Latest Bird Report by Paul Daw (Argyll Bird Recorder, e-mail: monedula@globalnet.co.uk)

These recent reports of birds in Argyll are updated about every ten days, depending on how many records are received. It is not just for rare birds. For example, let me know (e-mail address above) when the first Siskins appear in your garden in winter, when you see a flock of returning Redwings or Fieldfares, when the first Swallow appears in your village etc. We receive relatively few last sightings of migrant birds so these also worth hearing about. Notes on breeding success or unusual behaviour are also very welcome. Digital photos can be included in the 'recent photographs' section of this website. I look forward to hearing from you.

Click here for a table giving the latest information on the arrival of spring migrants in 2008 for various parts of the county. These records are omitted from the updates below. The table was last revised on 24th May.

Latest Update (number 74) on 18th June 2008 (sightings for late May-June 2008)

Wildfowl (and gamebirds)

26th May. A Red Grouse was found during an atlas Timed Tetrad Visit on the hills above Glendaruel, Cowal (Tom Callan)

5th June. A pair of Greylag Geese and six, one-third grown, goslings were seen close to the shore of Eilean a' Bhuic, near Portavadie, Cowal and a superb male Reeve’s Pheasant was seen at Ardtaraig, Cowal (Steve Petty).

6th June. A female Goosander was seen with 12 small young, including five carried on her back, on the River Cur, Loch Eck, Cowal (Peter Woods).

7th June. A drake Eurasian Teal on Loch na Keal was unusual for the time of year (Alan Spellman).

10th June. A female Goosander was seen with nine small young on the River Eachaig at Benmore, Cowal (per Andrew Webster).

Seabirds, Divers, Grebes, Shearwaters, Herons etc. (and other seawatch species)

11th May. At Strone, Cowal, 29 Northern Gannets were counted in the Clyde Estuary (David Warden per Tom Callan).

13th May. A Red-throated Diver, two Black-throated Divers and two Great Northern Divers were present at Kilfinan Bay, Cowal (David Warden per Tom Callan).

13th May. Two Red-throated Divers in breeding plumage was seen off Otter Ferry, Cowal (Tom Callan).

29th May. An adult Red-throated Diver in breeding plumage was seen at Tralee Bay, North Argyll (Bob Grove).

5th June. An adult Great Northern Diver was in Hough Bay, Tiree.

6th June. An adult Great Northern Diver was at Gott Bay, Tiree.

12th June. A pair of Black-throated Divers was found with a small chick and another pair has two small chicks, both at sites in Mid-Argyll (Paul Daw/Roger Broad).

14th June. Birds found during atlas TTVs on Gigha 7th–14th June included at least six pairs of Great Cormorants and 17 pairs of Shags on Craro and Grey Heron breeding at Mill Loch (Stephen Welch).

Raptors, Rails etc

25th May. A pair of Moorhens was seen at Tralee Bay, North Argyll (Bob Grove).

26th May. An Osprey flew south along the River Cur at the top of Loch Eck, Cowal (Peter Woods).

2nd June. An Osprey flew south through the Bellanoch "gap" at the Add Estuary (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Dickie).

8th June A male Hen Harrier coursing the beach at Rhugarbh Croft, Appin, North Argyll has been seen in the area most days recently (Mary Gregory).

Waders

5th May. Two late Purple Sandpipers were still in the West Bay at Dunoon (George Newall).

11th May. A pair of Northern Lapwings was present at Kilfinan Bay, Cowal (David Warden per Tom Callan).

25th May. Three pairs of Ringed Plovers were seen at Tralee Bay, North Argyll including one pair with a small chick (Bob Grove).

27th May. Three pairs of Common Sandpipers were found along the shores of Loch Fyne in the Otter Ferry area (Tom Callan).

28th May. A colour-ringed Sanderling photographed at Machrihanish SBO turned out to have been marked in Ghana on 18 March 2007. It was seen in Ghana again, throughout January 2008–last on 29 Jan (Eddie Maguire, with thanks to Edward Koomson for the information from Ghana and John Bowler for tracking this down).

1st June. At least one Woodcock was roding over Kames, Cowal at 22.30hrs (Steve Petty).

4th June. A Curlew Sandpiper was seen at Miodar, Tiree (John Bowler).

5th June. A late Whimbrel was at Traigh Bhi. Tiree (John Bowler).

6th June. A pair of Common Sandpipers was seen with young along the River Cur, Loch Eck, Cowal (Peter Woods).

8th June. Two Common Sandpipers were very agitated on the beach at Rhugarbh Croft, Appin, North Argyll indicating a nest nearby (Mary Gregory).

9th June. Six Golden Plovers (late or early migrants?) were at Hough Pools, Tiree (John Bowler).

14th June. Birds found during atlas TTVs on Gigha 7th–14th June included five Northern Lapwings with one chick and a single Greenshank (Stephen Welch).

Skuas, gulls, terns and auks

12th May. Two Sandwich Terns were seen at Kirn, Dunoon (George Newall).

8th June Two ‘commic’ terns (probably Common) were fishing at Rhugarbh Croft, Appin, North Argyll - an unusual sight here since the fish farms moved elsewhere (Mary Gregory).

16th June. Auks on Loch Fyne today included 39 Common Guillemots above the Otter Ferry spit (failed breeders?), 13 Black Guillemots around Glas Eilean and six Black Guillemots (including birds on nests) at Pier House, Otter Ferry (Tom Callan).

17th June. Three Common Terns were seen off Otter Ferry, presumably from Loch Gilp. It is unusual to see them so far up the loch (Tom Callan).

Doves, owls, woodpeckers etc.

3rd May. A Long-eared Owl was seen at the Taynuilt end of Glen Lonan Mid-Argyll (Bob Grove). There have been no other recent records of the species from this area.

27th May. A Hoopoe seen on Ulva, Mull may well have been the same individual as that seen at Lochbuie the day previously (per Alan Spellman).

2nd June. Four Stock Doves (one male and three females) were seen feeding on a newly seeded field near Moine Mhor with 30 or more Wood Pigeons (Bill Allan/Jim Dickson). Three Common Swifts were flying over the shops at Kirn, Dunoon (Andrew Webster).

5th June. No less than five Stock Doves were seen together on the field near Moine Mhor. Amazingly this is the most Stock Doves seen in one place in Argyll since records started in 1980 (Bill Allan/Jim Dickson)! Two or three Common Swifts were seen near Connel Airport (Mary Gregory).

14th June. Birds found during atlas TTVs on Gigha 7th–14th June included Barn Owls hunting near Achamore Gardens (Stephen Welch).

Passerines

24th May. A pair of Bullfinches was seen in a garden at Glencruitten, Oban (Bob Grove).

25th May. Birds found during an atlas Timed Tetrad Visit at Glendaruel, Cowal included six House Martins, eight Pied Wagtails, six Dunnocks, four Whinchats, five Common Stonechats, two Common Whitethroats, a Common Chiffchaff, 27 Willow Warblers, a Jay, 12 Greenfinches and two Linnets (Tom Callan)

26th May. A pair of Spotted Flycatchers has established a territory in a garden at Glenbranter, Cowal (Peter Woods). Birds found during an atlas Timed Tetrad Visit on the hills above Glendaruel, Cowal included no less than 77 Meadow Pipits as well as two Common Stonechats (Tom Callan).

27th May. Frustratingly briefly, John Halliday thought he heard the nasal call of Golden Oriole, at Taynish NNR. A probable Golden Oriole was also reported as heard there on 24th May (Dick Edie).

29th May. Adult male and female Common Crossbills were seen feeding on tips of new Sitka Spruce growth, which was about 1km from the family party seen at Largiemore, Cowal recently (Tom Callan).

1st June. A singing Lesser Whitethroat at Carnan Mor, Tiree was the first ever spring record on the island and a female Common Redstart, a female Common Whitethroat, a male Blackcap, a Common Chiffchaff, a Spotted Flycatcher and a female Chaffinch were also found. A Spotted Flycatcher and a Lesser Redpoll were at Balephuil (John Bowler). A single Jay was seen at Salachary, between the Ford turnoff and Ardfern, Mid-Argyll (Bill Allan).

2nd June. At least two pairs of Sand Martins were found nesting in the wall of a small quarry newly dug (i.e. within past 3-4 weeks) for track improvements at Drimfern, Glen Aray, Mid-Argyll, The species has not been seen in the area before (Judith Witt). An example of how opportunistic Sand Martins can be where new nest sites are concerned. A Garden Warbler found at Carnan Mor, Tiree (John Bowler)

3rd June. A singing Blyth's Reed Warbler was photographed at Carnan Mor, Tiree at 17.45hrs. This is a notoriously difficult species, but with the song and photographs we have our fingers crossed that Tiree has provided yet another new species for the Argyll list. Two House Martins, two Spotted Flycatchers and a Whitethroat were also found there (John Bowler).

8th June. A family of about ten Blue Tits, obviously just fledged, were making their way noisily around the field and vegetable patch at Appin, North Argyll (Mary Gregory).

12th June. Birds found during an atlas Timed Tetrad Visit near Kilfinan, Cowal included 29 Wrens, three Dunnocks, nine Blackbirds, seven Song Thrushes, 36 Willow Warblers, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 42 Common Chaffinches and six Common Crossbills with recently fledged young (Tom Callan).

13th June. Birds found during an atlas Timed Tetrad Visit near Minard, Mid-Argyll included 19 Wrens, four Blackcaps, a Garden Warbler, a Common Whitethroat, four Common Chiffchaffs and 27 Willow Warblers (Paul Daw). A Yellowhammer was seen on Scarba - many of Argyll's Yellowhammers appear to be distributed along the coast these days (Hazel White per David Wood).

14th June. Birds found during atlas TTVs at Achamore Gardens on Gigha 7th–14th June included six male Blackcaps, single Common Chiffchaff and Spotted Flycatcher and breeding Treecreepers and Long-tailed Tits (Stephen Welch).

15th June. A male Common Redstart was seen with recently fledged young in Minard Woods, Mid-Argyll this morning (Paul Daw).

16th June. Seven Sand Martins were seen at Strone Farm, near Otter Ferry, a location where they have not been recorded before (Tom Callan). Birds found during an atlas Timed Tetrad Visit at Loch Gair, Mid-Argyll included 15 Barn Swallows, two Grasshopper Warblers, three Common Whitethroats, two Blackcaps, 12 Willow Warblers, a family party of Long-tailed Tits and 21 House Sparrows, including recently fledged young (Paul Daw).

17th June. A male Common Whitethroat was seen near Otter Ferry feeding a juvenile with insects from mature and also recently planted Sitka Spruce (Tom Callan). A pair of Spotted Flycatchers has established a territory at Tullochgorm, Minard. They did not appear here until 8th June (Paul Daw).

Other sightings

1st June. A Minke Whale, 35 Basking Sharks, and three Otters were seen off Hynish, Tiree (John Bowler).

7th June. The Bearded Seal was still present in Loch na Keal, Mull (per Alan Spellman).

Update (number 73) on 6th June 2008 (sightings for late May 2008)

Stop Press: A Blythe’s Reed Warbler was seen, photographed and heard singing a Carnan Moor, Tiree on the evening of 3rd June (John Bowler). If accepted by BBRC this would be yet another Tiree ‘first for Argyll’!

The record of a lone Little Bunting watched and photographed at Milton, Tiree on 23rd October 2007 has now been accepted by the Scottish Birds Records Committee. It was associating at times with House Sparrows feeding on grain but had gone the next day (John Bowler). This is only the second Little Bunting ever recorded in Argyll. The first was found dead at Skerryvore Lighthouse in late September 1985.

Wildfowl (and gamebirds)

14th May. A pair of Canada Geese with four goslings were seen on Loch na Keal, Mull (Nick & Stella Laughton).

15th May. A female Eider with an early brood of five small young and six males in attendance were on the shoreline at Otter Ferry (Tom Callan).

18th May. The first groups of Eider ducklings at Colintraive, Cowal were spotted today - two separate groups one with four ducklings and five in another group (Graham Clark).

19th May. Four male Gadwalls and seven Whooper Swans were at Loch Bhasapol, Tiree and a Canada Goose paired to a Greylag was at Moss (John Bowler).

23rd May. A late single Greenland White-fronted Goose was at Ulva Lagoons, Loch Sween (Jim Dickson and Bill Alan).

27th May A very late Whooper Swan was seen on Loch Orodale, Kintyre (NR 6516). It was swimming about and whooping intermittently and appeared in good condition (Steve & Sue Walker).

28th May. A male and female Pintail were seen east of Barrapol, Tiree and two Pink-footed Geese were on shore at north end of Loch a' Phuill and seen flying off towards Heylipol (Jim Dickson).

29th May. A female Mandarin Duck was seen with six small ducklings at the head of Loch Eck, Cowal (Peter Woods) and two drake Garganey were found at Loch an Eilein, Tiree (Jim Dickson/Bill Allan).

30th May. A drake Garganey was at Loch Bhasapol, Tiree (John Bowler).

31st May. A drake Greater Scaup was at Balephetrish Bay, Tiree (John Bowler).

Seabirds, Divers, Grebes, Shearwaters, Herons etc. (and other seawatch species)

23rd May. The Heronry at Glen Caladh on Eilean Dubh, Cowal (NS0075) has 25-30 Grey Herons and at least ten occupied nests (Daphne Campbell).

