Tuesday, December 2, 2014

bigfoottutors

If you have your themes, and sometimes you a hard time-pass to confused with everything get in the school, what do you think is the best, what to do? I really know how it feels when your grade is not really satisfactory or not your expectations. I was a student myself once and I know what's the flow. You have so many topics every day and the teacher are information, not all at the same time throwing your brain to keep. Do you just helped me know what? I asked a tutor to help understand my lessons carefully. It is very ideal, and I'm glad that we know that have websites that offer some great online tutorial services such as bigfoottutors, though I don't really need it now because I'm not more study, but I had to leave for their own benefit claim take nothing, my children, these services. "Transforming students in a measurable manner", that is, what Bigfoot tutors with the aim to give to their students. After checking their sites, I found some wonderful services and offerings, which currently offer them, and I will grab this opportunity definitely. Give a short tutorial, via their website, let me list down all the advantages, you know about online tutorial services (Bigfoot tutors in particular) can purchase.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Japanese to English Translator

Hey people, we need a stable Japanese to English Translator, as soon as possible, please have you on conan fan, and experience as a nuvp of ngaDmoH arīyIq ', Japanese ', ' mughw, Tera nisi vIjatlhchugh, maH je tugh nuqneH requirements ' e ' conan, ' go massive ghaj fans je SIQp ', the bogh

Monday, June 30, 2014

Venus Factor

However, with so many fitness programs out on the market and on the internet today, what makes the Venus Factor program any different than all the rest? To answer this question and to find if the Venus factor program is really for you lets take a look at the pros and cons of this program.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Saturday 8th March

Yesterday, Paul Graham looked out the window and what was sitting on his bird table, rather what was on top of the cage preventing the larger birds getting to the food there... a Sparrowhawk... Today, as predicted the wind was up, the ferry did not come first thing and waited until midday before coming over, yes, the Fulmars are not far away with the weather!!! Down between the Coastguards and Rockside road end we counted 8 Hares out earlier this evening, wonder where they go to through the winter?

Friday, March 7, 2014

Friday 7th March

The other day while out goose counting, Bob counted a flock of 100 Wood Pigeons over towards Loch Skerrols and yesterday he had a Peregrine fly past close to his house up behind Port Charlotte. Here at home yeserday, the Fulmars were seen out in front of the crag, a ringtail Hen Harrier over the garden up at Shepherd's cottage, later on around 70 Rock Doves flew past the crag. There was Merlin down towards Sunderland Farm around midday today. Visitors from Glossop had been over on Jura and had seen Red Deer and some feral goats there, with a pod of Dolphins at Feolin as they waited for the ferry to come back over to Port Askaig.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Thursday 6th March

Thanks to James who has compiled the entries to the blog while I was away over on the mainland. Some sightings through from last week. Somehow I managed to omit Paul's birds from last Wednesday, he had walked from Ballygrant through to Port Askaig. In the trees around Loch Ballygrant, he had a Treecreeper and several Goldcrest. Further on Paul had a Great spotted Woodpecker and on the Lily Loch a Dabchick was present. Later on over at Craigens, there was a small flock of 10 Twite and on the reserve at Gruinart, 7 adult Whooper Swans 2 ringtail Hen Harrier and around 300 Golden Plover. Yesterday, Ken and the Burbage birders had seen the Canada Goose hutchinsii down beside Loch Indaal. Beside the Gaelic College, 147 Barwits and 1 Knot were seen. Smelly corner held 40 Shelduck, with 19 Black Guillemots counted in the Sound of Islay at Coal Ila. A Dipper was seen at the Woolen Mill and finally up behind Port Charlotte a flock of 137 Barnies along with a solitary Pinkie!

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Wednesday 5th March

A few catch up records (thanks to the Burbagebirders) on the 3rd- 14 Pale Bellied Brents, 9 Slavonian Grebes, 11 Great Northern Divers and 13 Scaup and on the reserve at Gruinart- 2 Chough, 1 Grey Wagtail, a Peregrine, 140 plus Golden Plover and a Ringtail Harrier. On the 4th - 3 Hen Harriers (2 males an 1 female), 2 Golden Eagles and a Merlin at the Oa, a Great Crested Grebe in Port Ellen Bay by the toilet block and at Smelly corner 5 Black Tailed Godwits. There has also been reports of a Theyers Gull reported at Bruichladdich on the 2nd March (Birding Frontiers).

Monday, March 3, 2014

Monday 3rd March

A clear and sunny day today- the Lapwing calling and the Skaylarks singing, plus 2 Lesser Black Backed Gulls at Gruinart. I usually see some in Feb, but they are late this year. Other records from Gruinart include a Bullfinch, Treecreeper and 2 Goldcrests all on the woodland trail - seen by Mary. Lots of records for yesterday: From the BurbageBirders, Off the ferry- 2 Black Throated Divers, 4 Red Throated Divers, 7 Great Norther Divers, 17 Razorbills, 13 Guillemots, 40+ Black Guillemot and a White Tailed Eagle. At their accomodation An-Innes they had 6 Woodcock. Records from the 1st March: 1st winter Iceland Gull nr. Kilmeny, male Hen Harrier at Erasaid, Slavonian Grebe just off Bowmore and 4 White Tailed Eagle in the Sound of Islay. It has also been noticed that the Gannets are back cruising the coast.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Sunday 2nd March

I have had to post early today, due to internet problems, a small downside to rural life. Its been a beautiful morning, although a bit cloudier now. To add to the Spring feel I have seen Frog spawn at Gruinart and heard the croaking of frog activity on the pools. Also at Gruinart a female Hen Harrier, a Moorhen and Sparrowhawk. A count of the Geese on the reserve revealed 3,900 Barnacles, 142 White-fronts and 31 Greylags.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Saturday 1st March

Yesterday was Paul Beresford's last day on Islay. Over at Bruichladdich, Paul counted 21 Pale bellied Brent Geese and a Guillemot on Loch Indaal, while he was there a male Hen Harrier flew over. Just South of Port Charlotte, Paul had 2 Black throated Divers and a Black Guillemot close to the shore. While walking over on the track between Octofad and Ballimony he flushed a Woodcock. Finally, back in Bowmore, on the pavement, an obliging Rock Pipit was seen. Paul's tally for the week was 93 species seen. Thanks Paul for sharing your sightings while you were here. As it is now March, "officially" the first day of Spring, well the rainfall for for February was 7.2" for the month here at home.... The rain guage is getting refilled already as it is wet outside as I write the entry tonight....

