Tiree Sightings: April 2012
Best birds were a Northern (borealis) Eider at
Traigh Bhi (7th) – potentially the first for Argyll, 2 different drake
Green-winged Teal at Loch a’ Phuill (16th and 27th), a Dotterel at The
Reef (18th), a drake Garganey at Loch a’ Phuill (27th) and a Green Sandpiper
at Balephuil (27th). Up to 2 different 1st winter Glaucous Gulls and 4
different Iceland Gulls were seen on and off throughout the month. Other
good spring birds included an adult Golden Eagle at Moss (14th), a pair
of Scaup at Loch a’ Phuill (19th), a Knot at Gott Bay (17th), a Coot at
Loch an Eilein (10th-17th), 2 Woodpigeons at Balephuil (24th) with another
at West Hynish (29th),2 Lapland Buntings at Gott (5th), single male Snow
Buntings at Baugh (10th-12th) and West Hynish (29th), 3 Siskins at Crossapol
(21st) and a Lesser Redpoll at Balephuil (24th). Some 140 Redwings arrived
(13th) and there was a unusual fall of 10 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs and
a Goldcrest at Balephuil / Carnan Mor (24th), but migrants were generally
in short supply, with just 1 Greenland Wheatear (30th).
There was intermittent Whooper Swan passage through
the month with some 15 birds remaining (30th), but 410 Pinkfeet heading
NW over Gunna Sound (13th) was more unusual and there were scattered groups
of up to 4 Pinkfeet around the island. Some 200 Pale-bellied Brent
passed through (from 1st), whilst Black-tailed Godwits peaked at 128 (22nd)
and Golden Plovers at 4,500 at The Reef (17th). Corncrakes returned from
17th with 20+ back in by the month-end. There was a mass departure of the
Greenland White-fronts and Barnacle Geese (14th) with only odd birds remaining
thereafter although 11 Barnacle Geese were at Rubha Chraiginis (30th).
Further returning migrants included 40+ White Wagtails (from 2nd), Willow
Warbler (11th), Sand Martin (17th), Little Tern (17th), Sandwich Tern (17th),
23 Whimbrel (23rd) and Grasshopper Warbler (30th). Up to 3 Short-eared
Owls included singing males at two sites.
John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: March 2012
Best birds were the long-staying blue-phase Snow
Goose and the Richardson’s Canada Goose plus 2 intermediate-race Canada
Geese which remained together all month at Cornaigmore. White-winged
gulls remained from January’s influx involving a 2w Glaucous Gull at Sorobaidh
Bay (1st-4th) and at least 3 different Iceland Gulls including an adult
at The Reef (2nd), a 3w in the Upper Kenovay / Reef area (21st-30th) and
a 2w at Loch Bhasapol (22nd). Early spring migrants included 5 Goldcrests
at Kilkenneth (1st) with a dozen thereafter, 3 Black-tailed Godwits (21st),
3 Wheatears at Sandaig / Beinn Hough (22nd), a Chiffchaff at Balephuil
(25th-30th), 4 Manx Shearwaters off Coll (25th), 2 Linnets at Balephuil
(28th) followed by a Lesser Redpoll there (31st), an Irish colour-ringed
Pale-bellied Brent at Gott Bay (29th) and a Swallow at Balinoe (31st).
There were also increasing numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Black-headed
Gulls, Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits about. Whooper Swan passage was
noted on 21st, whilst a flock of 75 Greenland White-fronts flew north over
Balephuil (28th). Spring oddities included a Mistle Thrush at Balephuil
(2nd), a Great Tit at Mannal (7th), a Woodpigeon at Cornaigmore (22nd)
and a Jackdaw at Balinoe (26th).
An all-island count (21st-22nd) found 4,295 Barnacle
Geese, 948 Greenland White-fronts and 2,296 Greylags plus 81 Whooper Swans,
1 Pale-bellied Brent, 1 Pink-footed Goose and 3 large-race Canada Geese.
High wader counts included 2,500 Golden Plover at The Reef (2nd) and 30
Bar-tailed Godwits at
Gott Bay (2nd).
John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: January 2012
Tiree shared in an unprecedented influx of Iceland
Gulls with at least 15 different birds noted and a peak count of 13 (5th)
plus the island’s first Kumlien’s Gulls – a 1st-winter bird at Moss (17th-21st),
followed by a 2nd-winter bird there (27th). A 1st-winter Ring-billed Gull
at The Reef (21st-24th) may have been the same as one at Loch an Eilein
in November, whilst at least 9 different Glaucous Gulls were seen. Rare
geese included a Tundra Bean Goose at Gott (16th), the first for Tiree,
plus the wintering blue-phase Snow Goose, now with Greenland White-fronts
at Balephetrish (16th and 26th) and the Cackling Goose and 2 intermediate-race
Canada Geese plus a Pale-bellied Brent with Barnacle Geese at Kenovay (8th-16th).
Other winter scarcities included 2 Lapland Buntings at The Reef (23rd),
3 Snow Buntings at Hynish (3rd), 3 wintering Pied Wagtails, a Jackdaw at
Heylipol (5th), a Goldfinch at Scarinish (1st), high numbers of Fieldfares
including 270 around the island (16th-17th), a Grey Plover at Balephetrish
Bay (23rd), 3 Water Rails, a Jack Snipe at The Reef (26th) and a Woodcock
there (26th).
An all-island count (16th-17th) found 4,352 Barnacle
Geese, 687 Greenland White-fronts and 2,007 Greylags plus 90 Whooper Swans
and 2 Pink-footed Geese, whilst numbers of Lapwing remained high in the
mild conditions at 3,450 and Golden Plover at 4,010. Scarce waterbirds
included up to 10 Common Scoters and 15 Long-tailed Ducks around the coast.
Raptors included at least 4 Hen Harriers, 3 Merlin, 2 Sparrowhawk and 4
Peregrine throughout. High wader counts included 180 Sanderling at Heanish
Bay (14th), 325 Ringed Plovers at Balephetrish Bay (9th), 105 Dunlin at
Sorobaidh Bay (12th), 110 Curlew at Loch Bhasapol (21st) and 160 Purple
Sandpipers at Hough Bay (27th).
John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: December 2011
Best birds in a quiet month were the long-staying
blue-phase Snow Goose which remained all month in the Cornaigmore area
and a Barn Owl at Loch an Eilein (11th). Winter scarcities included a Little
Grebe at Loch Riaghain (12th and 20th), a Pale-bellied Brent at Balephetrish
(12th), a Scaup at Loch a’ Phuill (11th) with 3 Pochard there (2nd), a
group of 5 Common Scoter at Hough Bay (17th) with 3 more at Mannal (31st),
at least 3 Water Rails at Balephuil with another at Balemartine (9th),
a Moorhen at Loch Bhasapol (20th), a 1st-winter Lesser Black-backed Gull
at Hough (17th), single Goldfinches at Balephuil (9th) and Baugh (12th),
plus Dunnocks at Balemartine (9th) and Balephetrish Hill (20th).
An all-island count (12th and 15th) found 2,934
Barnacle Geese, 566 Greenland White-fronts, 2,153 Greylags plus 3 Pink-footed
Geese, as well as 340 Fieldfares, 2,990 Lapwing and 3,510 Golden Plover,
whilst 22 Shoveler (20th) was a good count.
John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: November 2011
The 1st-winter Brown Shrike remained at Balephuil
/ Carnan Mor to 20th, whilst a mobile Cattle Egret in the NW of the island
(17th-25th) was yet another potential first for Tiree. Other good birds
included a Little Egret at Barrapol (5th-16th), a 1st-winter Ring-billed
Gull at Loch an Eilein (16th), a blue-phase Snow Goose in the NW of the
island all month, plus a small-race Canada Goose with two medium-race birds
at Balephetrish (1st). Late migrants included a Coal Tit at The Glebe (1st),
2 Mealy Redpolls at Baugh (3rd), 2 Brambling at Balephuil (4th), at least
7 Blackcaps (to 21st), 3 Chiffchaffs (to 21st) including 2 abietinus-type
birds, 2 Lapland Buntings (21st), 5 Snow Buntings (to 7th) and a very late
Wheatear at Balinoe (22nd). A large influx of thrushes (16th-17th) included
600 Fieldfares, 500 Blackbirds and 1200 Redwings with single Ring Ouzels
(7th and 20th). There were also up to 3 Pied Wagtails, a Dunnock, 5 Goldfinches,
30 late Linnets (1st), a Short-eared Owl at Balephuil (5th) and a Little
Auk feeding off SW Coll (15th). Lingering visitors included a Curlew Sandpiper
at Sandaig (to 7th), a Ruff at Loch a’ Phuill (to 4th), 2 Arctic Terns
at Hynish (1st) and 3 juv Pomarine Skuas between Mull and Tiree (1st),
whilst a Black Swan remained with the Whoopers all month at Loch a’ Phuill.
An all-island count (16th-17th) found 2,706 Barnacle
Geese, 2,259 Greylags and 571 Greenland White-fronts plus 2 Pinkfeet and
a Pale-bellied Brent, together with 188 Whooper Swans, 4,195 Golden Plovers
and 2,385 Lapwings. Other waterfowl included a Coot at Loch Bhasapol
(from 18th), 4 Common Scoter in Gunna Sound (17th), a Goosander at Loch
Bhasapol (18th), 3 Pochard (from 17th), up to 5 Gadwall at Loch a’ Phuill
(10th) and the first 4 Shelducks back at Miodar (17th).
