Best birds were an Osprey at Balephuil (25th) - the second record for Tiree, Bullfinches at Carnan Mor (19th-24th) and Mannal (19th) – the fourth and fifth records, a Blue Tit at Mannal (22nd-23rd) and rare spring Siskins at Moss (11th) and Balephuil (29th). Other spring scarcities included a drake Garganey and a Slavonian Grebe at Loch a’ Phuill (23rd-24th), a Coot at Loch Bhasapol (25th), a 1st-winter Iceland Gull at Loch Bhasapol (17th), a 1st-winter Glaucous Gull at The Reef (5th), a Lesser Redpoll at Balephuil (27th) and a handful of Greenland Wheatears (28th-30th). Scarcer waders included Jack Snipe at Ceann a’ Mhara (9th) and near the Ringing Stone (12th), a Greenshank at Balephetrish Bay (25th) and a Knot at Balephetrish Bay (28th).

Obvious passage included some 140 Pale-bellied Brent through (16th-28th), up to 5,500 Golden Plover at The Reef (23rd), 45 Fieldfares (4th-5th), over 400 Redwings (to 26th) and over 60 Whimbrel plus small groups of Black-tailed Godwits (from 17th) with 42 at Barrapol (30th). Corncrakes returned from 15th with scattered males back by the month-end. There was sporadic passage of Whooper Swans with 41 birds at Loch Bhasapol (7th) and 16 birds remaining at the month-end together with a Black Swan, which arrived on 16th.The Greenland White-fronts departed on 15th, whilst 1,000 Barnacle Geese departed from Ruaig the same evening. 50 White Wagtails passed through (from 7th) plus 15 Goldcrests (2nd-29th), 3 Chaffinches and 7 Goldfinches, whilst there were 28 Great Northern Divers in Hynish Bay (11th). Returning migrants included Linnet (4th), Chiffchaff (9th), Sand Martin (13th), Little Tern (15th), Swallow (16th), Common Tern (16th), Willow Warbler (20th), Whimbrel (23rd), Blackcap (26th), Arctic Tern (28th) and Sedge Warbler (28th), whilst 4 pairs of Gadwall was a good tally (from 7th). 

John Bowler

Tiree Sightings: March 2008

Best bird was the long-staying 1st-winter female Surf Scoter, which remained at Hough Bay until at least 23rd, whilst the male Black Redstart showed again at Scarinish (3rd). Gulls included a presumed 1st-winter Yellow-legged Gull that was photographed at Cornaig (28th-29th), a presumed 3rd-year intermedius Lesser Black Back at Cornaig (28th), a 1st-winter Iceland Gull at Loch an Eilein (17th), an adult Iceland Gull at Cornaig (29th) and up to four 1st-winter Glaucous Gulls at various sites (3rd-31st). Spring migrants were sparse with the predominantly northerly winds but included a Great Tit at Moss (17th), 2 Dunnocks at Kenovay (9th), single Wheatears at Hynish and Baugh (25th), 2 Goldcrests at Balephuil (26th-31st), 3 White Wagtails at Traigh nan Gilean (27th), a Short-eared Owl at Kenovay (31st) and Goldfinches at Meningie (4th), Scarinish (7th) and Baugh (25th).

There were further influxes of Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, plus some 50 Pied Wagtails by 17th, whilst heavy Whooper Swan passage was noted from 17th including 208 birds around West Tiree (28th). Up to 3,000 Golden Plovers gathered at The Reef (6th). Scarce wildfowl included 2 Scaup at Loch Bhasapol until 17th, plus up to 16 Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay (30th) and a Moorhen at Balephuil (30th-31st), whilst Woodcock were noted at Balemartine (8th) and Balephuil (20th).

An all-island count (17th-18th) found a total of 3,430 Barnacle Geese, as well as 803 Greenland White-fronts, 3,430 Greylags, 4 Pink-footed Geese and 2 Pale-bellied Brent.

John Bowler

The 1st winter female Surf Scoter remained from January with Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay until at least 15th.  More unexpected was a smart male Black Redstart near Scarinish Pier (2nd-6th). Winter gulls included two different 1st-winter Glaucous Gulls at Balephetrish Bay (11th-16th) and Rubha Chraiginis (16th), and a 2nd-winter Iceland Gull at Gott Bay (11th), plus up to 4 adult Black-headed Gulls, a very early Lesser Black-backed Gull at Balephuil (8th) and an all-white Common Gull (1st-12th). A freshly dead Great Skua at Hough Bay (13th) was unseasonal. A pair of Scaup remained at Loch Bhasapol throughout together with a Coot and up to 2 Little Grebes. Long-tailed Ducks peaked at 26 (16th) and up to 3 Water Rails were at Balephuil all month. 

Two Icelandic leg-flagged Sanderlings wintered at Balephetrish Bay. An influx of Goldfinches involved widespread groups of up to 5 birds, there were up to 6 Chaffinches at Balephuil and Hynish, plus flocks of up to 70 Twite. A Woodcock was at Balephuil (2nd), Sparrowhawks were at Balephuil (12th) and Kilmoluaig (18th) and a lone Fieldfare was at Balephetrish Hill (6th). Some 300 Redwings remained mid-month and a group of 45 were in sub-song at Crossapol (7th).

An all-island goose count (11th-12th) found 3,393 Barnacle Geese, 787 Greenland White-fronts, 3,509 Greylags plus 3 Pink-footed Geese, 1 hybrid Canada x Greylag Goose and 2 Pale-bellied Brent, as well as island totals of 123 Whooper Swans, 4,000+ Golden Plovers and 4,000+ Lapwings. A colour-ringed Barnacle Goose at Balephetrish (6th) had been ringed at Caerlaverock in February 2004 and is thus likely to be from the Svalbard population. The Coll flock of around 25 Snow Geese showed well from the Oban ferry as they flew around Soa (19th).                                                John Bowler

Star bird was the 1st winter female Surf Scoter which appeared amongst the Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay (6th) and remained there for the rest of the month, often feeding in the surf just off the beach. Winter gulls included a 1st-winter Glaucous Gull at Loch an Eilein (5th) and a 1st-winter Iceland Gull at Loch a’ Phuill (19th), plus Black-headed Gulls at Aird (9th) and Sorobaidh Bay (15th), and an all-white Common Gull at Loch a’ Phuill (11th-21st). A pair of Scaup remained at Loch Bhasapol throughout together with a Coot and 2 Little Grebes, whilst Shelducks returned en masse, Long-tailed Ducks peaked at 25 (21st) and up to 3 Water Rails were at Balephuil all month. 3 Grey Plovers were at Greenhill/Sandaig (12th) and an Icelandic leg-flagged Sanderling wintered at Balephetrish Bay. A lone Dunnock wintered at Scarinish, whilst finch numbers picked up and included minima of 7 Goldfinches, 8 Greenfinches and 6 Chaffinches in the Balephuil /West Hynish area, plus widespread flocks of up to 60 Twite. 1-2 Short-eared Owls were at Cornaigbeg and Balephetrish, a Woodcock was at Ben Hynish (2nd), a Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk wintered at Balephuil. A Rock Pipit feeding on moorland at the top of Ben Hynish (140m) was a long way from the shore (2nd).