Friday, February 28, 2014

Friday 28th February

Last night on our way back from Port Charlotte, we were lucky enough to view the "Northern Lights", possibly not as spectacular as it was in some places. but all the same it was great to see. Out over the West the sky was red for some time while further round to the North and a bit further round the sky had a greenish hue to it... Glad I was out as I doubt if I had been in the house, well I would not have seen any of it! A few birds for you now, two sightings from earlier on this week both from visitors, Adam Cross had a first winter Kumlien's Gull down on tip at Gartbreck. Over at Bunnhahbain, Terry Williams had a Crossbill on the overhead wires. Thanks folks for sharing your sightings as ever.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Thursday 27th February

A bit colder out here today than of late, and it is meant to be wintertime... Today, Paul had been down on the Oa and had seen a couple of Golden Eagles, on Loch Kinnabus he had a count of 20 Tufties while along the roadside he saw some Stonechats. Later on, over at the Lily Loch, Paul flushed a Woodcock. This afternoon, on our way home, we saw a ringtail Hen Harrier chasing after a lbj along the roadside just after Sunderland, think the wee fellow ducked out of the way into safety!

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Wednesday 26th February

Yesterday Bob had seen a Sparrowhawk just out of Bowmore. Today Ed had spotted an adult Glaucous Gull on the shore at Blackrock, later on he had an adult White tailed Sea Eagle near to Ballygrant. Back here at home, over the few days, some of the Lapwings appear to be pairing up and dislaying. This morning the Fulmars were back at the crag again...

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Tuesday 25th February

Just before Sunderland this morning we had a near miss with a ringtail Hen Harrier as it drifted across the road, how it did not come in to contact with us is a bit of a mystery, iwas low and did not try to avoid us.... Paul today had seen 2 large Canada Geese up at Ardnave, He also saw the Iceland Gull over at Duich Farm with a male Hen arrier present there as well. In the fields behind Bowmore, Paul had another male Hen Harrier, a flock of around 100 Skylarks with 4 Yellowhammers and a Grey Wagtail overhead. Finally over at Gruinart, Paul had a Greenshank. And yes, the wind has picked up, no ferry this morning and the ferry this evening diverting to Port Askaig...

Monday, February 24, 2014

Monday 24th February

A better day out here today with the weather, although there is rain forecast for tonight, oops!!! Paul B had sent some sightings through. The small flock of Scaup were still present today, along with a cracking male Long tailed Duck on Loch Indaal out from the generator station outside Bowmore. Further out on Loch Indaal, 4 Slavonian Grebes and 30 Common scoters were present. Over at Bruichladdich, Paul had a small gropup of 4 Pale bellied Brent Geese. Further on down the Rhinns, a Golden Eagle was seen and at Kilchiaran Bay, Gannets, Fulmars and Kittiwakes were added to Paul's list. Back here at home, the Fulmars were back this morning on the crag, a sign of some stormy weather to come again??? The Iceland Gull was still present over at Duich Farm.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Sunday 23rd February

Forgot to mention last night that we had seen the adult Iceland gull over at Duich in a rather badly poached grass field. Bob was telling me today that some Greenfinches have returned to his feeders, 5 male and a female were there today. Ed had seen a Snow Bunting and also a Merlin. Later on, South of Bowmore, Ed saw 2 Peregrines. Around midday, Malcolm had an imm White tailed Sea Eagle up behind Bridgend and then later on an adult bird over towards Port Askaig. Returning visiting birder Paul from Notts had seen an imm White tailed Sea Eagle at the reserve at Gruinart this morning, also there were over 100 Pintail, 1 Whoopers, and over 80 Dunlin. Up towards there were 30 Chough in a grass field along with the grazing sheep. Paul also commented on the numbers of Skylarks and Reed Buntings around. Over at Loch Ballygrant, he had a ringtail Hen Harrier with 24 Tufties on the Loch itself. Close to Bowmore, on Loch Indaal, Paul had 2 GND and also a Red throated Diver. Below the generating station there were 8 Scaup, 3 males and 5 females. Back here at home, a new garden bird on the ground today, a Raven, been seeing some of them carrying nesting materials back to their nests of late!! For those of you on Islay this coming week, the bird nerds are meeting in the Lochside Hotel at 7.30pm for a blether and a pint, soi if you are around, see you there!

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Saturday 22nd February

The Hampshire Birders yesterday, up on Ardnave Loch had 2 Whoopers, Goldeneye and Tufted Duck, round at Saligo they saw Reed Bunting and back at Crosshouse/"smelly corner" they had Mute Swan, Raven, Barwits, Curlew, Mallard, Shelduck, Barnies, Dunlin, Oysterctacher and Ringed Plover. Thanks to Gary and Wendy for your sightings while you were over. Gordon and Pauline on their way to the ferry yesterday am, had a White tailed Sea Eagle tucking into a Barnie at the top of Loch Indaal, also present was a Raven and a GBB Gull waiting patiently for any scraps! Whilst waiting for the ferry to leave Port Askaig, a Peregrine flew past the ferry about 20 feet away! Today down at Bowmore, in the harbour there were 2 cracking prs of Goldeneye. Coming home, and just past the Rockside road end, a male Hen Harrier flew over the road,less than 30yards ahead of us, not sure how it did not clip the top of the fence!

Friday, February 21, 2014

Friday 21st February

Yesterday the Hampshire birders had walked up from Octofad through the woods towards Lossit where they saw Woodcock, Chough, Lapwing, Skylark and some Reed Buntings.At Bruichladdich they saw 3 Purple Sandpipers.Their daughter and son in law had walked out to the Singing sands at Port Ellen and saw Black Guillemot and Razorbills. Thanks to the Rochdale birders,aka Gordon and Pauline Yates who headed home today, back in April again, see you then!

