A fine day but rather cold and unrelenting!!
Goose counting for Scottish Natural Heritage around the Laggan Estate and the wide environs of Bowmore. Many Barnacle Geese were on Bridgend Flats roosting out on the mud after what can be surmised to have been a night of feeding given the moonlit conditions. Nonetheless we had at three large flocks of Barnacle Geese (1000+) but not many lesser parties and, in this count area , Greenland White-fronted Geese were in low numbers. Whilst little time is available to look out for much else it was nice to see 3 Bullfinch near to Loch Tallant, not that common a species on Islay, and a gathering of at least 42 Collared Doves on the outskirts of Bowmore!!
After the tragic accidents of last week the funerals have now taken place of those involved, the first involving around 800 people attending the service in central Bowmore, with a similar situation the day following. Whilst the shock, sadness and sheer quietness that pervaded the island has gradually begun to lift our thoughts remain, and will do so for a very long time yet, with the families involved and our hopes that, somehow, they will find the strength to continue.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
10th December, 2008.
On an absolutely glorious day a group of us went across to Jura to complete a whole series of Atlas tetrads for the BTO Winter Atlas Survey. In all 10 tetrads were fully completed and 3 others require a further visit after the begining of the year. Certainly a good technique to employ to make progress!!
Whilst nothing extra special was seen we had a very good spread of species and everyone really enjoyed the day out despite, in places, it being a bit squelchy! Many thanks to all who contributed.
On the way home ( on Islay ) both Tawny Owl and Barn Owl were seen ....good Roving Records too!!
Whilst nothing extra special was seen we had a very good spread of species and everyone really enjoyed the day out despite, in places, it being a bit squelchy! Many thanks to all who contributed.
On the way home ( on Islay ) both Tawny Owl and Barn Owl were seen ....good Roving Records too!!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
8th December,2008.
Again, surprisingly, very little change detected, a fact that everyone keeps repeating despite areas being worked regularly!!
Spent some time at the RSPB Gruinart office sorting out the BTO Atlas surveys on Jura which staff are to provide help with. Crucial things like ferry times, winter daylight, intended deerstalking arrangements; all fall into the mix of things which have to be taken into account when planning work on the island including, most of all, the weather!!!!
Spent some time at the RSPB Gruinart office sorting out the BTO Atlas surveys on Jura which staff are to provide help with. Crucial things like ferry times, winter daylight, intended deerstalking arrangements; all fall into the mix of things which have to be taken into account when planning work on the island including, most of all, the weather!!!!
Monday, December 8, 2008
7th December,2008.
Very little locally, although a lone Blue Tit turned up at the feeders for all of twenty minutes during the morning showing some birds were on the move!
The debate relating to the proposed release of White-tailed Eagles (Sea Eagle) in East Anglia, UK has begun to intensify. Whilst I fully respect the individuals behind the proposal I'm defeated by the logic employed when this includes an admission that there is very flimsy evidence as to the presence of the birds in the past ,and that way, way back in time too!! The fact that the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which presides over the regulations governing such schemes, downgraded the species into the "Least Concern" category within the last decade due to its improving fortunes and would judge this proposal, on the evidence available, to be an "intrduction" scheme , as opposed to a "reintroduction scheme" provide major points against its progression in my opinion. Shouldn't we also ask whether this proposal should be seen as a priority set against the many other pressing demands to try and improve biodiversity in the UK? Perhaps a more mundane thought but, in times of economic difficulties , shouldn't "pipe dreams" be set aside and the use of hard fought for budgets directed at more immediate and urgent candidates?
When there is ample evidence of too many bird populations having reduced, too many individual species seemingly experiencing real problems and still a requirement for reserve land acquisition and management, I've serious doubts in my own mind as to whether the idea is at all sensible. Research funds are always so desperately needed to establish the causes of change and decline of species, and not just birds, that I don't believe the time is right to consider a proposal of this sort. I suspect there are so many "deserving causes" in this particular respect the list would be very long and present a sobering reality of the desperate situation we are in. For some of the participating agencies it does, however, provide the opportunity to promote conservation widely, sing the praises of yet another large iconic species and to attract funding for other purposes........or is that a motivating force too heavily weighted in its favour!!
The debate relating to the proposed release of White-tailed Eagles (Sea Eagle) in East Anglia, UK has begun to intensify. Whilst I fully respect the individuals behind the proposal I'm defeated by the logic employed when this includes an admission that there is very flimsy evidence as to the presence of the birds in the past ,and that way, way back in time too!! The fact that the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which presides over the regulations governing such schemes, downgraded the species into the "Least Concern" category within the last decade due to its improving fortunes and would judge this proposal, on the evidence available, to be an "intrduction" scheme , as opposed to a "reintroduction scheme" provide major points against its progression in my opinion. Shouldn't we also ask whether this proposal should be seen as a priority set against the many other pressing demands to try and improve biodiversity in the UK? Perhaps a more mundane thought but, in times of economic difficulties , shouldn't "pipe dreams" be set aside and the use of hard fought for budgets directed at more immediate and urgent candidates?