24th May. A Cattle Egret was reported at Fishnish, Mull (Alan Spellman). Although this species has become quite frequent in England recently, there are no previous records for Argyll. If a description was supplied and accepted this would be a new addition to our list.

25th May. Three Black-throated Divers were displaying on Loch Scridain, Mull (Alan Spellman).

30th May. Parties of 90 and 140 Manx Shearwaters were seen to the east of Coll from the Oban ferry (Jim Dickson).

31st May. During a BTO atlas survey, a Red-throated Diver and five Little Grebes were found on the Black Lochs near Oban (Mike Harrison). A Great Northern Diver was seen from the ferry in the Sound of Gigha (Malcolm Chattwood).

Raptors, Rails etc

16th May. Up to two female Marsh Harriers have been reported from the Loch Bhasapol area of Tiree in the past week (per John Bowler)

19th May. So far this season, four new Osprey pairs have been located in Argyll (Roger Broad).

23rd May. A male Merlin was seen twice this week flying across the Kyles at Colintraive and Rhubodach, flying in both directions and it was also spotted in a back garden at Ferry Bank, Colintraive (Graham Clark).

24th May. A male Red-footed Falcon was reported on a telegraph wire about a mile past Stewarton on the Southend road, Kintyre. It sat there for over five minutes while being mobbed by five to six Swallows and a pair of Pied Wagtails. It then flew off, crossing the road, and heading across the fields in the direction of Beinn Ghuilean. There is only one previous accepted record of this species in Argyll although another is currently being considered by BBRC. There has been a large influx of Red-footed Falcons in England recently.

25th May. An Osprey was seen fishing in Lochdon, Mull this morning (Alan Spellman) and two more were showing well in the Add Estuary (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Dickie). A Hen Harrier was seen at Vaul, Tiree (per John Bowler).

26th May. An Osprey was seen flying along the River Cur at the head of Loch Eck (Peter Woods).

29th May. A male Hen Harrier was recorded during a walk at Stillaig, Cowal (Steve Petty).

31st May. During a BTO atlas survey an Osprey was seen flying over the Black Lochs, near Oban (Mike Harrison).

Waders

11th May. A pair of Dotterel was sighted near the lochan on Beinn an Lochan above the Rest & Be Thankful, Cowal (NN2107, per Russ Liddell).

12th May. A flock of six Purple Sandpipers was near the entrance to Fingal’s Cave on Staffa and a single bird was on rocks off Fladda (Nick & Stella Laughton).

17th May. A Little Stint was seen with two Red Knots, 350 Ringed Plovers and 850 Dunlin at Loch a' Phuill (John Bowler)

19th May. A flock of 480 Sanderlings at Gott Bay, Tiree included a red leg-flagged bird which had been ringed at Esiama, Ghana in August 2007 (John Bowler). Two Dotterel were in one of the fields on the RSPB reserve, Coll this morning (Simon Wellock). Two Grey Plovers were on The Strand Colonsay (David Jardine/Ron McNab)

22nd May. A huge influx of waders on Tiree today included 600 Ringed Plovers, 2,900+ Sanderlings and 1,300 Dunlin at Gott Bay (including another colour-flagged Sanderling - this time a bird that had been ringed at Zackenberg in north-east Greenland in July 2007), an adult Little Stint at Sorobaidh Bay in with 480 Sanderlings and 220 Dunlin, a Red Knot at Traigh Bhagh and 320 Ringed Plovers, 200 Dunlin and 18 Red Knots at Loch a' Phuill (John Bowler).

28th May. A red adult Curlew Sandpiper, a Grey Plover and a Red Knot were with 250 Dunlin at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree (per John Bowler).

29th May. A flock of 80 Golden Plovers flew south-west from Cornaigmore, Tiree, a Little Stint and a breeding plumage Common Sandpiper were at Loch a' Phuill and a Whimbrel was in Balephetrish Bay (Jim Dickson). A singing (tick-tocking) Common Snipe was heard during a walk at Stillaig, Cowal (Steve Petty).

Skuas, gulls, terns and auks

14th May. The first-summer Yellow-legged Gull was still at Loch Gilp at 15.00hrs (Jim Dickson).

15th May. Two Puffins were seen at NM861372 in the Firth of Lorn (Mike Harrison). This is well up the firth and was the first time they had seen Puffins in this area. A first-winter Little Gull was seen with Kittiwakes between Colonsay and Jura (David Jardine/Ian Fisher)

16th May. Three Great Skuas were around Caliach Point on 15th and 16th May, they appeared to be displaying and were landing on the flat top of the highest area of the point. A single pale-phase Arctic Skua also flew over on 16th May (Nick & Stella Laughton).

20th May. An unseasonal first-year Glaucous Gull was feeding with other gulls off north Jura (Roger Broad).

25th May. Two Sandwich Terns were roosting at Bullwood, Cowal (James Towill and Marco McGinty) and 16 Common Terns were counted at Eilean an Ruisg, Loch Feochan, near Oban (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Dickie).

28th May. An Arctic Skua and a Great Skua were seen over The Reef, Tiree (per John Bowler) and a Great Skua was seen off Hynish with six Razorbills in Gott Bay (Jim Dickson).

29th May. Four Puffins were seen from the ferry north-west of Mull (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Dickie).

Doves, owls, woodpeckers etc.

10th May. A Common Cuckoo at Skeroblin, Kintyre was the first heard to be heared locally (Steve & Sue Walker).

16th May. A Turtle Dove was found at Barrapol, Tiree (John Bowler). Although very scarce in Argyll, at least one appears on the island in most years.

17th May. Another Turtle Dove was seen along the Loch Sgoltaire track on Colonsay (David Jardine & ABC)

24th May. A probable Golden Oriole was heard at Taynish, near Tayvallich this afternoon (Dick Edie). A Turtle Dove was at Kenovay, Tiree and a Short-eared Owl was at Heylipol Church (per John Bowler). A single Common Swift was seen flying over Inveraray this morning (Paul Daw).

26th May. A Hoopoe was reported at Loch Buie, Mull (Alan Spellman).

29th May. A Turtle Dove was found in a garden at Southend, Kintyre allowing some beautiful photos to be taken (Fiona Rowland - see recent photos).

31st May A European Nightjar was reported at Loch Spelve, Mull (per Alan Spellman).

Passerines

11th May. Two Wood Warblers were calling in the Gruline Estate woods near Knock Bridge, Mull on 10th and 11th May (Nick & Stella Laughton).

12th May. A Great Reed Warbler first heard singing mid-morning in a garden at Cuan, Seil Island. It remained all day and also seen on 13th May (Tim Goodwin et al.). A description has been supplied for BBRC and, if accepted, it will be a new species for the Argyll list.

13th May. A surprising number of Spotted Flycatchers was found on Tiree including one at Heylipol on 12th May and singles at Vaul and Carnan Mor on 13th. A singing Greenfinch at Vaul today was also worthy of note (John Bowler).

14th May. One Wood Warbler was singing in suitable breeding habitat at Glenan, Cowal (Steve Petty).

16th May. A flock of six Twite was seen at Caliach Point, Mull and mating activity was observed (Nick & Stella Laughton). A Spotted Flycatcher and a Yellowhammer were seen at Scalasaig, Colonsay (David Jardine/Ian Fisher).

18th May. Two Mealy Redpolls were photographed at Balephuil, Tiree (John Bowler).

19th May. A female type Golden Oriole was reported just north of Uig, Coll at 16.00hrs (Simon Wellock). A male Whinchat was singing near Loch Glashan, Mid-Argyll (Paul Daw).

20th May. A Eurasian Nuthatch was seen at a nut feeder in the garden at Strone House, Cairndow (NN180102) at 10.45hrs (Duncan Oxland). One was reported (but not confirmed) nearby a couple of year ago and, with the records at Glenbranter, it seems possible that a small breeding population may already be established somewhere in this area. A Spotted Flycatcher at Carnan Mor was about the seventh on Tiree so far this month (John Bowler).

21st May. A Whinchat at Balephuil was the first of the spring on Tiree and a male Whitethroat and a late Chaffinch were at Carnan Mor (John Bowler).

23rd May. Two Garden Warblers were singing at Barnluasgan, Loch Sween and a Common Redstart was at Taynish NNR (Jim Dickson). A Whinchat was seen at Baleromin, Colonsay (David Jardine).

25th May. Birds recorded during a visit to Cowal today included two singing Tree Pipits and a pair of Stonechats in Glen Lean, a pair of Grey Wagtails at Loch Tarsan, a singing Wood Warbler at Craigbrack, Loch Eck, a singing Garden Warbler, two singing Sedge Warblers and ten Sand Martins along the River Cur, a singing Sedge Warbler and two Whitethroats plus a Blackcap and eight Sand Martins overhead near the mouth of the Inverchaolain Burn and two male Bullfinches and a Spotted Flycatcher, the latter nesting on masonry against the stained glass windows high up in the west-facing end of the church in Inverchaolain Churchyard (James Towill and Marco McGinty). Two Blackcaps were singing loudly on the hillside near Islandadd Bridge, Moine Mhor (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Dickie). Two Common Whitethroats were at Kilkenneth, Tiree and five Spotted Flycatchers have been reported at different sites on the island in the past few days (per John Bowler).

26th May. A Spotted Flycatcher was seen Barrapol, Tiree, a male and female Common Whitethroat (with the male singing) and a Spotted Flycatcher were north of Kilkenneth and further Spotted Flycatchers were at Caolas and Vaul (Jim Dickson). A pair of Spotted Flycatchers was seen at Glenbranter (Peter Woods). A total of 11 singing Tree Pipits were recorded during a Timed Tetrad Visit near Minard for the BTO Atlas (Paul Daw)

29th May. Four singing male Common Whitethroats and six Lesser Redpolls, the latter in three probable breeding areas, were recorded during a walk at Stillaig, Cowal (Steve Petty).

30th May. A very late female Brambling was seen in a garden at Bridgend near Lochgilphead (Malcolm Chattwood). Interestingly, the other two late Argyll Brambling records in recent years have been in the same general area. Two Spotted Flycatchers and a Robin were at Carnan Mor, Tiree (John Bowler).

31st May. During a BTO atlas survey, a Magpie was found at Cuil-uaine Croft (NM925330) near the Black Lochs, Oban (Mike Harrison).

Other sightings

14th May. It was a good day for butterflies at Glenan, Cowal with Speckled Woods found in at least six different patches of wet woodland, one Small Copper seen along the beach and one male Orange-tip was seen amongst many Green-veined Whites (Steve Petty). A Bearded Seal in Loch na Keal, Mull has been causing much excitement. This circumpolar is seldom recorded in Britain (per Alan Spellman).

25th May. An Orange-tip Butterfly was seen at Auchindrain, Mid-Argyll (Paul Daw).

29th May. Six Basking Sharks and a Minke Whale were seen from the ferry off Coll and Tiree and at least 40 Common Dolphins were very close to the ferry and cutting under the bow. Six Harbour Porpoises were at the north end of the Sound of Mull (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Dickie). Many Small Heath butterflies were flying over the moorland at Stillaig, near Millhouse, Cowal (Steve Petty).

30th May. Four Basking Sharks were seen to east of Coll from the Oban ferry (Jim Dickson).

31st May. A female Orange-tip butterfly was seen in my garden at Kames – a reward for looking closely at many Green-veined Whites (Steve Petty)! NB For those, like me until recently, who are not aware of it, the female Orange-tip has no orange tip to the wings and at first glance can look very like one of the common white species (Paul Daw).

Update (number 72) on 19th May 2008 (sightings for May 2008)

Stop Press: The description of a Western Bonelli’s Warbler seen by John Bowler at Balephuil, Tiree on 8 September 2006 has been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee. The two Bonelli’s Warblers (Western & Eastern – Phylloscopus bonelli/orientalis) were originally treated as a single species. The singing male at Easter Ellister, Islay 21 to 22 May 1976 could not be assigned with confidence to one or the other of this species pair, so this is technically a ‘first’ for Argyll. The species total for Argyll remains at 329.

Wildfowl (and gamebirds)

2nd May. Seven Whooper Swans were at The Reef, Tiree (John Bowler).

6th May Six Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at The Reef, Tiree (John Bowler).

8th May. A Ring-necked Duck was found on Loch Kinnabus, Islay (Angus Keys per Jim Dickson).

10th May. At least 26 Common Scoters were counted at ‘West Coast Salmon’, Kintyre and a flock of 20 Red-breasted Mergansers were seen off Tayinloan (Tom Callan).

Seabirds, Divers, Grebes, Shearwaters, Herons etc. (and other seawatch species)

1st May. Seven Great Northern Divers were at Gott Bay, Tiree (John Bowler).

2nd May. A Great Northern Diver in full breeding plumage was seen on Loch Fyne, just south of Ardrishaig, (George Newall).

7th May. A Little Egret found at Loch Tulla, North Argyll was an unexpected location for this species (Roger Broad). Three Black-throated Divers were seen performing the ‘circle dance’ display on a loch in Mid-Argyll (Paul Daw).

10th May. A casual count of divers off the west coast of Kintyre found at least 40 Black-throated Divers and at least 40 Great Northern Divers between ‘West Coast Salmon’ and Machrihanish (Tom Callan).

