Archiived May

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Latest Mull reports for May 2011
13th May Ardalanis car park: a flock of 30+ Mealy Redpoll following the extraorinary srtong S/SW winds and heavy rainn storms. birds obviously grounded due to weather conditions but a real treat for lucky finder & regular contributer David Hatfield

29th Ferry out of Oban: 2 arctic skua (one juv ,one dark phase adult) harassing a mixed flock arctic and common tern off craignure seen from the 2pm ferry out of Oban.
30th Iona: Male Corncrake sighted outside Iona Community Visitor Centre (near abbey) 6pm today- very good views.
Great Skua harassing a gannet in sound Iona. Mark Carter (visitor from Autrailia)
30th Dervaig: One Curlew seen (photographed) and another heard close to the turning to the scenic route to Dervaig from Pennyghail Peter Kent
21st to 25th May. As you'll be only too aware the weather wasn't great so we didn't get great views of the Eagles, however we did pick up on some pretty special wildlife, the highlights as follows:
21st May Loch na Keal : 2 Black Guillemot, 1 Great Northern Diver (breeding plumage)
22nd May Fionnphort : (10:50am) Great Skua harrying gannets around the islands North of the harbour.
Sound of Mull : 6 Arctic Terns
Iona (West beach) : Wader flocks including 20+ Ringed Plover, 18 Dunlin and at least 6 Sanderling (3 in breeding plumage). Pair of Corncrakes in the meadow in front of the parish church.
Fidden : Pair of Redshank, 8 Ringed Plovers and 10 Dunlin. Late afternoon male Hen Harriers hunting at Pennygael and Glen More.
23rd May - adventurous weather conditions!! Sabine's Gull and Red necked Phalarope. Nick & Stella Laughton
A memorable end to a very wet day!
24th May Ulva Ferry : Otter and White-tailed Eagle. Calgary : Black Guillemot and Red-throated Diver. Loch na Keal : 4 Great Northern Diver (1 almost breeding plumage, the others immatures). Loch Spelve area : Short-eared Owl hunting.
25th May Caliach Point (viewed from the car) : Great Northern Diver (breeding plumage), 2 Great Skuas feeding on the sea, 4+ Black Guillemot. Nick & Stella Laughton
29th Croggan: Cuckoo seen (several heard); Redstart; Redpoll; Red breasted Merganser; Black Guillemot; Buzzard.
Finding your Bird Report very helpful thanks. John Goddard
28th Duart Point : male Hen Harrier over the marsh. light Phase Arctic Skua attacking gulls offshore towards Lismore Lighthouse (seen again later from the 5pm ferry to Oban) Matt Atkin
28th Craignure Golf course: - 9 Northern Golden Plover, 40+ Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, 1 Turnstone + 10 Common Gulls nesting on the beach. John Miles
27th May 1 Long tailed Skua, 5 Arctic Skuas and flock of 25+ Pom/Long tails seen off Coll by boat by my son.
28th Langamull: Dark phase arctic skua flying over land at Langamull beach this morning. Circa 10 gannets diving close in shore. And the sun was shining! Matt Atkin
27th Fidden: a Buff breasted Sandpiper at Fidden. Bryan Rains Wild about Mull (this is a first record for Mull)
thanks also to Sandy Aitken

Buff breasted Sandpiper at Fidden 27th May 2011. a first record for Mull
This photo & Storm Petrel by Bryan Rains Wild about Mull tours

27th Knock: There was a Sea eagle above the sea just off the fish farm waiting for a shelduck chick to surface. It then flew off with the chick. Colin Moody
27th Dervaig: Jay seen to 200 yards Dervaig side of Langamull car park.Pam & Arthur Brown Discover Mull
26th Fidden 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose with Greylags.
24th Loch Scridain: a Storm Petrel at Loch Scridain on 24th. Bryan Rains.
24th up to 20 Corncrakes in around around Hotel Columba, Fire Station, Nunnery, abbey Iona. Gary Jenkins
22nd male Hen harrier Fidden, usual flock of twite.Gary Jenkins 23rd f/male hen harrier Fidden Gary Jenkins
25th Loch na Keal: Pair of Red-throated Divers close in, by pontoon on South side. Stuart Gibson
24th Seawatch Caliach point 6am to 8am: Large numbers of seabirds heading SW round the point. Manx Shearwaters approx 2000 (20 passing through per minute), Guillemots 1000+, Razorbills 500+, Black guillemots 50, Arctic Skua 1, Fulmars 20, GN Diver 1, Gannets 100+. Juliet Vines and Steve Chapman
24th Loch na Keal 11am to 2 pm: Sabine's Gull 1 adult in breeding plumage on beach between Killiechronan and Knockwith a large aggregate of gulls feeding on a seal carcas. It was with 5 black-headed gulls. Seen at aprox 1.30pm. Arctic terns 6 off beach as above. Juliet Vines and Steve Chapman
24th Loch Scridain 3pm: Great Northern Diver 2 in summer plumage, Storm Petrel 2 passing close to the shore and flying west towards the sea, Common sandpipers 2 on shore. Juliet Vines and Steve Chapman
24th Calgary Bay: 1 Sabine's still on Calgary beach today although as i left it flew into the sea near the shore,
Prasad
19th Pennyghael: Green sandpiper- seen near Pennyghael. Only when the bird took off and flew high did its ID become known, showing a white rump and dark under wings. Steve Egglestone
16th Fidden: Whimbrel- 16 at Fidden and 26 around the Ardalanish bay area. Steve Egglestone
17th Ardaliansh Bay:Sanderling- 12 birds present in Ardalanish bay.Steve Egglestone
17th Sound of Iona: Sandwich tern- 2 birds in the sound of Iona & 4 birds just off the bay at Ardalanish on the same day.Steve Egglestone
14th Fidden: Mountain hares- Over 20 hares present around Fidden area at 6pm. Steve Egglestone
23rd Calgary Bay: Today there was a Sabine's Gulls in Calgary bay plus 3 Arctic Skuas, Prasad.

This Red necked Phalarope was at Killiechronan 23rd May. a first record for Mull
Photo's by kind permission of Phillip Hampson & Tony Coombs with e birders group

23rd Killiechronan 5.30pm: whilst watching the Sabine's Gull, a male Red necked Phalarope flew in and landed next to the Sabine's. Alan. Marcus Conway, Arthur Brown et al (Red Necked Pharalope is a first for Mull)
23rd A Sabine's Gull at Killichronan today (different bird to the last one (17th) - fuller dark head) Mike Sheppard,
Martin Keivers Mull Charters Jenny Buckley, Alan Spellman, Arthur Brown, Marcus Conway et al.

Sabine's Gull at Killiechronan 23rd May 2011 (a different bird to that seen on 17th) pix by Alan 23rd Loch na Keal: this awful weather is not all bad !, it brought in 2 Pomarine Skua into Loch na Keal. Mike Shepherd
23rd Common Rosefinch made an appearance again briefly this morning. Pam & Arthur Brown
21st Fidden: a Pectoral Sandpiper on 21st May at Fidden. Bryan Rains
22nd Knock: There was an Arctic Skua at Knock this evening. Cynthia Grindley
22nd Ardrioch Dervaig: a rare Common Rosefinch (male) photographed on the feeder by Pam Brown in the garden. (this is only the second record on Mull of this rare bird, the first being on 16th June 2009)

Common Rosefinch (male) photographed on the feeder by Pam Brown in the garden.
This Sabine's Gull was at Killiechronan on 23rd May 2011. Photo by Tony Coombs

20th: Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher at Loch Buie (carsaig track) Gordon and Sylvia Crawshaw
18th: Crossbills in Glen Forsa valley opposite Kilbeg cottage also Merlin Gordon and Sylvia Crawshaw
17th: Wood Warblers in abundance on lighthouse walk at Tobermory am Gordon and Sylvia Crawshaw
17th: Short Eared Owl on Torloisk to Dervaig moor pm. Gordon and Sylvia Crawshaw
16th:Ariel battle between short eared owl and male hen harrier at Lochdon 6.30 pm (harrier defeated!)
20th Knock: a Green Sandpiper feeding on the runrigs beside the road at Scarisdale west of Knock. Cynthia Grindley
20th Loch na Keal: a lone Whooper Swan near Bacca Cottage opposite Inch Kenneth. It flew away from me towards the island but remained visible for quite a while. Thought this rather unusual at this time of year. Pete Hall
14th Single Pomarine Skua headed northwest up Mull Sound on Sat 14th May. I was on "Lord of the Isles" inbound Lochboisdale to Oban, and the light phase bird passed between us and "Clansman" which was on the Morvern side of the Sound outbound from Oban. Time 1755 and the bird was heading northwest. The last of 15 Poms (and 1 Long-tailed Skua, 1 Arctic) seen on the crossing that day. Richard Howells
19th National Trust for Scotland car park at Tioran - Bullfinch, Siskin. J. Morgan & family
19th still good numbers of Great northern diver to be found on most lochs (1on Loch Scridain) Kevin Boothroyd
19th Croggan: 15 Purple Sandpipers along the narrows shore line.visitor Paul

17th near Croig: an Eurasian Jay here today. Roger Doble. (see also 3rd)