Dr John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: October 2011
In an outstanding month, best bird was the 1st-winter
Brown Shrike at Balephuil (22nd-31st) – just the fifth for Scotland. A
juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs at Barrapol/ Sandaig (15th-16th) was the first
for Tiree, as was an adult White-billed Diver off Aird (18th), whilst other
good birds included a 1st-winter Red-backed Shrike at Kilkenneth (9th-11th),
a long-staying juvenile American Golden Plover in west Tiree (7th-27th),
a Yellow-browed Warbler at Balephuil (26th), a blue-phase Snow Goose
at Cornaigmore (12th), a small-race Canada Goose with 2 medium-sized birds
at Balephetrish (26th-28th) and up to 3 Pectoral Sandpipers (to 14th).
Other scarcities included a Slavonian Grebe at Hynish (5th), a Scaup at
Loch a’ Phuill (23rd-26th) with a drake Pochard there (15th-27th), a juvenile
Glaucous Gull at Barrapol (27th), a Short-eared Owl at Balephuil (19th),
a Turtle Dove at Sandaig (17th), a Pied Flycatcher at Carnan Mor (14th-15th),
a male Redstart at Cornaigbeg (13th-15th), a Black Redstart at Hynish (25th-26th),
a Coal Tit at The Glebe (9th-11th), up to 20 Common Redpolls and a Jackdaw
at Scarinish (27th), plus Curlew Sandpipers at The Green (24th), Sandaig
(26th-28th) and Loch a’ Phuill (28th) and some 18 Ruff with 1 remaining
to 31st.
There was a large influx of Snow Buntings involving
some 85 birds. More regular fare included 17 Chiffchaffs including two
abietinus-type birds (25th and 27th), 9 Willow Warblers (to 23rd), 40 Blackcaps,
21 Goldcrests, 6 Lesser Redpolls, 15 Goldfinches, 8 Bramblings and 8 Dunnocks
but only 1 Siskin (1st). The first Fieldfares appeared from 12th, with
a peak of 300 (26th) with 500 Redwings the same day, the first Jack Snipes
at Barrapol (25th) and the first Woodcocks at Carnan Mor (from 14th).
Seabirds included 17 Sooty Shearwaters (to 6th),
3 Storm Petrels, 10 Leach’s Petrels, 10 Pomarine Skuas, 32 Arctic Skuas,
71 Bonxies, a blue Fulmar (19th), 3 juvenile Sabine’s Gulls (6th-8th),
58 Arctic Terns (to 31st) and 2 Grey Phalaropes (18th). Barnacle Goose
passage was noted on 6th-12th, with 22 Pinkfeet over (10th), some 120 Pale-bellied
Brent through (2nd-17th) and a peak count of 138 Whooper Swans at Loch
a’ Phuill (15th) together with a long-staying Black Swan there (13th-26th).
Dr John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: September 2011
Best bird of a busy month was the Blyth’s Reed
Warbler at Balephuil (19th-26th), with a fine supporting cast of a Nightingale
at Vaul (3rd-8th), Common Rosefinchs at Balephuil (19th-24th and 30th)
and a Hoopoe at Balemartine (30th). The usual autumn influx of American
waders included,an adult White-rumped Sandpiper at The Reef (15th), a juvenile
Baird’s Sandpiper at Sandaig (26th-27th), juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpipers
at Loch a’ Phuill (3rd) and Barrapol (29th) and 2-5 juvenile Pectoral Sandpipers
involving 1 at Balinoe (9th), 2 at The Reef (15th) with 1 still there (16th)
and 1 at Sandaig (24th-27th) with presumably the same bird at Barrapol
(27th). Other goods birds included an Osprey at Moss (13th), a sub-adult
Golden Eagle in West Tiree, a juvenile Dotterel at Ruaig (25th-26th), a
drake Scaup at Loch a’ Phuill (15th), 2 Woodpigeons (1st-8th), at least
4 Common Redpolls, 2 Lesser Redpolls, a Brambling at Balephuil (26th),
a Siskin at Balemartine (30th) and 3 Lapland Buntings (from 19th).
Wader passage included around 45 Curlew Sandpipers
(1st-27th), 5 Little Stints (3rd-12th), a record influx of Ruff including
33 at Loch a’ Phuill (18th), 1 Greenshank, 10 Whimbrel, 31 Black-tailed
Godwits, 11 Knot, a late Common Sandpiper at Loch a’ Phuill (18th), 2 Grey
Plover (19th) and a Grey Phalarope off Soa (28th). Sea-watching from Aird
in NW gales on 7th-14th produced 5 juvenile Sabine’s Gulls (plus another
at Traigh nan Gilean on 7th), a Scaup, 4 Common Scoter, 46 Sooty Shearwaters,
28 Leach’s Petrels, 8 Storm Petrels, 2 Pomarine Skuas, 48 Arctic Skuas,
94 Bonxies including 30 in 2 hrs (13th) and hundreds of Arctic Terns.
Migrant passerines included Garden Warblers at Balephuil
(2nd),and Vaul (4th), a late Grasshopper Warbler at Balephuil (15th), a
Whitethroat at Balephuil (24th-25th), 35 Blackcaps, 15 Chiffchaffs including
at least 2 abietinus type birds, 15 Willow Warblers, 3 Sedge Warblers (to
18th), 11 Goldcrests, 7 Dunnocks and 4 Snow Buntings (from 25th). 40+ Greenland-type
Wheatears and several White Wagtails were seen throughout the month, whilst
late Sand Martins and Corncrakes hung on to 30th. Returning winter visitors
included up to 5 Hen Harriers, 2 Kestrels and 6 Merlins. Wildfowl passage
included 12 Light-bellied Brent through (from 18th) and 13 Whooper Swans
at Loch a’ Phuill (16th).
Dr John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: August 2011
Best bird was the adult White-rumped Sandpiper
at Gott Bay (4th), the first for Tiree, whilst a Wood Warbler at Balephuil
(30th) was the latest ever record for Argyll. Other highlights included
Swifts at Balemartine (10th) and Balephuil (13th), a Crossbill at Balephuil
(11th), late Grasshopper Warblers at Balephuil (to 21st) and a Lesser Redpoll
at The Glebe (31st). There was an early Robin at Mannal (10th), plus summering
Greenfinches at Vaul, Cornaigbeg and Balephuil. Arrivals of alba wagtails
and wheatears towards the end of the month included the first returning
White Wagtails (30th) and Greenland Wheatears (12th). Waders included a
Spotted Redshank at Hynish (8th), a juv Curlew Sandpiper at Gott Bay (31st)
and up to 5 Ruff (from 2nd), 8 Greenshanks, 34 Knot and 2 Common Sandpipers,
in amongst peaks of 66 Black-tailed Godwits (15th), 31 Whimbrel (8th),
295 Ringed Plover (11th), 245 Dunlin (11th) and 260 Sanderling (17th).
Summering birds included 2 Pink-footed Geese, and
up to 7 remaining Whooper Swans, whilst returning raptors included a Sparrowhawk
at Balephuil (8th), a Kestrel at The Reef (11th), Merlins from 14th and
at least 4 different Hen Harriers all month. The all-island goose count
(31st-1st) found 2,236 Greylags, a Canada Goose and 3 Canada x Greylag
hybrids, 2235 Lapwing and 405 Golden Plovers. Sea-watching was rather slow
but included movements of up to 760 Manx Shearwaters per hour (19th), 12
Sooty Shearwaters (from 5th), 24 Puffins, 10 Bonxies, 1 Arctic Skua (8th),
2 Common Terns (5th), Sandwich Terns near Port Ban (5th) and at Traigh
Bhagh (15th) plus 12 Storm Petrels in 1 hr off Hynish (19th).
Dr John Bowler
Bird Sightings from the Isle of Tiree, Argyll:
July 2011
In a quiet month, island scarcities included a
Swift at Carnan Mor (2nd), a juvenile Blackcap at Balephuil (4th), an adult
Sea Eagle at Traigh Bhi (12th), the long-staying sub-adult Golden Eagle
again at Ceann a’ Mhara (23rd), a Lesser Redpoll at Balephuil (11th-12th)
and an early Sooty Shearwater south of the island (20th). Return wader
passage was rather slow but included 5 Whimbrel (from 11th), 15 Black-tailed
Godwits (from 13th), 9 early Golden Plovers at Loch a’ Phuill (18th), 121
Sanderling at Gott Bay (18th), a Ruff at Loch a’ Phuill (28th), and up
to 10 Greenshanks daily (from 20th). A pair of Chiffchaffs bred successfully
again at Balephuil fledging 3-4 young, whilst Common Redpolls reared young
at two sites and Greenfinches at four sites. At least 8 Whooper Swans,
2 Pinkfeet and a lone Barnacle Goose summered, whilst 3 Hen Harriers, including
a fine male, returned (from 19th).
The final total of calling male Corncrakes was 385
– very similar to the 2010 figure of 391. The Little Terns also did well,
despite losing clutches to gales in May, producing some 32 fledglings from
three sites, whilst fledged broods were noted of Pintail, Shoveler and
Tufted Duck. The other seabirds had a mixed breeding year: over 100 Arctic
Terns fledged from 300+ pairs and 200 pairs of Kittiwakes fledged some
190 chicks, but Guillemots, Razorbills and Fulmars fared less well producing
only small to moderate numbers of chicks.
