Wednesday 17 June 2009

Wed 17th June

At long last, on the West coast of Islay, we have had some rain, not a lot, but a start! As I was busy today with Commonwealth Fly Fishing competition, it was left to our guests for their input again, thanks folks!
"2 Swifts, which are unusual here, flew over the road near Loch Gorm while a Whitethroat was singing nearby from overhead wires.
Later, a walk along the shore from Saligo was accompanied by families of Wheatears, the usual noisy Oystercatchers, and pairs of Common Sandpipers. Fulmars were seen nesting on the cliffs. Offshore there was a constant movement South of Gannets and Shearwaters. Over 100 of each went by in an hour. Also offshore were Terns, Shags, Razorbills, Guillemots and Black Guilliemots.
In a sheltered bay a group of Herring and Common Gulls were loafing about, while Turnstones and Dunlin were feeding in the sea weed along with family groups of Pied Wagtails. A small number of Eider only had 2 young.
On the way back, a Golden Eagle was seen tussling with 4 Ravens. Further on, a pair of Hen Harriers were out hunting in the afternoon sun, and finally a Kestrel was seen hovering over the hill.

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