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| Table of Contents (Click on chapter to display it below the contents box or SHOW ALL to display or print all contents) | |||||
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Wildfowl (and gamebirds) |
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Wildfowl (and Gamebirds)
01 July. A fresh-looking female type Pintail was found amongst the local drake Mallards at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory and there was an unexpected passage of Common Scoters with a total of 26 flying S during the morning; the majority (24) were adult drakes (Eddie Maguire).
02 July. An adult drake Tufted Duck was found/photographed at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory in early afternoon by the old lifeboat station (a rare bird here at any time) (Eddie Maguire).
05 July. At least three broods of young Eurasian Wigeon were found at Loch Tulla, North Argyll today (Bill Allan). This is one of the very few Wigeon breeding sites in Argyll.
11 July. Nine small Goosander ducklings were seen at Lag na Luinge, Loch Awe today (Stephen Welch).
13 July. The total of 28 Greylag Geese seen in West Tarbert Bay, Gigha today included 4 broods of large young and two small goslings (Stephen Welch). The WeBS count on Tiree found 43 Mute Swans including 35 at Loch a' Phuill and two family groups of Pintails but just a single Tufted Duck chick were on L. a' Phuill (John Bowler).
14 July. A total of 13 Pintails were on Loch a Phuill, Tiree today (John Bowler). A pair of Common Shelducks with 2 young were seen at Port na Cille, Cara, Gigha today (Stephen Welch).
15 July. In all, 80 Common Eiders were around Gigalum Island, Gigha today (Stephen Welch).
16 July. Six Greylag Geese and at least 66 Greater Canada Geese were seen in the Port Ramsay area of Lismore, North Argyll today (Tom Callan).
17 July. An all white Greylag Goose was with a flock of 25 normal plumage birds at Loch Crinan today. So not a Snow Goose this time! (Jim Dickson).
20 July. A crèche of approx. 25 Red-breasted Merganser chicks was seen at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree today (John Bowler).
26 July. A single Whooper Swan was found at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree today (John Bowler).
31 July. The total of 13 Gadwalls on Loch Bhasapol, Tiree included tow family groups (John Bowler).
Seabirds, Divers, Grebes, Shearwaters, Herons etc. (and other seawatch species)
02 July. Five Manx Shearwaters flew S close to Treshnish Point, Mull today (Anand Prasad).
05 July. Two pairs of Red-throated Divers were on Loch Awe near Cruachan Power Station today (Bill Allan).
08 July. Thirteen Fulmars were flying around the NE end of Treshnish Point, Mull today and 7 more were sitting on ledges (Anand Prasad).
11 July. A pair of Black-throated Divers took of from Loch Awe near Portsonachan (Stephen Welch).
14 July. Sixty Shags were counted at the Mull of Cara south of Gigha today with 20 more on Craro Island (Stephen Welch).
15 July. Persistent, very peculiar, pleading calls coming from the sea off Machrihanish Seabird Observatory alerted them to the presence of 2 Black-throated Divers well out in the Bay. One was a juvenile which was later was seen being fed by the adult.
17 July. A total of 72 Manx Shearwaters flew past the N end of Gigha in 2 hours today (Stephen Welch).
18 July. A notable southerly movement of 75 Shags took 2 minutes to pass the point at Machrihanish today (Eddie Maguire).
19 July. A sea-watch from Aird, Tiree in wind WNW5 plus squalls this afternoon (15.30-16.3hrs) found 10 Fulmars, 950 Manx Shearwaters, and 315 Northern Gannets all heading W (John Bowler).
21 July. Three Manx Shearwaters flew S together past Machrihanish Seabird Observatory (Eddie Maguire).
27 July. A gathering of 30 Grey Herons in a muddy inlet just S of Castle Stalker, North Argyll included several juvs (Bill Allan).
28 July. A Cory's Shearwater was reported off Scarinish, Tiree this evening (Carl Mitchell per John Bowler).
31 July. A sea-watch from Hynish, Tiree (in wind SSE5 with rain, 17.20-18.20hrs) found 36 Fulmars, one Sooty Shearwater, 335 Manx Shearwaters, 19 European Storm-petrels, and 376 Northern Gannets (John Bowler).