17th Loch na Keal: a Pomarine Skua close inshore. David Shackleton.
17th Loch na Keal: Sabine's Gull seen today in Loch na Keal, photos to follow. mull charters and e birder Marcus Conway www.ebirder.net
15th Ash Soames Bunessan fisherman on the creeler 'Pioneer' fishing out of Fionnphort, 2 miles out of Colonsay on the south side of Iona, a Pomarine Skua. Ash Somes Callum Entwhistle.
16th Craignure: Pomarine Skua seen from Mull Hotel in Craignure bay at 18-30hrs flying west over main road and lost to veiw, it had a full spoon tail. Mike stephens
15th Lochdon: watched a male Hen Harrier take a small bird, land and start to pluck it, it's exciting stuff here at Lochdon. Alan S
14th Lochdon: a pair of Short eared Owls display flight and a hunting male Hen Harrier. Alan
14th Loch Tuath: Saw an Arctic Skua yesterday 14th Loch Tuath. John Mason
14th Lochdon. Spotted Flycatcher returned to my garden, checking out it's nesting site again this year. Alan Spellman pix above
11th: Corncrake calling near Haunn, Treshnish. Prasad
11th Fidden Corncrake here in fields left of the farm at Fidden. Alan Spellman
11th 2 Corncrakes were seen on a 'Discover Mull' special for Wildisles week on Iona, several more were heard. Pam Brown
10th Loch Cuin: a Bonxie flying down loch Cuin (maybe from Caliach ? had not arrived there last week). Roger Craven
10th: Had an awesome sighting today as two Golden Eagles were mobbed by 2 Ravens, a male Hen Harrier and an Osprey!! Other notable sightings included 2 RT Diver, 30 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, Adder and Mountain Hare.Bryan Rains
10th Croig: 3 Common Terns, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1 Whimbrel. Prasad.
9th Loch Beg: A non-breeding Black-tailed Godwit was at Loch Beg yesterday.Hugh Matthews, Northants Bird Club. Dave Jackson
9th Killiechronan: Four Bullfinches on chestnut tree yesterday. Jan Fuller
4th Ben More: three Dotterel on Ben More last Wednesday (May 4) at map ref 514336, just at the top of the first shoulder on the usual route, before the first screes, but 50 yards south of the path as we'd drifted briefly off route!. Julian Bray
3rd Glengorm: a Long-Eared Owl - possibly feeding a chick - at Glengorm, near where we were staying. Julian Bray
7th: first of the year 1 Spotted Flycatcher in Treshnish wood. Prasad
6th Loch na Keal: Saw 2 Common Terns yesterday, my first this year. Martin Mull Charters
6th May: Guest here Tony Gibson saw a Brent Goose at Ulva ferry. Prasad Arthur Brown
6th Grasspoint/Lochdon a female Marsh Harrier over this morning. Richard Atkinson, David Woodhouse et al (only the fourth Mull record, all of which have been seen in April-May. 2006 - 2007- 2009 - 2011)
5th: 2 Jackdaws in north-west Mull (present since the beginning of the week). Prasad
4th Torloisk: 2 Short Eared Owls off Dervaig to Torloisk road last night. Arthur Brown
3rd: 1 Grasshopper Warbler at Haunn (at night of 3/4th). Prasad Also singing Grasshopper Warblers through the night here at Lochdon Alan
3rd Croig: saw two Eurasian Jays flying into the forestry between the Croig turning and the Langamull car park. Roger Craven
3rd Scoor: we have a group of biology students here this week from Manchester MMU and they have repeatedly heard Corn Crakes, early morning, down by Kilvickeon Cemetery near to Harrisons Loch on the Scoor Rd. Secondly, we have our usual House Martins back building nests in the eaves of Scoor House. Not as many as usual. Scott & Dianne Gates
3rd Lagganulva: 4 Twite and 2 Red Throated Divers and a House Martin here as well, also a Sonechat at Tostary, they seem thin on the ground this year. Whimbrel every day on north shore of Loch Na Keal near boat house. Arthur
3rd Kilfinichen 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Ardfenaig approx 60 Brent Geese flying East. Fidden 18 Dunlin. Lots of Whimbrel seen. House Martin numbers seem to be normal - a few birds building nests at Kinloch and the usual amounts in the usual places for me. Bryan Rains
4th Lochdon: an Osprey catching a fish this morning. David Woodhouse
2nd Narrow Bordered Bee Hawkmoth (Hemaris Tityus) seen flying today. Mike Leigh-Mallory
1st Duart Bay: 2 Ospreys fishing over Duart Bay (for around ten minutes).Cameron Hathorn
1st: Rough legged buzzard - seen circling to the North of A849 at Lochdon. Initially I thought it was a honey buzzard however the lack of bands on the tail ruled this out.
Hobby was spotted (being mobbed by Hooded Crow) due South of Loch Ba.
Merlin (female) on B8035 south of Ben More, North of Aird of Kinloch) - beautiful bird flew alongside the car for about 10 seconds before settling in a small bush. Dr C N Chatterton BSc., MSc., CChem, MRSC
2nd Loch na Keal: 2 Puffins and five Great northern Diver (summer plumaged birds) Alan
1st: 1 Housmartin at Dervaig reedbeds. Tony Gibson (any more sightings they seem to be very scarce so fa this year ?)
1st Grasspoint/Lochdon: A few friends had an Osprey last night and again this morning at Grasspoint. Iain Robson & co. Bryan Rains
1st Gribun: a female Black Redstart in cottage garden close to Gribun rock, photographed by visitor (this is only the third Mull record, last being in 2006 & 2007) Martin Gillingham

