Isle of Islay - Birding Day 2

Technically Day 4, saw us heading to the Isle of Jura to try and find the only White-tailed Eagle pair on the surroundings of Islay. Before this though, I found a Whinchat outside our cottage early in the morning,  which was a welcome year tick...

We arrived at Port Askaig, to get the Ferry, and looked across to the Paps of Jura.

We looked across the Sound of Islay and over the Paps of Jura, to see if any raptors were soaring. We picked up 2 massive birds, which had to be White-tailed Eagles, as they soared distantly over the mountains. We pin-pointed their location, so we could look for them on the Island.

As the boat arrived to pick us up, we hopped on...

As we were on board, we saw Gannets, Kittiwakes and Shags surrounding the boat. Then, Dad and I spotted a pale morph Skua flying north at the same time! We're still not 100% sure of it's identity, but it was big bodied, seemed to have a visible collar and Dad thinks he saw spoons. I have had feedback from Twitter, and all of them say Arctic. However, showing other birders face to face with a book beside the picture think Pomarine! Personally, I think Pomarine too, but I would really like your help. If you think you know what specie it is, then let me know. Comment on this post on this blog, or DM me on Twitter to @MoysieBirder! Thanks. Anyway, here are the pictures...

There is only 1 road on Jura, and it comes to a dead end after a little while, so there was no circular route back to the ferry. We started off with a ringtail Hen Harrier, another Whinchat and a Dark Green Fritillary by the roadside...

We got a couple more ringtail Hen Harriers but couldn't find the White-tailed Eagles anywhere. We had to stop in though at the Isle of Jura Distillery, but I wasn't allowed any! Couldn't believe it! By the end of this trip it was about 15:00pm. 

When we got back onto Islay, we decided to go down to The Oa, the second RSPB reserve on the Island. We went on the circular route path taking us to the cliffs and to the American Monument.

Our target bird was Golden Eagle, as there is a pair here. We didn't see them though unfortunately, but we did see a pair of Chough and several Twite...

We also got a very close Raven...

And a Willow Warbler.

When we reached the American Monument, we noticed that there was a Goat having a snout around the point.

Approaching the car park, we came across a Willow Warbler, a Reed Bunting and a Wheatear all in the same shot. Nice!

End of Day 4 on Islay - 203!

Happy Birding!

Isle of Islay - Birding Day 1

At the start of the month, Mum, Dad and I all visited the Isle of Islay for a weeks birding holiday. As you may know, we usually go to the Isle of Mull, but we fancied a different vacation.

On the way up to Tarbert, I managed to get 4 year ticks, them being Gannet, Black Guillemot, Hooded Crow and Eider.

The first day on Islay was in the afternoon, where it was chucking it down. No birding on this day even if it was sunny though because we had to get some food, and get toured around our cottage, which was absolutely fantastic! I did get however get Stonechat and Raven onto the year list, making my 2014 total 196. We did also get about 20 Golden Plover in a field, which was a nice surprise.

Technically, Day 3 on Islay was actually Day 1, where our birding holiday now started!

We thought we would head up to the RSPB Loch Gruinart reserve, to get some advice about where to head for a week of birding. We were advised to go up to Ardnave Point, just off the RSPB reserve, and walk round the point, so that's what we did!

We parked the car, and immediately I heard the nazal call of the Chough, as one passed over our heads. We got further up, and there were about 20 Chough feeding on the grassy banks. An incredible LIFER for me!

Soon after Dad spotted a ringtail Hen Harrier flying low over the grassy fields smothered in breeds of Cow and Sheep...

Past the fields and onto the muddy tracks, I heard a twittering I wasn't familiar with in East Anglia, but was on Mull. These were a flock of Twite. Cracking fella's!

There were plenty of Skylarks up on the fields too, as well as a Silver Y moth too...

We then made it up to the point, and looked out across Nave Island, a small Island about 500 yards offshore. The Oystercatchers weren't happy by our presence...

Looking out to Nave Island, I saw 3 bulky brown birds flying over the hills, with white flashes on the wing tips. They had to be Great Skua's!

Plenty of Gannets moving offshore too, mainly going west...

On the way back, a Raven was kicking about, harassing the local Choughs...

On the way back to the cottage we called into Saligo Bay, on the west coast of Islay. Plenty of Gannets were moving offshore, as well as Manx Shearwaters which was really nice to see.

At the end of Day 1 (Day 3), my year list was on 200!

Happy Birding!!!

Isle of Mull - Day 3 and Nightjars

I shall start with some food. I have been very busy the last couple of days, so no time to blog. By the way, Happy Fathers Day to all you Dad's out there! I was busy cooking all day yesterday, making a cracking Cheesecake for today and a Pizza for last nights supper.

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.

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!