Raptors, Rails etc

2nd May. Two Ospreys were seen mobbing an immature White-tailed Eagle which flew from Eredine point to the West side of Loch Awe (NM957097; Karl Pipes).

5th May. At 15.30/16.00hrs two experienced birders were walking to the Add bird-hide on the Crinan Canal when they saw a definite crane species fly over the hill to the left, roughly in the direction of Tayvallich. It was in silhouette and due to a brief view they could not be sure of an ID (Karl Pipes). Did anyone else see this bird?

7th May. A female Marsh Harrier was seen at Loch Bhasapol, Tiree (John Bowler).

10th May. A White-tailed Eagle was seen flying low over Loch Awe. It was flying (and getting mobbed in the process by gulls and a buzzard) from Inverliever nurseries to Arichamish. It had a red tag on its wing indicating it had been hatched on Mull in 2005 (John McInally).

11th May. A Merlin was seen c.2 miles from the main A83 road on the Leacann Trail from Auchindrain, Mid-Argyll (Karl Pipes). A male Common Kestrel was seen at Millhouse, Cowal (Tom Callan).

Waders

1st May. Three Red Knots and three Whimbrels were at Traigh Bhagh, Tiree and 310 Ringed Plovers, 180 Sanderlings and 833 Dunlins were at Gott Bay (John Bowler).

2nd May. Totals of 145 Ringed Plovers, 640 Dunlins and 15 Whimbrels were at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree and a Black-tailed Godwit and nine Whimbrels were at The Reef (John Bowler).

5th May. A flock of 24 Whimbrels were at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree (John Bowler).

6th May. A Woodcock was roding at Eredine this evening (NM971094; Mike Deakin).

7th May Quite a movement of Dunlin at the Add Estuary today with 62 birds - exceptional here for the spring, together with eight Ringed Plovers (Jim Dickson).

8th May. A Common Sandpiper at Ceann a' Mhara, Tiree was the first of spring here. A flock of 32 Whimbrels was on the machair west of Loch a' Phuill (John Bowler).

10th May. At least 40 Sanderlings in breeding plumage and at least 60 Dunlins in breeding plumage were counted at the south end of Machrihanish Bay, Kintyre. A Black-tailed Godwit in winter plumage was at Tayinloan and nine Whimbrels were seen in a tight flock at Ballochroy (Tom Callan).

11th May. Two Whimbrels were in the Add Estuary area (Jim Dickson).

Skuas, gulls, terns and auks

2nd May. Four Little Terns and 12 Arctic Terns were at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree (John Bowler).

7th May. A Great Skua was seen in Gott Bay, Tiree (John Bowler).

10th May. Ten Common Guillemots, ten Razorbills and a Black Guillemot were seen from the Tarbert –Portavadie ferry (Tom Callan).

13th May. A first-summer Yellow-legged Gull was found in Loch Gilp – it was present again on 14th May (Jim Dickson). At least 12 Black Guillemots were counted in the Oban Bay area including three occupying storm drains near the Corran Halls (Paul Daw).

Doves, owls, woodpeckers etc.

1st May. Two, very early, Common Swifts were seen between Lochgilphead and Cairnbaan, Mid-Argyll this afternoon. There were three April records in the 1990s, but this is the earliest Swift arrival since then (Sue Chattwood).

7th May. A Turtle Dove was seen at Scarinish, Tiree (John Bowler).

11th May. Two Wood Pigeons at Carnan Mor, Tiree were in potential breeding habitat. The species has not, so far, been recorded breeding on the island (John Bowler).

12th May. Two Wood Pigeons seen at Uig, Coll were unusual visitors (Ben Jones).

Passerines

1st May. An all-white Linnet was seen at Baugh, Tiree (John Bowler).

2nd May. A male Common Crossbill was seen in a garden at Eredine, Loch Awe (Karl Pipes) and two or more calling Common Crossbills flew over Otter Ferry, Cowal (Tom Callan).

4th May. Four Blackcaps (two males, two females) were in the garden at Balephuil after the rain stopped and 70 Sand Martins and 40 Barn Swallows were at Loch a' Phuill in the rain (John Bowler).

5th May. A pair of Common Stonechats and a pair of Whinchats were seen in a rushy area of Kilmartin Glen (NR830985; Karl Pipes).

6th May. A female/immature Golden Oriole was at Carnan Mor, Tiree this evening (6 May) - very wary but showing on and off from 20.15-20.45hrs (John Bowler). Of the twenty odd records of Golden Oriole in Argyll most have been in May or June. A Wood Pigeon at West Hynish and a Jackdaw on a peanut-feeder at Moss were both unusual visitors on Tiree (John Bowler). Birds found during a Timed Tetrad Visit for the Breeding Atlas (NR98G) near Otter Ferry, Cowal included 48 Common Pheasants, two Common Sandpipers, 22 Wood Pigeons, two Common Cuckoos, 13 Robins, 21 Blackbirds, 25 Willow Warblers, 26 Great Tits, 33 Common Chaffinches, ten Greenfinches, nine Common Crossbills and two Reed Buntings (Tom Callan).

7th May. Birds found during a Timed Tetrad Visit for the Breeding Atlas (NR98L) near Otter Ferry, Cowal included ten Common Pheasants, four Common Cuckoos, 22 Meadow Pipits, five Whinchats, eight Common Stonechats, 16 Blackbirds, a Grasshopper Warbler, 37 Willow Warblers, 17 Common Chaffinches, four Common Crossbills and two Reed Buntings (Tom Callan).

8th May. A Shore Lark was found at Upper Killeyan, Oa, Islay (Angus Keys per Jim Dickson). The only previous Shore Lark record for Argyll was in October 1976 when three were seen, at Bowmore, Islay.

9th May. Birds found during a Timed Tetrad Visit for the Breeding Atlas on the east side of Loch Glashan, Mid-Argyll included three Common Cuckoos, five Common Whitethroats, 30 Willow Warblers and a Grasshopper Warbler (Paul Daw)

10th May. A nice fall of warblers on Tiree over 9th – 10th May included a Blackcap (male) at Balephuil and two Blackcaps (one male, one female) at Kilkenneth on 9th as well as on 10th, three Common Whitethroats (two males, one female), three Blackcaps (two males, one female), a Grasshopper Warbler and a Spotted Flycatcher at Balephuil, and two Common Whitethroats (one male, one female), 12 Willow Warblers and a Spotted Flycatcher at Carnan Mor (John Bowler). Three Common Whitethroats were seen at ‘West Coast Salmon’, Kintyre (Tom Callan).

11th May. A report was received of a Great Reed Warbler singing on Seil Island. If a description is received and accepted by BBRC this would be a new species for Argyll (per Richard Allan). Three Whinchat territories were identified in the Add Estuary area (Jim Dickson). Six Common Stonechats were seen at Kilbride Bay, Cowal (Tom Callan).

14th May. Birds found during a Timed Tetrad Visit for the Breeding Atlas near Otter Ferry, Cowal included 48 Common Pheasants, two Common Sandpipers, 22 Wood Pigeons, two Common Cuckoos, three Tree Pipits, ten Robins, a Common Whitethroat and no less than 70 Willow Warblers (Paul Daw).

Other sightings

8th May. An Orange-tip Butterfly was seen at Otter Ferry, Cowal (Tom Callan).

Update (number 71) on 5th May 2008 (sightings for late April 2008)

Stop Press: A single, very early, Common Swift was seen between Lochgilphead and Cairnbaan, Mid-Argyll on the afternoon of 1st May (Sue Chattwood). There were three April records in the 1990s but this is the earliest arrival since then.

Wildfowl (and gamebirds)

18th April. The Black Swan was still at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree with ten Whooper Swans and two Gadwalls (John Bowler).

19th April. Six Barnacle Geese were seen along the coast of Tiree, east of Balephetrish (John Bowler).

21st April. One male and two female Goosanders were in the bay at Crinan Ferry at lunch-time (Kevin Frances). A late pair of Common Goldeneyes was still on Loch Melldalloch, Cowal (Tom Callan).

22nd April. Four pairs of Red-breasted Mergansers were seen along the shores of Loch Fyne, in the Otter Ferry area (Tom Callan).

23rd April. Thirteen Whooper Swans, a Black Swan, a drake Garganey, two Pintails and two Common Goldeneyes were at Loch a' Phuill Tiree (John Bowler). A Green-winged Teal was seen at Gruinart floods, Islay (James How).

25th April. A Snow Goose was seen near the shore at Craobh Haven Mid-Argyll (Jim Dickson).

26th April. At least eight Gadwalls were at two sites on Tiree and 21 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Balephetrish Bay (John Bowler).

27th April. A male Common Scoter was at Loch Beg, Mull and the drake Gadwall was still at Bunessan (Bryan Rains). One or more Black Grouse were lekking at a site near Tullochgorm, Minard this morning (Paul Daw).

28th April. A flock of 76 Pale-bellied Brent Geese (including two colour-ringed birds) were at Sorobaidh Bay, Tiree first thing (John Bowler). A pair of Black Grouse was seen mating at a site near Strachur, Cowal (Tom Callan). A Red Grouse was seen at Loch Scammadale, near Oban, Mid-Argyll (George Newall).

29th April. A male and a female Black Grouse were seen at a lekking site near Connel, Mid-Argyll early this morning (Bob Grove).

30th April. A female Mallard was seen with a brood of nine small young near Otter Ferry (Tom Callan).

Seabirds, Divers, Grebes, Shearwaters, Herons etc. (and other seawatch species)

9th April. A total of 26 Great Northern Divers and two Slavonian Grebes were seen on Loch na Keal, Mull (Bryan Rains).

15th April. A total of 18 Great Northern Divers were seen on Loch Scridain, Mull (Bryan Rains).

21st April. A Red-throated Diver and two Great Cormorants were in the bay at Crinan Ferry at lunch-time (Kevin Frances). Two Slavonian Grebes were resplendent in the sun this morning at West Coast Salmon, Kintyre, but no divers were present (Katie Pendreigh). A pair of Little Grebes was on Loch Melldalloch, Cowal (Tom Callan).

25th April. A total of 48 Manx Shearwaters were seen off the east coast of Colonsay (Jim Dickson).

27th April, A pair of Red-throated Divers in breeding plumage were on a loch near Tullochgorm, Minard this morning (Paul Daw).

28th April. A sea watch at south-west Islay mid-morning found 18 Red-throated Divers flying north and a passage of 115 Manx Shearwaters going southward (John S. Armitage). Six Red-throated Divers were on Loch Scridain, Mull and three Great Northern Divers were on Loch Beg (Bryan Rains).

Raptors, Rails etc

4th April, Four Hen Harriers (a male and three females) were seen at Ardchrishnish, near Bunessan, Mull (Bryan Rains).

14th April. A Peregrine Falcon flew over Connel, Mid-Argyll (Mike Harrison).

19th April. Three Water Rails were recorded at Balephuil, Tiree (John Bowler).

21st April. At least two pairs of Great Skuas were setting up territories on Coll. A first-year male Hen Harrier has been around near Kilbride for a few days where the established pair are already holding territory (Simon Wellock).

22nd April. A Red Kite around the Loch Gruinart area of Islay had been present for almost a week (John Armitage). An adult male Golden Eagle was seen over the Roadside Lochs on Coll being mobbed by Great Black-backed Gulls (Simon Wellock).

23rd April. At least four calling Corn Crakes and two-three Water Rails were at Balephuil, Tiree (John Bowler).

25th April. An Osprey seen at Balephuil, Tiree, being mobbed by a Hooded Crow, was only second record for the island (John Bowler). One seen at Breachacha, Coll the following day (26th) was possibly the same bird (Simon Wellock).

27th April. A male Hen Harrier was seen flying over conifers at Barnacarry, near Kilmore, Oban (Bob Grove).

28th April. On Coll, a Red Kite was reported over Tomain nan Eun (Simon Wellock) and a Common Coot reported at Gallanach Pond was apparently the first record for the island since 1955 (Rob Wainwright).

30th April. A Red Kite, with jesses, has been reported on Jura. Could this be the same bird as the one at Loch Gruinart on 22nd April (John S. Armitage)?

Waders

8th April. A Common Sandpiper was seen near Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe (Alan Gray).

21st April. Two Common Sandpipers were seen along the River Cur at the head of Loch Eck (Peter Woods). A Greenshank, a Whimbrel and two Common Sandpipers were seen with small numbers of Common Redshanks and Curlews, from the hide at the Add Estuary this afternoon (Kevin Frances).

23rd April. A total of 51 Black-tailed Godwits were at Gruinart floods, Islay (James How). Waders at Loch a' Phuill included 232 Ringed Plovers, 16 Black-tailed Godwits, three Whimbrels, and 45 Common Redshanks. Ten Whimbrels and c.5,500 European Golden Plovers were at The Reef as were the first Lapwing chicks of the spring (John Bowler). Two Ringed Plovers, two Dunlins and 20 Common Redshanks were at Uisken, Mull and 80 European Golden Plovers were at Fidden (Bryan Rains).

24th April. Three Greenshanks were seen at Loch Tulla, North Argyll (Bob Grove).

25th April. A big influx of waders into Tiree included some 1,200 Ringed Plovers noted at four sites, including two Icelandic colour-ringed birds, and a Greenshank at Balephetrish Bay, around 850 Sanderlings at three beaches including a flock of 685 at Gott Bay; where there were also 245 Dunlin and a Whimbrel (John Bowler).