Raptors, Rails etc
Corn Crakes: The final island total of calling birds on Tiree was 392 (cf. 408 in 2008), A national survey of Corn Crakes is taking place this year.
Increasing numbers of Marsh Harriers in Argyll in spring (including a male and a female on Tiree in May this year) could be a portent of things to come. George Gordon (Northern Ireland Bird Recorder) tells me that a pair bred in Northern Ireland this summer – for the first time since 1840!
Hobbies in Argyll. A description and excellent photos have been received of a Hobby seen at Port Charlotte, Islay on 28 June (Mark Johnson per Jim Dickson). A possible Hobby was seen very briefly at Connel Airport on 21 July (Bill Allan) and an almost certain Hobby was seen, again very briefly, at Achnabreac near Lochgilphead on 27 July (Jim Dickson).
21 June. A Common Quail that has been heard calling by several observers/listeners in the Treshnish area of Mull through May and June was last heard today (Anand Prasad). It had either found a mate or given up in despair! There are still no proven breeding records for Argyll.
03 July. Three fledgling Kestrels were seen near the Machrihanish Seabird Observatory today (Eddie Maguire).
4 July. A male Hen Harrier was hunting over shore-side fields at Evanachan near Otter Ferry today (Tom Callan).
05 July. A pair of Ospreys were seen at Loch Tulla, North Argyll today (Bill Allan).
10 July. A juvenile Peregrine attempted to catch a juvenile Black-headed Gull at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory today: it later caught a Starling (Eddie Maguire). The pair of Ospreys near Ben Cruachan visitor centre Loch Awe were seen with 2 or possibly 3 young today and a Merlin was at Stronmilchan near Dalmally (Stephen Welch).
12 July. An adult and juvenile Moorhen were found on Mill Loch, Gigha (Stephen Welch).
15 July. Among birds seen during Bird Atlas tetrad surveys on Gigha today were three Indian Peafowl at Achamore Gardens. They are reported to have had chicks there this year (Stephen Welch).
16 July. A juvenile Water Rail was found in a garden at Balephuil, Tiree (John Bowler), an adult Moorhen with two young were found at Duimyeonbeg, Gigha (Stephen Welch). At least 4 Indian Peafowl were seen at Clachan, Lismore and a Common Kestrel was at Islandadd Bridge, Loch Crimean (Tom Callan).
17 July. A male Merlin was seen near Cnoc nan Gobhar, Gigha today (Stephen Welch).
20 July. Great views were had of a Peregrine Falcon flying over the hide overlooking the Add Estuary, Loch Crinan this morning (John McInally).
24 July. Two Peregrine Falcons were seen flying down Loch Fyne at Evanachan, Cowal 20-30 seconds apart (Tom Callan).
26 July. An Osprey caught a medium sized flat fish at Keills, Loch Sween today following a most impressive plunge-dive at a very low tide and a (presumed female) Peregrine Falcon (possibly same as above) was sitting at the wader roost at Loch Crinan (Bill Allan).
27 July. A Peregrine Falcon was spooking Oystercatchers at Danna, Loch Sween today (Tom Callan).
28 July. A juvenile Osprey sitting on the shore at Ulva Lagoons, Loch Sween with a large thick (ca 66cm long) salmonid type fish was being harassed by 2 Hooded Crows, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, and a Buzzard. It appeared that the fish escaped back into the water. The Osprey flew up, then dived down and got it or another fish but couldn’t lift off again. So it did an osprey version of the butterfly swimming stroke holding on to fish under the surface (the Osprey seemed perfectly calm and relaxed - unlike Bill who thought it was going to drown for a second!). It got to the shore whereupon the fish escaped again! Osprey finally gave up and headed off N shortly thereafter (thanks to Bill Allan for the graphic account of the event). An Osprey was also seen at the mouth of Loch Caolisport (Jim Dickson).
A pair of Moorhens with a brood of 3 young was seen on Crosshill Loch, Campbeltown (Martin & Leticia Conway per Eddie Maguire).
Waders
01 July. A juvenile Lapwing (unusual locally) was photographed at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory and 6 Common Sandpipers flew S (Eddie Maguire).