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Thursday 20th February

Just as well that I emptied our rain guage yesterday as we had another inch through the night, the ground is laden with water, out on the Machir in places that I have not seen before, water everywhere... Yesterday,the Hampshire birders had a Dipper on the River Sorn, out on the Sound of Islay they had seen Black Guillemots, Eider and GND. Over Jura they saw a pr of White tailed Sea Eagles. They also saw a pr of Stonechats on Islay. Visitors from Cambridge had seen a male and a female Hen Harrier, a Brambling, a GND, Canada Goose hutchinsii sp and 10 Barwits while out and about round Gruinart and the Loch Gorm area. The Rochdale birders were telling me that the flock of lbj's at Corsapol has turned to mainly Chaffinches rather than as many Linnets seen there. James had some birds seen from the ferry when he was away for a few days. He saw a White tailed Sea Eagle on the Sound of Islay, both coming and returning! Also seen were "loads" of Tysties in summer plumage in the Sound of Islay, as well as Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, GNDs, a Red throated Diver, Black throated Diver, 2 Common Scoter, 5 Slavnian Grebes. Highlight for James was a Great crested Grebe in West Loch Tarbert

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Wednesday 19th February

Forgot to mention last night that the Rochdale birders had 40 Barwits at the top of Loch Indaal yesterday. Today they had 22 Black Guillemots at Coal Ila with another 18 at Port Askaig. At Coal Ila, they saw a couple of Ravens carrying sticks into their nest,and a Rock Dove with an egg on its' nest! Over on Jura they had 2 Canada Geese. Down close to Portnahaven, they saw a male Hen Harrier out quartering its' patch. Dave down on the Oa reports that there are definate signs of Spring with Skylarks seen on the moor, Herring Gulls, Oystercatcher and Black Guillemots all starting to pair up and on their territories! Today Dave had 3 Buzzards, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a GND and 20 Rock Pipits all on reserve. Peter today had a flock of 50 Lapwing flying South past Bruichladdich offshore over Loch Indaal. There were also 10 Snipe following the shoreline along at the Oil Depot at Bruichladdich with a pr of Black Guillemots at the pier. Here at home there were 8 Fulmars in at the crag. This morning, I emptied out the rain guage with the best part of 5" in it, there is more rain forecast for later tonight and tomorrow!

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Tuesday 18th February

Peter and Pia had been over on Jura on Sunday and Monday. After crossing over on the ferry to Jura, between Feolin and Craighouse they spotted 7 Buzzards and also a cracking female Hen Harrier. Later on, they saw a pr of White tailed Sea Eagles and up behind Craighouse at Keills they had 8 Long tailed Tits and also 3 Coal Tits. The Rochdale birders yesterday had braved the elements down close to the Airport and saw an adult Iceland Gull there. They also saw 30 Redwing, some Chaffinches and a flock of 20 Skylarks. Today, over at Ardnahoe they had an adult Sparrowhawk, and later on down close to Ballygrant, a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly on the wing, Spring not far away??? Yes, a better day with the weather here today folks!

Monday, February 17, 2014

Monday 17th February

A miserable kind of a day out here today, after having a great day yesterday, just as well that I have some sightings from yesterday for you!The Hampshire birders had a juv White tailed Sea Eagle putting the Barnies up at "smelly corner", offshore they had 4 Red breasted Merganser, GND, Teal and Wigeon with Barwits there too. They also spotted a Canada Goose hutchinsii sp amongst the Barnies. Down on the Oa they saw Chough, Rock Pipit and also Rock Doves. Mary had 5 Purple Sandpipers at Bruichladdich, over at Coal Ila, she had 4 Black Guillemot along with 2 Otters. At Kilchiaran, Mary noticed the Fulmars back in, Mistle Thrushes were present too and later on a juv Golden Eagle. The Rochdale birders had also seen the White tailed Sea Eagle, over at Finlaggan, they had a Woodcock with 11 Red legged Partridge at Ardnahoe and then a Sparrowhawk bothering the lbj flock at Corsapol. Ed had see 6 Long tailed Tits and a Treecreeper on his way out towards Ardtalla

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Sunday 16th February

A good day with the weather over here, although I had to go and look for some de-icer to clear the windscreen on the van before I headed out..really had to think where the can was as it is not often needed here!!! This morning I met in with Bob to give him a help with the monthly count from Bowmore down to Gartbreck. The tally was as follows,5 GND, 5 Heron, 9 Shag, 25 Whitefronts, 62 Barnies, 11 Shelduck, 80 Wigeon, 287 Teal, 8 Mallard, 7 Red breasted Merganser, 7 Goldeneye, 4 GBB Gull, 50 Herring Gull, 50 Common Gull, 120 Oystercatcher, 267 Curlew, 2 Barwit, 10 Ringed Plover, 3 Grey Plover, 19 Lapwing, 9 Turnstone and 2 Snipe. Skylarks were heard singing away, a possible sign of Spring round the corner??? This afternoon Margaret and myself went down to the Machir Bay and carried out the "dead beach bird survey", the results not too good as there were a few seen, what we found was as follows, 1 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill, 1 Oystercatcher and 2 Puffin. Thinking back, considering the weather that we have had of late, I suppose it was not really surprising to find as many birds as that. We also saw a juv Golden Eagle up above the dunes behind Machir Bay and a pr of Chough probing about looking for some food. On the beach itself there were 40 Oystercatcher and 15 Ringed Plover plus a good number of folk out for a walk too.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Saturday 15th February

Yesterday, the Rochdale birders had seen a Glaucous Gull over at Duich, on their way there, they saw a male Hen Harrier hawking over the gardens as they left Bowmore!Whilst looking at the lbj flock of around 300 birds at Corsapol, a female Merlin zipped past, may be there are not 300 now! Behind Machir Bay they saw the flock of 100+ Lapwings. At Esknish, they had 25 Redwings and back at Port Charlotte there were 2 Sanderling and a Razorbill in the bay there as well as an Otter earlier on. In Port Charlotte itself, they have been seeing a female Grey Wagtail "attack" itself in its own image on a car mirror! Along at Carn, some Hares were seen "boxing" each other. Today James had a count on the floods at Gruinart, the scores on the doors were as follows, 182 Teal, 384 Lapwing, 73 Pintail, 10 Redshank, 2 Red breasted Merganser, 21 Shoveler, 117 Mallard, 9 Whoopers, 7 Mute swans, 44 Greylag, 2 Gadwall, 9 Wigeon, 4 Heron and 4 Snipe with a count of 680 Golden Plovrer out on the estuary.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Friday 14th February