Latest reports for May 2010
31st Treshnish-Haunn: Both Corncrakes here on Saturday and at least on here on Sunday. Anand Prasad
I have a report of a probable Goshawk at Glengorm, there have been previous reports from this area. any further information out there please ? Alan
30th Loch Tuath: A Black Throated Diverin Loch Tuath seen from Tostary. (most probably the same bird seen on 12th at Ulva AS) Arthur Brown
29th Calgary: dark phase Arctic Skua chasing com.and arctic terns this morning Calgary Bay. Andy & Helen Mortley
28th Loch Ba: Six species of breeding wader at head of loch : Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Snipe, Curlew and Common Sandpiper; three singing Redstarts, two singing Tree Pipits and two calling Cuckoo's; also, territorial male Mistle Thrush and two House Martins. Ruth and Stuart (I want to say " and a Partridge in a pear tree "! ) AS
Richard Howells of Sandbach reports his weeks stay: 8th-15th May
12th May:Black-throated Diver in summer plumage off Ulva Ferry .
4 Greylag Goose and Peregrine (f) on Staffa. dark phase Arctic Skua and 2 Purple Sandpiper Lunga. Great Skua on Fladda.
8th Gruline an Osprey , one flew up off the north end of Loch Ba, mobbed by the resident Buzzard.
15th eight rare Little Tern seen heading up the Sound of Mull, from the ferry.
10th a Dipper below river bridge at Knock and a pair of Blackcap close by.
12th Twite on both Staffa (3 pairs) and Lunga (1 pair). and seen on Iona.
8th Crossbill 2 seen in cottage garden pine treeKnock. 10th 1 red 6 green seen at Loch Ba, feeding and drinking from ground. 11/05. 4 seen in cottage garden pine tree Knock 9th a Bullfinch at Croig. Richard Howells Sandbach Cheshire.
27th Iona: Few Corncrakes calling, but still managed to get views of two individuals, including one in flight, near the Nunnery. Only one of the two previous Pale-bellied Brent Geese at the Bay at the Back of the Ocean, where yesterday's migrant wader flock had dwindled to around 20 Dunlin and Ringed Plover. Eight ad. Greylag Geese supporting creche of 17 goslings (in three broods), Loch na Keal, where pair of Canada Geese seen with single gosling. Ruth and Stuart.
27th Calgary: A single Common Scoter at Calgary, 29 Dunlin at Dervaig. Arthur Brown.
26th Iona: long view of a rasping Corncrake in Flag Iris bed , two late Pale-bellied Brent Geese at The Bay at the Back of the Ocean, where there was a mixed migrant flock of over 70 waders, predominantly Dunlin and Ringed Plover, but with 10, yet to moult in to breeding plumage, Sanderlings; a single Whimbrel was also seen and heard. Ruth Fleming
25th Langamull/Croig/Dervaig: Very pale and small 1st Summer immature Glaucous Gull was at Croig, migrant flock of 30 Ringed Plovers and eight Dunlin resting near Croig, where local pair of Ringed Plovers incubating clutch of four eggs; 26 migrant Dunlin at Dervaig, where female Mallard with nine ducklings. Ruth Fleming
24th Langamull: Large flock (40) of Crossbills, feeding on larch seeds, at entrance to Langamull forest. Both males and females seen feeding juveniles and interesting to speculate that flock consisted purely of family parties of this chunky, enigmatic finch. Seems that Crossbills have enjoyed a successful breeding season in North Mull. Ruth and Stuart
23rd Ardura Oak Woods: Wood Warbler, Redstart. Grasspoint:Whinchat, Wood Warbler, Redstart, 4 Drake Goosander. Alan
22nd Iona: a report of aPied Flycatcher here today. Inverness group
some late reports: 18th Glengorm: an Adult Glaucous gull on the Glengorm shoreline from. Angus Laing
15th Oban-Craignure: 19 Common Scoter seen off the Ferry. a great start to any holiday. a Pale Bellied Brent Ardalanish on 14th, Great Skua over Loch Assapol 14th, Greenshank Loch Beg 12th . Lawrence Potter
21st Tiroran: 1 Wood Warbler and 1 Blackcap. Loch Beg 30 Dunlin, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit. Bryan Rains.
21st Frisa: Spotted Flycatcher at the Hide today along with great spotted woodpecker, grey and pied wagtails, siskins, sand martins, swallows, cuckoo, wheatears, chiff chaff, lapwings divebombing our sea eagles! colony of common gulls - on the water Black throated Diver, red breasted mergansers. Debby Thorne
21st Arle: a beautiful Red Legged Partridge on the side of the main road to Tobermory at Arle. It was perched on a mound of soil in a very conspicuous position close to the main road on the left hand side just passed Kentallan Farm. Jan & Pete Hall
21st Lochdon: 100 summer plumaged Dunlin at thr 'Gorsten end of the loch. Ian & Chris Brookes
20th Treshnish Headland: Two rasping Corncrakes, the individual at Treshnish even deigned to give us a prolonged, if distant view! Single Whimbrel and Dunlin, 2 pairs each of Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher, all of which were still incubating. Seven Twite, five singing Sedge Warblers, four male Whitethroats and singing Reed Bunting, plus what appeared to be a family party of seven Ravens
14th Baliscate Standing Stones: Newly fledged family party of Stonechats, in field near Standing Stones. Ruth and Stuart
15th Oban-Crainure Ferry: one Arctic Skua: and one on 17th from Port Haunn. Visitor Mike Scott-Ham
Also 2 male Corncrakes and Grasshopper Warblers are still here last night! One at Haunn another at Treshnish. Anand Prasad
19th Quinish: 2 Red-throated Divers calling , several adult Gannets, 2 pairs Shelduck, 2 pairs Lapwing, single Ringed Plover with migratory group of four Dunlin, single Wood Pigeon, Cuckoo seen in flight, several singing Skylark, male Redstart in song, male Whinchat in song, good numbers of breeding Wheatear, single male Stonechat, pair Mistle Thrush, three singing Grasshopper Warblers, two singing Sedge Warblers, three singing Whitethroats, male Blackcap, two singing Wood Warblers, three Twite, two Crossbills, single Bullfinch and male Reed Bunting. Ruth and Stuart
19th Grasspint several Twite. Lochbuie GN diver, 4 RT divers & Black guillemot. Ian & Chris Brookes
18th: Iona - we saw Corncrake (+photo!) as described + 1 at allotments near the Abbey . Ian & Chris Brookes
18th Dervaig: Sedge Warbler at Dervaig reed bed and Spotted Flycatcher in the trees at the side of the reed bed, Zara Tivey
17th. Also twite near ferry Sanderling arctic terns etc. At Fidden another single bl t godwit. Ian & Chris Brookes
17th Lochdon: a single summer plumaged Black tailed Godwit on the shore this evening. ian & Chris Brookes
17th Tershnish point: an Ospreytoday (17th) at Treshnish Point which then headed in Calgary direction. Anand Prasad
17th Staffa: Corncrake here today on Staffa island. pp Colin Moody
17th Lochdon: reeling Grasshopper Warbler, singing Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler along the shore line. Alan
17th Craignure: took some pics of Tree Creeper here today (see above pix). Alan
12th Scoor: two male Dotterel on the hill behind scoor. also saw a Magpie at Killfinichen Bay area and several Great skuas including one in off the sea and over loch assapoll. Robert Johnson & Laurence Potter from Woodbridge Suffolk.
15th Iona: Corncrake heard & seen also Twite and Linnet and a small population of Tree Sparrow (7 birds seen). Arctic Terns and Gannets on the boat journey over. Alan
Ring Ouzel recorded above the Mast Hill by Craignure, 3 birds, a possible pair and a single bird. (pp Arthur Brown)
13th Treshnish Haunn: The first Spotted Flycatcher here. Anad Prasad
14th Interesting observation? I watched a male Chaffinch for about 5 mins on my garden lawn, picking up ants and placing them into its feathers just like a Woodpecker does. I have never seen this before. Alan
13th Fionnphort - Corncrake calling this evening in the field below the road here in the village Mike Wagemakers
13th Loch na Keal: a winter plumaged Red necked Grebe ,viewed from the south side. Peter Hall & David Woodhouse et al
13th Garmony picnic area: a Hoopoe was seen here today. Rod Taylor (visitor)
13th Killfinican Bay: a Magpie here, possibly the same bird seen on 12th at Beach. Peter Hall & Bryan Rains
3rd May Kintra: On walk crossing stream below Inver cottage on 3rd May we saw what appears to be a Yellow Wagtail. I attach cropped picture (above)– I hope it will be sufficient to confirm the ID. Hilary Adams and Chris Jenkins
12th: A couple of sightings from today.....Kilfinichen 1 Magpie. Beach 1 Garden Warbler. Fidden 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Whimbrel, 20 Golden Plover, 30 Dunlin, 20 Ringed Plover. Bryan Rains
11th I was just about to ask "where are all the Stonechats?" when today, out with a friend we found two Stonechat, one at Uisken and another at Lochhdon, both males. I am so chuffed ! Alan
10th Loch na Keal boat trip with Mull Charters : produced Red throated divers, Guillemot, Black Guillemot, Razorbill and spectacular Sea Eagles at close quarters and taking fish off the water. a great day out, thanks to Martin and Judith.

MORE IMAGES HERE 10th Dervaig: 4 Black tailed Godwits still here this early pm, plus Dunin also in summer plumage. Alan
8th Dervaig: This morning 4 Black Tailed Godwit in summer plumage made a brief visit to Loch Cuin Rod & Gill Little
6th May - Speinne Mor: Three Golden Plovers on summit of North Mull's half-Munro . Ruth and Stuart
7th Croig Pier: an Arctic Tern here, the first record of the year. Arthur Brown
7th Loch na Keal: We had 8 Sea eagles today around the boat 2 close taking fish (possibly same one twice) and 6 circling above probably juveniles. Also several puffins and a Great Skua. Martin -
6th a Red kite on the Tobermory Road between the turn off for the hide and heading towards Tob pp Debbie Thorne
3rd Treshnish Woods: a 'pair' of Stock Doves were at Teshnish Woods today, Anand Prasad. This is a scarce bird for Mull with very few records, there was a couple of birds at Killiechronan in April (David Woodhouse0
3rd Loch Cuin: 3 Shelduck on Loch Cuin. Rod & Gill Little
30th April – Grasspoint: Grasshopper Warbler (in song and showing well), Whinchat (male), Common Whitethroat, Common Redpoll (flock of 15+), Cuckoo
Lochdon: Grasshopper Warbler (2 in song, one showing extremely well), Greenshank, Otter
2nd May – Iona – Corncrake x 3, Twite x 5, Iona West Beach: Manx Shearwater x 10, Sanderling x 3, Turnstone
Fidden – Whimbrel (flock of 29 Ross Facer
Glen Moore (nr. quarry): Golden Eagle (male displaying), WTSE (ad and imm) Ross Facer
Loch Spelve – Lochdon road: at least 3 male Whinchats Loch Spelve: 3 S E Owl showing brilliantly early evening
Lochdon: Hen Harrier (male), S E Owl, Otter, Reed Bunting (pr)
Plus plenty of Great Northern Divers at various locations. Ross Facer
2nd Staffa: Purple Sandpipers here this day. Moira McKelvie
2nd - Ulva Ferry and Inch Kenneth 1 Swift, Ulva Ferry. Six Whimbrel, 3+ White Wagtails and single House Martin, Inch Kenneth, where Oystercatcher nest with clutch of two eggs. 'Drumming' Snipe at Arle Ruth and Stuart
1st May – Glen Moore (nr. quarry): Golden Eagle (pair), WTSE (ad), Hen Harrier (male), White Wagtail, Stonechat (the only one seen during our trip) Ross Facer
Loch Beg – Sparrowhawk x 3 (2 females) displaying overhead Scoor: Twite x 20 Ross Facer
Loch Na Keal – Whimbrel x 4; Twite x 8 (incl. a ringed individual – colour ringed on left leg – 1 (possibly 2) green and cream rings; silver ring on right leg) at Calgary , but Treecreeper and Cuckoo Ross Facer
Lochdon – Hen Harrier (2 males), S E Owl (2), Grasshopper Warbler (in song and showing extremely well) Ross Facer
1st May Loch na Keal: a drake Blue Winged Teal here 30th April-1st May, this stunning bird is a first record for Mull. the bird was later found on Gigha (2nd) Thanks to Bruce Hyde for reporting the very rare visitor from N America.
1st Iona: 1 Common Tern in the Sound, 4 calling Corncrake (only 1 Seen), 2 Sedge Warbler and plenty of Twite
flying around. Bryan Rains