02 July. Early morning rain grounded migrant Redshanks at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory. A total of 42 were on the shore although most went S before midday (Eddie Maguire).
04 July. A flock of 45 migrant Dunlins (all adults) arrived on the point at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory around midday (Eddie Maguire).
05 July. Around 60 adult Dunlins and 35 Redshanks (incl. many juveniles) were resting at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory today (Eddie Maguire). Five Common Snipe flew behind Treshnish Old Schoolhouse, Mull today (Anand Prasad).
06 July. Wader passage was underway at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory today with 33 Oystercatchers, 25 Dunlins, 18 Redshanks & 8 Curlews flying S (Eddie Maguire).
08 July. The first returning Ruddy Turnstone (a juvenile) was logged at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory and 40 Oystercatchers flew S (Eddie Maguire).
10 July. Two Greenshanks were in the Add Estuary today (Jim Dickson)
11 July. A single Whimbrel and three Greenshanks were seen in the Add estuary today (Bill Allan) and a juvenile Greenshank was at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory (Eddie Maguire).
12 July. A fine adult Spotted Redshank just starting to moult out of summer plumage was at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree and a single Greenshank was flushed at Mill Loch, Gigha today (Stephen Welch).
13 July. Five Red Knots, 3 Black-tailed Godwits and 7 Greenshanks were at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree (John Bowler). A group of 24 Eurasian Curlews feeding at dawn in cut fields at Druimyeon More, Gigha dispersed mainly to S (Stephen Welch). The first European Golden Plover (a juvenile) of autumn and an adult Red Knot were resting at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory all morning. About 50 Redshanks flew S & around 10 Dunlins were on the shore (Eddie Maguire). An adult Red Knot was in the Add Estuary (Jim Dickson).
14 July. A total of 115 Sanderlings flew past Machrihanish Seabird Observatory today and an agitated pair of Ringed Plovers with newly hatched chicks was noted (Eddie Maguire).
15 July. Waders at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory included: 45 Sanderlings, 2 adult Red Knots, a juvenile Greenshank and an adult Turnstone (Eddie Maguire).
17 July. An adult Little Ringed Plover was seen flying past Machrihanish Seabird Observatory today (Eddie Maguire). This is only our third record of what is rare passage migrant in Argyll. Five Common Sandpipers at Na Crogachan, Gigha included a presumed family group of three (Stephen Welch) and 2 Greenshanks were at West Tarbert, Kintyre (Tom Callan).
18 July. A single Whimbrel at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory was the first this autumn. A single Greenshank was also present and flew off S later (Eddie Maguire).
19 July. A minimum of 360 Oystercatchers were on the spit at Otter Ferry today with 34 Eurasian Curlews (Tom Callan)
20 July. On Tiree, 2 Sanderlings, 5 Whimbrels and 4 Greenshanks were at Loch a' Phuill and scattered groups of up to 12 Dunlin and up to 10 Sanderlings were found around the coast (John Bowler).
21 July. After overnight rain on Tiree, Loch a' Phuill held 75 Dunlin, 2 Sanderlings, 6 adult Red Knots, 7 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Whimbrels and 4 Greenshanks (John Bowler). Two Red Knots, 15 Eurasian Curlews, 2 Greenshanks and 3 Common Sandpipers were in the Add Estuary (Jim Dickson). Waders at Otter Ferry included 22 Ringed Plovers and the first returning Turnstones: 16 all still in breeding plumage (Tom Callan).
22 July. Migrant waders flying S at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory today included 60 Oystercatchers, 8 Dunlins, a Common Snipe, 3 Whimbrel (including one off-passage for the fifth day), 15 Redshanks and 10 Ruddy Turnstones (Eddie Maguire).
23 July. A total of 24 Common Sandpipers flew S past Machrihanish Seabird Observatory (including a group of 5). Other waders flying S included: 90 Oystercatchers (largest pack 40), 14 Ringed Plovers, 2 Sanderlings, 40 Redshanks, and 2 noisy Greenshanks flying high (Eddie Maguire). Single adult Red Knot, Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit were in the Add Estuary with 24 Eurasian Curlews (Jim Dickson). Around 50 Ringed Plovers were at Otter Ferry together with 2 Red Knots in breeding plumage and 7 Common Redshanks (Tom Callan).