Dr John Bowler
Bird Sightings from the Isle of Tiree, Argyll:
June 2011
Best bird was the singing 1st-summer Scarlet Rosefinch
at Balephuil (8th-9th). Other good birds included a Dark-bellied Brent
with a Light-bellied Brent at Gott Bay (2nd), an adult Little Stint at
Loch a’ Phuill (9th-10th), a calling Quail at The Reef (27th), some 4-7
different Common Redpolls (8th-19th) and a Tree Pipit at Carnan Mor (8th).
Scarce island birds included a Short-eared Owl at Balephuil (24th), up
to 2 roving sub-adult Golden Eagles (14th-18th), up to 5 Woodpigeons in
the west of the island (2nd-18th), a Cuckoo at Carnan Mor (5th), 5 Spotted
Flycatchers (to 13th) and a Whitethroat at Balephuil (1st). Scarce finches
included a female-type Crossbill at Balephuil (12th), followed by a Goldfinch
there (13th) and a male Siskin (18th-19th), plus a Lesser Redpoll nearby
at Carnan Mor (5th). There was a summering Barnacle Goose at Gott Bay all
month, up to 3 Pinkfeet moulting with the Greylags and at least 10 summering
Whooper Swans.
Late passage waders included 7 late Black-tailed
Godwits (10th), 10 Knot at Hough Bay (15th), a Bar-tailed Godwit at Traigh
Ghrianal (18th), 3 Whimbrel (to 8th) and 5 Golden Plover at The Reef (12th)
with 1 remaining (23rd), whilst groups of up to 16 Turnstones remained
all month. The Corncrake census revealed some 380 calling males, plus a
record 11 reeling Grasshopper Warblers and at least 9 calling Water Rails,
whilst scarce breeding records from the island included 2-3 broods of Greenfinches
and a pair of Chiffchaffs nesting at Balephuil. The seabird breeding season
is looking poor so far with continuing declines in the numbers of nesting
Kittiwakes and Fulmars, although there were still good numbers of Shag,
Guillemot and Arctic Tern chicks at the month-end.
John Bowler
Bird Sightings from the Isle of Tiree, Argyll:
May 2011
South-easterlies in the first week of the month
brought a nice selection of scarcities including a Brambling and a Whinchat
at Balephuil (1st), a Wood Sandpiper at Sandaig (1st), a male Lapland Bunting
at Heylipol Church (1st-9th), an adult Little Egret at Loch a’ Phuill (2nd),
a male Redstart at Kilkenneth (2nd), a Garden Warbler at Balephuil (2nd),
a Wood Warbler at Carnan Mor (3rd) and a male Blue-headed Wagtail at Loch
a’ Phuill (5th). Other good birds included a female Red-necked Phalarope
feeding with Sanderling at Gott Bay (11th), a sub-adult Golden Eagle in
the Moss area (2nd-9th), an adult Yellow-legged Gull at Loch a’ Phuill
(9th), a wandering female Marsh Harrier (9th-11th), 8 Dotterel at Tiree
Airport (17th), 2-3 Common Redpolls at Carnan Mor (19th and 30th) and a
storm-driven adult Sabine’s Gull at Sandaig (23rd).
Island scarcities included a drake Scaup at Loch
Bhasapol (1st-5th) which was joined by a female (5th), up to 3 different
Woodpigeons at Carnan Mor, 1-3 calling Cuckoos (1st- 10th and 31st), a
Sandwich Tern at Gott Bay (16th), 3-5 Lesser Redpolls at Balephuil (2nd-19th),
single Spotted Flycatchers at Carnan Mor (12-13th and 30th), 2 Whitethroats,
8 Blackcaps, several Chiffchaffs, a House Martin at Kilkenneth (11th) and
a late White Wagtail at The Reef (30th).
There was strong wader passage with peaks of 2,200
Sanderling and 1,200 Dunlin at Gott Bay (11th), 330 Ringed Plover at Loch
a’ Phuill (3rd), some 135 Whimbrel including 35 north on 17th, 11 late
Black-tailed Godwits, 12 Knot and 4 late Golden Plover at the Reef (26th).
Great Northern Divers were widespread around the coast, 6 Pale-bellied
Brent passed through (to 16th), whilst some 14 Whooper Swans lingered through
the month. Scarce breeders included at least 4 pairs of Gadwall and 1 pair
of Wigeon, plus at least 3 reeling Grasshopper Warblers, 1-2 pairs of Greenfinch
and 1 pair of Chiffchaffs. Corncrakes returned in good numbers in the first
two weeks of the month with several hundred calling males around the island
by the month-end.
John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: April 2011
Best bird was the 1st-winter Bonaparte’s Gull at
Gott Bay (4th-8th and 21st) only the second record for Argyll, whilst an
early trip of 14 Dotterel at The Reef (19th) was the largest yet recorded
in Argyll. Other good spring birds included two juvenile Glaucous Gulls
together at Traigh Bhi (17th), a 3CY hybrid Glaucous x Herring Gull at
Gott Bay (7th), a drake Garganey at Loch a’ Phuill (21st-24th), a Redstart
at Carnan Mor (16th), a male Ring Ouzel at The Reef (26th), a Brambling
at Carnan Mor (30th), single Lapland Buntings at Balephetrish (11th) and
Traigh nan Gilean (12th) plus 2 including a sum plum male at Loch a’ Phuill
(24th), a male Ruff at The Reef (4th-5th), an early Woodpigeon at
Balephuil (4th), a Barn Owl at Heylipol (5th-8th) and single Lesser Redpolls
at Balephuil (10 and 21st) followed by 2 at Carnan Mor (24th). There was
an unprecedented spring influx of up to 12 Blackcaps (from 9th) and Sand
Martins (550 on 27th) plus good numbers of both White Wagtails and Greenland
Wheatears.
Obvious passage included an influx of 300 Pale-bellied
Brent (15th-21st), some 365 Black-tailed Godwits (8th-27th) and a minimum
of 5,000 Golden Plover at The Reef (12th). 19 House Martins (10th-19th)
was a good total as were 400 Redwings (8th). An influx of geese involved
at least 7 Canada Geese (16th) and 2 Pink-footed Geese (18th), whilst waders
included 550 Dunlin at Balephetrish Bay (20th) and a Grey Plover at Gott
Bay (21st). Corncrakes returned from 14th with some 50 scattered males
back by the month-end. The Greenland White-fronts and Barnacle Geese mostly
departed by mid-month, but 4 Barnacle Geese remained at Loch Bhasapol (21st)
with 3 Greenland White-fronts there (18th-20th) and 2 more at The Reef
(26th), as well at least 13 scattered Whooper Swans (30th). Further returning
migrants included Swallow (2nd), Sand Martin (4th), White Wagtail (5th),
Manx Shearwater (7th), Great Skua (7th), Willow Warbler (9th), House Martin
(10th), Little Tern (11th), Whimbrel (18th), Arctic Tern (21st), Sedge
Warbler (21st), Grasshopper Warbler (21st), Whitethroat (28th), Whinchat
(30th) and Cuckoo (30th), whilst up to 6 pairs of Gadwall was a good tally.
John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: March
2011
Highlight of the month was
a pair of Bean Geese (fabalis race) that headed NW at Carnan Mor (26th)
– the first record for Tiree. Other good island birds included a Blue Tit
at Balephuil (22nd), at least two 2cy Glaucous Gulls all month in West
Tiree and the earliest ever Blackcap at Balephuil (23rd). Early spring
migrants included the first Wheatear at Port Ban (20th) with 4 birds at
West Hynish (27th), the first 5 Goldcrests at Balephuil and Carnan Mor
(24th), the first Linnet at Carnan Mor (26th) and the first Chiffchaffs
at Balephuil (27th), plus increasing numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gulls,
Black-headed Gulls, Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits. Whooper Swan passage
was noted from 17th and included 71 birds north over The Reef (24th). Snipe
began drumming from 4th and the first Lapwing eggs were noted early in
the month. There were Dunnocks at Hynish (5th) and at Balephuil (28th-31st),
a scattered influx of Redwings (from 24th) and a Fieldfare at Balephuil
(28th). Wintering finches at Balephuil included 2 Goldfinches (18th), at
least 3 Greenfinches and 9 Chaffinches.
An all-island count (14th-15th)
found 4,190 Barnacle Geese, 880 Greenland White-fronts and 2,276 Greylags
plus 71 Whooper Swans, 5 Pink-footed Geese, 9 Canada Geese and 2 hybrid
Canada x Greylag Geese. High wader counts included 2,200 Golden Plover
at The Reef (28th) and 25 Bar-tailed Godwits at Balephetrish Bay (17th).
John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: January 2011
Best bird was an adult Ring-billed Gull
which showed nicely at Traigh Bheag (16th) but was not seen again, whilst
a lone Waxwing fly-catching along the strand-line at Hough Bay (8th) was
the first mid-winter record for the island. Other scarce winter birds included
a Black-throated Diver with 2 Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay (4th), a Scaup
at Loch a’ Phuill (17th-30th), 8 Pochard at Loch an Eilein (from
2nd), 10 Coot at Loch a’ Phuill (10th), 6 Black-headed Gulls, a Grey Plover
at Miodar (7th), a Short-eared Owl at Cornaigmore (25th), 3 scattered Fieldfares
and a lone Snow Bunting at Balephetrish (2nd). 2 dead/dying Woodcock were
found following the freezing conditions whilst up to half a dozen Water
Rails were noted. Wintering finches included at least 12 Goldfinches
(4th), 9 Chaffinches, 12 Greenfinches and scattered flocks of up
to 25 Twite. White-winged gulls were once again notable by their complete
absence.
