A late decision to visit some areas farther north saw a rather miserable and cold journey on the 25th. As elsewhere, and at home, the full onslaught of the arrival of spring migrants hasn't yet occurred this far north , other than with a few obvious exceptions. My goal to have an intensive couple of days seeing birds like Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Osprey and Scottish Crossbill was fully realised , but only after a lot of hard work. I confess I wimped out of a trek in the high hills to see Ptarmigan given the amount of snow cover and , in all honesty, insufficient time. Crested Tits seem to be in short supply, or is it just that time of year (?), but several Scottish crossbill parties were seen.
A thoroughly enjoyable sojourn with memorable highlights being a Capercaillie male and two attendant females seen well, a female Capercaillie seen "gritting" at a roadside , which then flew to a nearby Scots Pine tree showing its wonderful tail and rump patterns off to full effect, a very robust and active lek of Black Grouse and a pair of Red-throated Diver in full summer plumage and full display only forty metres away. I'd come across them by pure accident and, by similar coincidence, they never saw me either! My condition, after crouching in the undergrowth for twenty minutes , was not dis-similar to that of the many London Marathon runners who would have been finishing their battle with discomfort around the same time!!
All too soon it was time to return home after a very pleasant, if somewhat tiring, couple of days. The extent to which the winter weather had extracted its toll in this part of Scotland was extremely evident in the number of snapped off trees and branches which had succumbed under the weight of snow. With temperatures having plummeted to minus 16 degrees this latter winter had been the worst within the last twenty years according to local people and photographs graphically illustrated the conditions. Set against all that the presence of a few Goldcrest and Wren, and relative abundant numbers of titmice ( other than Crested!! ) paid testament to the resilience of some of our wildlife.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
24th April,2010.
A day devoted to moths , not birds.My reason for being in the Perth area was to attend the Scottish Moth Recorders Conference organized by Butterfly Conservation. An absorbing and rewarding day about which further details can be seen on the Islay Wildlife Blog site shortly.
Whilst not seeing terribly much of it in reality, the day appeared fine and bright and provided the opportunity to hear a Chiffchaff singing lustily within the grounds surrounding the Scottish Natural Heritage Centre at Battleby where the proceedings were held.
Whilst not seeing terribly much of it in reality, the day appeared fine and bright and provided the opportunity to hear a Chiffchaff singing lustily within the grounds surrounding the Scottish Natural Heritage Centre at Battleby where the proceedings were held.
23rd April, 2010.
An early ferry to the mainland in good weather , which then turned foul with rain across the east of Scotland. My intention was to visit the north bank of the Firth of Forth, haven to many wintering wildfowl. Whilst the visit was a short one I wasn't disappointed. Velvet Scoter were present in good numbers, showing off their white wing panels when in flight, and a single Slavonian Grebe in full summer plumage sailed past. Several small groups of Long-tailed Duck were present , the plumages of both sexes contrasting markedly with their appearance at the height of winter. I actually prefer the full winter plumage of both sexes, particularly that of the males. Compared to these the small number of birds we get on Islay seem to move off quite early each spring compared to these. A few Sandwich Terns were around and a small flock of Sand Martin fed low along the strand boundary.
Later, as I arrived in Perth, the weather improved but was still cool after the weather front had moved through.
Later, as I arrived in Perth, the weather improved but was still cool after the weather front had moved through.
Friday, April 23, 2010
22nd April,2010.
Routine seawatch showed most recent candidates,i.e. Red-throated Diver and Whimbrel, to be on the move again but nothing else of note. I get the impression that there are more Eider around the bays on the southern Rinns than in the last couple of years so hopefully the breeding season will be more productive than of late when very few ducklings survived. The juxta-presence of large gulls ( G.B.B.G. and Herring Gull) is an inconvenient feature of the nearby offshore islands!!
Until Tuesday next I am shutting down this site so await the various entries then on which to catch up on what has been happening.
Until Tuesday next I am shutting down this site so await the various entries then on which to catch up on what has been happening.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
21st April,2010.