Latest reports for May 2009Report from last week.
Last weekend I took a photograph of a bird (Rose coloured Starling) taken on Friday 29th May, above Tobermory, on the Dervaig road, at approximately NM499551.    Steve Brown
Reports from last week: Uisken: Arctic Skua, dark phase adult flew south, Great Skua, 2 from NW beach Iona , 2 more on crossing between Lunga and Staffa. Whooper Swan & Tufted Duck on Loch Pottie , Golden Plover – summer plumage adult Pennyghael, 3 Whimbrel, 3 flew over Grasspoint, Merlin – Female/immature seen from road near Lochdon, W of Grasspoint, SE Owl also here, Uisken. Hen Harrier – males seen most days also W of Bunessan, Grasspoint, and Glen Bellart (between Salen and Dervaig), Barn Owl – East of Pennyghael, Peregrine at Calgary Beach , Corncrake, 5 males calling Iona. . Whinchat – stunning male Grasspoint and Twite – 2 Ardalanish Beach pm Sun 24th, 2-4 North end of Iona.   David & Janet Franklin
But the best sighting (in that it was alone of all we saw was a lifer for us) was several Narrow-leaved Helloborines in wood containing sculpture trail near Calgary Beach . Also 40 Early Purple Orchids near Ardalanish Beach.
Reports from last week:
25th May – Otter north of Salen, reeling Grasshopper Warbler in the garden of our self-catering cottage seaview in Salen (also calling on 26th but not after) 26th May – Adult Long-tailed Skua close to Lunga , also Arctic Skua near Ulva 27th May – Great northern Diver (Loch Scridain), Slavonian grebe and Red-throated Diver (Loch Buie)
28th May – Male Hen Harrier east of Bunnesan, 5 or 6 corncrake calling around Baile Mor on Iona 29th May – Black-throated Diver, Bonxie, and 8 possible Pomarine Skuas very distantly (west end of Coll from the whale watching trip) Ben Lascelles
Reports from last week:
Sunday 24 May: Great Northern Diver, summer plumage at grasspoint. Also at Grasspoint was an Arctic Skua harassing an Arctic Tern. 2 Otters in Salen bay. Monday 25 May: Cuckoo, spotted flycatcher by Aros Castle
Wednesday 26 May: 2 Great Skuas at Lunga. Thursday 27 May: 3 great northern divers, winter plumage on Loch Buie. Friday 28 May: Aros Mains: 2 Tawny Owl calling in the woods. Saturday 29 May: Grasspoint : Flock of 18 Dunlin, golden eagle. Reports from another holiday maker of 3 mink in the old pier (2 adults and 1 juv noticed significantly less calling cuckoos than last year. Carl Winkley
Roding Woodcock over Laggan Lodge, Lochbuie, 10.50pm Friday 29th May.
Shelduck drake, Little Laggan beach, Lochbuie.. Pair red breasted mergansers, Lochbuie end, Loch Splevie
Common gull nesting colony completely crashed this year - Little Laggan beach, Lochbuie   – not even one nesting bird. It used to team with nesting gulls. Alastair Gossage
Latest reports for May 2009
31st An invasion of Painted Ladies. We had at leasdt 26 in 1km stretch Anand Prasad. one in Stuart Gibsons garden at Salen. Keep a look out there will be many more over the next week or two. Alan
30th Calgary Bay: a pair of long tailed duck at Cagary Bay, female Goosander at Mishnish lochs, Swift flew over Loch na Keal & s/p Golden Plover at Calliach Point. Arthur Brown Discover mull Tours
30th Lochdon: an Osprey stopped here this pm ,caught a fish and found a tree in which to eat it. Alan
28th Loch Buie: 3 Black Throated Diver (2 summer plumage, 1 winter plumage), 1 Red Throated Diver
Loch Uisg: Golden Eagle, Common sandpiper. Jonathan Scragg
28th Iona: Great Skua flying North through the Sound, Male Peregrine circling Dun I (29th)
Highlight was the s/p Slav Grebe (already reported to you) in the bay-at-the-back-of-the-ocean - sitting tight, out of the wind about 10 yards from the shore. Matt Atkin
27th Carsaig Bay: two summer plumage Black-throated Diver – Carsaig Bay – Carol Marshall
27th Iona: 5 rasping Corncrakes mid-day between ferry and 'Bay at the Back of the Ocean'; adult. s/p Slavonian Grebe giving prolonged views at Bay at the Back of the Ocean; migrant flock of ca. 20 Dunlin, 20 Ringed Plover and 6 + Sanderling on tide-line at Bay of the Back of the Ocean; 2 ad. ff Shelduck with creche of 8 recently hatched ducklings at Bay at the Back of the Ocean; 22 Eider (inc. 9 prs) at Bay at the Back of the Ocean; pair of Twite giving excellent views as they bathed in puddle along track to St Columba's Bay; pair of Ringed Plover, St Columba's Bay.3 Great Northern Divers (inc 2 in imm/non-breeding plumage), Loch Scridain.
Ruth Fleming and Stuart Gibson
26th Loch na Keal: two summer plumaged Great northern Diver here today. We have a pair of Black Guillemot nesting in the old pier at Craignure. Peregrine on the north side of loch na keal Kevin Boothroyd
25th Loch Buie: all three divers here, including 2 summer Black throated divers. Jim and Linda Hurles
24th Quinish (by Dervaig): 3 singing Wood Warblers, White narrow leaved Helleborine near the path; Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinch, Whitethroat, Wheatear, Stonechat; 2 singing male Reed Buntings; single Whimbrel and Red-throated Diver, along with Otter, near Quinish Point. Ruth Fleming/Stuart Gibson
23rd Haunn cottages, Treshnish: Saw my first Spotted Flycatcher here today. Anand Prasad
23rd Loch Ba: nesting Common Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, Lapwing & Oystercatcher, RB Mwerganser. Grey Wagtail, calling Golden Plover. Ruth Flemming & Stuart Gibson.
20th had our suspicions about the swan on Loch Pottie, was certain we had a Mute Swan a few weeks ago, today I found Whooper Swan under the protection of a Canada Goose. Mike Wagemakers
20th Ardalanish beach: 6 Whimbrel and 3 Sanderling and Early Purple Orchids, (33 plants). Alan
19th Ardnalish, Ross of Mull: Great Skua and Red Grouse, Golden Eagle, Great Northern Diver and 2 Common Terns nearby at Traigh Gheal. Anand Prasad
19th Garmony picnic area: a group of 6 summer plumaged Ruddy Turnstone here. Dai Roberts & Andy
19th Laggan Bay: the White billed diver has been seen again in the bay. Alan Coles et al
19th Track to Killean/Gualachaolish (Lochdon) Male Whinchat in song; Tree Pipit and Willow Warbler (2) singing at Killean Burial Ground; 2 Short-eared Owls hunting in late afternoon; Meadow Pipit nest c/5 found, Killean - Ruth Fleming and Stuart Gibson
13th May along the Salen to Dervaig road (Glen Bellart) a Red Kite photographed. Zara Tivey.
18th Treshnish point: at dusk saw a Swift moving northwards over Treshnish House . Anand Prasad
18th Swift in Fionnphort area for it's second day yesterday also Merlin, fem Hen Harrier and 30 Dunlin. Uisken has 2 Common Tern, 2 RT Diver, Whinchat, Cuckoo and Sedge Warbler.
17th Iona Corncrake seenalso Gannets in the sound with Arctic Terns, Summer plumaged Great northern Diver on Loch Scridain by Pennyghael. Felicity Hanson/Alan/Judith Spellman
17th Iona Corncrakes seen and heard and one Lesser Redpoll nr Tigh Shee.Later on Mull at Loch na Keal 6 Golden plover, and a Yellow wagtail (blue headed race) information to follow. Christine Rose and Bob Bailey
17th May - Salen fort/Glenaros farm Immature. WTSE over Salen; singing Redstart, Wood Warbler and Tree Pipit, Glenaros track; Ad. s/p Red-throated Diver, Salen bay. Also, male Green Hairstreak butterflyand two Meadow Pipit nests, each with c/4, Salen fort - Ruth Fleming & Stuart Gibson
16th Duart Castle: a Corncrake was calling at Duart Castle near the car park.Also of note were 2 calling, summer plumage Black throated Divers on Lochbuie on Friday 15th, and on a walk from Pennyghael to Carsaig on Thursday was a Male Hen Harrier and at the beginning and later end of our walk were 2 Golden Eagles above the summit of the road. 3 Red throatedDivers in Calgary Bay. 11th-12th. Vivienne Fish.
16th Treshnish headlands: Snow Bunting (male) and a Swift passing through. Ruthe Flemming & Stuart Gibson.
15th Sound of Mull: Terns over small island north of Craignure (18 counted airborne, as well as numerous small parties commuting south to fish in the confluence of the sound and Loch Linnhe. Both Common and Arctic seen fishing and resting on Lady's Rock? 2 Arctic Skuas seen off Duart point heading north up the Sound together, 1 pale phase and 1 dark phase.       Richard Howells
14th Hawn Treshnish car park: a eurasion jay here John Mason
14th Fionnphort: 3 Dunlin (with black bellies) on the beach
14th Sound of Iona: Common Terns, Arctic Terns, Kittiwakes (inc one perfect 1st year plumage), Great Skua (around 1445, heading south, close inshore). 13th Ishriff Glen More: Male Merlin south across road.
14th May - Loch Beg 1 Greenshank and ca. 10 Golden Plover - Stuart Gibson
13th May - Ulva Ringtail' Hen Harrier, 2 Cuckoo; singing Tree Pipit, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wood Warbler, Goldcrest, Redpoll and Siskin; also 1-2 calling Crossbills - Ruth Fleming and Stuart Gibson
13th May - Salen Local Barn Owl hunting in gardens along old road (may be seen in general area opposite Salen Hotel/Post Office from 19.00 hrs) - Ruth Fleming and Stuart Gibson
10th Burgh off the Treshnish road: a beautiful male summer plumaged Snow Bunting. Photos to follow Eddie & Josie Gibson.
10th May - Salen Hunting Barn Owl and 3 - 4 prs Goldfinch and large nos of singing Siskin during 'Wild Isles' birdsong evening walk - Stuart Gibson
13th Ulva: Above the ruins of Ormaig: Peregrine Falcon hunting - adult male. Adult male Hen Harrier - excellent views as it came over a ridge and was surprised to see us there. Earlier on Ulva - adult male Sparrowhawk.
15th Laggan Bay: White billed diver here this afternoon, Pam Brown et al Discover Mull Tours
14th Off Grasspoint: a summer plumaged Pomarine Skua flew past. Marcus Conway
13th Report from visitor of two Brent geese on lagoon below Glen Forsa Air Strip
13th Loch na Keal: 5 Great northern Diver & 6 Red throated Diver, Black Guillemot, an Osprey flew over yesterday. Red breasted Merganser, Eider. 6 Golden Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, Goldies+WTSE. Alan
13th Craignure: An Ortolan Bunting seen & photographed at Craignure camp site on 9th. This very scarce migrant has a very distinctive and diagnostic eye ring and is a first for Mull and Argyll.
I Hope to have images on site and a more detailed report soon. Alan
12th Fidden 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Dunlin, 4 Whimbrel. Loch Pottie 1 Mute Swan.Uisken 1 Whinchat, 3 Sedge Warbler. Wild About Mull. Bryan Rains   You can buy the latest bird report at the Pennyghael post office.
12th :There are several pairs of Canada Geese noe breeding around the island, at Garmony, Loch na Keal and Ulva Ferry. Threee years ago there were none staying to breed. Alan
11th Ardrioch Farm Dervaig: 8am Barn Owl. Corncrake seen on Iona on a Corncrake walk for Wildisles week. Pam Brown. www.discovermull.co.uk
11th heard greenshank on moors off A 849 Glen More 12th May Calgary Bay - 3 Twite on footpath beside bay north side. Had a great time - and found the Mull Bird Report very interesting and helpful. Chris Roome
11th Loch Frsa: WTSE, Goldie and Osprey flying south down loch. Dave Sexton
10th Pennygowan: at 1230 a Long eared Owl sitting on a roadside fence post at Pennygown, nr graveyard. It was jumping from verge to post clearly trying to hunt. May well have been sick or just very hungry after the recent weather to have been out in the day. Dave Sexton
10th Iona north beach: 70 Dunlin plus 16 Sanderling & Ringed Plover. Ruth Flemming & Stuart Gibson
10th Oban Bay: 10 Black Guillemot in bay, viewed from Ferry. Judith Spellmman
9th Lochdon: 20.00hrs 10 Whimbrel, 5 Shelduck, Short eared Owl, Grasshopper Warbler (heard). Alan
9th Gamony: 23 summer plumage Dunlin, 3 White Wagtail, 2 singing Redpoll. Ruth Flemming/Stuart Gibson
7th Langamull: 6 Arctic Tern, 1 Great Skua and 1 Arctic Skua, 15 Dunlin, 1 Black throated Diver. David Hatfield.
7th Calliach Point: a trip here produced 5 Whimbrel, Fulmar, Shelduck, Shearwater, Cormorant, Shag, Auks, Wheatear, Wagtails, a SparrowHawk and Sea Eagle and lots more. Phillip Gatley/Alan
7th Grasspoint: an Osprey at Grasspoint whilst watching WTSE. We were in the car park bit & the Osprey flew over as if from Lochdon, heading seawards, then we lost it. One WTSE on the shore at Lochdon; a couple of GNDs in Loch Scridain at Pennyghael & a couple of Goldies at the top of Glen More. Edwina & David Sharp
7th Tobermory Harbour:1st summer Iceland Gull still hanging around the area. Stuart Gibson
7th Langamull: 6 Arctic Tern and an Arctic Skua here this morning. David Hatfield
7th Loch Beg: Peregrine hunting waders, loch na keal: Goldie,Uisken: Ringtail Harrier. Rick Thornton
6th May ’09 – Iona – 6 Purple Sandpipers on rocks on North Beach. 2 Arctic Terns. Whimbrel. Fidden – 7 Whimbrel. Lochdon (Eagle Watch caravan) – 3 Hen Harrier (adult male, female and 1st Summer male) at dusk. Craignure – Wood Warbler in song behind Craignure Inn.
Also plenty of Black Guillemots, G N Divers, etc at various locations.      Ross Facer
5th Loch Na Keal – male Whinchat. Iona – at least 5 calling Corncrakes (1 seen very well in the open). 3 Twite, female Hen Harrier offshore flying North over the sea at North Beach , Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the Organic Garden in the evening. (late reports just received)
4th Grasspoint – WTSE, Golden Eagle (ad), 2 S E Owl (viewed from the car park area ), 1 Hen Harrier.
Lochdon – 1st summer male Hen Harrier from Eagle Watch caravan at dusk. Grasshopper Warbler (heard).
4th Calgary: 3 Twite and 1 Linnet here. Havid Hatfield.
4th Garmony: a pair of Goosander in the estuary. David & Edwina Sharp
3rd Loch na Keal: a trip round loch na Keal this morning found us 1 WTSE. 5 Golden Eagle , 2 Great northern Diver and Black guillemot. Phillip Gatley/Alan.............(3 life ticks for Phillip)
2ns Glengorm: 2 Whinchat, 37 Raven north of the waste dump. David Hatfield
2nd a Whinchat (only second so far) reported by David Hatfield
2nd Ardrioch by Dervaig: a singing Redstart and another by Killiechronan. David and Edwina Sharp
1st Langamull beach: Great Northern Diver in full breeding kit offshore .David Mellor
April 30th Haunn: first Whinchat was on 30th April at Haunn seen by Nick Evans a guest at Haunn cottages,
cheers, Anand Prasad
28th Calliach Point: 5 Great Skua, at Dervaig 6 White wagtails. David Hatfield
27th Dervaig Two male Hen Harriers dancing in the twilight , Long eared owl hunting , Barn Owl present ... 28th Dervaig Sea Eagle came thru, radio and wing tagged . Woodcock roding late in the day ...                   Quinish Point: Great Skua on its travels.Taighe Sithe area: six lapwings and 16 Sand Martins present ...