Yesterday morning as headed down to the Coastguard cotttages from here, there was a flock of around 100 Twite down at the "double gates". Earlier in the week, on Tuesday just before the snow showers, Ed had a pr of Golden Eagles over above Ballinaby, today he had another Golden Eagle down on the Rhinns with an adult Iceland Gull seen at Kilchiaran. The Hampshire birders today had 4 species of geese around where they are staying down close to "smelly corner" with Barnies, Whitefronts, Pale bellied Brent anf Greylags all being seen. Also seen close to their cottage were Oystercatcher, Curlew, Wigeon, Staling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Chaffinch, Robin, Mute Swan and Shelduck. Up towrds Loch Gorm, they had a Stonechat, Lapwing, Buzzard and several groups of Barnies.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Thursday 13th February

Yesterday the Hampshire birders had a quick walk from Carnain along the shoreline to Blackrock, quite a few Shelduck,10 Dunlin,Ringed Plover and also 3 carcases of Barnies, wonder if that pesky Sea Eagle had been at them? Today they had been up at Ardnave seeing Redshank, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Tufted Duck, Chough, Pied Wagtail, Skylark, Reed Bunting with a GND offshore. Later on down at Portnahaven, they saw some Turnstone. Peter today, had seen 2 Long tailed Duck on Loch Indaal off Bowmore.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Wednesday 12th February

Back to normal, thanks to James for writing last night's entry. It was rather miserable outside for some time last night, and I believe today that the gritters / snow ploughs were out over the other side of Islay. Yesterday, before the weather broke the Hampshire birders had been out from Scarrabus up to Loch Cam. They had a Peregrine, several Reed Buntings with a Golden Eagle up at Loch Cam itself. A few moments later they had a White tailed Sea Eagle there on. On the Loch itself, 50 Teal were present. Today, the Rochdale birders had counted 17 Pale bellied Brent down close to Gortan, on the shoreline there they had 1 Dunlin along with 8 Turnstoe. Over at Corsapol at Gruinart, they had a mixed finch flock of around 300 birds consisting of Twite, Linnet, Meadow Pipit and Skylarks. Peter had 36 Pale bellied Brent towards Uiskentuie today.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Tuesday 11th February

Its been snowing - Ians internet dish is covered with snow, so I am blogging. Just finished building the snowman, you have to make sure you don't miss an opportunity on Islay. Eleanor is out in the dark putting the final touches to the snow creation. Yesterday the Hampshire birders had some good birds around Loch Indaal- a White Tailed Eagle at Smelly Corner and Black Guillemot, Goldeneye, Bar Tailed Godwits, Great Northern Divers, Black Throated Diver, Black Tailed Godwits, Lapwing and Grey Plover all between Bridgend and Bowmore. At Kilchoman 12 Fulmars came in to the cliff and yes today its windy and snowing! Today the Sevenoaks birders had a pair of Stonechats, a Buzzard and a Female Hen Harrier up close in the blizzard on the Oa. Thanks for the records Ian and Duncan. I was out and about at Gruinart and had big flocks of 1240 Golden Plover and 520 Lapwing on the Flats as well as 29 Redshank, a Sparrowhawk and a Hen Harrier.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Monday 10th February

A few squally showers sped past today, but not enough to deter our birders....Mary and Amy from RSPB had been round Ardnave between the showers. They had a total of 41 GND as well as 1 Red throated Diver, 1 Black Guillemot, 12 Red breasted Merganser, 9 Shag, 4 Eider and also 9 GBB Gulls. Down at Tayovullin 3 Redshank, 21 Curlew (including 1 with colour rings on), 116 Lapwing, 21 Turnstone and 2 Ringed Plover. Later on Amy had 2 Bullfinches whilst along the woodland trail at Gruinart. Today, the Rochdale birders had a female Sparrowhawk in at Loch Skerrols, a really dark ringtail Hen Harrier close to Cladville, a Barn Owl out up the back of Port charlotte, over at Lagavullin Bay they saw 2 GND. The Sevenoaks birders had been out to Claggain Bay and had an Otter, 10 Black Guillemot, 5 Red breasted Merganser, 1 Dabchick, 8 GND, 12 Red throated Diver,15 Eider and 1 Shag. Aros Bay held 40 Oystercatcher, 6 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank and a Turnstone. Just inland, there were 20 Meadow Pipits along with 6 Reed Buntings, then to top it all a female Merlin appeared out of nowhere within 10 feet of them! The wee lochan up behind Laphroaig had some Teal and Wigeon along with 5 Whoopers and also a pr of Goldeneye. Finally, they saw another female Merlin perched on a bough of a tree as they returned back to Port Ellen.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Sunday 9th February

Some sightings through from the Sevenoak birders who are over for a few days. Yesterday from the old hide at Gruinart they had a White tailed Sea Eagle, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 3 Greenshank, 6 Whooper Swan, 5 Red breasted Merganser and a Roe deer. Along at the new hide, they saw some Barwits, Redshank, Dunlin, Golden Plover and Lapwing. Up at Ardnave Loch they saw 8 Goldeneye on the Loch itself with some Culew and Oystercatcher on the shore. Today down at Port Ellen, a Rock Pipit was added to their list. Later, better still, a Golden Eagle at Storakaig, a pr of Stonechats along with several Buzzards seen on their travels. Up at Bunnahabhain, they saw 3 GND, an Otter munching its way through a crab, with a Red breasted Merganser seen there too. At Gruinelbeg (just North of Loch Gorm) they had a mixed flock of 20 Redwing and Fielldfare. Round past Ballinaby, they had 20 Ringed Plover and over the crag at Kilchoman, a Peregrine zipped past. Finally down over Loch Gorm they saw a possible Marsh Harrier.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Saturday 8th February

Rather a dreich sort of a day out here today, not really a day for going out birdwatching, but some folk do... Sam and Gary the Lochwinnoch Birders had seen 5 Brambling over at Corsapol amongst a mixed flock of LBJs... Thanks to Sam and Garry for sharing your sightings while you were over here. New visitors from Rochdale had seen 20 Redwings together down at Easter Ellister. Later on, close to Lossit Farm they saw a leucistic Barnie amongst the Barnies present there.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Friday 7th February