28th April. Eight Whimbrels were at Crossapol Point, Tiree and 95 Turnstones, a Red Knot and 15 Purple Sandpipers were at Balephetrish Bay (John Bowler).

Skuas, gulls, terns and auks

19th April. A first-winter Iceland Gull was in Tarbert Harbour, Kintyre (see also 24th April below) and a first-winter Glaucous Gull was at the southern corner of Asknish Bay, Traigh nam Musgan, near Craobh Haven, Mid-Argyll (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Dickie).

20th April. A first-winter Glaucous Gull was off Glengorm, Mull (John Bowler).

22nd April. Three pairs of Black Guillemots were off Pier House, Otter Ferry (Tom Callan).

23rd April. Two Puffins were seen off Otter Ferry spit (Tom Callan).

24th April. A first-winter Iceland Gull was in Tarbert Harbour, Kintyre. From its quite distinctive plumage (from photos), Steve is sure this is the same individual that he saw in the harbour on 14th March and also the same bird that was photographed by Jim Dickson in January (Eider 84, page 12). The following were seen from the Portavadie/Tarbert Ferry – three Kittiwakes (including one immature), one Fulmar (quite uncommon here), 25+ Razorbills/Common Guillemots, 12 Northern Gannets and eight Manx Shearwaters (Steve Petty).

25th April. A Great Skua was seen off the east coast of Colonsay (Jim Dickson).

28th April. A sea watch at south-west Islay mid-morning found an Arctic Skua and a Great Skua flying north, and single Arctic and Little Terns (John S. Armitage).

Doves, owls, woodpeckers etc.

23rd April. A Wryneck was reported at Sorisdale, Coll this lunchtime (Simon Wellock).

24th April. A male Short-eared Owl was giving the wing clapping display to a female at Carsaig, Mull (Bryan Rains).

28th April. Common Cuckoos were heard calling at four different sites in the Otter Ferry/Millhouse area of Cowal (Tom Callan).

30th April. A pair of Stock Doves re-appeared in a garden at Tayness, Kilmartin, Mid-Argyll this evening. They were after seeds dropping from a bird feeder on an apple tree, just like last year. (Brian John).

Passerines

14th April. A group of 12 Fieldfares were seen at Glenbranter, Cowal. Also, two Dippers were seen along the River Cur at the head of Loch Eck (Peter Woods).

16th April. A Magpie was seen in a garden at Achanadriane, near West Coast Salmon, Kintyre and another (or the same) was reported from Muasdale in the previous week (per Katie Pendreigh).

19th April. A Bullfinch newly arrived at Carnan Mor and another reported from Mannal were only the second and third ever spring records for Tiree. At least ten White Wagtails were along the coast east of Balephetrish (John Bowler). At least 20 Meadow Pipits were seen near Millhouse, Cowal (Tom Callan).

21st April. A late group of seven Fieldfares were seen in the garden at Glenbranter, Cowal, and a rookery at Strachur had 11 active nests (Peter Woods).

22nd April. Nine Willow Warblers were singing around Balvicar, Seil, Mid-Argyll and fourteen Twite were feeding on the golf course (Richard Wesley).

23rd April. The first Barn Swallow was seen swooping around the house at Tullochgorm, Minard at 15.40hrs (Paul Daw). Two Goldcrests and at least two ‘Greenland’ Wheatears were reported at Sorisdale, Coll this lunchtime (Simon Wellock).

24th April. Approximately ten Common Crossbills were feeding on pine seeds in the Caledonian Forest remnant at Loch Tulla, North Argyll (Bob Grove).

27th April. At least four Common Crossbills, including one male, were seen at Barnacarry, near Kilmore, Oban (Bob Grove). A flock of nine Common Crossbills was seen near Tullochgorm, Minard this morning (Paul Daw). Three White Wagtails were at Uisken, Mull and two Twite were at Fidden (Bryan Rains).

28th April. There were 35 apparently active burrows at the main Sand Martin colony at Millhouse, Cowal with ten further burrows at a smaller colony nearby (Tom Callan).

30th April. Totals of 49 Willow Warblers, four Common Crossbills and two Bullfinches were among species recorded near Kilfinan, Cowal during a Timed Tetrad Visit for the breeding Atlas this morning (Tom Callan). About seven Yellowhammers were present in a garden at Tayness, Kilmartin, Mid-Argyll (Brian John). A late influx of Barn Swallows was noted on Colonsay, including 28 at Loch Cholla (Jim Dickson).

Other sightings

18th April. A Peacock Butterfly was seen at Lusragan Burn, Connel (Mike Harrison).

19th April. Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are apparently becoming scarce now in England but about six or seven were at Rhunahaorine Point, Kintyre (Bill Allan).

22nd April A male Orange-tip Butterfly was seen at Taynuilt, Mid-Argyll (John Bowler).

27th April. A Green-veined White butterfly was seen at Balephuil, Tiree (John Bowler).

Update (number 70) on 22nd April 2008 (sightings for March and April 2008)

The description of the Whiskered Tern seen by Eddie Maguire at Machrihanish SBO on 9 July 2007 has been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee. This is a new species for Argyll and takes our total to 329. A Nuthatch has been seen and photographed at Calgary, Mull. This is the first for the island and only the sixth record for Argyll. A late Waxwing was seen in a garden at Loch Awe. Descriptions of Redhead and Western Bonelli’s Warbler, two more potential new species for Argyll, seen on Tiree, are still in circulation with BBRC.

Wildfowl (and gamebirds)

29th March. A flock of 46 Greenland White-fronted Geese was north of the A849 in field just west of Ardfenaig, Mull (NM 3223) and 16 Barnacle Geese were near Fidden Farm (NM 2922; Ron Youngman).

30th March. A flock of 16 Whoopers Swans (ten adults, six immatures) that was on Loch Beg, Mull (NM 5229) in the early morning had left by breakfast time (Ron Youngman).

31st March. A flock of 216 Barnacle Geese was on Inch Kenneth, Mull (Ron Youngman).

2nd April. One of the Black Grouse near Inverfolla, Appin, North Argyll was seeing off a male pheasant in the lekking stance (Mary Gregory)!

5th April. A male Long-tailed Duck and two Common Scoters were seen off ‘West Coast Salmon’, Kintyre (Malcolm Chattwood).

6th April. Eight Common Goldeneyes and 11 Tufted Ducks (five males, six females) were on Loch Leathan near Lochgilphead, five Whooper Swans (two adults, three immatures) were on Lochan Ceann a' Choin, near Ford, and 25 Greenland White-fronted Geese, and seven Whooper Swans were with Canada and Greylag Geese at Barsloisnoch, Moine Mhor (Jim Dickson). Seven Whooper Swans were feeding just over the garden fence at Balephuil, Tiree in a snow/hail storm (John Bowler).

7th April. A pair of Gadwall was newly arrived at Loch Bhasapol, Tiree and 41 Whooper Swans were also there (John Bowler).

8th April. A flock of 84 Greenland White-fronted Geese was counted in Appin, North Argyll (Mary Gregory) and a distant 30-40 geese going north at Achnabreck, near Lochgilphead were possibly also Greenland Whitefronts (Jim Dickson). Three Gadwalls at Loch Gruinart, Islay were very restless (John Armitage).

9th April. Two Red-legged Partridges were seen scratching about in a garden at Rhugarbh Croft, Appin, North Argyll this evening (Mary Gregory) and a male Red Grouse was seen at Creag an Fhithich, near Millhouse, Cowal (David Warden). A flock of c.150 ‘grey’ geese flew north-west in V-formation high over Tullochgorm, Minard this morning at 09.30hrs. They were possibly Greenland White-fronts but their calls too distant to hear clearly (Paul Daw). A single Whooper Swan was at Ardrishaig, Mid-Argyll this afternoon (Jim Dickson).

11th April. Seven Whooper Swans were flying north along the coast at Portnahaven, Islay this morning and a significant proportion of the wintering Barnacle and White-fronted Geese left Islay overnight (John Armitage). Four Tufted Ducks (two males, 2 females) were at Barnluasgan, near Bellanoch, Mid-Argyll and 25 Whooper Swans were in the Add Estuary, mostly sleeping. At least three of the swans were ringed (Jim Dickson). Fifteen Whooper Swans were at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree, two Long-tailed Ducks were off Traigh Bhagh and an early brood of ten Mallard ducklings was seen with a female at Loch an Eilein (John Bowler). A pair of Goosanders was on Loch Goil this evening, close to the road in front of the holiday village, with seven Common Goldeneyes further out (James Towill).

13th April. Four Pink-footed Geese, 17 Whooper Swans and three Gadwalls were at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree (John Bowler). There were still four Common Goldeneyes in Tralee Bay, North Argyll (Robin Harvey).

14th April. Two Whooper Swans, three Little Grebes and two Tufted Ducks were at Dubh Loch near Loch Seil, Mid-Argyll (Richard Wesley).

15th April. Approximately 50 Greenland White-fronted Geese flew north over Balemartine, Tiree – a big ‘clear out’ of wintering geese was taking place (John Bowler).

16th April. A Black Swan was an unexpected visitor to Loch a' Phuill, Tiree along with 11 Whooper Swans and four Gadwalls, and 30 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Gott Bay (John Bowler).

17th April. A male Goosander was an unusual visitor to Loch Kinnabus, The Oa, Islay (Andy Schofield).

Seabirds, Divers, Grebes, Shearwaters, Herons etc. (and other seawatch species)

12th March. Three early Manx Shearwaters were seen from Machrihanish Seabird Observatory (Eddie Maguire).

5th April. Three Slavonian Grebes in breeding plumage were seen off ‘West Coast Salmon’, Kintyre (Malcolm Chattwood).

8th April. A Black-throated Diver and two Great Northern Divers were seen at Kilfinan Bay, Cowal (David Warden).

9th April. Three Great Northern Divers and 14 Black-throated Divers were seen off Ormsary, Knapdale this afternoon (Jim Dickson).

10th April. A group of nine Black-throated Divers (in various plumages from winter to breeding) was an unusual sight off Lachlan Castle, Loch Fyne. Three Northern Gannets and four Shags were also present and six Great Northern Divers were found in Kilfinan Bay, Cowal (David Warden).

11th April. A total of 28 Great Northern Divers was off Traigh Bhagh, Tiree (John Bowler).

12th April. A tight flock of 15 Great Northern Divers was in Gott Bay, Tiree (John Bowler).

13th April. Four Great Northern Divers were seen at Claonaig, Kintyre, one in winter plumage and three in breeding plumage (Malcolm Chattwood) and two Red-throated Divers in full breeding plumage were at the Powder Dams, Cowal (Daphne Campbell).

14th April. A pair of Little Grebes was seen at Loch Melldalloch, Cowal and another pair was at pond nearby on the following day (15th) (Tom Callan).

16th April. Single pairs of Black-throated Divers were seen at two lochs in the Loch Avich area (Iain Gibson).

17th April. A heronry with four Grey Heron nests visible (three definitely occupied) was seen at Melfort, Mid-Argyll (NM834144, Iain Gibson).

18th April. On the ferry back to Oban from Colonsay this evening a group of six Manx Shearwaters was flying north, at about 20.45hrs when, out of nowhere, a Peregrine took one of the birds. Fortunately for the Manx the Peregrine lost grip and its intended supper fell into the water, whilst the Peregrine raced off towards the mainland (Alan Davis). There was a close encounter with a Great Northern Diver as one flew around the stern of the Islay ferry as it was going astern towards the pier at Port Ellen. Great Northern Divers in breeding plumage were also seen off Ardpatrick Point, Knapdale (four) and in West Loch Tarbert (three) (Malcolm Chattwood).

Raptors, Rails etc

21st March. A juvenile Northern Goshawk was reported near Coullabus, Islay. A description is being supplied and, if accepted, it will be the first confirmed record on Islay for many years (Jeremy Hastings per Malcolm Ogilvie).

30th March. A female Hen Harrier was hunting the hill north of Loch Beg (NM 5229; Ron Youngman).

1st April. Two returning Ospreys were seen at Loch Ederline, Mid-Argyll (Bill Allan and Karl Pipes).

2nd April. Common Buzzards lived up to their name around Loch Awe this morning. Two were in flight over Eredine village (NM971094), five were interacting in and around a tall conifer by loch shore at Coille Chuil, near Blarghour (NM985131) and three were soaring off steep rock outcrop at Ballimeanoch Farm (NN012178) (Karl Pipes).

3rd April. An Osprey was at a (second) nest site on Loch Awe, Mid-Argyll (Karl Pipes)

5th April. Two White-tailed Eagles were reported at Loch Scammadale, near Oban, at least one of which was an adult bird (Bob Grove). A male Hen Harrier was hunting over Lochgilphead meadows (Jim Dickson).

8th April. A Northern Goshawk was reported on Islay – we are hoping for a detailed description (per Andy Schofield).

11th April. A Merlin flying along the coast at Portnahaven, Islay this morning was probably a migrant (John Armitage).

12th April. A Water Rail was at Balephuil, Tiree (John Bowler).

13th April. Two White-tailed Eagles were reported at Musdale, near Oban – possibly the same birds as those at Scammadale on 5th (per Richard Wesley). An Osprey over The Lodge, Arinagour, Coll at 09.30hrs today flew towards Cliad (Simon Wellock).