A much improved day with lots of sunshine and feeling really warm in sheltered areas but with a cutting northerly wind.
a good part of the day was spent on "new ground" at a couple of locations, which is always something I enjoy. A few more Swallows are now around and a new Cuckoo had selected a territory from which it poured out its call through the late morning and part of the afternoon. Best of all was witnessing the "random arrival" of an immature Golden Eagle into an area, which brought about the immediate arrival of an adult from nearby on what was undoubtedly a mission to check things out, after which it descended in a steep path back towards its territory. Excellent views were had of both in a wonderful clear blue sky, magical stuff!! Later a female Merlin had an exchange with one of the local Hooded Crows on the moor opposite home.
a good part of the day was spent on "new ground" at a couple of locations, which is always something I enjoy. A few more Swallows are now around and a new Cuckoo had selected a territory from which it poured out its call through the late morning and part of the afternoon. Best of all was witnessing the "random arrival" of an immature Golden Eagle into an area, which brought about the immediate arrival of an adult from nearby on what was undoubtedly a mission to check things out, after which it descended in a steep path back towards its territory. Excellent views were had of both in a wonderful clear blue sky, magical stuff!! Later a female Merlin had an exchange with one of the local Hooded Crows on the moor opposite home.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
20th April,2010.
The strong north wind had disrupted the Jura ferry and intended plans for the day had to be set aside. Doubtless the wind had also persuaded both passage Light-bellied Brent Geese and Whimbrel to take time out on Loch Indaal as opposed to battling their way northwards. A group of Whimbrel lifted from Loch Indaal and valiantly strove to make headway northwards before being swept back to the tideline.
A visit to various woodlands suggested little had arrived that was new , although Willow Warblers are now here in strength. It was good to see a pair of Long-tailed Tit and Bullfinch . but disappointing not to record Goldcrest in previously favoured areas, which suggests the winter has taken its toll. Wren numbers appear to be around 50% "down" compared to 2009 figures, but a repeat visit in slightly better weather conditions might yet see an improvement.
Loch Skerrols carried a good group of Shelduck which presumably had left the windswept merse and sandflats for this more protected haven. Many of them breed in secluded spots around the coverts hereabouts and birds can often be seen moving to and fro between Loch Indaal and this inland area. Loch Gruinart appeared to have nothing new, although I was surprised at the numbers of Barnacle Geese and Greenland White-fronted Geese both here and in other places, doubtless being held up now by the northerly winds. Later two or three flocks of "Northern" Golden Plover were seen and scrutinized for any accompanying Dotterel , but unsuccessfully!! A busy feeding group of "alba" wagtails comprised four Pied and 12 "White" showing passage to have increased, many of our local Pieds being on territory now.
A visit to various woodlands suggested little had arrived that was new , although Willow Warblers are now here in strength. It was good to see a pair of Long-tailed Tit and Bullfinch . but disappointing not to record Goldcrest in previously favoured areas, which suggests the winter has taken its toll. Wren numbers appear to be around 50% "down" compared to 2009 figures, but a repeat visit in slightly better weather conditions might yet see an improvement.
Loch Skerrols carried a good group of Shelduck which presumably had left the windswept merse and sandflats for this more protected haven. Many of them breed in secluded spots around the coverts hereabouts and birds can often be seen moving to and fro between Loch Indaal and this inland area. Loch Gruinart appeared to have nothing new, although I was surprised at the numbers of Barnacle Geese and Greenland White-fronted Geese both here and in other places, doubtless being held up now by the northerly winds. Later two or three flocks of "Northern" Golden Plover were seen and scrutinized for any accompanying Dotterel , but unsuccessfully!! A busy feeding group of "alba" wagtails comprised four Pied and 12 "White" showing passage to have increased, many of our local Pieds being on territory now.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
!9th April,2010.
Some years ago birders visiting Strathspey, and then venturing a little further north, christened the (Upper) valley of the Findhorn "Raptor Alley". Such came back to me yesterday morning travelling the Lossit -Kilchiaran road from home with Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, an absolutely stunning male Merlin perched on a gate post and Golden Eagle and Short-eared Owl earlier. What a place! Despite having undertaken a lot of monitoring of Merlins over the years , ringed birds etc this will be the "stereotype memory" I shall always carry with me from now on. It really was a beautiful bird, and so confiding!
