday.

 Other records for Sunday:

A flock of 39 Whimbrel on fields just outside Portnahaven and a WTE sat on the rocks on McKenzie Island off Portnahaven"

Sunday 25th April

Good friend, Peter sent me through this e mail late on last night with some sightings seen by folk on Islay yesterday,

" Pia heard a Grasshopper Warbler singing at Foreland this morning.

 Mandy saw a late Redwing at Carnduncan and heard a Cuckoo there as well.

Lesley and I saw 20+ Black-tailed Godwits, a male Ruff coming into breeding plumage and 3 Canada Geese from the North Hide at Gruinart.

And finally, the Corncrakes have arrived with simultaneous records of heard birds this evening at Conisby by myself, at Cornabus by Dave Protherough.

Saturday 24th April

Steve Wrightson sent me the image of an Osprey which he had taken yesterday evening...

He also kindly sent me though the following image of the same bird on top of a post enjoying a fish supper...

Peter also sent me through the following sightings from yesterday as well....

"David Dinsley - the first Sedge Warbler on Islay today at Kinnabus, plus another Whinchat.

 Gary had seen 8 Whimbrel on the shore by the coal yard north of Bruichladdich.

Val Peacock heard a Cuckoo calling at Foreland"