14th April. An Osprey flew north-east over Melfort , Mid-Argyll (Robert C Donaldson per Iain Gibson).

15th April. The first Corn Crake of the year on Tiree was calling at Balephuil (John Bowler). An Osprey was fishing in Loch Tulla, North Argyll at about 15.15hrs (Dr Nigel Suess).

17th April. A Red Kite was reported near Loch Gorm, Islay (Andy Schofield).

Waders

29th March. A flock of 122 Golden Plovers was seen near Fidden Farm, Mull (NM 3021; Ron Youngman).

2nd April. Two Greenshanks were at Ulva Lagoons, Loch Sween (Jim Dickson). A very early Common Sandpiper was reported at Lochdon Bridge, Mull (Richard Atkinson per Alan Spellman).

7th April. Eleven Ringed Plovers and seven Turnstones were seen at Kilfinan Bay, Cowal (David Warden).

8th April. Approximately 30 Northern Lapwings were in suitable nesting habitat in the Tayinloan, Kintyre area (Katie Pendreigh) and eight Golden Plovers in summer plumage were along the shores of Loch Spelve, Mull (Alan Spellman).

9th April. A total of c.3,700 Golden Plovers was at The Reef, Tiree and a Jack Snipe was at Ceann a' Mhara (John Bowler). Approximately 45 Turnstones at Otter Ferry were all still in winter plumage (Tom Callan).

10th April. A Common Snipe was drumming snipe above the house at Rhugarbh Croft, Appin, North Argyll this evening. Mary had never heard one there before (Mary Gregory).

11th April. A single Common Sandpiper was seen at East Loch Fada on Colonsay (Alan Davis). Four Bar-tailed Godwits were still at Loch Gilp and two Greenshanks were in the Add Estuary, Mid-Argyll (Jim Dickson). Approximately 2,000 Golden Plovers were at The Reef, Tiree and 400 were at Loch a' Phuill (John Bowler).

14th April. A flock of 44 Common Redshanks at Loch an Eilein, Tiree presumably comprised migrants (John Bowler).

16th April. Seven Whimbrels were seen north of the pier at Tayinloan, Kintyre (Katie Pendreigh). A Common Sandpiper was seen in the Add Estuary (Jim Dickson) and one was also at Stremnishmore, The Oa, Islay (Andy Schofield). Two Greenshanks were seen in Fearnach Bay, Loch Melfort (NM834140; Iain Gibson).

17th April. Two Common Sandpipers were at Ardilistry, Islay and 35 Golden Plovers and two Dotterel were at Ballinaby (Andy Schofield). A few Black-tailed Godwits were around on Tiree, including seven at Loch Bhasapol and four at Loch an Eilein (John Bowler). Three Common Sandpipers were seen in Fearnach Bay (NM834140), Loch Melfort and one was at Loch na Cille (NM841126), Loch Sween (Iain Gibson).

18th April. Scattered groups of Golden Plovers were on Tiree with 4,200 concentrated at The Reef (John Bowler).

Skuas, gulls, terns and auks

23rd March. An early Sandwich Tern was at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory (Eddie Maguire).

2nd April. The adult Ring-billed Gull was showing very well today on the George Street foreshore, in Oban. It is now into the ninth month for this latest visit, having returned last August for its fourth consecutive winter (Stuart Gibson).

3rd April. A superb second-winter Iceland Gull was at Ardrishaig, just south of entrance to the Crinan Canal, perched on some boulders (Roger Broad).

5th April. A first-winter Glaucous Gull was at The Reef, Tiree (John Bowler).

8th April. Three Sandwich Terns were at Tayinloan, Kintyre (Katie Pendreigh).

9th April. A first-summer Iceland Gull was at Ormsary, Knapdale this afternoon (Jim Dickson) and the adult Ring-billed Gull was present in Oban again (Stuart Gibson). A survey of Black Guillemots at dawn at Ceann a' Mhara, Tiree, found 30 birds - up on last year's total (John Bowler). Two Sandwich Terns were at Port Ellen, Islay together with a first-winter Iceland Gull, and an adult Iceland Gull was at Bunnahabhain (Andy Schofield). Two more Sandwich Terns flew north at Tayinloan, Kintyre (Katie Pendreigh).

15th April. The first Little Tern was seen at Gott Bay, Tiree (John Bowler).

16th April. The first Common Tern was at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree (John Bowler), 12 Sandwich Terns were at Port Ellen, Islay and a Great Skua was at the Oa (Andy Schofield). At least 20 Razorbills were seen flying south through the narrows off Otter Ferry spit (Tom Callan).

17th April. A first-winter Iceland Gull was at Loch Bhasapol, Tiree (John Bowler).

18th April. Two Little Terns were at Gott Bay, Tiree. Single birds have been there daily at since 15 April (John Bowler). A first-winter (or possibly second-winter) Iceland Gull was at the Port Ellen ferry terminal, Islay (Malcolm Chattwood).

Doves, owls, woodpeckers etc.

30th March. Single Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen on Mull, in a wood west of Kinloch Inn, Kinloch (NM 533282) and in a coastal wood near Loch Buie (NM 589240) (Ron Youngman).

9th April. A very early Common Cuckoo was seen at Scalasaig, Colonsay (Alan Davis). A pair of Stock Doves visited the garden at Tayness, Kilmartin, Mid-Argyll where they were seen last summer (Brian John).

12th April. The first local Common Cuckoo was seen and heard at Colintraive, Cowal (Danielle and Graham Clarke).

14th April. The first Common Cuckoo on Mull was seen, but not heard, along the Grasspoint road this afternoon (Alan Spellman).

15th April. Another early Common Cuckoo was seen calling at the Victoria Bridge car park, north-west of Bridge of Orchy, North Argyll at 09.00hrs (Nigel Suess & George Cragg).

18th April. A Common Cuckoo was seen, being harassed by Meadow Pipits, at The Oa, Islay (Malcolm Chattwood).

Passerines

13th March. A very early Northern Wheatear was reported on Islay (per Andy Schofield).

22nd March. An early Sand Martin was reported on Islay (per Andy Schofield).

23rd March. An early Northern Wheatear was at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory (Eddie Maguire).

24th March. A flock of Common Starlings at a garden at Drimfern, Glen Aray, Mid-Argyll had built up to at least 20 birds by this date and a Grey Wagtail was also present (Judith Witts).

31st March. Three Northern Wheatears were seen at the north end of Gleann Seilisdeir, Mull (Ron Youngman) and a Common Raven was seen at its nest site on Kerrara, near Oban (Ron Stevenson).

1st April. A single Barn Swallow was reported at Seil, Mid-Argyll (John Sedgwick) The same day that a group of 20 was at Kilchurn Castle (see Latest Report 69). A Little Bunting has been reported on Islay during the past week (Dave Budworth & Adrian Blackburn per Malcolm Ogilvie).

2nd April. A Common Chiffchaff was singing at Achnabreck, near Lochgilphead, Mid-Argyll and a female Northern Wheatear was at Ulva Lagoons, Loch Sween (Jim Dickson). Sand Martins were reported on Mull (per Alan Spellman).

3rd April. A Northern Wheatear was on the Loch Gilp shoreline nearer to Lochgilphead (Roger Broad) and another was at Tayinloan, Kintyre near Point Sands (Katie Pendreigh). A Redwing was in almost full song at Balephuil, Tiree and scattered small flocks around West Tiree numbered some 150 birds (John Bowler).

4th April. An early House Martin was seen at Kilbride Bay, Cowal and three Sky Larks were singing nearby (Daphne Campbell). Four Fieldfares were at Balephuil, Tiree (John Bowler). A Northern Wheatear was on the golf course at Balvicar, Seil Island (Richard Wesley).

5th April. A Magpie was seen in a garden at Peninver, Kintyre (NR758243) this morning (John Craig per David Lord) – also see 9th April and 12th April. Early spring has become a traditional time for wandering Magpies to be reported away from the core breeding area in the Dunoon area. According to the literature Magpies are very sedentary and there seems to be no mention anywhere of birds wandering in early spring. So, this behaviour is something of a mystery. Approximately 100 Redwings were noted in the Balephuil-Crossapol area of Tiree and 40 Fieldfares were at Crossapol (John Bowler).

6th April. A female Common Crossbill was seen feeding three or four young in the forest near Blarghour Farm, Loch Awe, Mid-Argyll (Delys Marks). Sand Martins had arrived in force in the Loch Awe area, with 65 at Loch Ederline, 15 at Loch Leathan and ten at An Lodan, and a single Barn Swallow was at Barsloisnoch. A total of 115 Meadow Pipits was around Kilmartin, and ten Sky Larks, a Redwing and 11 Fieldfares were seen in Kilmichael Glen, Mid-Argyll (Jim Dickson). Small numbers, of mainly male, Northern Wheatears were seen on Colonsay (Alan Davis). A Barn Swallow at Bridgend, near Lochgilphead was the first seen there (Malcolm Chattwood).

7th April. A lone early Barn Swallow flew over Bridgend, near Lochgilphead - ten minutes later there were a few snowflakes falling (Malcolm Chattwood). Three White Wagtails were at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree with ten Pied Wagtails (John Bowler).

8th April. Two adult Common Crossbills (male & female) were at Achnabreck near Lochgilphead this morning and 15 Redwings were at Barsloisnoch, Moine Mhor (Jim Dickson). Two Northern Wheatears were on the golf course at Balvicar, Seil Island (Richard Wesley). The first Barn Swallow and a singing Willow Warbler were reported on Mull and a Common Chiffchaff was singing at Lochdon (Alan Spellman). Approximately ten Redwings were at Portnahaven, Islay this morning (John Armitage).

9th April. First Chiffchaffs of the year were heard singing at Loch Gair this morning (Paul Daw) and at Kilmory, near Lochgilphead (Malcolm Chattwood) and Otter Ferry (Tom Callan). The first Barn Swallow at Rhugarbh Croft, Appin, North Argyll was seen this evening (Mary Gregory). The first Willow Warblers occurred on Islay with a sprinkling of Sand Martins, Barn Swallows and Northern Wheatears (Andy Schofield). A Magpie was seen at Otter Ferry (Tom Callan) and Magpies have been reported in Cowal during the past week, near Colintraive and in Glendaruel (Arthur French per George Newall). Two Northern Wheatears were at Ceann a' Mhara, Tiree, and a Chiffchaff was at Balephuil (first of spring here), together with c.50 Redwings (John Bowler).

10th April. A Eurasian Nuthatch seen and photographed in a garden at Calgary, Mull was the first record in Argyll away from the mainland and only the sixth for the county (Andrew Mortley). Nuthatches have been spreading northwards in Scotland for some years and we may expect more Argyll records in the near future. A single Barn Swallow was seen at Scalasaig, Colonsay (Alan Davis). A Northern Wheatear was at Tayinloan, Kintyre and a Common Chiffchaff was singing at Largie Woods (Katie Pendreigh). The first Sand Martin was seen at Braevallich, Loch Awe (NM955077; Karl Pipes) and four Sand Martins were at Loch Feochan (Richard Wesley). A gathering of 17 Sand Martins was at a colony at Ormidale, Cowal with at least six burrows being refurbished (David Warden). A group of five Redwings was seen briefly in the garden at Bridgend, near Lochgilphead (Malcolm Chattwood).

11th April. Four Willow Warblers were singing at Corrow Farm near Lochgoilhead, with seven Sand Martins flying overhead. A single Common Crossbill and a pair of Grey Wagtails were in forestry nearby at Gleann Ban and a further six Crossbills were found west of Beinn Tharsuinn. Approximatley 300 Meadow Pipits, a female Northern Wheatear and 17 Hooded Crows were in fields west of Inveronich, Lochgoilhead (James Towill). A trio of Northern Wheatears was at Portnahaven, Islay this morning (John Armitage) and two Willow Warblers were singing at Barnluasgan, near Bellanoch, Mid-Argyll (though possibly fairly widespread by now) (Jim Dickson). A Barn Swallow was reported at Dunstaffnage, Mid-Argyll (per Robin Harvey). Three Northern Wheatears and 40 Redwings were at Balephuil, Tiree and a Siskin on a peanut feeder at Moss, Tiree was a rare sight there in spring (John Bowler). A single Willow Warbler was singing near the New Loch on Colonsay (Alan Davis). A mixed flock of 44 House Martins and Barn Swallows (c.60% House Martins:40% Barn Swallow) were feeding low over Loch Awe, near Blarghour Farm this evening (Delys Marks).

12th April. Two White Wagtails, two Northern Wheatears and two Linnets were at Port Ban, Tiree (John Bowler). A Chiffchaff was singing at Oban Seil, Seil, Mid-Argyll (Richard Wesley). More wandering Magpies - two were at Kilbride Croft, Seil, Mid-Argyll (Richard Wesley). Willow Warblers were widespread around Inveryne Farm, near Kilfinan, Cowal (Tom Callan).

13th April. A Lapland Bunting was located at the Glenforsa track up to the cottage of Kilbeg, near Salen Airstrip, Isle of Mull in amongst a very large flock of Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails. It stayed feeding with two Pied Wagtails until 16th April and an excellent photograph was obtained that showed the bird was a first-winter female (Sylvia & Mick Brennan). A White Wagtail and four Linnets were at Sorobaidh Bay, Tiree and two Sand Martins were newly arrived at Loch a' Phuill (John Bowler). A Willow Warbler was singing at Camuslaich, Seil (Richard Wesley) and another was seen singing at Benderloch, North Argyll (Robin Harvey).

