Sadly thick mist and headlights driving saw the begining to the day from home at 0830hours but conditions were improved by the time I arrived at the head of Loch Indaal. Andy had got there at 0830hours and seen the bird , but in poor conditions, but then the flock "disintegrated" and it hadn't remained with the 530 Greater Scaup present.Whilst one satellite fock of 60+ was found, Loch Skerrols checked , where Greater Scaup sometimes are present, and an appreciable wait completed in the hope for the other flock "segment" to return, no further sighting was achieved. I checked the whole of Loch Indaal to its mouth but, again, with no success. Whilst all this was disappointing I've every confidence that the bird is still here as the total number of Greater Scaup (at least 900+ ) are prone to move around , but then "re-congregate" so I'm sure it will be seen again. Famous last words!!!
Other than that, it was a fabulous day for birds!! Probably an all time maxima for Long-tailed Duck, with 32 being seen,(the bald headed , domed headed males already showing off in display), all three diver species, Slavonian Grebe, 20+ Pintail, plus great views of birds like Goldeneye, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Scoter, Light-bellied Brent Geese and successions of Barnacle Geese leaving their night time roost areas at the begining of our vigil. The 2nd winter Glaucous Gull fed on some unfortunate auk and repeatedley sparred with GBBG's. A vist to Loch Skerrols ( one of my favourite locations on Islay ) provide us with 21 Whooper Swans, a Coot, a male Pochard, Tufted Duck, Greater Scaup, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe and Mute Swan. A good day in anybody's notebook!
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