Latest reports for May 2008
25th   Crossbills in forestry walk at Glen Shillister, Rock Dove at Ulva Ferry.
26th Black-tailed Godwit non-breeding bird at Lochdon, 2 Rooks at Pennygown Farm, Glen Forsa, 2 Wood Warblers singing also. in Ardura woods, Andy Bayes, Natalie and Hanna.
27th Slavonian Grebe, Loch Na Keal, Crossbills again in Forestry as above.
28th Canada Geese & 7 goslings Craignure Golf Course,
29th Great Spotted Woodpecker, Kilbeg cottage garden. Sand Martins round the cottage also,
30th Sedge Warbler, Killiechronan camp site, 5 Red Throated Divers, Loch Na Keal just past Knock, 4 breeding plumage and one not Andy Bayes, Natalie and Hanna.
31st Loch Spelve: first report of our returning Nightjars here today. Guido D'Isidoro. Visitor from Manchester
30th Caliach Point: Pair of Bonxies displaying at Cailaich Point near the trig point this afternoon. Shaun
30th Loch na Keal: Summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe showing well Alan
29th Lochdon: Our Osprey was over again this morning fishing the loch at 0900hrs. Lionel Whitehead
26th The Osprey has made an appearance at Lochdon for the third day running and there is a Hoopoe at Loch Buie (Laggan sands area, near the chapel) Guido D'Isidoro. Visitor from Manchester
26th Fionnphort: an Osprey over Fionnphort yesterday morning about 10ish. Came from Iona direction and carried on east. Janis & John Allen
25th Lochdon: an Osprey fishing the loch 1215hrs today (same bird as yesterday?) Alan Spellman
A Goshawk was reported over Salen Forest by visitor Derelk Lister.
24th Fishnish: a Cattle Egret in the area on the left as leaving the ferrry. Richard Atkinson guests
Week 18th-23rd: 2 Summer plumage Purple Sandpiper on Staffa 19th .Male Goshawk over Salen Forest time 08-01 chased by passerines 18th. 3 Black throated Divers in Display on Loch Scridian 23th. Derek Lister
24th Calgary beach: 2 summer plumaged sanderling on beach early this morning, Arthur Brown
24th Lochdon: an Osprey fishing the loch this morning at 10.00 hrs Alistdair Purfitt, Andy Oldacre
22nd Summer plumage Slavonian Grebe - Loch na Keal, west of Scarisdale Point, Swift - Grasspoint Road, Woodcock - Grasspoint Road, Greenshank - Loch Beg. Mike Wagemakers Isle of Mull Experience.
Report from guest 20th 2 Corncrake calling Fidden Campsite
21st Killiechronan Male Merlin, one seen earlier in the week in same area. Arthur with Discover Mull Tour.
11th Loch Beg: Golden Plover a flock of 8 birds in breeding plumage. 15th Ardnacross Farm: Turnstone
Flock of 5 on the Sound of Mull Flock of 10 at Calaich point on 16th May.
13th. West Shore of Iona   Sanderling a single bird with a flock of 10 Ringed Plover, then a flock of 8 birds in varying stages of moult (3 at least in breeding colours)
12th Fingal’s Cave on Staffa, Purple Sandpiper, 6 near the and a single on rocks off Fladda
13th West Shore of Iona on Dunlin Single bird in breeding plumage, 3 at Dervaig on the 15th
12th Fladda Great Skua. Three birds around Caliach Point on 15th and 16th May. We thought these birds were passing when we saw them on the 15th. However, they were still around on the 16th and appeared to be displaying and were landing on the flat top of the highest area of the point. On both days they were seen to be pursuing Gannets and GBB/Herring Gulls for food.
16th Caliach Point Arctic Skua Single pale phase bird over. Nick & Stella Laughton
13th LochBeg/Scridain area: a passage Osprey was seen flying North West    David Mann
17th Fidden: Breeding bird survey & BTO tetrad at Ardalanish, 30 Linnets in total, 8 Twite, 21 Dunlin and 50+ Lapwings. 2 Turnstone at Ardalanish also 1 calling Corncrake at Fidden. Arthur Brown
14th Glenforsa Hotel. a flock of 17 Crossbills in pines close to the Glenforsa HoteL. Most were females and juveniles with two males. The pines were close to the Forsa river on the hotel side. Chris Roome
15th A Whooper Swan on the Mishnish Lochs this evening, great views of 3 Short Eared Owls At Loch Frisa this morning. Probable Great Grey Shrike ai lagganulva 14th landed in a tree then flew off with bounding flight. The Shrike seen by Martin Dyer a very good photographer staying with us. Arthur Brown
13th all over the island: The Isle of Mull Bird Club, birds race found 102 species in the day.
12th Treshnish Isles Lunga: a small party of Purple Sandpiper here today. Nigel Matthews (visitor)
12th Loch Beg 2 Greenshank, 3 Golden Plover, 10 Dunlin, 2 Shelduck. Uisken 3 Red-throated Diver, Whinchat, Stonechat, 3 Dunlin, Cuckoo, Sparrowhawk. Fidden 2 Corncrake, 2 Whimbrel, 20 Golden Plover, 3 Snipe .Bryan Rains Wild About Mull.
12th Iona a very late Iceland Gull by the north beach. Fidden 2 Corncrake calling. visitor
4th Fishnish 1st Summer Iceland Gull off Fishnish. 3rd Iona: a single Tree Sparrow, with sparrows on feeders in the nunnery gardens. Several Grasshopper Warblers singing at various locations between Lochdon and Loch Spelve. Ray & Ross Facer
11th Common Scoter still at killiechronan, at least 6 Red Throated divers today Loch na Keal, Loch Tuath and Calgary. Slavonnian Grebe in partial summer plumage still on Loch na keal also lapwing with chicks and ringed Plover here. Short Eared Owl and Hen Harrier Loch frisa, Whinchat and Whitethroats everywhere. Goldeen Eagle at Ulva gave spectacular views . Reed Bunting at Dervaig reed bed with at least 5 Sedge Warbler. Cailiach Point 100's Manx Shearwater, kittiwakes, and all 3 Auks which could be heard from land never known it to be so busy fantastic feeding frenzy.70 birds seen in the day Arthur Brown.
9th Loch Beg: Shoveler (very scarce for Mull) by the Kinloch. Short eared owl showing well opposite the deserted farm between the eagle watch caravan Pete Hall
Mike Richardson 105 species for the week.      staying at Mullbirds self catering
8th Loch Buie 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 9th Lunga: passage Swift. Mike Richardson
8th Breeding plumage Great Northern Diver Loch na Keal (close to Inch Kenneth salmon farm); PairGoosander Ishriff/LochSguabain, GlenMore - Mike Wagemakers,Isle of Mull Experience
8th Calgary: a drake Pintail here and at Killiechronan Canada Geese with 5 goslings
8th Lochdon: a Garden Warbler along the Gorsten road Mike Richardson
6th Loch na Keal: Common Scoter; female, over the week 15 Great N orthern Divers. Mike Richardson
5th Loch Beg :Pink-footed Goose; 1 with Grey-lags Mike Richardson
5th Obvan - Iona: on the Waverley cruise from Oban to Iona on Monday 5th May and we recorded some intresting sightings a breeding plumaged Black-throated Diver and 5 Arctic Terns plus 3 Harbour Porpoises halfway between Oban and Mull. On Iona there were 5 calling Corncrakes, a singing Cuckoo, 6 Wheatears, a Twite, 2 Whitethroats and 3 Willow Warblers around the village/abbey area and a Great Northern Diver and 21 Arctic Terns in the Sound of Iona. On the way back we recorded a Whimbrel, a Puffin and 3 Harbour Porpoises along the south coast of Mull and 10 Swifts over Oban    Allan Russell
6th Iona Sound - 2 Black Tern in amongst many Common Terns and Gannets, from the Iona Ferry - John Almond, visiting from Lancashire
6th Glen Bellart: Grasshopper Warbler on the glen roadside near crannich. Duncan Hall
5th north end of Loch Frisa: May Grasshopper Warbler & 3 Cuckoos,
6th, 4 Dunlin Craignure and about 15 Arctic Terns in the sound feeding with gulls, 4 Wood warblers singing in and around the Hedgehod Wood, Torosay.Andy & Hazel Kirkham
2nd May Loch Beg 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Woodcock, 1 Common Whitethroat. Fidden 8 Common Tern, 1 Dunlin, 2 Twite. Wild About Mull 4th May Loch Beg 1 Short-eared Owl. 5th May Loch Beg 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler. Uisken 8 Dunlin. Fidden 6 Common Tern. Wild About Mull. Bryan Rains
5th Fionnphort, Corncrake heard near Catchean this evening - Mike Wagemakers
4th Bottom end of Glen More: on the hillside; Ring Ouzel.Several Corncrake seen on Iona.
Two female Hen Harrier near Loch Beg. Barn Owl just along the Grasspoint Road. Ray & Ross Facer
2nd Killiechronan: a   Black tailed Godwit was here today by the camp site. Richard Atkinson
2nd Dervaig: The female Pintail was seen again in the freshwater by the reed bed
1st Hen Harrier and Short eared Owl now regularly seen at the Dervaig end of Loch Frisa. Arthur Brown
30th Iona : a Magpie was reported here in a local garden Michael Timms
29th April two Corncrake heard calling on Ulva Tony Fearn