Some 30-40 Great Northern Divers were offshore with a dozen Red-throated Divers, plus small numbers of Gannets throughout, including 10 in Sorobaidh Bay (5th). Fulmars returned in increasing numbers to the breeding colonies and a dead Puffin was at Sorobaidh Bay (13th) with 4 live birds off SW Coll (29th). An all-island goose count (14th-15th) found 3,439 Barnacle Geese, 720 Greenland White-fronts, 3,376 Greylags plus 3 Pink-footed Geese, 1 large-race Canada Goose and 2 Pale-bellied Brent, as well as island totals of 135 Whooper Swans, 4,180 Golden Plovers and 4,405 Lapwings. 
John Bowler

The best bird was a tristis Chiffchaff at Cornaigbeg (10th), with an abietinus bird at Balephuil (7th). Other winter scarcities included a 1st-winter Glaucous Gull off Aird (7th), a dead blue-phase Fulmar at Traigh Bhi (2nd), up to 3 Scaup throughout, a Dunnock at Scarinish (10th) and a Little Auk off Aird (7th). Just one Black-headed Gull lingered – at Cornaigmore (19th), whilst Redwings remained in good numbers (500 on 11th) plus 4 Fieldfares. Finches included 4 Greenfinches and just 2 Chaffinches, whilst some 250 Twite included a flock of 80 at Kilmoluaig (11th). 13 Gannets passed Aird (7th) and a late bird was off Balevullin (29th).

Scarcer waders included a Knot at Gott Bay (30th), and larger counts included 170 Dunlin at Sorobaidh Bay (25th), 190 Sanderling at Gott Bay (31st) and 120 Ringed Plover at Sorobaidh Bay (27th), plus all-island counts of 3,620 Golden Plover and 3,870 Lapwing (10th-11th). A wildfowl count (10th) included 156 Whooper Swans, 45 Goldeneye, 102 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 4 Pintail and 9 Long-tailed Ducks, whilst Loch Bhasapol held up to 2 Little Grebes, a Coot and 3 Moorhens throughout. 2 Shelducks at Loch a’ Phuill (from 20th) were the first of the winter, whilst at least 3 Water Rails called at Balephuil (30th).

An all-island count (10th-11th) found 3,118 Barnacle Geese, 752 Greenland White-fronts, 3,995 Greylags plus 3 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Canada Geese and 2 Pale-bellied Brent. Raptors included 2 Hen Harrier, 6 Merlin, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Peregrine throughout.
John Bowler

3 Mealy Redpolls were at Balephuil (1st-3rd), and a dozen Siskins remained from the October invasion with the last at Balephuil (17th). There was a late influx of warblers involving some 7 Blackcaps (1st-18th), a Goldcrest at Balephuil (2nd) and 5 Chiffchaffs (1st-4th). A Snow Bunting was at Traigh nan Gilean (18th) and there were 2 Goldfinches at Cornaigmore (12th). Winter gulls included a 1st-winter Iceland Gull at Sandaig (13th) and a hybrid adult Glaucous x Herring Gull at Balemartine (4th). Seawatching off Aird produced single Little Auks (5th and 7th) as well as late records of Great Skua (5th) and two Pomarine Skuas (8th). A juvenile Arctic Tern at Traigh Bhi (4th) was the latest ever recorded here.

An all-island count (12tht-13th) found 2,516 Barnacle Geese, 3,967 Greylags and 746 Greenland White-fronts plus a large-race Canada Goose and a Light-bellied Brent, together with 153 Whooper Swans, 4,325 Golden Plovers and 2,250 Lapwings. Other waterfowl included 3 Little Grebes (7th), a Coot (29th), 4 Scaup (11th), 110 Tufted Ducks (4th), 32 Goldeneye (29th), 2 Pochard (28th), 287 Wigeon (12th), 23 Shoveler (12th), 3 Pintail (11th) and 11 Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay (30th). 7 Grey Plovers were seen (3rd-20th), as well as groups of up to 12 Purple Sandpipers (30th), 60 Dunlin (20th), 155 Sanderling (30th), 105 Ringed Plover (7th), 210 Turnstones (3rd) and 17 Bar-tailed Godwits (5th), plus 6 Woodcock, 2 Moorhens and 3 Water Rails. Raptors included at least 6 different Merlins, 2 Hen Harriers, 4 Sparrowhawks, 2 Peregrine and 2 Kestrels.
Dr John Bowler

Best bird was a Little Bunting at Milton (23rd) – thefirst for the island. Passerines included a record
total of 4 Yellow-browed Warblers - all at Balephuil,with different birds appearing on 2nd-3rd, 11th,
14th-15th and 27th. Other scarce passerines includedLesser Whitethroats at Baugh (1st) and Balephuil
(13th), Lapland Buntings at Balephetrish (13th) and The Reef (19th), up to 6 NW-type Common Redpolls at
Balephuil/Carnan Mor (1st-20th), up to 3 Mealy Redpolls at Balephuil (22nd-29th), 7 Lesser Redpolls at Balephuil (1st-12th), 2 Snow Buntings at Balephetrish Hill (23rd) and single Bramblings at
Balephuil (27th and 30th-31st). Tiree shared in the record-breaking influx of Siskins to the Western Isles
with widely scattered groups of up to 20 Siskins (from 12th) involving well over 100 birds. After the first
arrivals in late September, there were further influxes of Fieldfares and Redwings throughout the month as well as some 21 Blackcaps (until 25th), a late Garden Warbler (2nd), a late Willow Warbler (9th), 12 Chiffchaffs (until 29th) including a tristis-type at Balephuil (23rd-25th) and 3 abietinus-type birds (25th-27th), 12 Goldcrests, 3 Grey Wagtails, 4 Dunnocks, 22 Goldfinches (from 3rd), 22 Greenfinches, 12 Chaffinches and some 18 Greenland-type Wheatears (until 25th). There were 2 late White Wagtails at Sorobaidh Bay (6th), a
Corncrake at Barrapol (3rd) and the last 2 Swallows were at The Airport Camp (4th). 

Wader interest included a fine adult American Golden Plover at Sandaig (5th-6th), a late Buff-breasted
Sandpiper at Loch a’ Phuill (7th), at least 2 Curlew Sandpipers at Gott Bay (1st-19th), 2 juvenile Little
Stints at Loch a’ Phuill (5th-10th), 4 Woodcocks (from 6th) and a trio of late Ruff (until 28th), as well as
9 Grey Plovers and up to 30 Black-tailed Godwits. NW winds on 16th-17th produced a juvenile Sabine’s Gull
off Aird (17th), 6 Grey Phalaropes, a Pomarine Skua, 3 Arctic Skuas and a late Arctic Tern (16th), as well as
movements of up to 17 Great Northern Divers per hour. A juvenile Arctic Tern at Traigh Bhagh (30th) was the latest ever recorded on the island.