An all-island count (18th-19th) found
3,456 Barnacle Geese, 790 Greenland White-fronts and 2,732 Greylags plus
181 Whooper Swans, 5 Pink-footed Geese, 1 large-race Canada Goose
and 3 hybrid Canada x Greylag Geese, whilst numbers of Lapwing remained
low at 1,675 and Golden Plover at just 785, following the extended cold
spell. Scarce waterbirds included a Gadwall at Loch a’ Phuill (2nd), 2-3
Pintail, plus high counts of 169 Tufted Ducks and 44 Goldeneye (17th).
Raptors included up to 5 Hen Harriers, 6 Merlin, 3 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk
and 4 Peregrine throughout. High
wader counts included 210 Sanderling (16th) at Balephetrish Bay with 140
Ringed Plovers there (17th) and 145 Dunlin at Sorobaidh Bay (17th).
John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: December 2010
Best birds in a quiet month were at least 6 lingering
Lapland Buntings at various sites (to 14th), a Little Auk in Gunna Sound
(30th), a Barn Owl at Balephuil (10th), Short-eared Owls at Balephuil (7th)
and Barrapol (27th), 5 Woodcock, at least 3 Water Rails at Balephuil with
another at Kilkenneth (14th), plus 4 wintering Dunnocks, 12 Goldfinches
and 2 Pied Wagtails. A very late Corncrake at Balephuil (4th) had a damaged
wing. Scarce waterbirds included 3 Scaup at Loch a’ Phuill (2nd),
8 Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay (4th), 4 Gadwall at Loch a’ Phuill (9th),
2 Pintail, 10 Shoveler, 3 Coot, 2 Grey Plovers and a Knot at Sorobaidh
Bay (5th), whilst dozens of wintering Great Northern Divers included a
high count of 23 off West Hynish (12th).
An all-island count (13th-14th) found 3,029 Barnacle
Geese, 632 Greenland White-fronts, 2,556 Greylags plus 6 Pink-footed Geese,
as well as 234 Whooper Swans, 1,380 Lapwing and 1,840 Golden Plover. Raptors
included up to 5 Hen Harriers, 5 Merlin, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and 4
Peregrine throughout.
John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: November 2010
Island rarities included a drake
Green-winged Teal at Loch a’ Phuill (from 7th), a male Black
Redstart at Hough (1st), a Long-eared Owl at Balephuil (20th)
and a calling tristis Chiffchaff at Balemartine (14th). Other
late migrants included 3 Lapland Buntings at Balephetrish (15th)
with another at Ben Hynish (21st), 17 Snow Buntings (to 23rd),
at least 3 Blackcaps (3rd-14th), 3 Chiffchaffs (3rd-20th)
including 2 abietinus-type birds, a late Swallow at Sorobaidh Bay (4th-5th)
and a very late Corncrake at Heylipol (1st). There were also
up to 4 Pied Wagtails, 3 Dunnocks, 11 Goldfinches, 6 late Linnets (to 15th)
and 8 Fieldfares (to 22nd), whilst a lingering 1st-winter
Lesser Black-backed Gull (to 24th) appeared to have a damaged
wing. Scarce winter visitors included a juvenile Glaucous Gull at Sorobaidh
Bay (7th), a sub-adult Golden Eagle at Carnan Mor (5th)
and an untagged 1st-year White-tailed Eagle at Loch a’ Phuill
(28th) and Balephuil (29th), plus a Short-eared Owl
at Balephuil (29th). There was a lone Knot at Loch a’ Phuill
(16th-18th) and 2 Woodcock at Ben Hynish (21st).
An all-island count (15th-16th)
found low totals of 1,801 Barnacle Geese and 2,743 Greylags, although 898
Greenland White-fronts was an improvement on recent years and there were
9 Pinkfeet and a Pale-bellied Brent, together with 151 Whooper Swans,3,625
Golden Plovers and 2,125 Lapwings. Other waterfowl included Little Grebes
at Loch Bhasapol (6th) and Loch an Eilein (22nd),
a Coot at Loch a’ Phuill (from 23rd), 12 Long-tailed Ducks at
Hough Bay (24th), a Pochard at Loch a’ Phuill (7th),
single Scaup at Loch an Eilein (4th) and Loch Bhasapol (10th),
3 Gadwall at Loch an Eilein (10th), a Pintail at Loch a’ Phuill
(10th) and a Common Scoter at Hough Bay (6th), plus
at least 1 Moorhen and 6 Water Rails at Balephuil all month.
Dr John Bowler
Bird sightings from the isle of Tiree Sightings:
October 2010
Best bird was the Firecrest at Balephuil (10th)
– the first for Tiree, but also good were a 1st-winter Bluethroat at Balemartine
(5th),a Short-toed Lark at Sandaig (2nd-7th), a female Yellow Wagtail at
Vaul (9th), a juvenile Barred Warbler at Vaul (7th-9th) and 3 Yellow-browed
Warblers involving singles at Balephuil (11th-12th and 23rd-24th) and at
Kenovay (12th), whilst a Dipper at Traigh Bhi (16th) was just the second
for the island. Scarce waders included up to 4 Buff-breasted Sandpipers
with up to 2 at The Reef (4th-8th), 1 at Ruaig (3rd) and 1 at Heylipol
(5th), up to 3 Pectoral Sandpipers including 2 at Heylipol (5th) and 1
at Ruaig (10th), a late Ruff and a Black-tailed Godwit at Loch a’ Phuill
(to 19th), a late Little Stint at Sorobaidh Bay (23rd-25th) and up to 14
Curlew Sandpipers (to 21st). Other scarcities included a Turtle Dove at
Balevullin (1st-2nd),a Lesser Whitethroat at Vaul (20th), up to 20 Common
Redpolls including 1 Greenland bird, single Pied Flycatchers at Cornaigmore
(11th) and Carnan Mor (24th), 2 Mistle Thrushes (11th and 24th), a Red
Kite at Carnan Mor (10th) and up to 2 immature Golden Eagles (9th-14th).
There was an unprecedented influx of Waxwings with
some 60 birds through (23rd-26th), whilst the Lapland Bunting influx involved
a further 400 birds including a peak count of 160 at The Reef (13th). More
regular fare included 2 late Garden Warblers (to 16th), a late Sedge Warbler
(9th-11th), 20 Chiffchaffs including two abietinus-type birds (17th and
28th), 50 Blackcaps, 28 Goldcrests, 25 Lesser Redpolls, 20 Siskins, 130
Goldfinches, 18 Bramblings (from 10th),and 8 Dunnocks. The first Fieldfares
appeared from 11th, whilst there was an influx of 600 Redwings (10th),
the first Jack Snipe at Balinoe (4th) and the first Woodcock at Carnan
Mor (11th).
Seabirds included 4 Sooty Shearwaters (to 18th),
2 Pomarine Skuas, and 14 Grey Phalaropes. Intensive goose passage saw some
950 Pale-bellied Brent through (4th-8th),1,030 Pinkfeet (10th-15th), 5,500
Banacle Geese (13th-16th), plus the first of the Greenland White-fronts
(from 15th) and Whooper Swans (from 7th), with 180 of the latter at Loch
a’ Phuill (23rd). Dr John Bowler
Bird Sightings from the Isle of
Tiree, Argyll: August 2010
In a slow month, highlights were
up to 4 Ruff (from 9th), a Grey Plover at Gott Bay (31st),
a summering Barnacle Goose and a Pink-footed Goose in West Tiree plus up
to 7 remaining Whooper Swans and 3 Great Northern Divers. Wader passage
was weak with just 16 Black-tailed Godwits (from 6th), 3 Whimbrel
(from 8th), 5 Greenshanks and 3 Common Sandpipers at Hynish
(8th), whilst Sanderling peaked at 304 (30th). Smaller
migrants were also scarce but included an early Spotted Flycatcher at Balephuil
(19th) with another at Carnan Mor (22nd), up to 5
summering Chiffchaffs at Balephuil plus another at The Manse (31st),
5 House Martins at Kilkenneth (19th), 2 late adult Grasshopper
Warblers at The Manse plus a Redpoll there (31st). There was
an early Robin at Balephuil (5th), plus summering pairs of Greenfinches
at Vaul and Balephuil, and 2 early Goldfinchs at Gott (18th).
Arrivals of alba wagatails and wheatears towards the end of the month included
the first returning White Wagtails (23rd) and Greenland Wheatears
(18th
Sea-watching
was also rather slow with 1 juvenile Little Gull at Aird (11th)
the highlight, plus movements of up to 1500 Manx Shearwaters per hour (12th),
7 Bonxies, 1 Arctic Skua (12th), 2 Common Terns (18th)
and the odd Storm Petrel. Returning wintering raptors included up to 3
Hen Harriers, 2 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks and 3 Merlins. The all-island
goose count (18th-19th) found 2,639 Greylags, 2 Canada
x Greylag hybrids, 2,000 Lapwing and 400 Golden Plovers
Dr John Bowler
Bird Sightings from the Isle of Tiree, Argyll: July
2010
In a quiet month, island scarcities included a
Common Redpoll at Balephuil (2nd), a juvenile Marsh Harrier at Loch a’
Phuill (21st-31st), an immature Sea Eagle at Loch Bhasapol (17th) and a
long-staying Woodpigeon at Balephuil (4th-21st). Return wader passage was
rather slow but included a Ruff at Loch a’ Phuill (7th), 30 early Golden
Plovers at Sandaig (15th), 120 Sanderling at Gott Bay (26th), a Whimbrel
over Ben Hynish (30th), 8 Black-tailed Godwits at Loch a’ Phuill (30th)
and some 10 Greenshanks daily (from 7th). A pair of Chiffchaffs bred successfully
for the first time at Balephuil fledging 3-4 young, whilst a pair of Greenfinches
was territorial there (from 21st). At least seven Whooper Swans, four Great
Northern Divers and a lone Barnacle Goose summered, whilst the first Hen
Harrier, a fine male, returned to The Reef (29th).