24 July. A few showers before and just after dawn at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory produced a fall of waders including an early autumn peak of 360 Oystercatchers, 28 Ringed Plovers, an adult Red Knot, 60 Sanderlings, 18 Dunlins, a Common Snipe, a striking adult summer-plumaged Black-tailed Godwit, 30 Redshanks and 15 Ruddy Turnstones. All eventually flew S. The single Whimbrel was present for the 7th day running (Eddie Maguire).
26 July. Good numbers of waders appeared after an overnight weather front had passed over Tiree, including 55 Ringed Plovers, 91 Dunlin, 9 Sanderlings, 21 Eurasian Curlews, 6 Greenshanks and 3 Turnstones at Loch a' Phuill and a Grey Plover at Mannal (John Bowler). Many migrant waders were grounded at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory by heavy rain. These included: 60 Oystercatchers, a superb pack of 102 adult Red Knots, 110 Sanderlings, 60 Dunlins, 8 Black-tailed Godwits (only one juvenile), 20 Ruddy Turnstones, and a Greenshank (Eddie Maguire). A small group of waders that dropped in briefly at Keills, Loch Sween included a juvenile Dunlin, 2 Common Redshanks (1 juvenile) and 6 Greenshanks (4 juvs.) and six juvenile Dunlin were in the River Add near Islandadd Bridge (Bill Allan).
27 July. Waders on Tiree included: 19 Black-tailed Godwits at Balemartine, 8 Black-tailed Godwits at Loch a' Phuill and 55 Sanderlings at Gott Bay. The latter included a leg-flagged bird from Iceland. (John Bowler). Six Dunlin, a Bar-tailed Godwit in breeding plumage 10 Common Redshanks and 16 Eurasian Curlews were in the Add Estuary (Jim Dickson). Three Greenshanks were at New Ulva, Loch Sween (Tom Callan).
28 July. The 11th Greenshank of the month settled on the point at Machrihanish today for a few minutes before it departed to the S. Other wader species flying S were an adult Red Knot, 28 Sanderling, an adult Dunlin and 8 Common Sandpipers. Four adult Black-tailed Godwits were resting there all day. (Eddie Maguire).
29 July. Six Black-tailed Godwits were at Vaul, Tiree (John Bowler). Three Northern Lapwings were seen near Frachadil, Mull today (Anand Prasad).
30 July. Migrants at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory included: 39 Oystercatchers, 70 Ringed Plovers (peak count to date), 14 Dunlins, 7 Common Sandpipers, 11 Ruddy Turnstones and the single Whimbrel was still present (13th day)
Skuas, Gulls, Terns and Auks
A successful year for Argyll’s breeding terns and a first for Tiree.
Clive Craik’s tern raft at South Shian (an adapted mussel raft) had to be expanded in June. The terns had overflowed and started laying all over another raft - one without a fence (Clive and his team put a fence around the original one to stop the chicks falling into the sea and dying) and with dozens of huge holes in the boards through which all the chicks would have fallen. So in June they spent a day putting a fence round it and patching the holes in the floor with plywood - in shifts so that the terns weren't kept off their eggs for more than an hour at a time. It worked brilliantly – the terns kept laying and altogether on both rafts over 100 pairs (approx) fledged (Clive thinks) over 150 young. The team were there on 10 August ringing the latest chicks and there were still lots of clutches to hatch. Not a sniff of any predator, fingers crossed. Last year a mink and a raptor between them got all the late chicks. But this year the numbers of pairs and fledged young are higher than ever before. The scheme started with one pair in 1995! (per Clive Craik).
On Tiree, it was an excellent breeding year for Arctic Terns for once with at least 87 birds fledging, from six colonies around the island from 21 July onwards. It was also a very good breeding season for Little Terns. Some 16 young fledged from 14 nests at one site (with the last chicks fledging at the end of July), whilst at least 26 birds fledged from 34 nests at another site at the start of the month with 34 birds feeding at Traigh Bhagh on 10 July (John Bowler).
