Friday 4th May 2012

James yesterday on the reserve at Gruinart had a great day, with a lot of new birds in. His sightings included 3 Sedge Warblers, 5 Grasshopper Warblers, 3 Whinchats, 7 Pr of Stonechats (3 with broods), pr of Lesser Redpoll, 1 Bullfinch, 2 calling Water Rail, 2 Cuckoo and loads of Green Haitstreaks.The Hampshire birders yesterday had a Red legged Partridge over at Ardnahoe, in the wood at Mulindry, close to the bridge there were, 6 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit and a Willow Warbler. Going up to Dun Nosebridge, they had another Great Tit and a further Willow Warbler. Later on at Port Charlotte they saw 3 Common Terns. Today they had 27 Barnies at Garra Eallabus which is up towards Ardnave while down on Machir Bay there was a solitary Sanderling. In Port Charlotte bay, Carl yesterday saw a Red throated Diverand also a G ND both in summer plumage, along at Port Bhan 5 Sandwich Terns while at Coutorsay  40 Whimbrel were present and on Wednesday Carl had 2 Sandwich Terns along at Bruichladdich. Twice through the week, there has been the probable hybrid Greylag seen along at Rockside, it has a large white collar. Coming home last night, we never heard a Corncrake, it was quite windy. Another visitor had heard one calling down towards Gartbreck yesterday.