Scarcer wildfowl included up to 3 Scaup at Loch a’ Phuill all month, a Slavonian Grebe off Sandaig (1st),
2 Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay (14th), up to 8 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Balephetrish Bay
(5th-8th), the first Goldeneyes (from 1st) and at least 6 Gadwall. The first Whooper Swans returned on
2nd and a steady passage included a count of 199 (25th). Early goose passage on 7th included 150
Pinkfeet, 24 Greenland White-fronts and 400 Barnacle Geese south over West Tiree. Some 1,338 Barnacle Geese were counted in East Tiree (23rd). 

Highlight of the month was an unprecedented influx of Buff-breasted Sandpipers, starting with 3 juveniles at Loch a’ Phuill (9th), rising to 4 there the next day and then to 6 with a further 2 juveniles nearby at Balevullin (19th), breaking the previous Scottish record of 5 birds together. There were still 7 birds around on 20th with the last at Loch a’ Phuill on 26th. Other good birds included a juvenile Red-backed Shrike at Vaul (17th-22nd) – just the second record for the island, a juvenile Scarlet Rosefinch at Hynish (7th) and a Barred Warbler at Balephuil (30th). Other scarcities included a Spotted Redshank at Loch a’ Phuill (6th) and 6 north-western-type Common Redpolls at Balephuil (29th-30th), with an early Fieldfare at Carnan Mor (30th) and some 29 Redwings (from 28th). Wader passage included scattered groups of up to 13 Knot, groups of up to 124 Black-tailed Godwits and 6 Ruff, as well as 3 Grey Plovers, 2 Greenshanks and 6 Whimbrel. Sea-watching off Aird in strong NW winds produced 5 Great Shearwaters (10th) with two more (14th), whilst other good seabirds included 2 juvenile Sabine’s Gulls (14th), a Long-tailed Skua (14th) and a Grey Phalarope (10th), as well as some 41 Sooty Shearwaters, 4 Leach’s Petrels,12 Pomarine Skuas, 24 Arctic Skuas and 64 Bonxies. 

SE winds at the end of the month produced 4 Garden Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 7 Chiffchaffs, 14 Willow Warblers and 2 Goldcrests, as well as 10 Goldfinches and 7 Lesser Redpolls. Small numbers of Greenland-type Wheatears and White Wagtails were seen throughout the month, and late Sand Martins hung on to 14th and Sedge Warblers to 12th. Returning winter visitors included up to 3 Hen Harriers, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels and 5 Merlins as well as the first Chaffinches (from 8th) and Greenfinches (from 12th). Wildfowl included 17 Pinkfeet though on 17th, 6 Light-bellied Brent at Sorobaidh Bay (28th), up to 7 Gadwall at Loch a’ Phuill (14th) and up to 2 Coots (from 17th) and 2 Little Grebes (27th) at Loch Bhasapol. 

Dr John Bowler

Best birds were a juvenile Wood Sandpiper at Loch a’ Phuill (20th) and a Lesser Whitethroat at Hynish (23rd-25th), plus an adult Little Stint at Loch a’ Phuill (7th). Early warbler passage included a Garden Warbler at Balephuil (21st), with a Chiffchaff there (13th) and a Whitethroat (18th) although juvenile Grasshopper Warblers at Scarinish (28th) and Balephuil (31st) were probably of local origin. Island scarcities included a Black-throated Diver at Balephuil Bay (19th), a Little Grebe at Loch a’ Phuill (11th-13th), a Goldfinch at Balephuil (13th), a Grey Wagtail over Balemartine (29th) and a Short-eared Owl at Cornaig (1st).

A run of westerlies brought some reasonable sea-watching to the north coast, with some 26 Sooty Shearwaters logged (6th-31st), 25 Storm Petrels, 34 Bonxies and 7 Arctic Skuas, but there were no gales to bring rarer fare close to shore. 
Wader passage was mixed with good numbers of Knot appearing in flocks of up to 35 birds but only small numbers of Dunlin. Best counts were 2,150 Lapwing (28th), 1,075 Golden Plover (28th), 380 Sanderling at Hough Bay (29th), 190 Ringed Plover at Gott Bay (18th) and 90 Black-tailed Godwits between Loch a’ Phuill and Kilmoluaig (29th). Scarcer waders included 6 Greenshanks at Loch a’ Phuill, 4 Whimbrel (13th-29th) and up to 20 Ruff (11th-31st). A Pink-footed Goose was at Cornaig (28th) plus a Canada Goose with two Canada x Greylag hybrids at Sandaig (from 20th). 5 Whooper Swans remained at Loch a’ Phuill and Red-throated Divers returned offshore from 20th. Ducks included a high count of 317 Mallard (17th), a late brood of Pintail, late juvenile Shelducks (until 13th), up to 8 Gadwall and an all-island count of 670 moulting Eiders.

Returning wintering birds included the odd Hen Harrier (from 7th), regular Merlins and a Robin at Balephuil (31st). Common Terns were noted until 7th, a trickle of Arctic Terns passed through all month, a late Little Tern was at Miodar (13th) and odd Sand Martins hung on at Loch a’ Phuill (30th), whilst some 700 Swallows were counted around the island (28th                                                       Dr John Bowler

Bird Sightings from the Isle of Tiree, Argyll: July 2007

The final total of calling Corncrakes was 389 – some 23% up on the 2006 count and a new record high. The Little Terns also did well for once, producing some 61 fledglings from 2 sites, a Pintail pair produced a brood of 5 fledglings, whilst two pairs of Gadwall bred at Loch Bhasapol producing 12 young – the first proven breeding on the island since 1989!

Shags had a good breeding year, whilst the auks and Arctic Terns produced only small numbers of young and the Kittiwakes failed completely. 5 pairs of Common Terns arrived during the month and produced chicks in an Arctic Tern colony.

Best bird was a lingering 1st-summer Iceland Gull at Loch a’ Phuill (7th-11th). Other scarcities included a Lesser Redpoll at Balephuil (8th), a Sandwich Tern at Sorobaidh Bay (26th) and 2 summering Whooper Swans at Loch a’ Phuill. Return wader passage included a Common Sandpiper at Loch a’ Phuill (7th), 6 adult Knot and a Ruff at Loch a’ Phuill (25th), 380 Golden Plovers at Sandaig (29th), 20 Black-tailed Godwits at Kilmoluaig (25th) plus 12 more elsewhere and 7 Greenshanks. NW winds at the end of the month brought the first 2 Sooty Shearwaters off Aird (28th) and there were odd records of Storm Petrel, Bonxie and Arctic Skua. Grasshopper Warblers continued to reel at three sites until the month-end. A Merlin at The Reef (31st) was the first of the autumn.