Bob was telling me last night that the Starlings near his house had been mimicing other birds, Curlew, Black headed Gulls and Coots, so I wonder if the Starlings that were on song for a Coot were birds that were ones moving through as we do not have many Coots here for the Starlings to "learn" from... Pia this morning had seen a White tailed Sea Eagle Eagle tucking into a Barnie up past Ballygrant, later on on the grass close to Finlaggan there were over 35 Fieldfare and Buzzard in the same fields poking about successfully looking for food and the Fieldfares were not put off by the Buzzard. Later on from home at Bruichladdich, Peter had 35 Eider, 15 Red breasted Merganser, 8 GND, 4 Red throated Diver along with 2 Goldeneye out on Loch Indaal.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Thursday 6th February

After a late entry last night, tonight you are getting an early edition, 'cos I am going out (not again, I can hear you all saying) and I have some sightings to share with you, so off we go... Last night, James had a Barn Owl as he came along the road towards "The Hedges" down below Rock Mountain. The Hampshire birders are back over for another stay... Yesterday at Carnain they had 2 Snipe, a White tailed Sea Eagle on the spit, a GND on Loch Indaal, and later on a ringtail Hen Harrier. In the trees, going into Loch Skerrols they saw 2 Long tailed Tits and a Treecreeper too. This morning round at Ballinaby, there were 11 Hooded Crows together, the fields over there are laden with all the rain that we have had of late. This afternoon, on our way home there was a Merlin flying along the roadside beside us just after Sunderland Farm.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Wednesday 5th February

Another good day out here with the weather, not that a lot of folk can say that today. Carl, today had counted 75 Curlew down at Port Ban. The Lochwinnoch birders shared some sightings through as well, yesterday they had 3 Purple Sandpipers at Bruichladdichh, a Black Guillemot on the Sound of Islay off Coal Ila. Today they had 11 GND and 11 R B Merganser in the bay at Port Ellen. Later on up behind Port Charlotte they had 16 Fieldfare and 24 Redwing, along at Kilchiaran Bay a Glaucous Gull was present.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Tuesday 4th February

A better day over here allowing folk a chance to catch up with some outside work, but the forecast yet again is looking to be going downhill...Yesterday down at Gortan at the head of Loch Indaal, the party of Pale bellied Brent Geese were on the edge of the water with some Greylags on the actual beach. Up at McNicol's croft, a male Hen Harrier flew across the road as we headed home and in one of the fields at Sunderland Farm, there were Greylags, Barnies and Whitefronts all present in the same field. Earlier on down at Uiskentuie, they were some Oystercatchers and Curlews probing around looking for food. This morning Gary had seen 6 Fulmars in at crag, with a Sparrowhawk nabbing a lbj out of the wood. Later on there was another male Hen Harrier down this side of Sunderland.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Monday 3rd February

I was speaking this morning to a friend who lives up behind Bridgend who was telling me that their rain guage for January tallied out at 11.2" for last month, see the folk that live up in the hills....Some sightings now for you. The Lochwinnock birders had seen a Sparrowhawk hunting over the gorse bushes at Gartbreck on Saturday and a small flock of 12 Golden Plover down between the Airport and the shore (I forgot to put them on!)Yesterday they had a ringtail Hen Harrier out in front of the hides at Gruinart. They also had a Peregrine out from the old hide. Along at Leck Gruinart they saw 2 Buzzards. Over the reserve, there was a flock of over 700 Golden Plover along with some Dunlin were flying around being chased by another Hen Harrier! Out in front of the hides were 50 Redshank, 50 Shelduck, 6 Pintail, many Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon as well as some Lapwing. They also saw a Stonechat. Also seen were 3 Hares and 5 Roe Deer. Peter had taken a walk out to Ardnave Point, highlights included a Snow Bunting, 2 groups of Twite totalling 40 in all. Between Ardnave Point and Nave Island 6 GND were on the water, while up on the shore on Ardnave Island 70 Grey Seals were parked up. Ardnave Loch held 6 Whoopers a few Tufties, lots of Teal and also 2 Goldeneye. The adjoining fields held a flock of 75 Lapwing. On his way home, Peter had trip down to the old hide at Gruinart where he had 4 Whoopers, lots of Teal,8 Pintail, 16 Shoveler and a ringtail Hen Harrier.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Sunday 2nd January

A better day over here today, compared to previous days that is!!! There was some rain today yes, but we saw the sun shining too, so do not give up yet! The visiting birders from Lochwinnoch yesterday had seen a male Hen Harrier down below Rockside. At the top of Loch Indaal a raft of 50 Scaup were present and on their way back to their cottage in the early evening, they saw a Barn Owl down close to Foreland House.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Saturday 1st February

Yes, that's January past, thank goodness with the rainguage filling up at a mere 9.2", certainly as wet a January that I can recall, straight behind a wet December as well, more rain in those two months than what we night expect to get in a 3 or 4 month spell... Global warming I ask you??? James had a male Hen Harrier on the reserve at Gruinart this morning. Down at Gortan, there were around 30 Pale bellied Brent bobbing about on Loch Indaal with a few Greylags on the shore. Up at Foreland there were several fields with Barnies and Whitefronts to be seen and at Rockside another 3 fields of Barnies with the odd Whitefront among them. I think that between Rockside and Sunderland today, the largest total of geese so far round here this Autumn/ Winter.

Friday, January 31, 2014

Friday 31st January

Yesterday afternoon Peter had been down on Machir Bay for a walk with his dog and managed some bird watching too. On the tideline amongst the seaweed there were 5 Twite and a pr of Reed Buntings poking around with a Snipe taking off from there too. Further along the beach there were 20 Ringed Plover with 85 Curlew present up on the fields above the beach. On the negative side, Peter found 2 dead Razorbills and a dead Puffin on the beach which obviously had been washed up after the recent storms, the Puffin had a bright red beak. Thanks Peter for that, as the weather today has not been great, and certainly no good for bird watching unless you were looking art the birds eating away good style on your feeders!