When there is ample evidence of too many bird populations having reduced, too many individual species seemingly experiencing real problems and still a requirement for reserve land acquisition and management, I've serious doubts in my own mind as to whether the idea is at all sensible. Research funds are always so desperately needed to establish the causes of change and decline of species, and not just birds, that I don't believe the time is right to consider a proposal of this sort. I suspect there are so many "deserving causes" in this particular respect the list would be very long and present a sobering reality of the desperate situation we are in. For some of the participating agencies it does, however, provide the opportunity to promote conservation widely, sing the praises of yet another large iconic species and to attract funding for other purposes........or is that a motivating force too heavily weighted in its favour!!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
6th December, 2008.
A hard frost lit by a beautiful emerging dawn was a sight to behold and led to a cold but, nonetheless , glorious day. There was virtually no wind and Loch Indaal was more reminiscent of a mill pond than a sea loch.
The conditions were perfect for survey work and another tetrad within the BTO Atlas survey was completed. Scrutiny of endless Greenland White-fronted Goose flocks failed to locate the collared bird of yesterday but, as the birds become more confiding, this should become an easier task!!
Stangely little appears to have changed in terms of species composition but nice views of birds like Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Duck and Red throated and Great Northern Divers are always a bonus. Our wintering Light bellied Brent Geese appear to be split into at least two distinct groups and it's nice to see the gradual increase of birds over several winters. Large groups of duck at both Loch Gorm and Gruinart sat out on the ice and a male Peregrine took a Blacbird right next to the car at the latter site in an attack more typical of Sparrowhawk!!!
At Loch Gorm two Otters, not quite adult sized, played just offshore in a seemingly never ending series of dives and "vertical appearances" just like a pair of swimmers in a synchrinized dancing competition!!!
Finally, in the diminishing light of a disengaging day Woodcock were seen moving at three sites from their daytime lying up positions to their nocturnal feeding areas. Presumably some of these birds are from Europe and form the regular surge of birds that appears at this time of year.
The conditions were perfect for survey work and another tetrad within the BTO Atlas survey was completed. Scrutiny of endless Greenland White-fronted Goose flocks failed to locate the collared bird of yesterday but, as the birds become more confiding, this should become an easier task!!
Stangely little appears to have changed in terms of species composition but nice views of birds like Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Duck and Red throated and Great Northern Divers are always a bonus. Our wintering Light bellied Brent Geese appear to be split into at least two distinct groups and it's nice to see the gradual increase of birds over several winters. Large groups of duck at both Loch Gorm and Gruinart sat out on the ice and a male Peregrine took a Blacbird right next to the car at the latter site in an attack more typical of Sparrowhawk!!!
At Loch Gorm two Otters, not quite adult sized, played just offshore in a seemingly never ending series of dives and "vertical appearances" just like a pair of swimmers in a synchrinized dancing competition!!!
Finally, in the diminishing light of a disengaging day Woodcock were seen moving at three sites from their daytime lying up positions to their nocturnal feeding areas. Presumably some of these birds are from Europe and form the regular surge of birds that appears at this time of year.
Friday, December 5, 2008
5th December, 2008.
Despite the glorious day it did little to lift peoples' spirits after recent events, a situation which will take more than a little while to alter.
Goose counting for Scottish Natural Heritage again but on my own "home territory" the Rinns. Contrasting against yesterday's comments we had a couple of "packs" of Barnacle Geese of 1000+ but the majority are in smaller numbers. I came across a Greenland White-fronted Goose wearing a numbered collar but , unfortunately, they all spooked before I had the time to get details. At least there is one in residence to look out for!!!
A nice flock of Golden Plover at Cladville along with Lapwing, and quite a concentration of feeding Curlew (ca. 100 )at Octomore, were nice to see coupled with a single Merlin at Kilchiaran, but little time to take in much else. Flocks of passerines seem in short supply although a couple of Redwing flocks encountered and odd ,small parties of Blackbirds in a few places suggested there had possibly been an arrival of birds given the poor weather across the eastern mainland.
Goose counting for Scottish Natural Heritage again but on my own "home territory" the Rinns. Contrasting against yesterday's comments we had a couple of "packs" of Barnacle Geese of 1000+ but the majority are in smaller numbers. I came across a Greenland White-fronted Goose wearing a numbered collar but , unfortunately, they all spooked before I had the time to get details. At least there is one in residence to look out for!!!
A nice flock of Golden Plover at Cladville along with Lapwing, and quite a concentration of feeding Curlew (ca. 100 )at Octomore, were nice to see coupled with a single Merlin at Kilchiaran, but little time to take in much else. Flocks of passerines seem in short supply although a couple of Redwing flocks encountered and odd ,small parties of Blackbirds in a few places suggested there had possibly been an arrival of birds given the poor weather across the eastern mainland.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
4th December, 2008.
The extreme weather never arrived, although it blew a bit overnight and we had heavy rain for a time!! Strangely enough it seems milder after the last few days.