Dr John Bowler               Address: Pairc na Coille, Balephuil, Isle of Tiree, Argyll  PA77 6UE

A Marsh Warbler conveniently chose to sing loudly from bushes outside the RSPB office window at Balephuil (8th-10th). It gave good views and will be the first record for Argyll if confirmed. A male Marsh Harrier hung around at Balinoe from May, being last seen on 16th. Scarce gulls included the 1st-summer American Herring Gull again at Loch Bhasapol (7th), a 1st-summer Little Gull at Loch a’ Phuill (19th), a lingering 1st summer Glaucous Gull at Salum/Vaul (until 8th) and 1st summer Iceland Gulls at Balephetrish (to 10th) and Carnan Mor (23rd), plus an all-white Common Gull at Loch a’ Phuill (19th) and a putative GlaucousxGreat Black-backed Gull hybrid at Barrapol (2nd). Wader passage continued well into the month and included “red” Curlew Sandpipers at Miodar (7th) and Loch a’ Phuill (9th), with two more at the latter site (26th), a Little Stint at Loch a’ Phuill (9th), with a Knot there (3rd), a Ruff (9th), a Black-tailed Godwit (16th) and a Greenshank (26th).

Island scarcities included a late Sparrowhawk at Balevullin (1st), a calling Quail at Cornaigbeg (30th), a female Crossbill at Balemartine (11th-14th), at least 2 Lesser Redpolls at Balephuil/Carnan Mor (17th-23rd), a Great Tit at Heylipol church (8th), Woodpigeons at Carnan Mor (4th) and Balephetrish (19th), up to 2 Cuckoos, a very late Blackcap at Balephuil/Carnan Mor (17th-23rd), a singing Whitethroat at Balephuil (21st) and 3 Spotted Flycatchers at West Hynish (3rd) and Carnan Mor/Balephuil (3rd-9th). Wildfowl included a late Scaup at Loch a’ Phuill (4th), a female Gadwall there (26th-29th) and at least 2 Whooper Swans.

Avoiding the worst of the rain, Tiree had a bumper breeding season. The Corncrake total climbed to an impressive 378 calling males, whilst dozens of Little Terns fledged in the warm still conditions. Scarcer breeders for the island included two pairs of Common Sandpiper, 5 reeling Grasshopper Warblers and a pair of Robins which raised at least two young at Cornaigbeg – the first recorded breeding on the island for over 15 years.                                                                 Dr John Bowler

Best bird was the Baird’s Sandpiper at Loch a’ Phuill (30th-31st) – the first record for Tiree. It was found on the same day as a Pectoral Sandpiper near Scarinish (30th). The American theme continued with a 1st summer American Herring Gull at Loch Bhasapol (25th), plus another putative bird at Balephuil (7th). Strong wader passage was a feature of the last week and in amongst the hundreds of Dunlin, Ringed Plovers and Sanderlings, were 4 Little Stints at Loch a’ Phuill (28th), a Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh Ghrianal (14th-16th) with 2 more at Loch a’ Phuill (30th-31st), groups of up to 37 Whimbrel, 16 Black-tailed Godwits and a handful of Knot (6th-31st). Other highlights included four immature Sea Eagles briefly at Ben Hynish (2nd), a fine male Marsh Harrier at Balinoe (22nd), a Woodpigeon at Carnan Mor (4th), a drake Garganey in the west of the island (9th-12th) and a first-summer Little Gull at Loch a’ Phuill (14th).

Lingering winter visitors included 1st summer Iceland Gulls at Balephetrish (until 28th) and at Loch a’ Phuill (16th-18th), a 1st summer Glaucous Gull at Salum Bay all month, a Barnacle Goose east of Balephetrish (25th), a Greenland White-front at Baugh (8th-12th), a Pinkfoot at Loch an Eilein (28th-29th), late Robins (to 22nd), a late Redwing at Heylipol Church (15th), groups of up to 18 Great Northern Divers in the bays and up to 9 Whooper Swans, with a further 11 briefly at Balevullin (7th). Island scarcities included a Black-throated Diver in Gunna sound (16th), up to 3 pairs of Gadwall, a Scaup at Loch a’ Phuill (30th-31st), a mating pair of Common Sandpipers, 2 Cuckoos (from 1st), 3 House Martins (10th-25th), 4 White Wagtails (until 7th), odd Greenland Wheatears, a Whitethroat at Carnan Mor (5th-6th), a Blackcap at Balephuil (17th), 5 reeling Grasshopper Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, a Spotted Flycatcher at Balinoe (27th) and 3 Goldfinches. Seabirds included 10 adult Pomarine Skuas passing between Mull and Coll (18th), plus regular Arctic and Great Skuas.                                           John Bowler

Island scarcities included a 1st-winter Iceland Gull at Balephetrish (6th), up to 3 1st-winter Glaucous Gulls (to 25th), 2 Black-throated Divers at Balevullin (25th), a Canada Goose at Cornaig (12th), 4 Gadwall (from 10th), 3 Dunnocks plus a dozen Goldfinches (25th-26th). Corncrakes returned from 12th with 50+ males back by the month-end.

The Greenland White-fronts departed early with none seen after 18 at The Reef (18th). A record 4,374 Barnacle Geese remained on 3rd, and 75 headed north over Hynish Bay (18th). 14 White Wagtails passed through plus 23 Goldcrests (1st-26th), 112 Whooper Swans and 638 Pale-bellied Brent (3rd-25th), whilst there were 19 Great Northern Divers in Hynish Bay (18th). Golden Plovers peaked at 6000 (12th) and up to 4000 were at The Reef all month. Returning migrants included Willow Warbler (7th), Sand Martin (8th), Swallow (9th), Little Tern (18th), Common Sandpiper (19th), Whimbrel (20th), Grasshopper Warbler (21st), House Martin (22nd), Arctic Skua (25th), Blackcap (25th) and Sedge Warbler (27th). 8 Chiffchaffs, and 39 Whimbrel had been logged by the month-end. 

John Bowler

Tiree Sightings: March 2007

Highlight was the surprise influx of 1st-winter American Herring Gulls with putative birds at Balephuil (19th) and Sandaig (24th), plus a well-photographed female at Gott (20th). The 2 drake Ring-necked Ducks remained on the island with 2 together at Loch Riaghain (6th), but singly they also visited Loch an Eilein (2nd) and Loch Bhasapol (20th-24th). A Corncrake called at Crossapol (3rd) – presumably an over-wintering bird, the Barn Owl remained at Balephuil (3rd) and there were two Lapland Buntings at Gott (20th) with another at Kilkenneth (23rd), plus a Dunnock at Balephuil (31st) and Goldfinches at Crossapol (7th) and Balemartine (26th). 1st-winter Iceland Gulls were at Balephetrish (1st-14th), Loch an Eilein (3rd) and Hough (23rd), whilst up to four 1st-winter Glaucous Gulls were seen at various sites. 