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Thursday 30th January

Today while out goose counting on the Oa, Bob saw a female Marsh Harrier having a tussle with a Buzzard below Upper Cragabus. Yesterday he had a Peregrine at Finlaggan and aslso a Goldeneye on the loch there.. He was also was telling me that there were 4 Hares out running about this afternoon in the fields joining his house, odd how they are not seen and then they reappear, it is not that they migrate or hibernate, they just are not to be seen as much! James did a Goose count on the reserve at Gruinart today with the tally being 3530 Barnies, 150 Greenland Whitefronts and 52 Greylags. Today Pia had seen the White tailed Sea Eagle over the raised beach between Gortan and and the spit towards Uiskentuie

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Wednesday 29th January

Some sightings through from yesterday, Amy who is a "long term" vol at Gruinart and the Oa had done walk along the trails at Gruionart with her tally coming through at 3 Wren, 6 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 1 Great Tit, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Goldcrest, 6 Blackbird, 10 Fieldfare and 3 Mistle Thrush. David and Jane had 2 Golden Eagles up at Sanaigmore yesterday, with another 2 later on, possibly the same pair. Up behind Bridgend, they had a Merlin on their way home. George reported through to say that he only has been seeing the 2 juv. Whooper Swans of late on his ponds, no sign of the adult bird. On our way out to the Bird nerds last night we had a Barn Owl sitting on a fence post at the side of the road at Lyrabus, and on our way home another close to Grainel as we dropped James off. Last night was our "social" night out with 18 folk enjoying the evening at the Golden Dragon in Bowmore... No tales to tell from there! Today Malcolm had a 2nd yr Iceland Gull down at Portnahaven this morning and around midday an imm White Sea tailed Eagle out over the hill at Coultorsay

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Tuesday 28th January

A great day out here, no wind and better still no rain, but the high hills on Mull have got a dusting of snow on top of them.... Last Monday David and Jane Griffiths had a Golden Eagle out over Storakaig. Yesterday at Ardnave Loch, they had 15 Lapwing, 13 Oystercatcher, some Curlews, 3 Whoopers and 2 Mute Swans with "many Choughs" flying overhead. On their way home they had a ringtail Hen Harrier out quartering between between Bridgend and Bowmore. This morning on the reserve at Gruinart, James had 2 male Hen Harriers and also a Merlin.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Monday 27th January

Forgot to mention last night that Dave Woods had 2 Golden Eagles as well as 4 Buzzards when he was out walking on the Big strand down at Kintra. Today, Peter had an adult Iceland Gull fly past down at Bruichladdich at lunchtime. Later on Peter counted 46 Pale belied Brent Geese on Loch Indaal, just out of Bruichladdich. Peter's gull, a new one as it was an adult bird. Weather not been as bad as was forecasted...say no more.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Sunday 26th January

Not been a great day for folk attempting to do the big garden birdwatch with squally showers coming out of nowhere. So, we did try our bit for the cause this morning when it was slightly better with our scores on the doors coming through out at 16 Pheasants, 2 Goldfinch, 26 Chaffinch, 2 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit, 5 Blackbirds, 1 Robin and 3 House Sparrows. Mary had been out and about today and reported through to say there was a large flock of Gulls down at Port a'rhedline (down between Portnahaven and Claddach) and amongst the gulls, an Iceland gull was present. Over at Uiskentuie Mary had a Cormorant and on the low road just out of Bowmore, a male Hen Harrier was seen. Peter had braved the elements too today and had counted 120 Oystercatchers and 35 Curlew. He was also saying that there was no sign of the Iceland Gull there or the Glaucous at Bruichladdich. Wonder how many folk noticed the Blackie ewe along the strand with her newly born lamb? By the way the wind gusted a mere 51mph just after 2pm today on Mike's weather station and yes the rain guage here at home is alreafy over 7.5" for the month, yep, it's going to wetter than last month....

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Saturday 25th January

Almost forgot, it was the night when we are supposed to remember Rabbie Burns, our famous Scottish poet, long and the short I have had had my evening meal now, with no haggis being consumed, time yet for a dram to toast Rabbie though... As you may have gathered another poor day for the birds and the blog, but James did see around 20 Golden Plovers as he came over here this afternoon. In this small group there were 2 birds with black bellies aleady, summer plumage...The forecast for through tonight is that the wind is to pick up and more rain to fall, what's new you may well ask?

Friday, January 24, 2014

Friday 24th January

Trust that you were not hoping to find a long list of birds on tonight's entry, as the weather today has been rather dreich all day, and here at home home low cloud swirled about too, net result no birds, The "rain" was just a constant smurry dampness combined with the wind, net result a wetting rain. Sorry about that, and by the looks of the forecast, more of the same tomorrow... Think the big garden birdwatch this weekend could be a bit of "trying affair" compared to previous years!!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Thursday 23rd January

A bit of a late entry this evening, but better late than never... Dave sent through some sightings from down on the Oa. Yesterday he had a Carrion Crow amongst the Hooded Crows, the Golden eagles have been more active as of late while the Twite numbers are down to only 60.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Wednesday 22nd January

A quiet day on the bird front today... The Fulmars were back in again at the crag this morning, not many but they were there! George was telling me that the 3 Whoopers Swans are still around on his ponds. Bob was round at Kilchiaran this afternoon and watched a Golden Eagle having 3 attempts at a hare, by the way the hare kept ducking and diving and lived to see another day...To finish off with, it is a bit cooler outside now...

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Tuesday 21st January

After the weather being such a good day yesterday, well, today it went downhill rapidly, I even had to empty the rain guage out this morning as it was full, with over 5" of rain in so far for this month alone. Why do ducks have webbed feet, think we should possibly have webbed feet too... Fortunately I kept back some of Mary's sightings from last week. The highlights of a Farmland Birds survey carried out on Thursday included 31 Twite, 80 Chaffinch, 45 Skylark (individual birds rather than together), and a Golden Eagle being mobbed by a Buzzard up towards Ardnave. Friday was the day for the Winter Thrush Survey covering both the trails at Gruinart, the tally covered everything, not just Thrushes, so here are Mary's figures...24 Blackbird, 16 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 15 Robin, 5 Dunnocks, 3 Wren, 5 Roe Deer, 7 Greenfinch, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit, 9 Reed Bunting and 2 male Bullfinches. Thanks Mary. Yesterday, here at home there was a flock of 150 Twite fly past when I was up at Shepherd's cottage