The final total of calling male Corncrakes was 391
– very similar to the 2009 figure of 389. The Little Terns also did well
again, producing some 22 fledglings from three sites, whilst fledged broods
were noted of Pintail, Shoveler, Tufted Duck and Teal. The seabirds had
a mixed breeding year: Shags did very well, over 100 Arctic Terns fledged
from 300 pairs, but Guillemots, Razorbills and Fulmars fared less well
producing only small to moderate numbers of chicks, whilst 305 pairs of
Kittiwakes managed to fledged just 20 chicks.
Dr John Bowler
Bird Sightings from the
Isle of Tiree, Argyll: June 2010
Best birds were the Pectoral
Sandpiper at The Reef (10th) and the adult Long-tailed Skua at Sorobaidh
Bay (25th). Other good birds included a female Marsh Harrier at Loch Bhasapol
(3rd) and an adult Little Stint at Loch a’ Phuill (4th), although 2 quail
photographed at Kenovay (6th) proved to be escaped Japanese Quail. Scarce
island birds included a Short-eared Owl at Balinoe (1st), 4 Swifts at Gott
Bay (26th), 2 Sandwich Terns at Gott Bay (14th), up to 3 Woodpigeons in
the west of the island (7th-17th), 3 House Martins (3rd and 28th), a Whinchat
at Moss (1st), 5 Spotted Flycatchers (to 12th) and 5 Whitethroats (to 11th).
Scarce finches included 2 Lesser Redpolls at Balemartine (5th), a juvenile
Greenfinch at Balephuil (22nd) and a late Chaffinch at Carnan Mor (5th).
There was a summering Barnacle Goose at Loch Bhasapol (21st), a late Pale-bellied
Brent on Gunna (14th), three Canada x Greylag Goose hybrids near Salum
(21st) and at least 8 summering Whooper Swans.
Late passage waders included
3 Knot at Loch a’ Phuill (1st), a Grey Plover east of Salum (21st), a Black-tailed
Godwit at Loch Bhasapol (5th-10th), a Bar-tailed Godwit at Sorobaidh Bay
(11th), a Whimbrel at The Reef (18th) and 4 Golden Plover at Balevullin
Pools (23rd). The Corncrake census revealed some 383 calling males, plus
5 reeling Grasshopper Warblers, whilst new breeding records from the island
included a pair of Common Redpolls nesting at Carnan Mor and a pair of
Chiffchaffs nesting at Balephuil. The seabird breeding season has been
mixed so far with good numbers of Shag and Guillemot chicks, fair numbers
of Little Terns fledging, but very few Kittiwake chicks.
John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: May 2010
Best birds were the two female
Red-necked Phalaropes, which fed with Sanderling along the shore at Gott
Bay (20th). Other good spring birds included up to 8 Mealy Redpolls at
Balephuil (22nd-31st), a Pied Flycatcher at Carnan Mor (22nd), 2 Wood Sandpipers
at Kilmoluaig (28th) and a female Marsh Harrier at Balephuil (22nd).
SE winds towards the end
of the month brought 9 Spotted Flycatchers (from 22nd), 5 Whitethroats,
1 Blackcap (21st), 3 Chiffchaffs, 5 House Martins (from 21st) and a late
White Wagtail at Traigh Bhi (26th). Island scarcities included a Woodpigeon
at Gott (27th), up to three calling Cuckoos (from 16th), some 5 Lesser
Redpolls and a very late Redwing in song at Balephuil (30th).
There was good wader passage
with peaks at Gott Bay of 700 Sanderling (21st), 180 Ringed Plover (28th),
315 Dunlin (20th) plus a scattering of Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwits and
Knot, 5 late Purple Sandpipers at Hough Bay (21st) and a late Golden Plover
at the Ringing Stone (27th). Late Great Northern Divers were widespread
around the coast, whilst some 10 Whooper Swans lingered through the month.
Other scarce waterfowl included at least 4 pairs of Gadwall and 1 pair
of Wigeon. Scarce breeders included 1 pair of Common Sandpipers, 1 pair
of Bonxies and at least 5 reeling Grasshopper Warblers. Corncrakes returned
in good numbers in the first two weeks of the month with several hundred
calling males around the island.
John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: April 2010
Coverage was reduced this month as I was stuck
in Syria for most of April thanks to the Icelandic volcano….
Best bird was the Gull-billed Tern, which hunted
along roadsides at Moss (25th) – remarkably the second record of this species
here in as many years. Other good spring birds were a Hoopoe at Hough Bay
dunes (24th) and then at Loch an Eilein (30th), plus a report of 3 White-billed
Divers off the west side of Tiree (21st), in amongst the dozens of moulting
Great Northern Divers present around the coast. Other spring scarcities
included a male Ruff at Sandaig (29th-30th), 2 Lesser Redpolls at Cornaigbeg
(30th) and at least 4 different Blackcaps (24th-29th).
Obvious passage included an unprecedented influx
of Pale-bellied Brent with scattered flocks of up to 450 long-staying birds
(14th-30th), widespread flocks of up to 60 Black-tailed Godwits (25th)
and a minimum of 3,500 Golden Plover at The Reef (20th). There were daily
totals of up to 60 Whimbrel (from 21st) and good numbers of both White
Wagtails and Greenland Wheatears. Corncrakes returned from 11th with some
30 scattered males back by the month-end. The Greenland White-fronts and
Barnacle Geese had mostly departed by mid-month, but 25 Barnacle Geese
remained at Balephetrish (28th) with odd late Greenland White-fronts at
Vaul (27th) and Balephetrish (30th), as well at least 6 Whooper Swans (30th).
Further returning migrants included Chiffchaff (6th), Willow Warbler (14th),
White Wagtail (19th), Whimbrel (20th), Sand Martin (21st), Blackcap (24th),
House Martin (28th), Sandwich Tern (28th), Arctic Tern (28th), Little Tern
(29th), Sedge Warbler (28th) and Grasshopper Warbler (30th), whilst up
to 7 pairs of Gadwall was a good tally. John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: March 2010
Highlight of the month was a very early winter-plumaged
Dotterel at The Reef (19th), just the second Scottish March record of recent
decades. The unringed 2nd-winter Mediterranean Gull was relocated at Loch
an Eilein (8th-22nd). The two vagrant Canada Geese remained with the Barnacle
Geese in East Tiree, including the presumed “Richardson’s Goose” again
at Balephetrish (1st) and Vaul (15th), and the intermediate-sized bird
at Clachan (15th). Other good birds included Dunnocks at Vaul (15th) and
at Balephuil (17th-21st), a Scaup at Loch a’ Phuill (11th), a Grey Plover
at Balephetrish Bay (15th) with 3 more at Ruaig (20th), 2 Fieldfares at
Vaul (1st) and a lone wandering Rook (12th-14th). Up to half a dozen Water
Rails remained and there was an early pair of Gadwall at Kilmoluaig (16th).
Wintering finches included a surprising flock of 18 Goldfinches at The
Reef (10th), 12 Greenfinches at Vaul (15th) and lone Chaffinches at Balephuil
(9th and 26th). Early spring migrants included the first Lesser Black-backed
Gulls (from 6th), 2 Linnets at Loch an Eilein (17th), the first Goldcrests
at Carnan Mor (21st) and Balephuil (26th), the first Wheatear at Hynish
(27th) with 3 more at Vaul (28th), and 10 Manx Shearwaters and 2 Puffins
between Tiree and Coll (28th), plus increasing numbers of Black-headed
Gulls, Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits. Snipe began drumming from 7th and
the first Lapwing eggs were noted (12th).
An all-island count (15th-15th) found 3,725 Barnacle
Geese, 861 Greenland White-fronts and 2,901 Greylags plus 102 Whooper Swans,
2 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Pale-bellied Brent and 2 hybrid Canada x Greylag
Geese. High wader counts included 825 Golden Plover at The Reef (22nd),
240 Sanderling and105 Ringed Plover at Balephetrish Bay (1st) plus 85 Dunlin
and 13 Bar-tailed Godwits at Salum Bay (1st), whilst there were high counts
around East Tiree of 25 Red-throated Divers and 46 Great Northern Divers
(1st).