Spring migrants included 2 Pale-bellied Brent at Gott Bay (31st), the first of 3 Goldcrests at Balephuil (12th), Wheatears at Balephuil (22nd) and Kilkenneth (25th), Chiffchaffs at Balephuil (24th) and Milton (31st), Manx Shearwater off Gunna Sound (27th) and a Linnet at Scarinish (31st). There were further influxes of Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, plus some 70 Pied Wagtails by 23rd, whilst sporadic Whooper Swan passage was noted from 3rd. Sanderling numbers peaked at 315 at Balephetrish Bay (20th), whilst there were 5 Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay. Loch Bhasapol hosted at least 1 Coot, 1 Moorhen and 3 Little Grebes throughout. 

An all-island count (22nd-23rd) found a record total of 4,323 Barnacle Geese, as well as 933 Greenland White-fronts, 3,386 Greylags, 18 Pink-footed Geese and 4 Canada Geese, together with 3,640 Golden Plovers. 

John Bowler

Tiree Sightings: February 2007

The 2 drake Ring-necked Ducks returned to Loch Riaghain (19th-26th), after at least one of them was seen on neighbouring Coll (12th), whilst one also appeared briefly at Loch a’ Phuill (25th). A Barn Owl at Balephuil (17th) was the first on the island since 2004. A lone 1st-winter Iceland Gull remained at Balephetrish all month, whilst at least six Glaucous Gulls (2 adults and 4 1st-winters) remained from January with another found dead at Sorobaidh Bay (1st). Other scarcities included Jack Snipes at Balephetrish Hill (17th) and Hough Bay (18th), a dead Puffin at Sandaig (14th), a female Scaup at Loch Riaghain (19th-21st), a Goldfinch at Balemartine (18th), 1 Fieldfare at Balemartine (12th), a Grey Plover at Sorobaidh Bay (18th) and wintering male Pied Wagtails at Hough Bay (18th) and Balephetrish Bay (21st). There was a marked return of Black-headed Gulls from 18th and the first Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at Loch Bhasapol (19th) and Sorobaidh Bay (21st).

Flocks of up to 200 Sanderling, 220 Dunlin, 150 Ringed Plover, 260 Turnstone and 90 Purple Sandpipers were on the beaches, whilst there were 6 Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay. Loch Bhasapol hosted at least 1 Coot, 3 Moorhen and 2 Little Grebe throughout. 

An all-island count (21st&23rd) found 3,454 Barnacle Geese, 974 Greenland White-fronts, 3,937 Greylags plus 12 Pink-footed Geese and a Light-bellied Brent, together with 2,990 Lapwing. WeBs (19th) found 88 Whoopers, 11 Pintail, 142 Tufted Ducks, 49 Goldeneye and 3 Pochard, whilst raptors included up to 3 Hen Harriers, 4 Merlin, a Sparrowhawk and 2 Peregrines throughout.                                                                                  John Bowler

A surprisingly good month for rarities, with up to 2 drake Ring-necked Ducks together at Loch Riaghain (5th-10th), a fine drake American Wigeon at Loch Bhasapol (18th) and a very late tristis-type Chiffchaff at Vaul (16th), although an egret at Traigh Bhi (17th) sadly didn’t stay long enough to be identified. Other scarcities included dead Puffins at Sorobaidh Bay (2nd) and Balephetrish Bay (24th), a female Scaup at Loch Riaghain (5th-8th), 2 Goldfinches at Vaul (16th), 3 Fieldfares at Cornaigmore (20th), a wintering male Pied Wagtail at Sorobaidh Bay/Balinoe and a single wintering Dunnock at Vaul throughout. There was a good influx of white-winged gulls, involving two 1st-winter Iceland Gulls from 4th and up to 11 different Glaucous Gulls (10th-31st) including 4 adults and 7 first-winter birds.

Flocks of up to 226 Sanderling, 246 Dunlin, 160 Ringed Plover, 190 Curlew, 70 Turnstone and 33 Purple Sandpipers were on the beaches, whilst groups of up to 7 Long-tailed Duck and 7 Red-throated Divers fed offshore. Loch Bhasapol hosted up to 3 Coot, 2 Moorhen and 4 Little Grebe throughout. 

An all-island count (16th-17th) found 3,386 Barnacle Geese, 830 Greenland White-fronts, 3,286 Greylags plus six Pink-footed Geese and a Light-bellied Brent, together with 3,640 Golden Plovers and 3,166 Lapwing. WeBs (22nd) found 102 Whoopers, 10 Pintail and 33 Shoveler, whilst raptors included up to 3 Hen Harriers, 5 Merlin, 2 Sparrowhawks and 2 Peregrines throughout.                                                      John Bowler

The highlight was a fine drake Ring-necked Duck new in at Loch Bhasapol (6th) but it was gone the next day. A 1st-winter Glaucous Gull fed on a dead dolphin at Gott Bay (5th-20th), whilst southerly gales brought a very late Grey Phalarope to Hough Bay (17th). Other scarcities included a Slavonian Grebe at Loch Bhasapol (1st) with a Scaup there (7th), 2 very late Ruff at Loch a’ Phuill (7th), a Snow Bunting at Balephetrish Hill (18th), a wintering Dunnock at Vaul, a dead Little Auk at Gott Bay (5th) and an albino Common Gull at Sandaig (24th).

Scarcer waders included Grey Plovers at Balephetrish Bay (18th) and Clachan (24th) and a Knot at Gott Bay (5th), whilst larger counts included 215 Dunlin at Gott Bay (5th), 160 Sanderling at Hough Bay (17th), 145 Ringed Plover at Traigh Ghrianal (24th), 15 Purple Sandpipers at Sandaig (24th) and 3,000 Golden Plovers around the west end (24th). A wildfowl count (18th) included 92 Whooper Swans, 18 Shoveler, 5 Pochard, 41 Goldeneye and 107 Tufted Duck, plus up to 5 Little Grebes (7th), 3 Coots and a Moorhen at Loch Bhasapol and 15 Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay (17th).

An all-island count (5th) found 2,427 Barnacle Geese, 702 Greenland White-fronts, 3,441 Greylags plus 6 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Canada Geese and 1 Light-bellied Brent. Up to 3 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Fieldfares and 15 Collared Doves wintered, whilst raptors included 2-3 Hen Harrier, 5 Merlin, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Peregrine throughout.                                                                                                              John Bowler

Tiree Sightings: November 2006

The highlight was a 1st-winter male Lesser Scaup at Loch a’ Phuill (12th-16th) the first record for Tiree if confirmed. Other scarcities included an eclipse drake Goosander at An Fhaodhail (1st) – the first on Tiree since 1992! a Rook at Balephuil (3rd), a hybrid Carrion x Hooded Crow at Balephuil (4th), a Puffin off Gunna Sound (14th-15th), a Slavonian Grebe at Loch Bhasapol (17th), a Jack Snipe at Kilkenneth (21st) and a Little Auk in a garden at Milton (22nd). There was a late influx of warblers involving some 7 Blackcaps (1st-13th), 2 Goldcrests (7th-13th) and some 11 Chiffchaffs (3rd-22nd) including at least three classic tristis birds.