Latest Reports for May 2007
31st Dervaig: We were just watching a Spotted Flycatcher today in our front garden. Ive not seen one here before in our garden. Clare Fellows
26th Iona: at least 7 corncrake heard and one seen on Iona. Also male Hen Harrier at the south end of the island.
27th Iona: 1 corncrake showed very well between iris beds near the "Catholic House of Prayer". Single Tree sparrow near the abbey.
28th Dervaig: Spot fly, Great spot wood and Yellowhammer (male) at Dervaig. 3 otters in the loch here. In the afternoon an otter and adult sea eagle over Grass point plus family of stonechat with 3 fledged young.
Dave Lowe
Holiday list from John Dowson
Great Northern Diver, Northern Gannet, Shag, Cormorant, Grey heron, Mute Swan, Greylags, Shelduck, Mallard, Common Eider, Red Breasted Merganser, Goosander (1 male seen at Dervaig on the 15th May), Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Common Pheasant, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Dunlin, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank (1 pair, again @ Deraig on 15th), Tree Pipit, Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Gulls - (Black Headed, Common, Herring, Greater and Lesser Black-backed), Common Tern, Black Guillemot, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Rock Dove, Cuckoo, Barn Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallo, House Martin, White-tailed Sea Eagle, Golden Eagle, Pied Wagtail, Dipper, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Whinchat, Stonechat, Wheatear, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff (singing male, road near Aros River), Willow Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Common Starling, House Sparrow, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Hooded Crow, Raven, Common Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet, Redpoll, Common Bullfinch, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting. John Dowson.
28th Glen Gorm: a 2nd year Glaugous Gull over the bathing pool at Glengorm castle and drifting west towards Sorne Point, and later a White Wagtail near the carpark at Calgary Bay, Graham Shortt.
27th Penmore: Penmore.. a Magpie. It was around here last year..or its brother ! Sylvia Swift
23rd Treshnish point: watched a Pomarine Skua, for a little under an hour, pirating off a Kittiwakes and Manx Shearwaters flock off Treshnish Point. There was also a Great Skua nearby, Prasad
22nd Treshnish point: , today saw a dark phase Arctic Skua flying north past Treshnish Point and 2 Red-throated Divers off Ensay Burn mouth, Treshnish. Great Northern Diver is still seen daily, Prasad
22nd Loch na Keal: a dark phase Arctic Skua in loch today also a male Bullfinch at loch Don by the Eaglewatch Caravan. Also seeing Whimbrel most days and have seen several Twite lately.
Possible Lesser Yellowlegs repoted to me today at Croig, have not had time to check it out but for your information if you get another report. Arthur Brown Discover Mull Tours
22nd Uisken: 2 summer plumage Sanderling on the beach.Quite a few Common Terns around now. We had them at Loch Scridain, Fidden,Fionnphort and Uisken today.Bryan Rains
22nd Bunessan: the bay had a flotilla of Razorbills feeding frantically whilst being rained upon by a squadron of mixed gulls desperate to get at the food source. Tonight a pair of Shelduck appear to be looking for accomodation in the area. Callum Entwistle
19th Iona north beach: "my father and I watched a 1st summer Sabines Gull off Iona North Beach at 12.30pm on Saturday 19th May during strong westerly gales". (a full description report is being supplied) Ross Facer This N American-Greenland Vagrant is rarely seen in our waters.
Had a fantastic few days birding on Mull & Iona including a very confiding Corncrake on Iona.
17th. Pale phase Arctic Skua from Oban to Craignure ferry approx 12.20
18th.2 Dark phase Arctic Skuas and Great Skua from 9.50 Iona ferry.
Sea watching from north end of Island produced 1 sub-adult pale phase Pom Skua, thousands of Manx Shearwaters, good numbers of Kittiwakes including good numbers of 1st year birds. One was very well marked and we initially thought it could be Sabines Gull but all agreed on Kittiwake.
We also saw 2 possible Storm Petrels but they were to far out to positively identify
19th.Adult pale phase Pom Skua from Oban to Craignure ferry approx 13.00       Phil Woollen
18th off Craignure-Oban ferry. up to 6 Cory's Shearwater flying alongside the ferry giving excellent views of this very scarce marine bird and exceptional for Argyll.. John & Jackie Edwards.
Treshnish point : a large movement of Manx Shearwater all moving south (up to 200 in 5 minutes for over an hour) John & Jackie Edwards
19th Off Ferry. 20+ Pomerain Skua seen from Oban-Craignure Ferry 1630hrs this afternoon. It's very rare to find this species so close inshore, further south at Bowness on Solway there was a large movement of 232 birds counted on Saturday including 173 Pomerine Shua2 Great Shua, 38 Longtailed Skua & 19 Arctic Skua
visitors & Clive McKay
Fidden 2 Sanderling in summer plumage, 5 Turnstoneand 2 Black-tailed Godwit at Fidden Bryan Rains
18th Wild About Mull trip sightings for today...... 1 Knot with 12 Whimbrel, 2 Red-throated Diver and 1 Arctic Skua at Uisken. 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Turnstone and 2 Twite at Fidden. 5 Golden Plover and 1 Greenshank still at LochBeg. Bryan Rains
17th On Ferry just past the Lismore Lighthouse and Duart Castle Diana and I saw a group of about    25 Storm Petrels feeding. a couple of Gannets and a few Razorbill and Guillemot. Andy Oldacre
also about 40 'Comic' terns by the lighthouse. Stuart Gibson.
16th Loch Scridain/Fiddden/Loch Beg: 2 Common Tern and 1 Tufted Duck (unusual) on Loch Scridian.5 Turnstone in summer plumage, 6 Dunlin, 2 Common Tern and 1 Whimbrel at Fidden. 12 Dunlin at Uisken. 1 Greenshank at Loch Beg.                       Bryan Rains
14th Garmony   male Goosander & 30 Common Tern
15thKilliechronan Grasshopper Warbler, 6 Crossbill, several Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Whimbrel, Great Northern, Tree Pipit & many others (total of 41 species) seen at Killiechronan by Stuart Gibson and myself while doing an early morning dry run for the dawn chorus. Not bad for an area of about 1 mile square.
15th Cuin Road Dervaig - 5 Crossbill in the scots pines - seems to be a good year for this species.
Shaun Mccullagh
13th Reudle: in late afternoon one Osprey just south of Treshnish Point (flying north), Prasad
13th Ardura: a spotted flycatcher (the first) in the oakwoods, also a good sightings of a grasshopper warbler. Pete Hall Dee Emm Wildlife tours from Craignure
10th Loch Ba: 3 scarce Wood Sandpiper along the shores of Loch Ba. Dr J Law
10th Treshnish point: a Short eared Owl, one of very few seen this year to date.John & Jackie Edwards.
10th Mishnish Lochs. an Osprey was aropund the mishnish lochs today. York Bird Club members
10th Loch Beg: a female scaup on Loch Beg opposite the Kinloch Pete Hall Wildlife tour
9th sightings as follows 4 Arctic and 10 Common Terns in the Sound of Iona, 6 Dunlin, 3 Turnstone and 15 Whimbrel at Fidden. Lesser Redpoll and Grasshopper Warbler at Bunessan. Bryan Rains
7th a single Black Tailed godwit at Dervaig, 2 Whimbrel at Salen, 4 at Killiechronan Arthur Brown
7th Eas Mor: a male Ring Ouzel and 4 Lesser Redpoll at Eas Mor today on the tour.Bryan Rains
6th Bloody Bay: Tim and Rebecca Barnard spotted a pair of Canada Geese at Bloody Bay yesterday .
6th Oban: A Swift (the first of the year) was seen in Oban today. Stuart Gibson
4th Loch Frisa: an Osprey flew in at 8pm Dave Sexton
3rd Staffa on sea: a very rare summer plumage White-billed Diver was seen out on the sea near Staffa. Bryan Rains Orger recent sightings on the tours have been Whinchat at Bunessan on 28th April, Common Whitethroat at Loch Beg and Common Scoter on Loch Scridian on 28th,Sedge Warbler at Bunessan Black-throated Diver in full summer plumage on Scridian 2nd May. Bryan Rains