John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: February 2010
Highlight of the month were two different 2nd-winter
Mediterranean Gulls – a metal-ringed bird at Sorobaidh Bay (7th) and an
unringed bird at Gott Bay (22nd) – just the third and fourth records for
the island. The two vagrant Canada Geese remained with the Barnacle Geese
in East Tiree, including the presumed “Richardson’s Goose” again at Balephetrish
(17th) and the intermediate-sized bird at Balephetrish (17th) and Cornaigmore
(22nd). Other good birds included a Barn Owl at Heylipol (1st-3rd at least),
Dunnocks at Vaul (3rd) and at Balephuil (6th-7th), a Grey Plover at Salum
(23rd), and an influx of 20 Fieldfares and 200 Redwing (from 16th). A dead
Woodcock was found at Vaul (23rd) and up to half a dozen Water Rails were
noted. A drake Pochard at Loch a’ Phuill (from 22nd) was the first of the
winter and there was a drake Gadwall there (16th-22nd). Wintering finches
included at least 7Goldfinches (18th), 14 Greenfinches at Kenovay (16th)
and widespread flocks of up to 25 Twite. Increasing numbers of Pied Wagtails
and Black-headed Gulls in the last week of the month were the first signs
of spring.
An all-island count (18th-19th) found 3,729 Barnacle
Geese, 769 Greenland White-fronts and 2,768 Greylags plus 156 Whooper Swans,
3 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Pale-bellied Brent and 5 hybrid Canada x Greylag
Geese. Numbers of Lapwing and Golden Plover increased to 2,510 and 975
respectively following the exodus in January’s freezing spell. Raptors
included up to 4 Hen Harriers, 5 Merlin, 2-3 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk and
4 Peregrine throughout. High wader counts included 415 Sanderling,165 Ringed
Plover and 70 Dunlin at Balephetrish Bay (2nd) plus a minimum island
total of 23 Bar-tailed Godwits that day.
John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: January 2010
The female Surf Scoter remained at Hough Bay until
11th with up to 19 Long-tailed Ducks and 3 Common Scoters. The two small-race
Canada Geese remained with the Barnacle Geese in East Tiree, including
the presumed “Richardson’s Goose” again at Cornaigmore (11th) and Balephetrish
(18th-25th), whilst the long-staying European White-front was at Balephuil
(8th). Other good birds included an immature Sea Eagle at Sorobaidh Bay
(11th), a Jack Snipe at Milton (18th), a Dunnock at Hynish (24th), a Mistle
Thrush at Balemartine (6th), a Jackdaw at Balephuil (16th), 2 Rooks at
Loch an Eilein barn (21st), 3 wintering Pied Wagtails, 5 Black-headed Gulls
and a influx of 5 scattered Fieldfares and 150 Redwing (from 18th). There
was a marked influx of 15+ Woodcock during the freezing conditions whilst
up to half a dozen Water Rails were noted. Wintering finches included a
high count of 23 Goldfinches (18th), plus 2 Chaffinches, 4 Greenfinches
and widespread flocks of up to 40 Twite. White-winged gulls were notable
by their complete absence.
An all-island count (18th-19th) found 3,532 Barnacle
Geese, 787 Greenland White-fronts and 3,126 Greylags plus 139 Whooper Swans,
4 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Pale-bellied Brent and 5 hybrid Canada x Greylag
Geese, although numbers of Lapwing dropped to 1,160 and Golden Plover to
just 645, following the extended cold spell. Scarce waterbirds included
an influx of up to 5 Coot and 12 Pintail, plus high counts of 160 Tufted
Ducks and 49 Goldeneye at Loch a’ Phuill (31st), whilst a Red-throated
Diver at Loch an Eilein (18th) was a very rare inland record. Raptors included
up to 4 Hen Harriers, 6 Merlin, 2 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk and 2 Peregrine
throughout. High wader counts included 120 Purple Sandpipers at Hough Bay
(30th), 130 Ringed Plovers at Balephetrish Bay (13th) with 165 Sanderling
there (5th) and 107 Dunlin at Sorobaidh Bay (22nd).
John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: December 2009
The best birds were the female Surf Scoter that
remained all month with up to 6 Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay, plus two
small-race Canada Geese in with the Barnacle Geese around East Tiree including
a good candidate Richardson’s Goose at Ruaig (14th) and Balephetrish (21st).
Other winter scarcities included the long-staying European White-fronted
Goose again at Balinoe (15th), a Jackdaw at Balephuil (1st), an immature
Sea Eagle at Carnan Mor (30th), 3 Woodcock (3rd-22nd), 2 Coot at Loch Bhasapol
throughout, at least 3 Water Rails at Balephuil with another at Mannal,
a Dunnock at Crossapol (7th) and Pied Wagtails at Balemartine (12th) and
Vaul (21st). Some 300 Redwings remained mid-month whilst 1 Fieldfare was
at Balephuil (29th) and some 10 Goldfinches wintered.
An all-island count (14th-15th) found 3,438 Barnacle
Geese, 769 Greenland White-fronts, 3,460 Greylags plus 3 Pink-footed Geese
and 5 Pale-bellied Brent, as well as 138 Whooper Swans, 3,805 Lapwing and
4,300 Golden Plover. Raptors included up to 4 Hen Harriers, 5 Merlin, 2
Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk and 4 Peregrine throughout. High wader counts included
193 Dunlin and 131 Ringed Plover at Sorobaidh Bay (9th), 216 Sanderling
at Balephetrish Bay (7th) and 70 Turnstone at Gott Bay (14th).
John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: November 2009
Best bird was the female Surf Scoter, which returned
to Hough Bay (22nd-30th) for its third consecutive winter. Other island
rarities included two small-race Canada Geese in with the Barnacles at
Ruaig and Balephetrish (both from 27th) and calling tristis Chiffchaffs
at Traigh nan Gilean (8th) and Loch a’ Phuill (23rd). Island scarcities
included a very late Grey Wagtail at Hynish (28th), a Mealy Redpoll at
Balephuil (4th), 2 Bramblings (1st-2nd), at least 5 Blackcaps (1st-21st),
and 3 abietinus-type Chiffchaffs (5th-8th). There were also 3 Snow Buntings
at Kilkenneth (5th), up to 4 Pied Wagtails, 3 Dunnocks, 6 Jackdaws, 6 Goldfinches
and 5 late Linnets (to 27th), whilst Fieldfares included 40 at Balephuil
(7th) and a late bird at West Hynish (29th). Winter seabirds included a
1st-winter Glaucous Gull off Coll (10th), Little Auks off Gunna Sound (10th)
and off Coll (19th), 3 Puffins off Coll (19th) and a Grey Phalarope off
Aird (2nd).
An all-island count (27th-28th) found high totals
of 2,646 Barnacle Geese, 3,555 Greylags and 775 Greenland White-fronts
plus 2 Pinkfeet and a Light-bellied Brent, together with 136 Whooper Swans,
5,105 Golden Plovers and 4,190 Lapwings. Other waterfowl included a peak
of 13 Great Northern Divers in Gott Bay (4th), a Little Grebe at Loch Bhasapol
(20th) with 3 Coot there (from 23rd), 19 Shoveler at Loch Riaghain (27th),
9 Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay (28th), a Common Scoter in Gunna Sound
(27th), plus 2 Moorhens and 6 Water Rails. Waders included a Jack Snipe
at The Reef (2nd), a late Black-tailed Godwit at Loch a’ Phuill (8th),
60 Purple Sandpipers at Rubha Chraiginis (30th), 372 Sanderling at Balephetrish
Bay (5th), 183 Ringed Plovers at Balephetrish Bay (4th) and 5 Woodcock
(8th-28th).
Dr John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: October 2009
Had it been relocated, the best bird would have
been the Veery, which was apparently photographed flying around a survey
vessel just off the SW tip of the island (15th) before making landfall
near Hynish. There were up to three different adult American Golden Plovers
in the Sandaig/Loch a’ Phuill area (1st-14th) including the long-staying
bird from September and two new birds on 1st, plus up to 3 Pectoral Sandpipers.
Notable passerines included Yellow-browed Warblers at Scarinish (10th)
and Balephuil (18th-19th), plus two more at Carnan Mor (15th), two Scarlet
Rosefinches at Hynish/Mannal (4th-6th), a juvenile Barred Warbler at Vaul
(5th) and up to 6 different Lesser Whitethroats around West Tiree (1st-16th)
including two together at Balephuil (2nd). A second-calendar year Golden
Eagle at Milton (17th) and then at Vaul (18th) and Ben Hynish (26th) was
the first confirmed Tiree sighting since 1993! Other good birds included
a Redstart at Carnan Mor (5th), a Whinchat at Balephuil (12th), a Greenland
Redpoll at Mannal (4th), a Common Redpoll at Balephuil (28th), 2 Siskins
at Balephuil (1st), 2 Lapland Buntings (5th and 28th), 12 Snow Buntings,
a Carrion Crow at The Reef (7th-8th) and a late Garden Warbler at Mannal/Hynish
(4th-6th) in amongst a good showing of 30+ Chiffchaffs including two abietinus-type
birds (25th and 28th), 30 Blackcaps, 6 Willow Warblers (to 6th) and 14
Dunnocks.
Seabirds included an adult Long-tailed Skua off
Hynish (9th) and a lingering Sandwich Tern at Gott Bay (5th-8th), whilst
sea-watching off Aird in NW winds (3rd) produced 3 Grey Phalaropes, 5 Sooty
Shearwaters, 2 Storm Petrels and 1 Leach’s Petrel. Scarce wildfowl included
a mobile Slavonian Grebe (4th), up to 2 Little Grebes, a lone Coot, the
long-staying European White-fronted Goose, 4 Common Scoters at Balevullin
(16th), a female Scaup at Loch a’ Phuill (22nd-28th) and the first Goldeneyes
there (from 7th). A large passage of Whooper Swans (15th) brought 252 birds
to Loch a’ Phuill, whilst there was a steady trickle of Barnacle Geese
through all-month although Greenland White-fronts (first on 7th) have so
far failed to return in any number. A handful of Pale-bellied Brent hung
on after the main passage in September and a late Black-tailed Godwit lingered
at Loch a’ Phuill (31st).