Late migrant waders at Loch a’ Phuill included a Knot (1st), 3 Ruff (to 8th) and up to 27 Black-tailed Godwits (8th). An all-island count (21st-22nd) found 2,132 Barnacle Geese and 516 Greenland White-fronts plus 30 Pink-footed Goose, 4 large-race Canada Geese and 3 Light-bellied Brent, together with 215 Whooper Swans, 4,521 Golden Plovers and 2,430 Lapwings. 

Winter migrants included a Short-eared Owl at The Reef (1st), 2 Woodcock at Balephuil (5th), a Snow Bunting at Loch a’ Phuill (17th), 7 Goldfinches at Gott (22nd), a Grey Plover at Miodar (22nd) and Water Rails at 4 sites, plus a Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawks, 5 Merlins, 2 Peregrines and 3 Hen Harriers. Waterfowl included 4 Little Grebes, a Coot, 2 Shelducks (22nd), 3 Scaup, 112 Tufted Duck, 39 Goldeneye – including one with an all-pink bill, 5 Pochard, 266 Mallard, 361 Wigeon, 13 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, a Pintail and a Long-tailed Duck.

The first Whooper Swans returned on 9th and a steady passage included a record count of 341 at Loch a’ Phuill (20th). The first Barnacle Geese were on 2nd but 19th saw a massive movement of thousands of bird through the Hebrides including 1385 counted from the Barra-Tiree ferry, with 2,000 on Tiree by 25th. There were more Pinkfeet than normal this autumn with some 153 birds seen including a flock of 43 at Heylipol (20th). There was a high count of 4 Little Grebes at Loch Bhasapol (23rd), 23 Shoveler (23rd) and 6 Pintail (9th), the first Pochard and Goldeneye at Loch a’ Phuill (20th), plus 2 Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay (29th).

Waders included 5 late Ruff at Loch a’ Phuill (26th-28th) together with 1 Knot there and up to 97 Black-tailed Godwits, whilst there were 435 Sanderling at Gott Bay (9th), 2960 Golden Plover and 2028 Lapwing (3rd), a Jack Snipe at Heylipol (22nd) and 2 Woodcock (23rd-24th). Seawatching was generally poor but included late Sandwich Terns (until 9th), Arctic Terns (until 10th) and Arctic Skuas (until 11th), whilst a NW gale (31st) produced a Pomarine Skua, a Little Auk, a Bonxie, 2 Storm Petrels and 25 Great Northern Divers in 2 hours off Aird.                                                                                                                             John Bowler

Tiree Sightings: September 2006

Best of a good crop of rarities was the Western Bonelli’s Warbler at Carnan Mor (8th) – the first for Tiree. The Booted Warbler remained at Balephetrish until 2nd, whilst the 1st summer Pacific Golden Plover was last seen at Balevullin on 2nd, and the adult American Golden Plover at Crossapol on 3rd. New rarities included 2 juv Pectoral Sandpipers at Loch a’ Phuill (14th), with 1 remaining there on 18th, plus a Black Tern there (18th). Other scarce birds included a female Marsh Harrier at Cornaig and Gott (2nd), a Grey Phalarope off Hynish (13th), 5 Leach’s Petrels and 26 Storm Petrels from the Oban ferry (20th), Green Sandpipers at Balephetrish (1st) and Loch a’ Phuill (16th), juvenile Little Stints at Sandaig (24th-25th) and Gott Bay (25th-26th), Turtle Doves at Balephuil (23rd-24th) and Kilkenneth (29th), a Short-eared Owl (5th-16th) and the first Sparrowhawks (from 12th).

In a good autumn for passerine migrants, there were 5 Garden Warblers (9th-30th), 3 Blackcaps (16th-26th), 7 Chiffchaffs (24th-29th), 13 Sedge Warblers (until 29th), 8 Willow Warblers (until 17th), a Grasshopper Warbler at Heylipol (24th), 27 Goldcrests and a Spotted Flycatcher at Balephuil (23rd). Good numbers of Greenland-type Wheatears (160) and White Wagtails (36) were seen throughout the month, whilst a House Martin was found with 65 Swallows at Sandaig (25th), there was a Grey Wagtail at Hynish (29th), a Dunnock at Cornaigmore (29th) and the first autumn Chaffinch at Sorobaidh Bay (30th).

Waders included good numbers of Ruff with a peak of 20 (18th) and up to 158 Black-tailed Godwits (19th), as well as an early Jack Snipe at The Reef (8th), a Grey Plover at Miodar (26th), the first Purple Sandpiper at Rubha Chraiginis (16th), 32 Bar-tailed Godwits (27th), 5 Common Sandpipers, 7 Whimbrel, 10 Greenshank and 22 Knot. Sanderling peaked at 366 at Gott Bay (10th) with 456 Ringed Plover there (12th) and 230 Curlew at Sandaig (25th).

Wildfowl included an early group of 5 Greenland White-fronts off Hynish (27th), three Canada Geese at Moss (16th), 20 Pinkfeet though on 20th, some 177 Light-bellied Brent (22nd-29th), 2 juvenile Shelducks still at Vaul (4th) and a Coot at Loch Bhasapol (18th).                                                                 John Bowler

A quite outstanding month, possibly the best ever for rarities on the island! An adult Ross’s Gull of Aird (9th) was completely unexpected as indeed was a Booted Warbler at Balephetrish (31st). Equally rare for the island was a juvenile Barred Warbler at Scarinish (28th), a 1st summer Pacific Golden Plover at Balevullin (29th-31st), an adult American Golden Plover at Greenhill (29th-31st), a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Loch a’ Phuill (29th) and a juvenile Dotterel at Greenhill (26th). The occurrence of all three golden plovers at the same time on the island was possibly a unique event for the UK. Other scarce birds included a female Marsh Harrier at The Reef (11th), a young Sea Eagle off Hynish (13th) and a Grey Wagtail at Traigh Bhagh (20th).

Seawatching was quiet by comparison but included 2 Grey Phalaropes off Miodar (26th) and a Sooty Shearwater off Aird (28th), plus regular Arctic Skuas and Bonxies, whilst the Tiree-Barra ferry (24th) produced 14 Sooty Shearwaters and 138 Storm Petrels.