Out goose counting all day for Scottish Natural Heritage on the Gruinart sector. The large packs of Barnacle Geese seem to have broken up and a variety of different sized flocks and small parties are spread around. A military fighter/bomber on a training run spread mayhem amongst all the geese around Loch Gruinart which, perversely, made for a wonderful sight for the time they were all in the air!! A flock of at least 25 Reed Buntings at Killinallan showed their demise elsewhere has not been as drastically felt here. The days are now drawing in with "good" light only really being present between 0900 hours and 1600 hours with a cloudy or overcast day adding a difference too.
Out goose counting all day for Scottish Natural Heritage on the Gruinart sector. The large packs of Barnacle Geese seem to have broken up and a variety of different sized flocks and small parties are spread around. A military fighter/bomber on a training run spread mayhem amongst all the geese around Loch Gruinart which, perversely, made for a wonderful sight for the time they were all in the air!! A flock of at least 25 Reed Buntings at Killinallan showed their demise elsewhere has not been as drastically felt here. The days are now drawing in with "good" light only really being present between 0900 hours and 1600 hours with a cloudy or overcast day adding a difference too.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
3rd December, 2008.
A blanket of sadness has descended over the island at the news that, yesterday evening, a tragic accident occurred wherein two adults and a young lad, all locals from up the road, were killed in a traffic accident when their vehicle, in trying to avoid a cow which had strayed on the road, hit a lorry. In an island community, where everyone knows everyone, without them necessarily being close friends, such a loss nonetheless is keenly felt. All our thoughts are with those left behind.
Staying locally generated very little, although, strangely enough, a few, new aspects emerged at home associated with the feeding station!! Suddenly three Dunnocks are present, a bird commented on before as not being all that common on Islay. Additionally an immature female Sparrowhawk dropped in over the wall and proceeded to "stalk" a couple of very frightened Chaffinches which had dived into the middle of Number Two bush!! The hawk raised itself high on its long legs and , leaning forward,went into the bush to emerge 2m away on the other side where, a couple of seconds previously, the finches had erupted in panic!! I've never seen such behaviour previously.
Staying locally generated very little, although, strangely enough, a few, new aspects emerged at home associated with the feeding station!! Suddenly three Dunnocks are present, a bird commented on before as not being all that common on Islay. Additionally an immature female Sparrowhawk dropped in over the wall and proceeded to "stalk" a couple of very frightened Chaffinches which had dived into the middle of Number Two bush!! The hawk raised itself high on its long legs and , leaning forward,went into the bush to emerge 2m away on the other side where, a couple of seconds previously, the finches had erupted in panic!! I've never seen such behaviour previously.
2nd December, 2008.
A day spent necessarily behind a desk, for the most part, due to some changed arrangements. Birding locally between sleet showers produced nothing.
The single Coal Tit was present at home immediately after dawn, which suggests it even roosted in the garden. Whenever I was there during the day it was feeding almost continuously, which made for an 8 hour long meal..... I then reminded myself the remaining time of the day (16hours) was spent in roost in very low or sub-zero temperatures. Not an aspect we think too much about but which must be a real trial in periods of continuing poor weather. The amount of body fat available to burn as energy, and therefore "warmth", must be minimal so it's hardly surprising birds stoke up during the short days of winter.
The single Coal Tit was present at home immediately after dawn, which suggests it even roosted in the garden. Whenever I was there during the day it was feeding almost continuously, which made for an 8 hour long meal..... I then reminded myself the remaining time of the day (16hours) was spent in roost in very low or sub-zero temperatures. Not an aspect we think too much about but which must be a real trial in periods of continuing poor weather. The amount of body fat available to burn as energy, and therefore "warmth", must be minimal so it's hardly surprising birds stoke up during the short days of winter.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
1st December, 2008.
Tentative mobility initially then passed all the tests so back in business!!!
Had a look for Waxwings which had been reported previously but they'd obviously moved on from the village, which is hardly surprising given the limited amount of food present. The sea is now somewhat quiet but worth a scrutiny given the possibility of " white winged" gulls or even Little Auks.
Of interest on my return was a single Coal Tit feeding voraciously on seed I'd put out. This is the first titmouse I've ever had in the garden ( to my knowledge ) in three years despite the conifer forests opposite. Whether it's a local bird or part of what appears to have been a noticeable arrival into the UK of autumn migrants can only be guessed at!
Progressively working through bird photographs on a DVD kindly sent on by Barry Lancaster ( Australia ) based on our Ethiopia trip in March was an absolute joy. What a country for birding. Quite a hard trip in some respects but well worth it!!
Had a look for Waxwings which had been reported previously but they'd obviously moved on from the village, which is hardly surprising given the limited amount of food present. The sea is now somewhat quiet but worth a scrutiny given the possibility of " white winged" gulls or even Little Auks.
Of interest on my return was a single Coal Tit feeding voraciously on seed I'd put out. This is the first titmouse I've ever had in the garden ( to my knowledge ) in three years despite the conifer forests opposite. Whether it's a local bird or part of what appears to have been a noticeable arrival into the UK of autumn migrants can only be guessed at!
Progressively working through bird photographs on a DVD kindly sent on by Barry Lancaster ( Australia ) based on our Ethiopia trip in March was an absolute joy. What a country for birding. Quite a hard trip in some respects but well worth it!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)