Quite a slice of the day was spent in Bowmore and then , later, in the southern part of Islay. Grey lag Goose pairs seem to be everywhere, and unless they move on somewhere, we are surely going to see the population burgeoning. I recollect saying this last year, which only then happened in part; what I don't recollect is seeing this many birds, this widespread, in springtime!!
Quite a slice of the day was spent in Bowmore and then , later, in the southern part of Islay. Grey lag Goose pairs seem to be everywhere, and unless they move on somewhere, we are surely going to see the population burgeoning. I recollect saying this last year, which only then happened in part; what I don't recollect is seeing this many birds, this widespread, in springtime!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
18th April,2010.
Having learned that skuas had been seen on passage past the Outer Hebrides I spent time seawatching over several hours, including testing a new observation site. Figures were derived from the first two hours with "searching for quality" occupying the rest of the time, the point being that it's difficult to count birds of different species, moving in various directions whilst systematically scanning aereas!!
Gannets were moving,with in excess of 250 north and around 120 south, all adults and presumably on feeding movements. Auks were also on the move with parties exceeding 300 moving north and singles and pairs returning south, again to feeding grounds presumed , from reports , to be off SW Islay. Local Fulmar, i.e.presumed Islay birds , fed offshore but appeared not to be moving elsewhere contrasted against a small passage of Red-throated Diver northwards. Kittiwakes were of interest with birds on the move in both directions, again considered to be relatively local birds moving to and from feeding areas. Manx Shearwater numbers continue to increase with virtually equal numbers north and south. Later an offshore feeding area was watched for quite a time with 40-50 birds present all of which gradually moved east as the food source moved along the surface.An odd Shelduck went north , as did a Greenshank, a Ringed Plover and a couple of Whimbrel.The spring upsurge in Goldfinch numbers continues with birds moving through and small numbers continually "dropping into" the garden during the day.
Despite all the effort, no skuas were seen, which puts an interesting focus on their springtime movements. Some birds do come past Islay northwards out of the Irish Sea and some appear to move east along Islay's south coast; some enter the Solway Firth, gain height and head off overland. Possibly the Outer Hebrides birds have circumvented the west coast of Ireland altogether and then swung NNE? A fascinating picture that proves there is still much we don't really know in detail about some bird movements.
As can be read on the Islay Wildlife site, one of the integrated objectives of the day was for any observations on cetaceans but, despite a favourable flat sea, none were recorded.
Gannets were moving,with in excess of 250 north and around 120 south, all adults and presumably on feeding movements. Auks were also on the move with parties exceeding 300 moving north and singles and pairs returning south, again to feeding grounds presumed , from reports , to be off SW Islay. Local Fulmar, i.e.presumed Islay birds , fed offshore but appeared not to be moving elsewhere contrasted against a small passage of Red-throated Diver northwards. Kittiwakes were of interest with birds on the move in both directions, again considered to be relatively local birds moving to and from feeding areas. Manx Shearwater numbers continue to increase with virtually equal numbers north and south. Later an offshore feeding area was watched for quite a time with 40-50 birds present all of which gradually moved east as the food source moved along the surface.An odd Shelduck went north , as did a Greenshank, a Ringed Plover and a couple of Whimbrel.The spring upsurge in Goldfinch numbers continues with birds moving through and small numbers continually "dropping into" the garden during the day.
Despite all the effort, no skuas were seen, which puts an interesting focus on their springtime movements. Some birds do come past Islay northwards out of the Irish Sea and some appear to move east along Islay's south coast; some enter the Solway Firth, gain height and head off overland. Possibly the Outer Hebrides birds have circumvented the west coast of Ireland altogether and then swung NNE? A fascinating picture that proves there is still much we don't really know in detail about some bird movements.
As can be read on the Islay Wildlife site, one of the integrated objectives of the day was for any observations on cetaceans but, despite a favourable flat sea, none were recorded.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
16th April,2010.
Up before dawn to witness the possibility of an enhanced sunrise brought about by the effects of the volcanic dust emanating from the eruption in Iceland. Well, it was all rather inauspicious and disappointing I'm afraid and possibly my enthusiasm was way in front of the potential effect!!
