Tuesday 29th October

Latish entry again, no excuse really but it was bird nerds meeting, with 12 folk coming along, including 3 visitors. Yesterday, RAFOS highlights included a Merlin seen off the High road above Glenegedale Lots, a flock of 98 Scaup at Blackrock, Peregrine over the back of Machir Bay (? possibly the same bird that Ed had seen), and 2 Black Guillemot at Claggan Bay. Peter had 22 Common Scoter off Bruichladdich yesterday. One of the retrap Barnies that Steve had yesterday was initially rung 13 Years ago! Ed had a pr of Golden Eagles out on the West coast today, Emily had a ringtail Hen Harrier on the Oa walk this morning, George counted 40 Common Scoter on Loch Indaal today off Bruichladdich. Gordon and Pauline had counted 60 Twite, a Merlin and a Sparrowhawk up at Ardnave. At Bruichladdich they saw 20 Turnstone.

Monday 18th March

Carl yesterday had seen 5 male and 3 female Tufted Duck down on the "duck pond" in the dunes behind Machir Bay. Bob over the last couple of days had the impression that he was seeing more geese flying up Loch Indaal, it will interesting to hear the figures from the International Goose count being held on Tuesday and Wednesday. Wally and Jude are back over for another "Islay fix". They had seen a couple of "Atlantic" Canada Geese, the large Canadas that we do not often see here. They were in a mixed flock of Barnies and Whitefronts, where I can't remember! Yesterday between Kilchiaran and Cultoon they had 2 male Hen harriers. Loch Skerrols was quiet today, but there were 3 Mute Swan and a pr of Goldeneye present. Over close to Bun an uillt on Loch Gruinart there were around 45- 50 Turnstone seen. Think they are up to 70 species already after arriving on Saturday afternoon....