More typical early autumn passage included a Little Grebe and a Pochard at Loch Bhasapol (22nd), a pair of Gadwall at Loch a’ Phuill (31st), the first returning Hen Harriers (from 9th), Merlins (from 29th) and Kestrels (from 27th), 6 Sandwich Terns (7th-24th), a Common Tern off Aird (9th), a small influx of Robins (from 28th), 6 Goldfinches at Scarinish (13th) and some 14 juv Willow Warblers through.

Wader passage was generally slow in the largely clear sunny conditions with lower than expected numbers of Dunlin. Best counts were 3,080 Lapwing (29th), 2,000 Golden Plover (30th), 250 Sanderling at Hough Bay (14th), 106 Dunlin and 138 Ringed Plover at Loch a’ Phuill (21st). Scarcer waders included some 50 Knot, a Little Stint at Loch a’ Phuill (14th), 20 Whimbrel, 37 Black-tailed Godwits, 16 Greenshanks and 2 Grey Plovers (7th and 14th). 3 Whooper Swans remained and at least 9 Red-throated Divers were offshore all month. Ducks included a high count of 294 Mallard at Loch a’ Phuill (25th), two late broods of Pintail, late juvenile Shelducks (until 14th at least), and an all-island count of 710 moulting Eiders. Corncrakes kept calling late (until 14th).                                               John Bowler

The final total of calling Corncrakes was 310 – exactly the same as in 2005. Best birds were an adult Ring-billed Gull at Ruaig (19th) and a Turtle Dove at Heylipol (5th). Sandwich Terns were noted on 4 dates (4th–14th), a Common Tern (12th), a Gadwall (12th) and 6 Swifts were seen (18th-19th). Early passage waders included an adult Curlew Sandpiper at Rubha Chraiginis (8th), 8 adult Knot at Loch a’ Phuill (19th), a Common Sandpiper at Milton (17th), the odd lingering Whimbrel, 115 Golden Plover at Hough Pools (17th), 15 Black-tailed Godwits at Whitehouse (31st) and 8 Greenshanks. Wader flocks included 360 Sanderling and 450 Dunlin at Gott Bay (31st). 5 Black-throated Divers in Gott Bay (18th) were unusual and there were odd Red-throated and Great Northern Divers throughout. A few Storm Petrels were noted offshore and there were odd records of Bonxie and Arctic Skua.

Up to 3 Grasshopper Warblers reeled on and off all month, some 12 pairs of Willow Warbler, 1 pair of Moorhen and six pairs of Collared Dove raised broods. Seabirds had a better season than in 2005, with good numbers of Kittiwake and Guillemot chicks at the end of the month, although numbers of Shags were down, the Little Terns failed completely and Arctic Terns produced only a handful of fledglings.

John Bowler

Bird Sightings from the Isle of Tiree, Argyll: June 2006

A fine adult Long-tailed Skua lingered along Traigh Bhagh (8th). It was a good month for visiting raptors with a Red Kite over The Reef (10th), a Hobby at Balephuil (10th) and a Sea Eagle high over Barrapol (25th), although a pale-morph Gyrfalcon around the west end (8th-13th) sadly proved to be an escaped falconer’s bird. Scarce waders included Little Stints at Moss (6th) and Gott Bay (12th), a Wood Sandpiper at Loch a’ Phuill (17th), with a late Knot there (11th) and three Black-tailed Godwits (21st-29th). Other good spring birds included a Quail at Heylipol (27th), a lingering drake Garganey at Moss (until 7th), a group of 15 Common Scoters passing off the south coast (27th) and a huge total of 310 calling male Corncrakes, which equalled the record count set in 2005.

Island scarcities included single Sandwich Terns at Traigh Bhagh (27th) and Loch a’ Phuill (29th), up to 5 House Martins (until 12th), 7 Swifts (9th-12th), 3 reeling Grasshopper Warblers and 3 Spotted Flycatchers at Carnan Mor/Balephuil (3rd). A handful of Great Northern Divers, 8 Whooper Swans and a Greenland White-fronted Goose remained through the month, whilst some 45 pairs of Sand Martin bred at three sites and a dozen pairs of Willow Warbler bred at two sites.

Wader passage continued well into June including 92 tundrae Ringed Plovers at The Reef (7th), groups of up to 35 Sanderling and 60 Dunlin (until 11th), odd Bar-tailed Godwits (until 12th), a Golden Plover (17th), 5 Whimbrel (until 29th) and Turnstones (throughout). Offshore, Storm Petrels returned from 17th, plus regular Arctic and Great Skuas, whilst 24,000 Manx Shearwaters streamed west off Aird in one hour from dawn (22nd) following a westerly gale overnight.

John Bowler
Address: Shepherd’s Cottage, Heylipol, Isle of Tiree, Argyll  PA77 6TY
E-mail: john.bowler@rspb.org.uk

Best bird was the adult Little Egret on An Fhaodhail (28th-31st) – just the second for Tiree, although a European White-fronted Goose at Heylipol (3rd-11th) was the first of its race for the island. Other highlights included a pair of Dotterel at The Reef until 3rd, a male Siskin at Balephuil (5th), a sub-adult female Marsh Harrier at Loch Bhasapol (9th), a female Redstart and a Woodpigeon at Carnan Mor (9th), 2 drake Garganeys in the west of the island (17th-31st), 2 adult Long-tailed Skuas north over Ruaig (22nd), 4 records of first-summer Little Gulls (1st-28th) and a Spotted Crake (30th).

Island scarcities included a late pair of Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay (7th), 2 pairs of Gadwall, a Short-eared Owl at Rubha Chraiginis (15th), a Swift at Heylipol (6th), 5 Cuckoos (from 10th), 8 House Martins (5th–31st), 47 White Wagtails (until 11th), odd Greenland Wheatears, 5 Whitethroats (7th-10th), 3 Blackcaps (until 11th), 3 reeling Grasshopper Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest at Vaul (19th), 3 Spotted Flycatchers (9th-11th) and 14 Goldfinches (3rd-19th). Up to 14 Whooper Swans remained through the month and there were 3 late Pinkfeet at The Reef (17th) and a Greenland White-front at Loch Bhasapol (19th-31st). Up to 5 Light-bellied Brent lingered until 11th and 34 fed in Gott Bay on 25th, whilst there were late Redwings at Heylipol (3rd) and Heylipol Church (9th). Late raptors included a Kestrel at Carnan Mor (6th), Merlin (until 8th) and a late pair of Sparrowhawks (until 30th).

Heavy wader passage involved thousands of Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Sanderling through. Peak counts included 460 Ringed Plover at Hough Bay (7th), 2330 Dunlin at Gott Bay (15th), 1320 Sanderling at Gott Bay (17th) and 212 Black-tailed Godwits (1st). Some 121 Whimbrel and 14 Knot (17th-31st) passed through. Scarcer waders included 2 Common Sandpipers at Balevullin (10th), a Grey Plover at Ruaig (19th) and 2 adult Little Stints at Traigh Bhagh (17th). Seabirds included an adult Pomarine Skua between Mull and Coll (16th), plus regular Arctic and Great Skuas.