Much of the day was spent organizing matters associated with the BTO Atlas either at home or at the RSPB's office at Gruinart. In some senses little seemed to have changed with no new falls of migrants apparent. At Gruinart around 40 Sand Martin fed above the pools, a fine pair of Red-breasted Merganser was present and some newly arrived Black-tailed Godwit in tremendous summer plumage were present. Appreciable numbers of Barnacle Geese still remain around at least both Gruinart and Ronnachmore,although the southern Rinns was devoid of birds suggesting their movement away.
On Loch Indaal noticeable numbers of Great Northern Divers were about , but no concentrations as before. A flock of Red-breasted Merganser south of Traig an Luing provided entertainment as they cavorted around in the waters close to the shore.
Much of the day was spent organizing matters associated with the BTO Atlas either at home or at the RSPB's office at Gruinart. In some senses little seemed to have changed with no new falls of migrants apparent. At Gruinart around 40 Sand Martin fed above the pools, a fine pair of Red-breasted Merganser was present and some newly arrived Black-tailed Godwit in tremendous summer plumage were present. Appreciable numbers of Barnacle Geese still remain around at least both Gruinart and Ronnachmore,although the southern Rinns was devoid of birds suggesting their movement away.
On Loch Indaal noticeable numbers of Great Northern Divers were about , but no concentrations as before. A flock of Red-breasted Merganser south of Traig an Luing provided entertainment as they cavorted around in the waters close to the shore.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wednesday,14th April,2010.
A morning spent "fiddling about" with computer programmes ( and to little avail if I'm honest!) in an attempt to improve the record shots of the Ring-necked Duck, but distance frustrated the whole process, even with enhancement. Hopefully the bird will come closer at some point,as did the magnificent drake occurring at Loch Kinnabus on the Oa a couple or so years ago. At least a sufficient shot finally emerged to support the record claim!!
After a slightly grey start the day again developed into another nice sunny one , with the mid afternoon temperatures being quite warm. Another female Merlin on the southern Rinns flew northwards along the coast convincing me again that these birds are possibly Icelandic migrants. The BTO " Atlas of Wintering Birds" (1996) shows a presence on the Uists, less so on Lewis, but these might also be Icelandic birds in part!! At some point it would be useful to check into the winter situation relating to the breeding population of the Outer Hebrides, based on any returns of ringed birds, and whether they are thought to move out completely. At RSPB Gruinart Reserve the lone male Gadwall has now been joined by a further pair and the first Black tailed Godwit flew over. Tremendous views were had of the Lesser Canada Goose feeding amongst the Barnacle Geese on the Flats, which allowed me to get some good notes together on diagnostic features. A small flock of Sand Martin buzzed around the pools where Shoveler numbers appear to be holding up but from which the Pintail presence appears to have reduced.
I have to admit to having omitted two reports,and of the same species too, over the last few days. On the 11th a single Whimbrel fed in fields neat Portnahaven and, on the 13th, a lone bird flew NNE over the Rinns. The precursors to what will no doubt be the noticeable passage of good numbers of birds quite soon.
After a slightly grey start the day again developed into another nice sunny one , with the mid afternoon temperatures being quite warm. Another female Merlin on the southern Rinns flew northwards along the coast convincing me again that these birds are possibly Icelandic migrants. The BTO " Atlas of Wintering Birds" (1996) shows a presence on the Uists, less so on Lewis, but these might also be Icelandic birds in part!! At some point it would be useful to check into the winter situation relating to the breeding population of the Outer Hebrides, based on any returns of ringed birds, and whether they are thought to move out completely. At RSPB Gruinart Reserve the lone male Gadwall has now been joined by a further pair and the first Black tailed Godwit flew over. Tremendous views were had of the Lesser Canada Goose feeding amongst the Barnacle Geese on the Flats, which allowed me to get some good notes together on diagnostic features. A small flock of Sand Martin buzzed around the pools where Shoveler numbers appear to be holding up but from which the Pintail presence appears to have reduced.
I have to admit to having omitted two reports,and of the same species too, over the last few days. On the 11th a single Whimbrel fed in fields neat Portnahaven and, on the 13th, a lone bird flew NNE over the Rinns. The precursors to what will no doubt be the noticeable passage of good numbers of birds quite soon.
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