Two adult Puffins were seen at Ceann a’ Mhara with a juvenile bird on 30th June – the first confirmed breeding record for Tiree (John Bowler).
07 July. At midday, a summer-plumaged adult Mediterranean Gull (ghostly-looking with full black hood) flew S, low over the point at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory - the 10th Observatory record of this species (Eddie Maguire).
08 July. Only two Sandwich Terns were at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory and 2 second-summer Arctic Terns were resting on rocks near the tern colony (Eddie Maguire).
10 July. A Great Skua was seen flying out of Calgary Bay, Mull and around Treshnish Point today (Anand Prasad).
14 July. Three Sandwich Terns were at Gigalum Island, Gigha today and an Arctic Tern at Ardminish Point was attacking nearby Common Gulls. The latter could have been nesting nearby although no nest or juv. were seen. Counts of Black Guillemots found 25 at Brownie’s Chair, Cara, Gigha and 15 at Eilein Garbh in the N of Gigha (Stephen Welch). A ringed adult Little Tern (a very scarce passage visitor) was at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory (Eddie Maguire).
15 July. A Common Guillemot with the first tiny chick of the year was offshore at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory and 4 adult Little Terns were found with ca 50 Arctic Terns (3 second-summer) resting by Big Scone Island (Eddie Maguire).
19 July. A sea-watch from Aird, Tiree this afternoon found 58 Kittiwakes, 40 Arctic Terns and 175 auks (mostly Razorbills) all heading W (John Bowler).
20 July. Two juvenile Sandwich Terns that arrived at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory today may well have been from one of several breeding colonies in nearby N Ireland (Eddie Maguire).
22 July. A dark morph adult Arctic Skua flew S over the point at Machrihanish (Eddie Maguire).
26 July. Several observers watched an adult Arctic Tern flying out of sight to the W over Campbeltown today. It would appear that this is yet another seabird species embarking on what is a short overland route from Clyde waters to the Atlantic (per Eddie Maguire). Four Sandwich Terns were off Balemartine, Tiree and one was at Loch a' Phuill (John Bowler). Many observers watched an adult Arctic Tern flying out of sight to the W over Campbeltown. It would appear that this is yet another seabird species embarking on what is a short overland route from Clyde waters to the Atlantic.
27 July. At least 12 adult and 8 large young Common Terns were on the ‘dolphins’ at the NATO jetty in Campbeltown Loch today (Paul Daw).
31 July. A sea-watch from Hynish, Tiree this evening found 26 Kittiwakes, 33 Arctic Terns, 57 Puffins, and 33 large auks (John Bowler).
Doves, Owls, Woodpeckers etc.
01 July. A Red and Green Macaw perched on a garden fence at Crinan today was an unexpected sight! I though it must be stuffed - until it moved. Apparently the woman who owns it takes it for walks perched on her shoulder... (Paul Daw).
02 July. Ten Common Swifts flying S past Treshnish Point, Mull today was the highest number recorded locally (Anand Prasad). The European Turtle Dove found at Moss, Tiree in late June remained until today (John Bowler).
04 July. A group of 4 Common Swifts were wheeling over Moine Mhor today and two were seen over Dalmally, Mid-Argyll (Bill Allan).
05 July. A Common Kingfisher was seen twice during the day at Otter Ferry. The first recent record for this location (Tom Callan).
10 July. At least 6 Common Swifts were ‘screaming’ over Dalmally, Mid-Argyll today (Stephen Welch).
16 July. A Barn Owl was seen at Kinerarach, Gigha at 23:00hrs. The local farmer's wife said she had regularly seen it around but don't know about nesting. The barns are derelict and not used much (Stephen Welch).
24 July. A Barn Owl was on an overhead wire at the fish farm at Largiemore, Loch Fyne, Cowal (Tom Callan)
29 July. A dead Barn Owl was found at the edge of a copse at Bennan, Calgary, Mull today (Anand Prasad).
27 July. An early evening assembly of 40 Common Swifts over Burnside Square, Campbeltown was the peak count this year (Derrick Goode per Eddie Maguire) and four Common Swifts were over Achnabreac (nr. Lochgilphead) today (Jim Dickson). Two Short-eared Owls were hunting over Moine Mhor, about 1km apart (Tom Callan).