There was a very large influx of thrushes associated
with SE winds on 23rd involving at least 1000 Fieldfares, 1500 Redwings,
300 Blackbirds and 150 Song Thrushes plus a lone Ring Ouzel at Milton.
The same weather brought in at least 10 Bramblings (from 23rd) and 3 Woodcock
to Carnan Mor (25th).
Dr John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: September 2009
Highlight of the month was the influx of American
waders. These included a mobile juvenile Baird’s Sandpiper (19th-28th),
an adult American Golden Plover at Barrapol/Sandaig (14th-30th), 2-4 Buff-breasted
Sandpipers at Loch a’ Phuill / Sandaig (9th-29th) and up to 6 Pectoral
Sandpipers (2nd-29th) including a group of 3 at Loch a’ Phuill (26th).
Other good birds included the Pacific Golden Plover again at Sandaig (1st),
a juvenile male Ring-necked Duck at Loch a’ Phuill (22nd-30th), a juvenile
Barred Warbler at Balephuil (16th), Pied Flycatchers at Vaul (25th-29th)
and Kilmoluaig (30th), Lesser Whitethroats at Whitehouse (29th-30th) and
Balephuil (29th-30th), a Crossbill at Balephuil (18th) and 3-4 Greenland
Redpolls (14th-30th). Island scarcities included a Slavonian Grebe at Salum
Bay (30th), a Little Grebe at Heylipol Church lochan (27th), a Short-eared
Owl at The Reef (28th), a Scaup at Loch a’ Phuill (from 26th) and a European
White-fronted Goose at Heylipol (14th) and Barrapol (27th).
Wader passage included scattered groups of up to
26 Knot and 118 Black-tailed Godwits, as well as at least 7 Ruff, 4 Greenshank,
13 Whimbrel, a Green Sandpiper at Baugh (7th) and a Curlew Sandpiper at
Vaul (14th). Sea-watching produced 3 Grey Phalaropes (3rd-29th), 6 Sooty
Shearwaters, 6 Leach’s Petrels,4 Pomarine Skuas (29th), 6 Arctic Skuas,
30 Bonxies, 9 Storm Petrels and a Long-tailed Duck (29th). 11 Great Shearwaters
were north of Tiree (1st), with three more between Tiree and Mull (1st).
Migrant passerines included 1 Spotted Flycatcher
(13th), 5 Dunnocks, 2 Garden Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 9 Chiffchaffs, 17 Willow
Warblers, 9 Lapland Buntings (from 26th) and 3 Snow Buntings (from 29th),
but only 1 Goldcrest. 50+ Greenland-type Wheatears and several White Wagtails
were seen throughout the month, whilst late Sand Martins hung on to 30th
and Sedge Warblers to 15th. Returning winter visitors included up to 3
Hen Harriers, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Kestrels and 5 Merlins as well as up to
16 Greenfinches (from 7th) and the first 2 Redwings at Balephuil (30th).
Wildfowl passage included 168 Light-bellied Brent through (from 26th),
130 Whooper Swans, 300 Barnacle Geese and 120 Pinkfeet through (29th-30th)
up to 8 Gadwall at Loch a’ Phuill (30th) and a Coot at Loch Bhasapol.
Dr John Bowler
Bird Sightings from the Isle of Tiree, Argyll:
July 2009
Best bird by far was a Cory’s Shearwater off Scarinish
(28th) – just the second for Tiree if confirmed, followed by a Spotted
Redshank at Loch a’ Phuill (12th). Island scarcities included an early
Sooty Shearwater off Hynish (31st), a Turtle Dove at Moss (to 2nd), a Woodpigeon
at The Reef (10th), a Crossbill at Gott (9th) followed by 5 more at Carnan
Mor (14th), 2 Lesser Redpolls (10th-12th), 4 Swifts (8th-29th), and 4 Sandwich
Terns off Balemartine plus 1 at Loch a’ Phuill (25th). Return wader passage
included 11 adult Knot (13th-21st), a Grey Plover at Mannal (26th), 14
Whimbrel (20th-23rd), 49 Black-tailed Godwits (from 12th) and up to 7 Greenshanks
daily at Loch a’ Phuill (from 12th). Seawatching from Hynish in a strong
SSE wind produced 19 Storm Petrels, whilst Manx Shearwaters peaked at 950
per hour off Aird (19th). Two Grasshopper Warblers reeled at one site all
month, a fledged Water Rail was at Balephuil (16th) and both Puffins and
House Martins bred for the first time. At least three Whooper Swans summered,
whilst the first Kestrel (12th) and Hen Harrier (28th) returned.
The final total of calling male Corncrakes was 392
– very similar to the 2008 figure. The Little Terns also did well again,
producing some 40 fledglings from 2 sites, whilst fledged broods were noted
of Pintail, Gadwall, Shoveler and Teal. The seabirds appeared to be having
a good breeding year for once, with dozens of Arctic Terns fledging at
the month end, whilst the Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars, Shags and Kittiwakes
also had good numbers of chicks.
Dr John Bowler
Bird Sightings from the Isle of Tiree, Argyll:
June 2009
Best bird was the second-summer Laughing Gull at
Loch a’ Phuill (13th), just the second record for Tiree and presumably
the same bird that was seen on neighbouring Coll on 2nd. Other good birds
included a male Bluethroat, the first for Tiree, at Kilkenneth (1st), a
migrant female Red-necked Phalarope (13th), plus calling Quail (12th) and
Spotted Crake (3rd-11th). Scarce island birds included a European White-fronted
Goose paired to a Greylag Goose at Balinoe throughout, 2 drake Scaup at
Loch Bhasapol (3rd), a Sandwich Tern off Caoles (14th), a rare June Kestrel
at Ceann a’ Mhara (12th), Short-eared Owls at The Reef (10th) and Crossapol
(27th), a Mealy Redpoll at Balephuil (2nd), up to 2 Turtle Doves at Moss
(28th-30th) and a late 1st-summer Glaucous Gull at Ruaig (to 5th).
Other late landbird migrants included 3 Swifts at
Carnan Mor (1st), a Cuckoo (13th), 8 House Martins (to 30th), 2 Spotted
Flycatchers (to 14th), a Blackcap at Balephuil (2nd), 7 Chiffchaffs (to
14th), and a very late (or early?) Robin at Balephuil (27th).
Late passage waders included 3 Knot at Loch a’ Phuill
(13th), single Greenshank at Loch a’ Phuill (13th-15th) and Caoles (14th),
2 Black-tailed Godwits plus 3 Whimbrel at Loch Bhasapol (15th) and 2 Golden
Plover at The Reef (30th). The Corncrake census revealed some 386 calling
males, whilst other breeding records included the first apparent breeding
attempt on Tiree by Puffins at Ceann a’ Mhara, the first-ever breeding
attempt on Tiree by House Martins at Loch an Eilein, one pair of Common
Sandpipers, up to three pairs of Lesser Redpoll and several Pintail, Shoveler
and Gadwall broods.
Dr John Bowler
Bird Sightings from the Isle of Tiree, Argyll:
May 2009
Best bird was the female Red-necked Phalarope,
which fed with Sanderling along the shore at Gott Bay (18th). Other good
spring birds included Lesser Whitethroats at Carnan Mor (10th), Vaul (18th)
and Balephetrish (18th), 4 Dotterel at the Green (6th-7th), up to 4 Mealy
Redpolls at Balephuil (14th-31st), a Turtle Dove at Ruaig (25th), Siskins
at Scarinish (10th) and Balephuil (30th), a Wood Sandpiper at Middleton
(30th), a Short-eared Owl at Balevullin (31st) and a pair of wandering
Marsh Harriers (17th-22nd). Rarer still however, was the leg-flagged Black-tailed
Godwit at Heylipol (6th-7th), which having been ringed as a chick in Friesland,
the Netherlands in May 2008, was the first confirmed record of a nominate-race
bird from Scotland! Late gulls included a 1st-summer Iceland Gull at Clachan
Mor (10th) and 1st-summer Glaucous Gulls at Hough Bay (7th) and Ruaig (8th-24th),
whilst scarce terns included Sandwich Terns at Traigh Bhagh (13th-31st)
and Gott Bay (17th-31st), up to 4 Common Terns (16th-21st) plus 3 adult
Pomarine Skuas at Gott Bay (28th). Prolonged spells of SE winds brought
good numbers of migrant passerines including some 40 House Martins with
a record flock count of 9 at Balephuil (24th), 10 Spotted Flycatchers (from
18th), 9 Whitethroats (from 11th), 2 Garden Warblers (31st), 8 Blackcaps,
17 Chiffchaffs, 9 White Wagtails (to 11th), a Grey Wagtail (30th), a Whinchat
(30th) and 2 late Robins (to 26th). Island scarcities included 6 Woodpigeons
(14th-31st), an influx of some 25 Collared Doves, 3 Swifts (31st), up to
4 Lesser Redpolls at Balephuil (from 10th), a late male Snow Bunting at
Balevullin Pools (24th-25th), late Chaffinches at Balephuil and Carnan
Mor (11th-24th) and 7 Goldfinches (to 26th).