The highlight was a Tree Sparrow, first glimpsed at Balephuil (21st) and then relocated on a garden peanut-feeder at Moss (22nd-23rd). This was the first on the island since 1996 and may have been the same bird that was seen on Coll in late March.  Other rarities included 2 Dotterel at The Reef (28th-30th), a 1st winter Iceland Gull at Loch a’ Phuil (21st) and a Mealy Redpoll at Balephuil (21st). Island scarcities included a Short-eared Owl at The Reef (19th), up to 16 Long-tailed Ducks off Traigh Bhagh (21st), a Grey Plover at Loch a’ Phuill (18th-21st), single Greenshank at Ruaig (18th) and Loch an Eilein (20th), 3 House Martins at Scarinish (22nd) and 4 Goldfinches at Mannal (24th) with another at Moss (28th).

The Greenland White-fronts departed mid-month with none seen after 1 at Heylipol (28th). Some 1,900 Barnacle Geese remained on 18th, and 500 headed north over Baugh (20th). There was a record influx of Black-tailed Godwits on 25th-30th involving some 600 birds. At least 67 White Wagtails passed through plus 15 Goldcrests (12th-28th), 70 Whooper Swans and 30 Pale-bellied Brent (18th-27th). Golden Plovers peaked at over 7380 (18th) and up to 6600 were at The Reef all month. Returning migrants included White Wagtail, Sand Martin, Whimbrel and Chiffchaff (18th), Little Tern, Swallow and Manx Shearwater (19th), Arctic Skua (20th), Willow Warbler (21st), Corncrake (22nd), Arctic Tern (25th), Sedge Warbler (28th) and Greenland Wheatear (30th). 5 Chiffchaffs, 15 Corncrakes and 13 Whimbrel had been logged by the month-end.                                                                                             John Bowler

Tiree Sightings: March 2006

The female Redhead remained at Loch Bhasapol until 22nd, but new migrants were scarce in the cold conditions. The first Wheatear was at Heanish (28th), the first of just 5 Goldcrests was at Balephuil (21st) and there were single White Wagtails at Hynish and Balevullin on 29th. Scarcities included a Black-throated Diver at Traigh nan Gilean (18th), a Short-eared Owl at The Reef (14th), a Dunnock at Cornaigmore (29th) and a Jack Snipe at Balephetrish Hill (14th and 28th). A Corncrake watched crossing the road at Crossapol (1st) was presumably a winged bird that had over-wintered. The wintering Pink-footed Goose remained at Vaul, with another at Cornaigmore (27th) and the Light-bellied Brents remained at Ruaig and Middleton, with three more, fresh in at Gott Bay (28th). Some 30 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 300 Black-headed Gulls were back by 14th, whilst there were 18 Puffins in Gunna Sound (7th) and 16 Pied Wagtails at Sorobaidh Bay (19th). Whooper Swan passage was noted intermittently from 15th with a brief arrival of 110 birds on 22nd and 267 more on 29th.

An all-island count (28th-29th) found 3,313 Barnacle Geese, 2,730 Greylags and 1,112 Greenland White-fronts, plus 3,370 Golden Plovers including 2,800 at The Reef. 8 Pintail, 10 Pochards, 4 Coot and a Little Grebe remained. There were high counts of 52 Goldeneyes at Loch a’ Phuill (22nd) and 16 Long-tailed Ducks at Traigh Bhagh (27th). Raptors included 3 Hen Harrier, 5 Merlin, 2 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk and 2 Peregrine throughout.                                                                John Bowler

Tiree Sightings: February 2006
The female Redhead remained all month at Loch Bhasapol and showed well to a small stream of admirers. An adult Ring-billed Gull was located in a large roost flock of gulls at Sorobaidh Bay (2nd-6th), whilst a 1st-winter Glaucous Gull was at Port Ban, Sandaig (25th). The first Lesser Black-back retuned to Sorobaidh Bay (19th) and the spring influx of Black-headed Gulls commenced from 13th. Scarcities included a lone Pink-footed Goose at Vaul, lone Light-bellied Brents at Ruaig and Heylipol, a Puffin in Gunna Sound (2nd), a long dead Little Auk at Sorobaidh Bay (25th) and a freshly dead Jackdaw at Traigh Ghrianal (2nd).

Complete surveys of the island’s coastline (5th-10th) came up with high counts of wintering shorebirds including 1,191 Turnstone, 889 Oystercatcher, 648 Ringed Plover, 493 Curlew, 483 Redshank, 468 Sanderling and 368 Purple Sandpipers – the latter including a bird that had been colour-ringed in SW Iceland in May 2005. More unusual were single Jack Snipe at Gott Bay (6th) and Clachan (12th), 5 coastal Woodcock, single Knot at 3 sites and up to 26 Grey Plover. The counts also located surprising numbers of coastal ducks including 138 Shelduck, 269 Mallard, 433 Wigeon, 478 Teal, 17 Long-tailed Duck and 28 Shoveler plus 30 Herons.

Wintering birds included some 3,000 Golden Plovers and 2,500-3,000 Lapwing, 7 Pintail and 10 Pochards. Raptors included 3 Hen Harrier, 5 Merlin, 2 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk and 2 Peregrine throughout.
John Bowler

Tiree Sightings: January 2006
The female Redhead remained all month at Loch Bhasapol. It showed well on brighter days and from plumage characteristics seems very likely to be the same bird that was seen on Barra in the previous two winters. A Woodpigeon at Heylipol (26th) was the first ever January record of this species for the island. Other scarcities included, a very late abietinus-type Chiffchaff at Heylipol (27th), a long-staying Blue Tit at Mannal (from December until 4th), 2 Snow Buntings at Beinn Hough (26th), a Goldfinch at Mannal (25th-26th) and a single Dunnock at Crossapol (24th).

Flocks of up to 310 Sanderling, 260 Dunlin, 220 Ringed Plover, 90 Curlew, 41 Redshank and 132 Purple Sandpipers were on the beaches, whilst groups of up to 14 Long-tailed duck and 15 Black Guillemot fed offshore. Loch Bhasapol hosted 3 Coot, 2 Moorhen and 2 Little Grebe throughout. Some 45 Greenfinches fed at Crossapol Farm (24th) and there were 70 Twite at Balemartine (1st).

An all-island count (25th-26th) found 3,474 Barnacle Geese, 693 Greenland White-fronts, 3,892 Greylags plus a lone Pink-footed Goose and 2 Light-bellied Brent, together with 3,090 Golden Plovers and 2,815 Lapwing. Up to 5 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Pied Wagtails and 15 Collared Doves wintered, whilst raptors included 3 Hen Harrier, 5 Merlin, 1 Kestrel and 2 Peregrine throughout.
John Bowler