Mayl Thanks to|:
Bryan Rains, Dave Sexton, Tim and Rebecca Barnard, Stuart Gibson, Arthur Brown, Barry Bishop, Pete Hall,
Anand Prasad, Andy Oldacre, John & Jackie Edwards, Callum Entwistle, Ross Facer, Clive McKay, Phil Woollen, Dr J Law SOC, Sylvia Swift, Graham Shortt, John Dowson. Clare Fellows,

Latest reports for May 2006
31st Glen Forsa behind the airstrip. A pair of Canada Geese were feeding in the outfall from the burn, but no sign of breeding, Shaun Mccullagh.

30th a summer plumaged Great northern Diver in Sound of Mull at Garmony picnic area & summer plumaged Golden Plover on the golf course this evening. Alan Spellman
30th Loch Cuin-Dervaig. one female Crossbill feeding in the scots pine trees on the Dervaig/Cuin road. Bird was very green, possibly about 7 others, but I didn't get a good look at them, although it's more than likely that they would be in family parties at this time of year. Shaun Mccullagh.

14th-15th Strathcoil (Adura turn off) Redstart & Wood Warbler singing in woods near Strathcoil (NM6829). Sedge Warbler - singing, Pier Road, Salen on 15th-17th May. Jim Guthrie
Pairs of Bullfinches at Tobermory Distillery (27/5) and Calgary (28/5) Matt Atkin.

29th Loch Tor. 2 male Goosander on Loch, plus an Osprey fishing there pm Barry Bishop
29th Loch Ba. a single Osprey over the fish farm. Richard Atkinson
28th Treshnish Point within 15 minutes at 9pm.105 Manx Shearwaters passed
19th Loch Frisa. 1 Bullfinch near Lettermore farmhouse, Loch Frisa 2 Red-throated Divers flew over the fish farm at Loch. Frisa, Anand Prasad

21st Bunessan/Fionnphort. a Turtle dove at the side of the road between Bunnessan and Fionnphort 11.00am. Julia Holmes
27th Loch Cuin-Dervaig. 1 Greater Scaup plus 2 Tufted Ducks. Loch Beg. 20 Manx Shearwater.4 Goosander. Artuhr Brown.

