Friday 4th October

Been a busy day down at the Auction market with a sheep sale on, with buyers in from the mainland. The regular buyers were present plus another 3 buyers who I cannot remember seeing before, all in all it all helped to make a good sale for those of us who had stock present. Back to the purpose of the blog then, Islay and its birds.... Bob had been out and about today and counted 156 Barnies over on the reserve at Gruinart, the Ruff was still present amongst the Lapwing. Coming over this way to Machir Bay, Bob noticed more Wheatear and Stonechats around, a Merlin and out over the sea, 21 Barnies on the wing. Sam and Garry had 9 Whitefronts at Gruinart today and also a Peregrine too. A ringtail Hen Harrier was seen at Carrabus on their way to Gruinart and at the head of Loch Indaal they had 20 Pale bellied Brent Geese. Not just the farmers have had a good day!!!!

Thursday 26th September

Yesterday, Carl reported through seeing Swallows down over Loch Indaal at Port Charlotte, out hawking around looking for food. Further out on Loch Indaal there were some Gannets while up at Octomore he had a Hen Harrier.... Today, there are still a couple of Swallows around here and James was telling me this morning that there is a brood still on the nest over at Carnduncan! This morning, on our way round Loch Gorm, there was a charm of 30 Goldfinches which flew ahead of us all the way from Coull to just after Saligo Bay. Also at Coull was a ringtail Hen Harrier out on the wing. Over at Gruinart this morning James had a Merlin and also a Ruff flying around with the Lapwings. The 8 Barnies were present still at the head of Loch Gruinart along with the Greylags roosting up, so no more Barnies yet...

Tuesday 24th September

On Friday, over on Jura a Great spotted Woodpecker was seen at Tarbert and Gordon Muir, Louise's other half had 3 Snow Buntings on the West coast of Jura. Yesterday, James had a White tailed Sea Eagle flying over at Keills.Also yesterday, late afternoon, Frank Warren had a Kingfisher on the River Laagan up at the bridge overthe "High road". Today, on the overhead wires up beside his house James had a mixed flock of 115 Linnet and Twite. At the birds nerds tonight, we had 13 folk along a mix of visitors and locals, the craic was good, good to catch up with each other.... birds not so good but a Ruff was seen amongst the waders. A Hen Harrier spoofed the ducks as well, and a Peregrine was on the straining post in the fence line, just watching all around...Carl was in contact today saying that there had been a large number of Swallows around Port Charlotte yesterday and there appeared to be none today, and James was saying that at Gruinart yesterday a good number were present but very few today, so perhaps they have headed South, certainly none here at home today either...