30 July. A single Common Swift was seen over Milton, Tiree (John Bowler).
Passerines
Common Crossbill influx. An apparent influx of continental Crossbills to Scotland, which included flocks of birds in the Western Isles, occurred from late June/early July. The following were noteded in Argyll at this time:
02 July. Two were seen calling near Auchindrain, Mid-Argyll (Paul Daw) and a group were heard calling in the vicinity of Otter Ferry with "crossbilled" cones found scattered underneath a larch (Tom Callan).
05 July. Several groups noted around Loch Awe in the past week, the largest being ca 35 seen at Fincharn today (Roger Broad).
13 July. A flock of 16 were over Kames, Cowal (Steve Petty).
14 July. A flock of 8 or 9 flew SE over Tigh-na-Tulloch calling at 10:20 and ca 20 flew S overhead calling at 11:35 (Paul Daw). Five were at Carnan Mor, Tiree (John Bowler).
16 July. Four at Achnabreac (near Lochgilphead) and odd one or twos in the area during the previous during the previous two weeks (Jim Dickson). Flock of 19 over Kames, Cowal (Steve Petty).
19 July. Flock of 25 at Kames, Cowal (Steve Petty).
25 July. Two or more at Otter Ferry, Cowal (Tom Callan).
29 July. A flock of 14 flew over Otter Ferry, Cowal. There was much evidence of cone feeding in the area (Tom Callan).
01 July. Among quite a few reports of good numbers of Siskins in gardens this summer were 12 males and several females in the garden at Lagganmore, Glen Euchar near Oban today (Bill Allan). A male Bullfinch and a recently fledged Common Whitethroat were seen on the towpath of Crinan Canal and a Wood Warbler was singing in the trees
02 July. A newly fledged Common Stonechat was at Treshnish, Mull today and singing Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting were heard nearby (Anand Prasad).
04 July. A Wood Warbler was singing at Evanachan near Otter Ferry today (Tom Callan).
05 July. A juvenile House Sparrow, 17 Greenfinches (7 adult males, 2 females & 8 juveniles), 12 Goldfinches (6 juveniles), 10 Linnets (3 adult males, 2 adult females & 5 juveniles) and around 5 Twites (including a colour-ringed bird) a were noted at the feeding station at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory today (Eddie Maguire). A Spotted Flycatcher was hawking for insects in the garden at Tullochgorm, Minard (Paul Daw).
07 July. A Sedge Warbler was singing near Auchindrain, Mid-Argyll today (Paul Daw).
08 July. A single Eurasian Jay flew over the A82 near Loch Creran Bridge, North Argyll (Bill Allan).
10 July. During Breeding Atlas survey work at the north end of Loch Awe 16 Sand Martins were feeding over the plain near Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe and 27 Sand Martins were counted at Stronmilchan. Other species found included 8 Tree Pipits, 3 Common Redstarts, 2 Blackcaps, a family of Wood Warblers, two families of Spotted Flycatchers and another adult, one female/imm. Pied Flycatcher, a family party of Eurasian Treecreepers and a total of 26 Twites (Stephen Welch). A Spotted Flycatcher was seen flying at Treshnish House, Mull today (Anand Prasad).
11 July. The Eurasian Jays were at Barnluasgan Loch near Bellanoch, Mid-Argyll (Bill Allan).
12 July. A Magpie was seen perched on a lamp-post just outside Mid Argyll Swimming Pool, Lochgilphead this morning. An outbreak of vandalism in the same area has been traced to a rogue Hooded Crow. For reasons best know to itself it has taken to ripping off car windscreen wipers. Locals have taken to wrapping them in plastic bags for protection! (Lynsey Gibson).
13 July. Among birds seen during Bird Atlas tetrad surveys on Gigha today were: 35 Barn Swallows at Tarbert, 12 Blackbirds on the Golf Course, 6 Sedge Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, a Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Common Ravens (Stephen Welch).