20th April. A female Black Redstart was photographed (see above) on 20th April at Kilbeg in Glen Forsa by Sylvia Brennan. This is a first record for Mull.
24th Iona A Jack Snipewas flushed whilst looking for Corn Crake from the iris beds on the shore by the Abbey (visitors)
23rd Loch Buie. 3 Red throated Divers. male Hen Harrier in Lochdon area. Chris More

22nd Loch na Keal. 3 Little Stint on loch shore near Dhiseig Farm area. John Suckley.
Salen : Spotted flycatcher on wires at roadside near boat wrecks at Salen, Rebecca and David Waterhouse
21st Fidden. two Pale bellied Brent at Fidden. Carol Marshall.
Iona. Corncrake. 6 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin in bloody bay. 8+ Gannets at Fionnphort, Ian Woosey

19th Fidden. Corncrake calling this evening near Fidden, in rushes a few hundred metres Fionnphort side of the new bungalow, before Fidden Farm - Carol Marshall. Corncrake still calling at Bruach Mhor, Fionnphort. Mike Wagemakers

18th Oban-Craignure ferry. a Great Skua. Ian Woosey
17th Loch Ba. a scarce male Ring Ouzel was found on the scree slopes in Glen Ba, Grid Ref NM549383 by visitor Richard Lunardi

14th Iona. A Rose Coloured Starling was rescued from a cat on Iona. Gareth Knass
12th "whale watching boat" today and saw 2 Great Skuas, 1 Arctic Skua, 80+ Arctic Terns in a feeding group, 100+ Manx Shearwaters, All the usual Auks including several Puffins, Gannets, Kittiwakes and Shags. Arthur Brown

11th Treshnish. "We have a Turtle Dove here at Treshnish. (it is rare on Mull but has been seen here last year and possibly the year before that". Somerset Carrington, Anand Prasad
10th. Treshnish point: best birds.a 'raft' of 33 Manx Shearwtaers off Treshnish Point &1 Reed Bunting near Haunn. Anand Prasad

7th May. "I had excellent views of an imm female Marsh Harrier flying over Salen Pier yesterday morning (7 May) at 8.30 am. The bird then flew along the coast heading towards Fishnish and Craignure." Ross Facer

9th Lochdon. an early morning walk produced a Garden Warbler plus Whitethroat, Redpoll & Siskin. Eddie Crabtree (visitor) Craignure/Lochdon Housemartins are more numerous now.
There is also a report of a Reed Warbler heard on Staffa, ( a very scarce bird for Mull)
9th Quinish Point/Dervaig. a single Pomarine Skua seen very close in (almost across the rocks) also a Peregrine, Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver and 4 Puffin, at the Point. 5 Manx Shearwater quite far out, off Quinish Point. A male Blackcap near Quinich House and Wood Warbler Quinish woods, at least 6 heard. 2 drake Goldeneye still present on Mishnish Lochs. Anand Prasad

7th Treshnish Farm. 12 Arctic Terns (First) (later a group of 6) 1 Great Skua off Treshnisn Point, headed towards Treshnish Isles, 1 Sedge Warbler, 6+ Whitethroat (first for here) 1 Spotted Flycatcher ( in adifferent area from yesterday) 3 Manx Shearwater 5 Great Northern Diver 2 Puffin. Anand Prasad. Salen. Grasshopper Warbler heard reeling (evening) Norma Dowling. Merlin at mouth of Ensay Burn, Treshnish. Anand Prasad. off Glengorm - A Great Skua was harassing the gulls that were following a fishing boat off Glengorm. Peter Stevick

6th Haunn cottages, Treshnish Point. asingle Common Swift seen here today (see table below of
previous sightings of pasage birds) plus 3 Twite and a single Merlin. Treshnish Woods ,a first Spotted Flycatcher and Chiffchaff in the evening. Anand Prasad
6th near Fidden, evening. 30+ Whimbrel Carol Marshall. Iona. 2 Spotted Flycatchers. A Greenshank on Lochdon and 2 Puffins on Loch Scridain. Ross Facer. Calgary Bay 3 Great northern divers, 4 razorbills, two gannets and five common terns were in the bay. A sedge warbler was in the reeds nearby. The area with scattered trees to the north of the beach held a whitethroat, and a goldfinch. Peter Stevick HWDT

5th Loch na Keal. A pair of Twite at Dhisaig we followed them up Loch Na Keal for about a mile this afternoon. Arthur Brown. (note: there was a breeding pair along the loch last year) AS
Iona. a group of 6 Golden Plover were on Iona North Beach. Ross Facer

5th Haunn cottages, Treshnish Point. Merlin, Twite, a group of two and a group of three on Treshnish farm, also two Twite on the 4th May, 2 on the 2nd May and 1 on the 27th April the first sighting of the Spring here. Anand Prasad

3rd Griburm: first Whitethroat also Whimbrel at Langamull & Loch na Keal. Pam & Arthur Brown
Calgary Bay: 3 Gannets, 5 Great northern Divers, 1 Red throated Diver, Manx Shearwater and
first Common Tern. First Winchat there (Treshnissh Farm) was on May 2nd and that individual is still around. Anand Prasad

1st. Loch na Keal: Black throated Diver & 2 Great Northern Divers in summer plumage.
Arthur & Pam Brown. Discover Mull Tours. AS, Edwina & David Sharp.
Aros esuary: Single Whimbrel amongst 3 Curlew. Loch na Keal Common Sandpipers singing all
along the shore. Jenny Reddaway.
Loch Scridain: Great northern Diver 'almost' summer plumage AS, Edwina & David Sharp

29th April. Bruach Mhor, Fionnphort: Corn Crake has returned to the croft at Bruach Mhor,
calling only spasmodically and weakly at the moment but reportedly first heard/arrived on Saturday Derek Crook

May 2005.
Loch Scridain gave us our first Whitethroat on 5th in scrub by loch side.
Loch na Keal. (2nd) there was a Slavonian Grebe in full summer plumage from boathouse, plus 7 Great Northern Divers, 23 Dunlin, (most in summer plumage) and 2 pairs of nesting Ringed Plovers. Also 17 Whimbrel in field by Kentellan farm on 8th.
On 4th a pair Black throated Diver and 2 Red throated Diver, 1 Common Scoter. Short Eared Owls have been scarce this year and so at Dervaig, a pair displaying were a delight to watch. Alan Spellman.
An Osprey flew over Torosay - Lochdon on 6th but did not stay around, and another on 31st at Loch Frisa, spent most of the day fishing in the loch unsuccessfully.
A pair of swifts were performing a high speed acrobatic display at Ledaig, Tobermory and were the first Swifts of the year on 10th. Lochdon had 4 Swifts feeding over the loch on 24th briefly whilst on passage.
There were 3 Dotterel on the stony summit slopes of Dun da Ghaoithe on 24th, I am sure there must be many other migrating birds that are not recorded. On Iona (28th) there was a flock of 12 Sanderling on the west side of the island. Ardalanish beach is another good place to see Sanderling.
Corncrake are now establishing on the Ross of Mull at 3 sites so far this year and Staffa have 3 calling males on the island again this year. At Fionnphort on 14th there was a brief sighting of a Spotted Crake at Torr Mor by Mike Wagemakers
On 16th by the Mishnish Lochs area, a Knot in full breeding plumage, a scarce bird for Mull this one, reported by Peter Gionannini
Caliach Point is excellent for sea watching a male Black Scoter (Common Scoter), 2 Arctic Skuas 1 Great skua, diving Gannets, Guillemots, Fulmars and Kittiwakes plus Manx Shearwaters were all reported off Caliach point. The first Arctic and Common Terns were in the Sound of Mull on 5th & 6th at their usual site.
All three Divers have been recorded on sea lochs this month, Red throated Diver and Black throated Diver in summer plumage with Great Northern Divers in mid change (eclipse) plumage
At Croig nr Dervaig on 27th there was a single Magpie on the road to the harbour.
White winged Gulls have stayed around this month with 1 Iceland Gull with other gulls just outside Fionnphort. village, and also birds remained at Tobermory and Oban.
A Sea Eagle chick (Lochdon ) was wing tagged this month.
June 2005 At Lochdon (3rd) there is a report of a male Ring Ouzel at Gorten turnoff. and Mike Wagemakers reported “a brief glimpse of a calling Ring Ouzel, flying east from Fionnphort” (28th). A Grey Pharalope was seen at Garmony picnic area on 11th. And a Spotted Crake was heard calling in Dervaig reed beds on 16th. On 24th a late returning Waxwing was sighted at the Croggan/Lochbuie.
Information on WTSE is that we have 8 chicks this year, the most successful year so far. Frisa Sea Eagle chicks were wing tagged red with white letters I & S for "Itchy and Scratchy", names by the school children. A Barn Owl hunting along Gorten Road, Lochdon at mid day on 21st was encouraging as it would have been feeding young. Another Osprey flew north over Loch Beg on 27th and there were more. good sightings of both Short eared Owl & Hen Harrier near the Crannog loch through Glen More.
Two juvenile Green Woodpecker on 14th at Lochdon briefly visited John & Angela Prestons garden and Great Spotted Woodpecker were bringing young to feeders. Len White had a flock of 30 Long-tailed Tits feeding on tree in front garden.
The lone Whooper Swan was still on Loch Pottie on 28th, and on 24th at Knock there was a single Widgeon at end of Loch Na Keal. Neither of these birds should be here at this time of year.
On Lunga Corncrake were heard on the Treshnish Isles. The Iona Corncrake survey counted between mid night & 0300hrs had 23 calling males. (Dave Sexton RSPB)
Seen from the Craignure - Oban Ferry (27th) were 300 Manx Shearwater off Lismore Lighthouse.
There were 2 Tufted Duck at Aros Bay on 23rd near the Castle end, this is unusual as Loch Pottie & Loch Assapol are the regular sites for these birds. At Lochdon on 14th 9 Canada Geese (park geese) spent the day on the loch.
Divers have shown well with 2 summer plumaged Black throated Divers on Loch na Keal on 29th by Inch Kenneth and a summer plumaged Great northern Diver (30th) Red throats have been seen on all sea lochs and Loch Ba

This is the web site of Alan Spellman Maridon Lochdon Isle of Mull PA64 6AP