14th April. The first Tree Pipit of the year was singing at Tullochgorm (Minard) Mid-Argyll this morning (Paul Daw). A first Barn Swallow for the area was at Tayinloan, Kintyre - it had disappeared after half an hour (Katie Pendreigh) and a Common Chiffchaff was singing at Tighnabruaich, Cowal (Daphne Campbell).

15th April. Two Common Crossbills were seen in Raera Forest near Loch Seil, Mid-Argyll (Richard Wesley).

16th April. Six Barn Swallows and a White Wagtail were at Sorobaidh Bay, Tiree and two Barn Swallows, three Sand Martins and ten White Wagtails were at Loch a' Phuill (John Bowler). A Timed Tetrad Visit near Tullochgorm, Minard for the Breeding Atlas found nine singing Willow Warblers and four singing Common Chiffchaffs (Paul Daw). The first House Martin was back at Aros, Islay and a Barn Swallow was at Loch Gruinart (Andy Schofield). The Eurasian Nuthatch on Mull was seen again today - at Dervaig some two miles from the original sighting (Arthur Brown and Shaun McCullagh). A Northern Wheatear was at Kilmichael Glassary, Mid-Argyll, three Sand Martins were at Braevallich, Loch Awe and five Sky Larks and a Common Stonechat were at Moine Mhor (Karl Pipes). Two Willow Warblers were singing at Loch an Losgainn Mor, near Kilmelford. A male Common Crossbill was singing in Raera Forest, near Kilmelford (NM829151) and another male was flying north-east over NM831151 (Iain Gibson). A pair of Common Crossbills was copulating on the C11 road at Otter Ferry (Tom Callan)

17th April. A late, lone Waxwing was seen and photographed in a garden at Eredine, Loch Awe (Karl Pipes). Co-incidentally another late single Waxwing was seen at Kilmory, Mid-Argyll on exactly the same date in 2003. A female Yellowhammer was an unusual visitor to a garden at Drimfern, Glen Aray, Mid-Argyll (Judith Witts). A flock of 20 Siskins was in the garden at Aros, Islay (Andy Schofield) and no less than 25 Northern Wheatears were at Ceann a' Mhara late this afternoon (John Bowler). Two Northern Wheatears were seen in Fearnach Bay, Loch Melfort (Iain Gibson).

18th April. A very interesting female Crossbill with two white wing bars was photographed in the garden at Eredine, Mid-Argyll (Karl Pipes). Watch this space! Six Sand Martins were flying around the quarry at Auchgoyle, Millhouse, Cowal (NR960698; Jane Mitchell) and a Willow Warbler was singing at the ferry terminal at Kennacraig, Kintyre (Malcolm Chattwood).

Other sightings

4th April. An optimistic Small Tortoiseshell butterfly was at Balemartine, Tiree (John Bowler).

5th April. Another early Small Tortoiseshell was seen at Balvicar, Seil, Mid-Argyll (Richard Wesley).

20th. A lone Green-veined White butterfly flying in the garden at Tullochgorm, Minard, despite the stiff easterly breeze, was the first of the year here (Paul Daw).

Update (number 69) on 2nd April 2008 (sightings for late March 2008)

Many Whooper Swans were on the move and our first passerine migrants arrived at last.

Wildfowl (and gamebirds)

4th March. Four Eurasian Wigeon, 12 Eurasian Teal and a pair of Common Goldeneyes were at Loch Beg, Mull (Bryan Rains).

6th March. An early group of seven Whooper Swans was on Loch Gilp (no darvic rings) (Simon Lawrence).

10th March. A single Whooper Swan was at Loch Beg, Mull early in the morning, resting in strong easterly winds. Later it flew off to the east (Bryan Rains).

11th March. A drake Gadwall was at Bunessan, Mull and six Eurasian Wigeon were at Loch Beg. The Gadwall was seen at Bunessan on several dates until the end of the month (Bryan Rains).

16th March. Four Greenland White-fronted Geese and a single Pink-footed Goose were at Gruline, Mull and four Whooper Swans were on the three lochs in Glen More (Bryan Rains).

17th March. Eight Eurasian Teal, three Mallards and six Common Goldeneyes were on Loch Melldalloch, Cowal (Tom Callan).

18th March. A flock of 49 Whooper Swans flew north over Lochgilphead at 19.40hrs towards the Crinan Estuary (Christine Lawrence) where they were seen later by Louise Wood. Totals of 11 Greenland White-fronted Geese, 38 Common Shelducks, eight Eurasian Wigeon, 33 Eurasian Teal, four Mallards and 20 Common Goldeneyes were seen in the Ulva Lagoons/Ceann an t-Sailein area of Loch Sween (Tom Callan/David Warden).

22nd March. A flock of 18 Whooper Swans dropped into a field at Kenovay, Tiree for a few hours before moving on (John Bowler).

23rd March. The first-winter female Surf Scoter was again at Hough Bay, Tiree with 15 Long-tailed Ducks (John Bowler).

24th March. A shore-based survey of seaducks, divers and grebes along the east coast of Kintyre (Skipness–Campbeltown Loch) found seven Common Shelducks, 94 Common Eiders, three Common Goldeneyes and 17 Red-breasted Mergansers, and a mixed flock of 15 Whooper Swans and 22 Greylag Geese were feeding together in a field near Westport car park north of Campbeltown in the afternoon (Paul Daw).

24th March. A flock of 58 Whooper Swans were at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree (John Bowler).

25th March. A Red-legged Partridge was seen running across the main road in Tighnabruaich, Cowal (Linda Petty per Steve Petty).

26th March. A lekking male Black Grouse was with a female at a site near Strachur, Cowal this morning (Tom Callan).

27th March. Many Whooper Swans were on the move on Tiree. Odd small groups were flying over all day, plus 42 which came in off the sea from the south at 12.30hrs and landed at Loch an Eilein for a few hours before moving on. These included the neck-collared bird 2J53 which last seen on Tiree in October 2001! (John Bowler). Things were just as busy on the mainland. A group of 17 Whooper Swans were grounded in heavy rain at Loch Gilp; seven were ringed birds but just too distant to read (Jim Dickson). A flock of 50 was flying north, offshore, up the coast just north of Westport Beach Machrihanish, Kintyre at 18.30hrs and a group of ten were on fields at the Laggan (Simon Lawrence). Thirty-three Whooper Swans were seen flying north over Kames, Cowal at 07.38hrs (Steve Petty). Later in the day (c.11.00hrs) another v-formation of 70-80 was reported flying north from the same location (Joan Johnston per Steve Petty). Two male Reeve's Pheasants were seen at Otter Ferry (Tom Callan).

28th March. Again, large numbers of Whoopers Swans were moving through. A total of 208 around West Tiree included a flock of 74 that dropped in on Loch Bhasapol plus 16 that flew north from Loch a' Phuill (John Bowler)

29th March. A flock of 18 Whooper Swans were heading north over Lochgilphead meadows at 07.15hrs, probably the same flock as on 28th, + 1 bird (Jim Dickson), and nine dropped in at Loch Beg, Mull at 18.45hrs to roost overnight. They flew off west at 10.00hrs the following morning (Bryan Rains). A group of 23 Canada Geese were grazing in a grass field at Blarghour Farm, Loch Awe (NM994138, Karl Pipes), and 53 Greylag Geese were on the flood plain near Dunamuck (Moine Mhor), Mid-Argyll (Malcolm Chattwood).

31st March. A single Pale-bellied Brent Goose was with 1,600 Barnacle Geese at Balephetrish, Tiree (John Bowler).

Seabirds, Divers, Grebes, Shearwaters, Herons etc. (and other seawatch species)

4th March. A Black-throated Diver and 24 Great Northern Divers were seen on Loch Scridain, Mull (Bryan Rains)

15th March. A Black-throated Diver and 24 Great Northern Divers were seen on Loch Scridain, Mull (Bryan Rains).

16th March. Numbers of Great Northern Divers reached 31 on Loch Scridain, Mull (Bryan Rains).

17th March. Three Red-throated Divers, two in breeding plumage and one in winter plumage, were off Otter Ferry (Tom Callan).

18th March. A Black-throated Diver in winter plumage and five Great Northern Divers in winter plumage were at the mouth of Loch na Cille, Loch Sween (Tom Callan/David Warden).

19th March. Two Red-throated Divers and four Great Northern Divers were seen on Loch Scridain, Mull (Bryan Rains).

23rd March. A Black-throated Diver was seen on Loch Avich Mid-Argyll (John McAvoy).

24th March. A shore-based survey of seaducks, divers and grebes along the east coast of Kintyre (Skipness–Campbeltown Loch) today found a Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver and three Great Northern Divers in the Skipness/Claonaig area and four Red-throated Divers together in Campbeltown Loch. Three of the latter were still completely in winter plumage while one was in full breeding plumage (Paul Daw).Two Red-throated Divers were seen near the mouth of Loch na Cille, Loch Sween (Malcolm Chattwood).

25th March. A total of at least 34 Great Cormorants were visible at the breeding colony on Glas Eilean, Loch Fyne, Mid-Argyll (Tom Callan).

28th March. Two Great Northern Divers have been seen regularly just outside Oban by a charter boat (Mara Mhor) operator on his short tour to the seal rock just behind Kerrera (Ron Stevenson - website).

30th March. A total of 33 Great Northern Divers were counted on Loch Scridain, Mull (Bryan Rains). Note that the high numbers for Great Northern Divers at Loch Scridain are all evening counts where birds gather to roost on the open water. A Red-throated Diver in breeding plumage and a Black-throated Diver in winter plumage were off Otter Ferry, two Black-throated Divers in winter plumage were out towards the middle of Loch Fyne and three Great Northern Divers in a variety of intermediate plumages were off Glas Eilean, Loch Fyne (Tom Callan).

Raptors, Rails etc

11th March. Two Hen Harriers were at Bunessan, Mull (Bryan Rains).

17th March. A Common Kestrel was sitting on a nest stack (possibly belonging to a nearby pair of Common Ravens) at a cliff quarry on the mainland side of Clachan sound where water course under the Atlantic Bridge joins the Sound (Karl Pipes).

21st March. An immature White-tailed Eagle was seen flying from Craobh Haven Mid-Argyll towards Luing via Arduaine Point and Degnish (John McAvoy).

22nd March. A Moorhen ran across the road at Bellanoch, Mid-Argyll (Anne-Lise & Eric Dickie).

23rd March. A male Hen Harrier was seen in Glen Nant, Mid-Argyll (NN013277, Steve Hunt) and three Hen Harriers (a male and two females) were at Ardchrishnish, near Bunessan, Mull (Bryan Rains).

29th March. One male Common Kestrel on Kames Golf course (Cowal) was still present on 30th March (Steve Petty).

30th March. A Peregrine Falcon was flying above a forestry track, heading SSW near Blarghour, Loch Awe (NM998125, Karl Pipes).

Waders

4th March. A flock of 30 Northern Lapwings was at Loch Beg, Mull (Bryan Rains).

11th March. Flocks of 60 Northern Lapwings and 60 European Golden Plovers were at Fidden, Mull and a Greenshank was at Loch Beg (Bryan Rains).

20th March. A Woodcock was in the garden at Balephuil, Tiree (John Bowler).

24th March. A high-tide roost at ‘Stinky Hole’, Campbeltown Loch held 196 Oystercatcher and 40 Eurasian Curlews at lunch-time (Paul Daw).

25th March. A Woodcock was roding over Cairnbaan, Mid-Argyll (Jim Dickson).

30th March. Nine Common Redshanks, 22 Eurasian Curlews and c.40 Turnstones were on the spit at Otter Ferry (Tom Callan).

Skuas, gulls, terns and auks

23rd March. The adult Ring-billed Gull was at the George Street foreshore at lunchtime (Stuart Gibson). It was present again on 26th March.

28th March. Two interesting gulls were at Cornaig, Tiree this afternoon. One was a small very dark-backed Lesser Black-back with very long wings - reminiscent of Baltic Gull and the other was a large white-headed strong black-billed first-winter Herring Gull type - a putative Yellow-legged Gull (John Bowler).

29th March. The putative first-winter Yellow-legged Gull was back at Cornaig briefly early in the morning, but not since and an adult Iceland Gull was at Cornaig with 160 Black-headed Gulls at Cornaig/Bhasapol (John Bowler).

30th March. Two first-winter Glaucous Gulls and a first-winter Iceland Gull were at the southern corner of Asknish Bay, Traigh nam Musgan, near Craobh Haven, Mid-Argyll (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Dickie), and a first-winter Glaucous Gull was at Loch Bhasapol, Tiree (John Bowler).

31st March. A first-winter Glaucous Gull was at Cornaig, Tiree, but there was no sign of the Yelow-legged Gull (John Bowler).

Doves, owls, woodpeckers etc.

4th March. A total of 12 Collared Doves were at Pennyghael, Mull - the highest count there to date (Bryan Rains).

17th March. A total of 15 Wood Pigeons flew by during period of 10mins near The ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’ Seil Island, Mid-Argyll (Karl Pipes).

