5th January,2009.

A glorious day but with a rather fresh SE wind that was strong enough to spoil counting on Outer Loch Indaal. As it was a lot of birds appeared to have abandoned the outer area and moved into the "central" section witnessed by well over thirty Great Northern Divers being seen there.
As is customary at this time of year Herring Gull numbers begin to rise and noticeable concentrations were present at various places. A flock of around fifty Common Scoter comprised mostly females, although others could have been present in the "inner" section. A total of 43 Light bellied Brent Geese noted along the western shoreline, a mid winter figure that seems to grow as each year passes.
In the Rockside/Coul area a flock of around 50 Skylark fed in stubble, which was a very reassuring sight and , further on, Lapwings and ca.40 Golden Plover were present. Of interest, and at three locations, were Song Thrushes that were very dark in colour, begging the question whether these might be hebridensis individuals that had moved further south for the winter. There are still many questions to be answered!!!