There was strong wader passage with peaks at Gott
Bay of 1,700 Sanderling (16th), 400 Ringed Plover (12th), 1,600 Dunlin
(15th) and 64 Knot (16th), whilst there were 110 Whimbrel and 35 Black-tailed
Godwits around the island (10th). Included in the wader passage were 2
fine red Curlew Sandpipers at Gott Bay (15th), 2 Ruff, a Grey Plover at
Traigh Bhagh (15th), 55 Black-tailed Godwits and a high total of some 124
Knot. Late Great Northern Divers included a count of 31 (10th), whilst
some 14 Whooper Swans lingered into the month. Other scarce waterfowl included
a European White-front paired to a Greylag at Balinoe, a late Greenland
White-front at Balephetrish (10th), a female Garganey at Balinoe (30th),
at least 3 pairs of Gadwall, up to 2 Canada Geese and 25 Pale-bellied Brent
(to 11th). Scarce breeders included 1 pair of Common Sandpipers and 4 reeling
Grasshopper Warblers. Corncrakes returned in good numbers in the first
two weeks of the month with several hundred calling males around the island.
Dr John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: April 2009
Best bird was the white-morph Gyrfalcon, which
re-appeared at Balephetrish (6th) and then at Caoles (7th). The long-staying
drake Ring-necked Duck remained at Loch an Eilein (to 10th) and was joined
by a second drake Ring-necked Duck there (6th), which remained until 28th.
Spring scarcities included a Jack Snipe at Balemartine (1st), a Pomarine
Skua off Coll (1st), a Coal Tit at Mannal (11th-12th), a Brambling at Mannal
(15th-16th), a drake Scaup at Loch Bhasapol (20th), a 1st-winter Iceland
Gull at Loch Bhasapol (20th) and an early Woodpigeon at Balephuil (30th).
Lingering Glaucous Gulls included 2nd-winter birds at Sorobaidh Bay (4th)
and Baugh (15th), plus 1st-winter birds at Gott Bay (13th) and Sorobaidh
Bay (20th). There were single Lesser Redpolls at Carnan Mor (17th) and
Balephuil (29th-30th), whilst a strong passage of Greenland Wheatears and
White Wagtails included day-totals of 60+ and 40+ respectively on 28th.
Obvious passage included influxes of 440 Pale-bellied
Brent (20th), 290 Black-tailed Godwits (21st) and up to 5,125 Golden Plover
at The Reef (16th). Corncrakes returned from 9th with some 30 scattered
males back by the month-end. The Greenland White-fronts mostly departed
on 11th, whilst 1,400 Barnacle Geese departed at dusk from Ruaig (12th)
but odd birds remained of both species at the month-end. Some 20 Goldfinches
passed through, plus 8 Goldcrests (1st-11th), 9 Chaffinches, 5 Blackcaps,
8 Chiffchaffs and 2 Dunnocks, whilst there were 49 Great Northern Divers
in Hynish Bay (28th). Further returning migrants included House Martin
(7th), Sandwich Tern (7th), Little Tern (14th), Willow Warbler (10th),
Blackcap (11th), Cuckoo (17th), Arctic Tern (25th) Grasshopper Warbler
(27th), Whimbrel (28th), Sedge Warbler (28th) and Common Sandpiper (29th),
whilst up to 4 pairs of Gadwall was a good tally.
Dr John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: March 2009
Best bird was the white-morph Gyrfalcon at Kilmoluaig
(24th-28th), the first confirmed record on Tiree since 1973. Other good
birds included the long-staying drake Ring-necked Duck, which remained
at Loch an Eilein all month with brief visits to Loch Bhasapol (17th and
28th), the female Surf Scoter, which re-appeared at Hough Bay (10th and
28th) and the small parvipes-type Canada Goose, which remained with Barnacle
Geese in West Tiree (until at least 7th). Up to five Glaucous Gulls were
seen at various sites all month, including an adult, a second-winter and
three 1st-winter birds. A brief spell of warm settled weather brought some
early spring migrants including 8 Goldcrests (from 15th), a singing Chiffchaff
at Kilkenneth (17th) with another at Balephuil (21st), five male Wheatears
at Beinn Hough (18th), a White Wagtail at Balephetrish Bay (23rd), a Sand
Martin at Loch Bhasapol (26th), 2 Linnets at Cornaigbeg (30th) and a Swallow
at Sorobaidh Bay (31st).
There were further influxes of Black-headed and
Lesser Black-backed Gulls, plus some 250 Pied Wagtails by 18th, whilst
Whooper Swan passage was noted (19th-30th). Up to 3,620 Golden Plovers
gathered at The Reef (19th). Scarce wildfowl included one pair each of
Gadwall and Pintail, plus up to 10 Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay (15th)
and two Moorhens at Balephuil all-month.
An all-island count (17th-18th) found a total of
3,725 Barnacle Geese, as well as 979 Greenland White-fronts, 3,363 Greylags,
1-2 Pink-footed Geese and 2 Pale-bellied Brent.
Dr John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: February 2009
The adult drake Ring-necked Duck reappeared briefly
at Loch an Eilein (16th-19th), whilst the female Surf Scoter remained at
Hough Bay until 11th at least and the small parvipes-type Canada Goose
remained with Barnacle Geese in West Tiree (until at least 18th). Bumper
numbers of Glaucous Gulls remained from the January influx with birds seen
all around the island all month and peak counts of 16 at Rubha Chraiginis
(2nd) and 16 around the island (6th), plus two additional dead birds noted
at Traigh Ghrianal (15th). Other winter scarcities included an unprecedented
influx of 4 Mistle Thrushes to West Tiree (18th), a Woodcock at Carnan
Mor (8th), 3 scattered Fieldfares and a wintering Dunnock at Kenovay. Some
150 Redwings remained with odd birds in sub-song on sunnier days, whilst
wintering finches included at least 4 Greenfinches, 2 Chaffinches and 3
Goldfinches. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull at Gott Bay (28th) and increasing
numbers of Black-headed Gulls (from 12th) were the first real signs of
spring.
An all-island count (16th & 18th) found 3,362
Barnacle Geese, 691 Greenland White-fronts and 3,592 Greylags plus 6 Pink-footed
Geese and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, as well as 137 Whooper Swans, 4,910
Lapwing and 2,960 Golden Plover. Scarce waterfowl included 2 Coot at Loch
Bhasapol (26th), a drake Pochard at Loch Riaghain (16th), a Gadwall at
Loch an Eilein (16th) and an immature Scaup at Loch a’ Phuill (6th-8th).
Raptors included up to 3 Hen Harriers, the odd Merlin, 4 Kestrel, 4 Sparrowhawk
and 3 Peregrine throughout. High wader counts included 53 Purple Sandpipers
at Salum Bay (14th), 240 Turnstones at Loch a’ Phuill (16th), 145 Ringed
Plovers at Balepherish Bay (10th) and 70 Sanderling at Ruaig (16th).
Dr John Bowler
Tiree Sightings: January 2009
A Kingfisher at Ard Ear (1st-3rd) was the first
for the island and arrived during hard frosts on the mainland. Two new
1st-winter drake Ring-necked Ducks arrived at Loch Riaghain (12th-19th)
after a westerly gale, whilst the adult drake Ring-necked Duck became more
mobile around the western lochs and was last seen at Loch a’ Phuill (19th).
The female Surf Scoter remained throughout with up to 15 Long-tailed Ducks
at Hough Bay, whilst a small parvipes-type Canada Goose was with Barnacle
Geese in West Tiree (from 8th). Record numbers of Glaucous Gulls arrived
with a minimum of 15 birds (3 adults, 7x2nd-winters and 5x1st-winters)
around west Tiree (31st) plus a further dead 1st-winter bird at Traigh
Ghrianal. An immature Sea Eagle was at Caoles (1st), whilst Winter Atlas
work picked up 2 Woodcocks at Ard Ear (3rd), 2 Jack Snipe at Port Ban (3rd),
3 Snow Buntings at Hough Bay (4th), 5 scattered Fieldfares, a wintering
Dunnock at Kenovay (15th), up to 4 Pied Wagtails, a dead Carrion Crow at
Traigh Ghrianal (23rd) and a hybrid CarrionxHooded Crow at Salum (26th).
Some 120 Redwings remained with odd birds in sub-song on sunnier days,
whilst wintering finches included at least 13 Greenfinches, 10 Chaffinches
and 6 Goldfinches.
An all-island count (12th-13th) found 3,118 Barnacle
Geese, 690 Greenland White-fronts and 3,620 Greylags plus 5 Pink-footed
Geese and a large race Canada Goose, as well as 2,980 Lapwing and 3,120
Golden Plover. Scarce waterbirds included 2 Coot and a Little Grebe at
Loch Bhasapol, a Gadwall at Loch an Eilein (4th-19th), 28 Shoveler, 6 Pintail
at Loch Riaghain and 3 Grey Plovers. Raptors included up to 3 Hen Harriers,
6 Merlin, 3 Kestrel, 4 Sparrowhawk and 2 Peregrine throughout. High wader
counts included 60 Purple Sandpipers at Hough Bay (4th), 160 Turnstones
at Balephetrish Bay (12th), 195 Ringed Plovers at Sorobaidh Bay (15th)
and 190 Sanderling at Hough Bay (4th).
Dr John Bowler
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