Monday, January 20, 2014

Monday 20th January

Mary had carried her count out on Loch Gruinart on Wednesday, with her tally as follows. 4 GND, 1 Cormorant, 9 Shag, 1 Heron, 2 Pintail, 222 Shelduck, 152 Wigeon, 11 Mallard, 9 R b Merganser, 12 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 96 Oystercatcher, 20 Ringed Plover, 885 Golden Plover, 460 Lapwing, 346 Sanderling, 465 Dunlin, 222 Barwits, 229 Curlew,71 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 69 Turnstone, 7 Blackwits, 1 Dabchick, 2 Common Gulls, 82 Herring Gulls and 3 GBB Gulls. Ardnave Loch had 10 Whoopers, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher, 27 Teal, 14 Goldeneye and 7 Mallard. The floods at Gruinart held 10 Mute, 7 Whoopers, 2 Gadwall, 77 Teal, 148 Teal, 3 Pintail, 22 Shoveler, 4 R b Merganser, 5 Heron, 37 Lapwing, 1 B H Gull, 4 Herring Gulls and 5 Dabchicks. Thanks Mary, busy day for you!Yesterday I had a ringtail Hen Harrier fly directly over, low down, over the garden at Shepherd's cottage, can I call it a garfden bird along with the Corncrake??? On my way down to meet up with Bob yesterday morning, I had a Merlin at Rockside,and a Peregrine down at Foreland. Coming back home later on, there were around 15 - 20 Blackbirds in the bushes/ trees at Foreland.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Sunday 19th January

well, as promised I managed to get out and get some birds today, the weather turned out better which helped too! So I went out and gave Bob a hand on his webs count from Bowmore down to Gartbreck. The scores on the doors were as follows, 7 GND, 22 Shag, 1 Cormorant, 4 Heron, 80 Barnies, 7 Whitetfronts,7 Shelduck, 16 Mallard, 149 Wigeon, 80 Teal, 28 Eider, 7 Red breasted Merganssr, 4 Turnstone, 175 Curlew, 192 Oystercatcher, 8 Barwits, 2 Redshank, 22 Dunlin,88 Ringed Plover, 40 Lapwing, 9 GBB Gull, 80 Herring Gull and 25 Common Gulls. Bob told me that he too had seen the Scaup on Loch Indaal on Friday afternoon and had counted 130 in the raft, also there were 2 Slavonian Grebes. Earlier during the week while out on the Goose counts, at Eollabus, Bob had 60 Woodpigeon.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Saturday 18th January

Nothing much to report on the bird front today as I have been busy here at home today, in fact I have not been off the place all day, the rain set in late morning, so it was a great chance to get on with some indoor jobs that needed a start made on. Having said that Margaret did notice that there were a few Fulmars in along the front of the crag before the rain came. No promises, but I will try to get some birds tomorrow if the weather picks up, fingers crossed....

Friday, January 17, 2014

Friday 17th January

Yesterday Malcolm had the Glaucous Gull down at Bruichladdich, it had been awol for 3 days.... Today down at Blackrock there was a flock of Scaup, not as many as in previous years. Along the road, infact on both sides of the road the flock of Barnacle geese were really close to the road and not really bothered about the passing traffic. Coming home and between Blackrock and Uiskentuie, a Merlin was perched on the dyke at the roadside.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Thursday 16th January

Forgot to mention last night that I had a ringtail Hen Harrier fly past when I was up at Shepherd's cottage speaking with the builders... Coming home last night, we had a Barn owl sitting on a fence post down close to Foreland. This morning, around 10am, Pia had a White tailed Sea Eagle soaring overhead while she was out with her dog, along from Gortan towards the spit, with the Eagle high up over the raised beach. Going round to Gruinart around the same time, we had a Kestrel, hunkered up in the gravel quarry at Coull. On our travels, we saw 3 Buzzards and another 2 over the wood outside Bushmills. We also had a Hooded Crow up past the old Kilchoman School. Back home again, and the Lapwing flock were out towards the War Graves again, and a couple of Chough flew past as well, can't they ever not fly past quietly? Bob around 3pm had the White tailed Sea eagle directly above his house.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Wednesday 15th January

Yesterday while walking back in from the Singing Sands over at Port Ellen, David and Jane Griffiths watched an Otter which was close by in the sea close to the shoreline. Tracey sent through the figures from the International Goose count carried out on Monday and Tuesday with tally being 41,951 Barnies and 5,329 Whitefronts. Thanks to Tracey and the team from SNH for sharing these figures. On his way home at lunchtime today, Bob had a second year White tailed Sea Eagle between Port Charlotte and his house. A quick look at the rain guage today showed that we have already had 3.5" of rain this month... say no more...

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Tuesday 14th January

This morning, Ed had a Common Crane over at Loch Skerrols. The geese were uneasy and Ed had a quick look around and saw the Crane flying South East... Bob had been out on the Ballygrant/ Keills run doing the Goose count today. At Esknish he saw a pr of Bullfinches, shortly afterwards a Red legged Partridge, possibly a formerly released bird. Along at Keills, a Grey Wagtail was spotted and then a Sparrowhawk further on. Bob was saying that there were several groups of Reed Buntings about, the geese themselves appeared to be quite skittish today! Here at home, a Peregrine zipped past

Monday, January 13, 2014

Monday 13th January

A better day over here, no rain to speak of, altough not the warmest of days...still it is January!!! Yesterday Peter saw a Razorbill and also a juv. Kittiwake, both off the pier at Bruichladdich. Today Peter reported through that the Iceland Gull was still along close to Uiskentuie, but no reports of our ever faithful Iceland Gull over at Bunnahabhain so far. Over at Port Ellen today, Bob had 4 female Goldeneye in the bay, down on the Oa, 2 ringtail Hen Harriers were seen with a male along the low road and another male close to his house up behind Port Charlotte, late afternoon.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Sunday 12th January

As forecast, the weather was not too great, rather a dreich sort of a day, wet and raw.. The other day, James had a Grey Wagtail over at Craigens, on the reserve he saw 4 Greenshank out on the "floods" with a count of 960 Golden Plover over the reserve as well. George was in touch to say that the 3 Whoopers were still present on his ponds this morning, also there were 25 Whitefronts, 8 Mallard and also a Heron.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Saturday 11th January