Passerines

17th March. Two Bullfinches were at Beach, Mull (Bryan Rains), and c.30 Meadow Pipits were at Auchgoyle Cottage, near Millhouse, Cowal (Tom Callan).

21st March. A male and a female Common Crossbill were at Meall Mhor, near Tarbert, Mid-Argyll (Malcolm Chattwood).

23rd March. Garden bird watch records at West Loch Tarbert, Kintyre in the past week included a Great Spotted Woodpecker and two Eurasian Treecreepers (Barbara McMillan). A flock of at least 100 Redwings was seen over Loch Tralaig, near Oban (John McAvoy). Two Lesser Redpolls flying over a usual breeding colony site at Kames Golf Course, Cowal were the first to be seen this year (Steve Petty).

24th March. A Song Thrush with a distinctive russet cap at Balephuil Tiree could have been of the race hebridensis (John Bowler).

25th March. There were reports of single male Northern Wheatears from Happy Valley, Hynish and Baugh, Tiree (per John Bowler). Nine Common Crossbills were at Loch Beg, Mull (Bryan Rains) and two Eurasian Jays were seen in Glen Euchar, near Oban (Anne-Lise & Eric Dickie).

26th March. A hen Blackbird has been nest-building in ivy in a garden at Campbell Crescent, Oban (Stuart Gibson). Two Goldcrests arrived on cue this morning in the Balephuil, Tiree garden after the winds turned to the south-east overnight (John Bowler). A flock of 45 Meadow Pipits and two very bright male and a female Reed Buntings were at Clachan of Glendaruel, Cowal (Tom Callan).

27th March. Three White Wagtails were at Traigh nan Gilean, Tiree amongst c.20 Pied Wagtails and c.30 Meadow Pipits. A single Goldcrest was at Balephuil and four Greenfinches at Heylipol Church (John Bowler). Eight Song Thrushes (some very dark) and four Blackbirds were at Strone Farm, near Otter Ferry, Cowal and at least two Common Crossbills were heard calling as they flew over (Tom Callan).

29th March. Two White Wagtails were with two Pied Wagtails at Barr Beith Point, Loch Awe (NN005153, Karl Pipes) and a Eurasian Jay was at Loch Coille Bharr, near Bellanoch, Mid-Argyll (Malcolm Chattwood).

31st March. A very spring-like day produced a small flurry of migrants. The first Northern Wheatears appeared on the mainland. Two were seen flying away at Craignish Point (couldn’t discern gender) (Malcolm Chattwood) and a pair was at Loch Scammadale, Mid-Argyll. The first returning Sand Martins (a group of 12) were feeding over a man-made loch off the River Feochan at Glen Feochan House, near Oban (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Dickie) and the first Chiffchaff was heard singing in a garden in Dunoon this afternoon (George Newall). On Tiree, two Goldcrests were at Balephuil including a male in full song (rare here, John Bowler). Six Twite and a Reed Bunting were at Fidden, Mull and four Yellowhammers were at Bunessan (Bryan Rains).

1st April. A group of 20 or more Barn Swallows was swooping low over the water in heavy rain near Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe (Allan Grey).

Other sightings

17th March. Two Otters, an adult and a juvenile were disturbed from bushes at foot of cliff near The ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’ Seil Island, Mid-Argyll (Karl Pipes).

27th March. A long-dead 5m Cuvier's Beaked Whale was at Traigh nan Gilean, Tiree, which was apparently the ninth Scottish stranding of this species in the last two months (John Bowler).

Update (number 68) on 21st March 2008 (March 2008)

Wildfowl (and gamebirds)

2nd March. At least 80 Barnacle Geese were at Fidden, Mull and pairs of Common Goldeneyes and Goosanders were at Loch Beg (Bryan Rains).

4th March. Two Ptarmigan in winter plumage were seen on Binnein an Fhidhleir, above Glen Kinglas, Cowal (John Fleming per Peter Woods). The first-winter female Surf Scoter was photographed at Hough Bay, Tiree (Bill Allan)

7th March. A super male Reeve’s Pheasant was seen at Ardtaraig, Cowal. Also, another very dark-green cock pheasant crossed in front of the car at the head of loch Scriven – very similar to a Green Pheasant (Steve Petty).

8th March. The WeBS count at Loch Melldalloch, Cowal found pairs of Eurasian Teal and Tufted Duck and nine Common Goldeneyes. A flock of 17 Whooper Swans were seen flying north over the Powder Dams, near Millhouse (Tom Callan).

9th March. The WeBS count at Kilfinan Bay, Cowal found 25 Greylag Geese, two Canada Geese, 58 Common Eiders and six Mallards, and seven Common Shelducks were at the head of Loch Striven (Tom Callan).

11th March. The WeBS count at Holy Loch, Cowal found four Mute Swans, six Common Shelducks, 98 Eurasian Wigeon, 35 Eurasian Teal, 30 Mallards, 76 Common Eiders, eight Common Goldeneyes and eight Red-breasted Mergansers (George Newall).

14th March. The WeBS count at Loch Sween, Mid-Argyll found three Mute Swans, 158 Greenland White-fronted Geese, 15 Greylag Geese, 13 Canada Geese, 23 Common Shelducks, 31 Eurasian Wigeon, 30 Eurasian Teal, 24 Mallards, nine Common Eiders, 46 Common Goldeneyes and 40 Red-breasted Mergansers (Paul Daw).

16th March. Ten Eurasian Wigeon and two drake Common Goldeneyes were on Upper Loch Creran, North Argyll (Robin Harvey). A Red Grouse and two Ptarmigan were seen on Beinn Bhreac, near Barcaldine, North Argyll (Debi Brennan per Robin Harvey).

17th March. A shore-based survey of seaducks, divers and grebes in upper Loch Fyne (Furnace–Largiemore south to Kilfinan Bay–Inverneil) found 269 Common Eiders, 79 Common Goldeneyes, and 43 Red-breasted Mergansers (Paul Daw). A total of 64 Whooper Swans were seen on Tiree during the goose count, including a group of 14 that dropped in at Loch an Eilein from the south (John Bowler).

18th March. The goose count on Tiree found a total of 80 Whooper Swans (plus four more headed north over Sandaig at 12.50hrs), four Pink-footed Geese at Middleton and two Pale-bellied Brent Geese. The first-winter female Surf Scoter was at Hough Bay again (John Bowler).

Seabirds, Divers, Grebes, Shearwaters, Herons etc. (and other seawatch species)

4th March. Three Red-throated Divers off Otter Ferry were in partial breeding plumage (Tom Callan).

11th March. The WeBS count at Holy Loch, Cowal found a single Red-throated Diver, five Little Grebes, six Shags and four Grey Herons (George Newall).

12th March. Two Northern Gannets were seen from Tighnabruaich fishing in the Kyles of Bute (Daphne Campbell).

14th March. The WeBS count at Loch Sween, Mid-Argyll found two Red-throated Divers, three Great Northern Divers, five Little Grebes, 12 Shags and nine Grey Herons (Paul Daw). The first good morning for ages produced 80+ Northern Gannets (all flying south), 20+ Kittiwakes (all adults) and 70+ auks (mostly Common Guillemots) from the 08.30hrs Portavadie/Tarbert Ferry. Four Little Grebes and were found in Tarbert Harbour (Steve Petty).

17th March. A shore-based survey of seaducks, divers and grebes in upper Loch Fyne (Furnace–Largiemore south to Kilfinan Bay–Inverneil) found ten Red-throated Divers, two Black-throated Divers, four Great Northern Divers and just a single Little Grebe (Paul Daw). Thirty-two Great Cormorants were visible at the colony at Glas Eilean, Loch Fyne and 11 Black Guillemots were around Otter Ferry (Tom Callan).

19th March. A total of 23 Common Goldeneyes were counted at the head of Loch Feochan, near Oban (Paul Daw).

Raptors, Rails etc

4th March. Three Common Kestrels were seen in the area around Otter Ferry (Tom Callan).

6th March. A male and a female Hen Harrier were seen hunting near Otter Ferry (Tom Callan).

7th March. A male Hen Harrier was hunting in the field in the front of the house at Tayness/Slockavullin, near Kilmartin (Brian John).

Waders

1st March. A total of 22 Common Redshanks was sheltering from a south-west gale on the shore at Otter Ferry, Cowal (Tom Callan).

2nd March. Approximately 30 Ringed Plovers, 16 Dunlin, 24 Eurasian Curlews and c.40 Turnstones were on the shore at Otter Ferry (Tom Callan). Two Common Snipes, 64 Golden Plovers and 90 Northern Lapwings were at Fidden, Mull, and 24 Golden Plovers and 12 Ringed Plovers were at Loch Beg (Bryan Rains)

4th March. Five Bar-tailed Godwits were at Loch Gilp (Jim Dickson)

5th March. A Common Sandpiper flushed from the shore at Otter Ferry may have been an over wintering bird or, just possibly, a very early migrant (Tom Callan).

7th March. Totals of 32 Dunlin and 56 Turnstones were at the mouth of the burn at Kilail, Otter Ferry (Tom Callan).

8th March. A Woodcock was at Balemartine, Tiree and 165 Oystercatchers were at Loch a' Phuill (John Bowler).

11th March. The WeBS count at Holy Loch, Cowal found at least 315 Oystercatchers, 11 Ringed Plovers, 168 Eurasian Curlews, 25 Common Redshanks and 20 Turnstones (George Newall).

14th March. The WeBS count at Loch Sween, Mid-Argyll found 35 Oystercatchers, five Ringed Plovers, 44 Eurasian Curlews and eight Common Redshanks (Paul Daw).

16th March. Three Golden Plovers were seen on Beinn Bhreac, near Barcaldine, North Argyll (Debi Brennan per Robin Harvey).

Skuas, gulls, terns and auks

2nd March. Many hundreds of auks, almost all Razorbills, were feeding off the spit at Otter Ferry and at least eight Black Guillemots were in the same area (Tom Callan).

3rd March. The first Lesser Black-backed Gull of the spring was seen in Oban, on the roof of the Co-op supermarket (Stuart Gibson).

4th March. Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at Loch Gilp (Jim Dickson).

7th March. Three adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at Loch an Eilein, Tiree and seven Black-headed Gulls were at Sorobaidh Bay (John Bowler).

10th March. First-winter Glaucous Gulls were at Heanish and Gott Bay, Tiree. John suspects there may have been up to four Glaucous Gulls on the island at the time, as other first-winter birds were reported (per Bill Allan) at Balephetrish Bay on 3rd March and Loch Bhasapol on 8th March (John Bowler).

14th March. A very obliging first-winter Iceland Gull was seen in Tarbert Harbour (Steve Petty). Another, very bleached, first-winter Iceland Gull was with the usual throng of Herring Gulls at the George Street foreshore, Oban at lunchtime (Stuart Gibson).

17th March. During a shore-based survey of seaducks, divers and grebes in upper Loch Fyne an almost pure white, probably second-winter, Iceland Gull was found on the pier at Ardrishaig and a total of 16 Black Guillemots were recorded (Paul Daw). A first-winter Iceland Gull was at Loch an Eilein, Tiree (John Bowler).

18th March. The adult Ring-billed Gull was at roost with around 25 Common Gulls at the George Street foreshore, Oban (Stuart Gibson).

Doves, owls, woodpeckers etc.

1st March. A Barn Owl was seen at Finchairn, Loch Awe-side (Karl Pipes).

11th March. Two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were drumming at West Glen, near Tighnabruaich (Daphne Campbell).

12th March. A male Great Spotted Woodpecker at Eredine has found that it gets a unique sound by drumming on a galvanised steel cross member support, on the electricity transformer support poles in a garden. Last year (Karl assumes it was the same bird) it seemed to be drumming on, or close too, the bolt holding the cross member. This year it is the support that it strikes. Certainly, a more resonant sound, I think the tautly strung electricity lines must give it an extra timbre (Karl Pipes)! This is certainly a new one on me but on checking in Birds of the Western Palearctic I find, "favoured sites for drumming are dead branches or (mostly top of) trunk; also, not uncommonly, wooden or metal poles, weather vanes, metal parts of roofs, ceramic insulators etc.". Has anyone else encountered this behaviour locally (Paul Daw)?

Passerines

15th January. A late record has recently been received of six Common Crossbills at Arichastlich, Glen Orchy, North Argyll (Judith Witts).

17th February. A Dipper was seen at Drimfern, Glen Aray, Mid-Argyll (Judith Witts).

20th February. At least 50 Fieldfares were seen passing through Glenbranter, Cowal (Peter Woods).

2nd March. Birds visiting the feeders at the back of the Pennyghael Stores, Mull included two Dunnocks, three Robins, three Blackbirds, a Song Thrush, two Coal Tits, three Blue Tits and four Great Tits. Eight House Sparrows, 45 Chaffinches, two Greenfinches, eight Siskins and at least 50 Sky Larks were seen at Fidden (Bryan Rains). A group of 11 Redwings was in a field at Otter Ferry with two Mistle Thrushes, late in the day (Tom Callan). Thrushes seen in roadside fields off B8025 near Drimnagall (Loch Sween) included two Blackbirds, seven Fieldfares and seven Song Thrushes. A flock of ten Pied Wagtails was also seen nearby (Karl Pipes).