14 July. Among birds seen during Bird Atlas tetrad surveys on Gigha today were: a pair of Common Whitethroats at Ardminish and 6 Twites on Craro Island (Stephen Welch).
15 July. Among birds seen during Bird Atlas tetrad surveys on Gigha today were: three Sand Martins, family parties of Spotted Flycatchers and Long-tailed Tits and a Bullfinch (Stephen Welch). Five House Martins were at Ensay Mull (Anand Prasad).
16 July. The Magpie was again at Mid Argyll Swimming Pool, Lochgilphead (Lynsey Gibson). Among birds seen during Bird Atlas tetrad surveys on Gigha today were: 2 Sky Larks, a juvenile Blackcap, 14 Linnets (incl. juvs.) and family parties of Common Whitethroats and Twite (Stephen Welch). During a visit to Lismore Sky Larks were widespread in small numbers, Barn Swallows were very numerous and three pairs of House Martins were still nest building near Clachan. Whinchat, Common Stonechat and Northern Wheatear, Linnet and Twite were seen frequently and a single Spotted Flycatcher was at Balnagowan (Tom Callan).
17 July. A Grasshopper Warbler was still singing at Cairnbaan today (Jim Dickson).
18 July. Large groups of Lesser Redpolls were flying around birch scrub at the new Portavadie Marina. Cowal this morning and similar flocks were seen at Loch Fyne Oyster Bar on 15 July (Steve Petty).
20 July. A flocks of at least 30 Rooks (incl. juvs) were on the front green at Lochgilphead today together with 20+ Western Jackdaws (Malcolm Chattwood).
21 July. Approx. 150 Sand Martins were gathered over Connel Airport, North Argyll (Bill Allan).
23 July. At least 30 Sand Martins were around the colony at Millhouse, Cowal today. Family parties of Common Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher were also found there (Tom Callan).
25 July. The Lochgilphead Magpie was re-found nearby at Achnabreac today. At least 15 House Martins were also gathered there (Jim Dickson). A newly recently fledged young Spotted Flycatcher was seen near Scoor, Mull and newly fledged Sand Martins were near a nest site at Loch Assapol (Anand Prasad). Three female Northern Wheatears at Otter Ferry were probably migrants (Tom Callan).
26 July. A large flock of Linnets at Loch na Cille, Loch Sween numbered approx. 80 birds (Bill Allan). A juv. Northern Wheatear showing characteristics of the Greenland race was on the point at Machrihanish (Eddie Maguire). A male Bullfinch was feeding a juv. at Otter Ferry (Tom Callan).
27 July. Tow pairs of Sedge Warblers were feeding young at Keillmore, Loch Sween and 14 Twite were seen nearby (Tom Callan).
29 July. Approx. 15 migrant Northern Wheatears were around the Danna/New Ulva area of Loch Sween together with flocks of Linnets, Goldfinches and Common Starlings (mostly juvs) (Bill Allan). Wednesday Large numbers of juv. Northern Wheatears were also present at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory where about 35 birds came in-off-the-sea from the NW between 08:50-09:35hrs. They were big, rusty-looking birds and very probably of the Greenland race (Eddie Maguire).
30 July. Over 30 Sand Martins flew over Treshnish Old Schoolhouse, Mull today and 20 Twites were at Haunn (Anand Prasad). A male Yellowhammer was seen at Achnacreemore Farm near Connel (Bill Allan) and a Spotted Flycatcher was seen near Auchindrain, Mid-Argyll (Paul Daw).
31 July. Owing to a southerly near gale with driving rain very little was moving at Machrihanish Seabird Observatory today but in the afternoon, at least 6 Northern Wheatears (Greenland types) arrived on the point (Eddie Maguire).
Other sightings:
19 July. Three Basking Sharks were seen during a sea-watch from Aird, Tiree this afternoon (John Bowler).
26 July. A remarkable observation was made of a Mink seen in the Marine Research Laboratory bay at Machrihanish today. It was in the sea and confidently swam a distance of some 200m between two points towing a rabbit! One has to admit that, rather than hauling the rabbit overland, transporting this rather substantial prey item by sea appeared to be an ingenious energy saving tactic (thanks to Eddie Maguire & Derrick Goode for this story).
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