Another great day out here on the Western extremities, no real complants on the weather front, more of the same please... Yesterday Bob had done a count along the top end of Loch Indaal with his tallies coming through at 86 Barwits, 300 Curlew, 48 Lapwing, 180 Oystercatcher, 42 Shelduck, 202 Mallard, 187 Teal, 293 Wigeon and 3 Buzzard. Between Blackrock ang Gortan, Bob had 2 groups of Pale bellied Brent with a total of 82 Geese noted.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Friday 10th January

Some sightings through from yesterday, Mary had a Snow Bunting up at Ardnave and 4 GND off Ardnave Point. Carol Andrews saw a family group of Whoopers at Bruichladdich, there was an adult and 2 youngsters. Peter reports that the Glaucous Gull is still at Bruichladdich and the Iceland Gull along at Uiskentuie. Between Bruichladdich and Uiskentuie, Peter had count of 56 Pale bellied Brents. Today George had seen the Whooper family up on his ponds, also there were a Snipe and also a Heron. George counted 17 Brents along at Bruichladdich and saw more round at Uiskentuie but could not get a count as he was driving at the time.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Thursday 9th January

What a great day over here, I know that there were a few showers rolling in from the sea, but on the whole for January, a good day and to top it all little wind to speak of, what else can one wish for? I just happened to turn the TV on at the right moment late afternoon to see the end of the "The Great British winter" on BBC 2 and who was on but John Wilson covering a feature on Leighton Moss, it was great see John on "his" patch, also on was footage from the Somerset levels and the impressive Starling murmuration. So what happened here today, well just after breakfast, a Golden Eagle soared over from Rockside and appeared to follow the crag and away on towards Kilchiaran, never beating a wing, it was quite high but luckily I had my bins with me at the time. Later on, there were some Buzzards around calling away as ever and to finish off with a few Chough were ducking and diving about as they do while flying about, very vocal too...

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Wednesday 8th January

Sorry folks but did not get round to an entry last night as I was not in top form, a stinker of a cold, no voice either, Margaret thought she was in second heaven in the house... Forgot to mention back on Sunday that James has Snowdrops out in his garden at Mill cottage, looking at ours down beside the burn this afternoon, think they are a few days off yet. Yesterday Peter had see the Iceland Gull at Uiskentuie, 2 Whoopers at "smelly corner" and 120 Wigeon further on round the top of Loch Indaal towards Bridgend. Ed yesterday had a Golden Eagle trying its' luck with some Whitefronts. At Craigens, Ed saw another Iceland Gull eating the remains of a Barnie and he reports that the Glaucous Gull was still at Bruichladdich yesterday. Today up at Craigens, Ed had an imm. White tailed Eagle fly over towards Loch Gruinart.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Monday 6th January

First thing this morning, a ringtail Hen Harrier flew past the cottages and later on in the morning I had another ringtail out on the wing close to Saligo. Out towards the War Graves the flock of around 100 Lapwing is still present along the Barnies and Whitefronts. Also there today were about 100 Golden Plover on the wing. The weather over here today has not been too bad, dry and windy, but I was rather surprised that we only had a ferry leaving Port Askaig at 0700 and not coming back at all, possibly they were thinking of the swell and high tides leading possible problems when docking. The plane came in both times today and on time, no problems there...

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Sunday 5th January

Yes, think the Fulmars were correct in coming in to pay us a visit early yesterday, as the weather broke down again after lunchtime with more heavy rain coupled with the wind picking up too. The ferry was hoping to come over this evening and the afternoon plane arrived a wee bit later than scheduled, at least it came! James made the most of it and got some birds on the reserve at Gruinart this morning, a flock of 17 Reed Buntings, 5 Gadwall, 11 Whoopers, a Greenshank and also a White tailed Sea Eagle. Think the weather is due to settle down after tomorrow, we will just have to wait and see...

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Saturday 4th January

A calm day over here today, but then again I did see a couple of Fulmars out on the wing along the front of the crag just after breakfast time so perhaps the wind is due to pick up again. Come to mention it, the ferries are on an "Amber alert for tomorrow afternoon...hmmm.. And there has already been an inch of rain so far in 2014!!! Also today, Peter and Pia have returned and were in touch to say the the Glaucous Gull is still down at Bruichladdich, on the grass outside the Distillery and the beach. At the Uiskentuie end of the strand the Iceland Gull is still present, with both Peter and Pia and also James spotting it too. Peter and Pia also had 35 Pale bellied Brent along the shore between Bruichladdich and Uiskentuie.

Friday, January 3, 2014

Friday 3rd January

Yesterday, James saw a Golden Eagle over the reserve at Gruinart from his house. This morning, Jack Fleming had a Glaucous Gull from his his house along the flats at Gruinart. Visiting birder, David Bates had sent some sightings through via Malcolm. On the 31st December, David had 2 Canada Geese, hutchinsii sp over close to Mulindry, with another one seen down at Uiskentuie on the 1st of January. Other birds seen by David were a flock of 125 Skylark at Lyrabus, 3 Greenshank on reserve at Gruinart, 200 Twite and also 200 Rock Doves both at Craigens. He also saw a 2nd winter Glaucous Gull at Uiskentuie on the 2nd and also again today. So I wonder if that was the same bird that Jack had as I was not sure of its' age, and a different one from the Bruichladdich gull...

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Thursday 2nd January

Forgot to mention the other day that another bird that we saw down in Surrey was a pr of Mandarin on a pond at Bushy Park The flock of Lapwing were still present along with the Geese out towards the War Graves again today, here at home the bird table has been busy with the wee birds all feeding their faces off... The rainfall tally for last month was 7.5" giving an overall tally for 2013 coming to 51", a dry year for over here!!!

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Wednesday 1st January

A Happy New Year to you all out there, wherever you may be... Not much to report today, but there was a flock of around 100 Lapwing out over the Machir around the War Graves' graveyard this morning along with a few Barnies and some Whitefronts too. A Sparrowhawk flew along the front of the cottages at a great turn of speed, and later on a Merlin was down below Rockside, possibly the same one that Marc had seen chasing after the Reed Buntings. The rain this afternoon, did not deter folk going down to Machir Bay for a walk!!