3rd March. Flocks of c.20 and c.30 Sky Larks were feeding avidly in snow free fields north of Otter Ferry (Tom Callan). The male Black Redstart was seen again near Scarinish Pier, Tiree (Bill Allan).

7th March. A Goldfinch was in a garden at Drimfern, Glen Aray, Mid-Argyll (Judith Witts).

8th March. A flock of 16 Redwings was seen at Kilfinan, Cowal with 46 Common Starlings. Smaller groups of Redwings were seen nearby with Mistle Thrushes and Starlings (Tom Callan). Twenty Redwings were seen at Balinoe, Tiree (John Bowler).

9th March. Three Bramblings (two males and a female) were seen in a garden at Drimfern, Glen Aray, Mid-Argyll. Also in the garden were two Dunnocks, three Mistle Thrushes, up to 50 Chaffinches, eight Great Tits, at least six Blue Tits, two Greenfinches and four Siskins (Judith Witts).

11th March. Five Goldfinches were on a peanut feeder in a garden at Tullochgorm, Minard, Mid-Argyll (Paul Daw).

13th March. A male Grey Wagtail in almost complete breeding plumage was in the garden at Tullochgorm, Minard, Mid-Argyll (Paul Daw).

14th March. A Dipper was seen on the River Aray, Mid-Argyll at Linneghlutan. Two Common Crossbills were seen mating in the forest nearby in Glen Aray (Judith Witts).

15th March. Returning Pied Wagtails were seen in a garden at Drimfern, Glen Aray, Mid-Argyll for the first time this spring (Judith Witts).

16th March. Two Dippers were seen on the River Creran, North Argyll and a Eurasian Jay was found nearby (Robin Harvey).

17th March. Approximately 30 Meadow Pipits were seen near Millhouse, Cowal (Tom Callan). A Great Tit on a peanut feeder at Moss was a spring rarity for Tiree and a few dozen Pied Wagtails (all males so far) were seen around the island (John Bowler).

Other sightings

14th March. A Pine Marten ran through the garden at Otter Ferry this afternoon, followed less than a minute later, by a second individual (Tom Callan).

Update (number 67) on 11th March 2008 (late February)

Wildfowl (and gamebirds)

12th February. A flock of 176 Greylag Geese (one with red-neck collar but too far away to read) plus two hybrid Greylag x farmyard geese and one Pink-footed Goose were at Kildavie Farm, Kintyre (Andy Robinson)

14th February. Eight Common Pochards (mostly males) were on Loch nan Druimnean, near Kilmelford (Bill Allan). Approximately 75 Greenland White-fronted Geese were at Kilcheran on Lismore (John Carson).

15th February. A group of six Ptarmigan were found at 800m on Beinn Odhar, North Argyll (NN338338) just within the Argyll recording area boundary. Two beautiful winter plumage males were photographed (Sid Wright). The first-winter female Surf Scoter was still at Hough Bay, Tiree with 16 Long-tailed Ducks (John Bowler).

16th February. There were 26 Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay, but no sign of the Surf Scoter (John Bowler). Six Common Pochards (three pairs) were seen off Cuan, Seil Island (Tim Goodwin per Richard Wesley).

17th February. An Otter was seen at Ormsary, Knapdale with at least with 100 Common Goldeneyes and many, many gulls (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Dickie ). Greylag Geese on the flood plain near Bridgend, Mid-Argyll totalled 132 (Malcolm Chattwood).

18th February. Three Canada Geese and 30 Greenland White-fronted Geese were at Loch Pottie, Mull (Bryan Rains). A Swan Goose was an unexpected sight this afternoon at Lochan na Beithe (NM9135) North Argyll. This was presumably an escape from the nearby wildfowl collection at Benderloch (Mike Harrison). Eleven Long-tailed Ducks and 101 Common Scoter were counted between Black Rock and Port Charlotte, Loch Indaal, Islay (Angus Hogg).

19th February. A female-type Long-tailed Duck was in Ganavan Bay, Oban and 11 Tufted Ducks were at Lochan Dubh, Pennyfuir (Stuart Gibson).

20th February. At least 132 Greenland White-fronted Geese, 15 Greylag Geese and nine Common Goldeneyes were at Ulva Lagoons, Loch Sween (Tom Callan).

24th February. Seven Common Shelducks was an unusually high number for the Otter Ferry area, Cowal (Tom Callan).

28th February. An adult drake King Eider was seen by Machrihanish Seabird Observatory at 11.00hrs this morning (John McGlynn per Eddie Maguire). This seems to be becoming a ‘hotspot’ for this species.

Seabirds, Divers, Grebes, Shearwaters, Herons etc. (and other seawatch species)

14th February. Four Little Grebes were on Loch nan Druimnean, near Kilmelford.

17th February. A single Great Northern Diver and two Red-throated Divers were in Loch Craignish at Craignish Castle and two more Red-throated Divers were amongst the yachts at Ardfern village (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Dickie ).

18th February. A count of the area of Loch na Keal between Eorsa and the loch head in ideal calm conditions found 27 Great Northern Divers, nine Red-throated Divers and 40 Slavonian Grebes. This is the highest ever count of Slavonian Grebes on Loch na Keal known to me (PD). On the same day, 17 Great Northern Divers, four Red-throated Divers and a single Slavonian Grebe were found on Loch Scridain between Eilean an Fheoir and Loch Beg (Dave Shackleton). And, 31 Red-throated Divers, 68 Great Northern Divers and 23 Slavonian Grebes were counted between Black Rock and Port Charlotte, Loch Indaal, Islay (Angus Hogg).

19th February. No less than six Little Grebes were at Lochan Dubh, Pennyfuir (Stuart Gibson).

22nd February. Two Grey Herons at Blarghour (NM995137) were standing by a flooded area of pasture, presumably getting easy pickings of the large numbers of toads and that were about (Karl Pipes).

27th February. Six Red-throated Divers were seen on Loch Craignish, Mid-Argyll (Jim Dickson).

Raptors, Rails etc

11th February. A ring-tail Hen Harrier was seen at Blarghour Farm, Loch Awe (Karl Pipes).

12th February. Three Hen Harriers (a male and two ring-tails) were seen at Loch beg, Mull (Bryan Rains).

14th February. A second- or third-calendar year White-tailed Eagle flew over Arileod, Ballard and Lonban, Coll this lunchtime. No wing tags were seen (Simon Wellock). A single male Merlin was seen at Loch Beg and Uisken, Mull (Bryan Rains).

16th February. An adult White-tailed Eagle flew past “chased” by a Herring Gull at Port Appin, North Argyll (John Carson).

17th February. A male Merlin dashed over the main road east of Moine Mhor NNR (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Dickie).

18th February. A female Merlin was at Kilchiaran, Islay (Angus Hogg).

19th February. Four Moorhens were at Lochan Dubh, Pennyfuir (Stuart Gibson).

27th February. A Merlin was seen near Inverfolla, Appin, North Argyll (Mary Gregory).

Waders

11th February. A flock of at least 30 Purple Sandpipers was in West Bay at Dunoon (Peter Woods).

12th February. A flock of at least 31 European Golden Plovers was seen at Loch Beg, Mull (Bryan Rains).

14th February. Ten Oystercatchers, 30 Golden Plovers, 17 Northern Lapwings, 15 Ringed Plovers, two Dunlin, five Eurasian Curlews, seven Common Redshanks, three Greenshanks and 11 Turnstones were all at Loch Beg, Mull (Bryan Rains). At least 35 Purple Sandpipers were on the west side of Ardnave, Islay (Angus Hogg)

19th February. A total of 19 Grey Plovers were at Loch Gruinart, Islay (Angus Hogg) and six Greenshanks were seen together at Ardencaple, Seil Island (Richard Wesley).

Skuas, gulls, terns and auks

11th February. The Goose count on Tiree found lots of gulls about including 100s of Herring and Common Gulls, a second-winter Iceland Gull at Gott, a first-winter Glaucous Gull at Balephetrish (a very small and white one) and three newly-arrived adult Black-headed Gulls at Gott Bay (John Bowler).

13th February. A first-winter Glaucous Gull was at Breachacha this morning (Simon Wellock) and the adult Ring-billed Gull was back on the foreshore at Oban late this afternoon (Stuart Gibson).

14th February. Two first-winter Glaucous Gulls were at southern corner of Asknish Bay (Traigh nam Musgan - the beach of rottenness!), near Craobh Haven, Mid-Argyll this morning with 80+ Black-headed Gulls, 30 Herring, 12 Common and 20 Great Black-backed Gulls (Bill Allan).

15th February. A first-winter Iceland Gull was in Oban Harbour (John Carson). Two first-winter Iceland Gulls were in Tarbert Harbour, Kintyre.

16th February. A single first-winter Iceland Gull was at the head of Loch Craignish (Bill Allan). A first-winter Glaucous Gull was at Rubha Chraiginis, Tiree with another still at Balephetrish Bay. During a Beached Bird Survey a dead Great Skua was found at Hough Bay (unusual date) (John Bowler).

19th February. A first-winter Iceland Gull was at Traigh nam Musgan near Craobh Haven, Mid-Argyll (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Dickie).

23rd February. Two Glaucous Gulls (including one second-winter bird) were photographed around a fishing boat off Shuna (near Seil). They had been gorging themselves on fish, so much so that they had to regurgitate them before they could take off! A first-winter Iceland Gull has also been seen nearby (Billy MacInnes per Richard Wesley).

24th February. Totals of 36 Eurasian Curlews and 16 Common Redshanks were in the Otter Ferry area (Tom Callan).

25th February. Totals of 18 Ringed Plovers, 16 Dunlin and 21 Common Redshanks were at Otter Ferry (Tom Callan).

27th February. A single adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was at the head of Loch Feochan near Oban (Jim Dickson).

28th February. Many hundreds of auks (mainly Razorbills) were seen in the air and fishing near the Otter Ferry spit (Tom Callan). A constant stream of auks, again mainly Razorbills, was seen flying down Loch Fyne from Minard (Paul Daw).

Doves, owls, woodpeckers etc.

17th February. A flock of 28 Wood Pigeons were feeding in ivy-clad trees at Torinturk, West Loch Tarbert (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Dickie ).

23rd February. At least 60 Wood Pigeons were seen at Kilail, near Otter Ferry, Cowal (Tom Callan).

Passerines

9th February. A male Brambling was feeding on seed in a garden at Bridgend, Mid-Argyll with other finches (Malcolm Chattwood).

10th February. Among 70 Common Chaffinches at Acha, Balvicar, Seil Island today was one with a red ring on its left leg (Pat Blunsden).

11th February. Three Reed Buntings were seen at Blarghour Farm, Loch Awe (Karl Pipes).

14th February. Five Snow Buntings were seen at Ardnave, Islay (Angus Hogg).

15th February. A single male Common Crossbill was seen at Scoor, Mull (Bryan Rains) and three Common Crossbills were seen in Glen Orchy (Robin Harvey).

16th February. Five or six Common Crossbills were in the area near the abattoir at Avenvogie, Islay (Angus Hogg).

17th February. Three Common Crossbills were flying overhead at Loch Tulla and a male Common Stonechat was by the roadside. Three singing Dippers were noted along the length of the River Orchy from the single-track road and just two Crossbills were seen (at Glen Orchy Farm) despite a heavy cone crop. Also of note, the River Orchy appears very low for this time of year - a party of foreign canoeists looked rather dismayed (James Towill)! Among birds seen during a late winter Timed Tetrad Visit (NR98X) for the Bird Atlas near Clachan of Glendaruel, Cowal were 22 Robins, 22 Blackbirds, three Long-tailed Tits, 67 Hooded Crows, 14 Carrion Crows and 55 Common Chaffinches (Tom Callan).

19th February. Approximately 80 Fieldfares were at Lyrabus, Islay (Angus Hogg)

24th February. Numbers of Chaffinches in a garden at West Loch Tarbert were holding well this week with up to 50 still at feeders (Barbara McMillan). A male and a female-type Common Crossbill were seen in an ash tree next to a Sitka Spruce plantation near Otter Ferry (Tom Callan).

25th February. After two weeks when the species had been almost completely absent, 14 Siskins re-appeared at Acha, Balvicar, Seil Island (Pat Blunsden).

28th February. A flock of 55 migrant Sky Larks were at Fidden, Mull (Bryan Rains).

29th February. A total of 32 Snow Buntings were at cattle feeding stances near Ballyhaugh, Coll yesterday afternoon and again this morning (Simon Wellock).

Other sightings

A dead Cuvier's Beaked Whale was found and photographed at Miodar/Salum Tiree on 9th Feb and two more of this species had been reported from Islay in the previous two weeks A 5m Pilot Whale was found newly stranded at Crossapol Bay on 12th Feb - although it had been dead a long while (John Bowler).

The warm spell during February encouraged Adders to show themselves on Mull (Bryan Rains).

20th February. Approximately 20 Harbour Porpoises were seen in three groups off Inverneil, Mid-Argyll (Tom Callan).

Latest Update (number 66) on 19th February 2008 (sightings late January-early february)

Wildfowl (and gamebirds)

1st February. The first-winter female Surf Scoter was still at Hough Bay, Tiree, with eight Long-tailed Ducks and a male Goldeneye (the latter is rare on the sea here). Two Pochards were at Loch a' Phuill (John Bowler).

2nd February. Seven Whooper Swans