Day 3 of Mull - Target Bird - Corncrake
We were heading to Iona today to hopefully connect with the Corncrakes. On the ferry, we saw Common and Arctic Tern, Gannet, Kittiwake, Shag, Razorbill and Guillemot. Someone reported a Mink but we didn't see it. We got over to Iona, and went to the fields at the back of the Fire Station. Straight away, a calling male was wandering below a gate.
He then came out into the open.
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We got a couple of Sedge Warblers plus another Corncrake, and the Gannets were fishing out in the bay. We walked back round towards the ferry when we picked up a fourth Corncrake! Not showing very well, but you could see it's head.
We then moved on to Fidden, and we picked up about 25+ Whimbrel.
We then went to Uisken, and on the beach held Rock Pipit, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Turnstone and a couple of summer plumaged Sanderling.
Very Poor Light! Sanderling on far right.
We got a nice Yellowhammer, Mountain Hare, White-tailed Eagle, 4 Great Northern Diver, and Raven on the way back to the hotel.
Raven
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On Friday Night, Dad and I went on the guided Nightjar walk at Minsmere. They took us onto the Bridleway to the heath, not Westleton Heath like last year. We could hear a Nightjar churring as soon as we got to the heath. In about 10 mins, 2 males were flying about through the woods. And then, at about 9:35pm, 3 Nightjars were flying feet above our heads. I was using the White handkerchief trick to attract them, and it actually worked. Best views of Nightjar ever. Unfortunately, I left it too late for the camera. :(
Fantastic well done to Jonny Rankin for finding the Pacific Swift at Trimley. An amazing find. Pity we can't go and see it!
Happy Birding!
