Please send your sightings to Jim Dickson (Argyll Bird Recorder) to:
More detailed species reports for Islay, Kintyre and Mull can be viewed at the following websites: Islay: (Ian Brooke): http://islaybirds.blogspot.co.uk/ Kintyre: (Eddie Maguire): http://www.machrihanishbirdobservatory.org.uk/reports.htm Mull: (Alan Spellman) http://www.mullbirds.com/
Recent Reports 2018
The Argyll Bird Report for 2016 has now been published. Details on how to purchase a copy can be found under ‘Publications’
SPRING MIGRANTS TABLE to 23/4 (please click): SPRING MIGRANTS 2018
24th April
ISLAY: A Lesser Whitethroat was seen and photographed at Upper Killeyan, The Oa yesterday by Dave Woods.
TIREE: A male Corncrake at Balephuil – the first here this year – also 4 Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest there, 340 Pale-bellied Brents at Gott Bay including 11 colour-ringed birds, also 2 Little Tern there, 72 Pale-bellied Brents at Traigh Bhagh including 4 colour-ringed birds, also 2w Glaucous Gull, 2 Little Tern, 2 White Wagtail and 9 Whimbrel. 25 Black-tailed Godwit at Loch an Eilein plus 2 White Wagtails. 1m Greenland Wheatear and 6,500 Golden Plover at The Reef. 2w Glaucous Gull at Heanish (John Bowler).
23rd April
MID-ARGYLL: A Whimbrel and 3 Dunlin new at Loch Gilp this morning, also a Wood Warbler in song at Dalvore wood, Moine Mhor and 30+ Swallows inland from Loch Crinan. A Grasshopper Warbler singing at 9pm – heard from my garden in Cairnbaan (Jim Dickson).
MULL: A report just in of 2 Hawfinch (m+f) briefly at Ardtun yesterday – see attached record shot of female (Jon Lloyd).
ISLAY: A report of a Common Whitethroat heard singing at near Ardtalla (Tim & Em Halliday per Ian Brooke).
22nd April
MID-ARGYLL: A single Common Tern (still showing a dark bill) at Loch Gilp this morning, also 2 Sandwich Terns and 3 Red-throated Divers there plus a Purple Sandpiper on Duncuan Island. At the Add Estuary a Greenshank and a passage of Swallows over the Moin Mhor with 16 >E between 9 – 9.30am and a Pink-footed Goose still with Greylags at Barsloisnoch farm (Jim Dickson). John Sedgwick noted his first House Martins back at Balvicar, Seil Island today and first Grasshopper Warbler there yesterday. 2 singing Wood Warblers at Dalavich are our first report, also 2 Tree Pipits there (David Jardine).
ISLAY: Peter Roberts noted an Arctic Tern at Bruichladdich, Loch Indaal today.
KINTYRE: A few migrants going through today at Machrihanish SBO – including the first two Common Sandpipers of the year, 5 Whimbrel, 4 Sandwich Terns and only 2 White Wagtail (Eddie Maguire).
TIREE: Some 200 Pale-bellied Brents headed low west over Loch a’ Phuill in rain at 1645hrs and then north up the coast – also 2w Glaucous Gull, 6 White Wagtail, 350 Golden Plover, 7 Black-tailed Godwit and 35 Sand Martin there, 3,500 Golden Plover at the Reef, 1m Siskin, 3 Goldfinch, 3 Chiffchaff, 1m and 1f Blackcap and 2 Goldcrest at Balephuil (John Bowler).
MULL: A report of the first Whinchat – at Inverlussa yesterday (Bryan Rains per Mullbirds).
21st April
MID-ARGYLL: At Strath Brenfield (N of Inverneill) – 5 Tree Pipits in song, also at least 2 singing Grasshopper Warblers and Black Grouse heard (Andre Tongue). Two Swallows in Ardrishaig this morning (Colin MacFarlane). A male White Wagtail on the front green of Lochgilphead this morning and 2 pairs of Bullfinch in my garden at Cairnbaan (Jim Dickson). Some reports from David Jardine today included – Luing – at least 7 Yellowhammers (across 4 locations), Toberonochy – 2 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 + Twite, 1 Greenland Wheatear, Bardrishaig – 1 Sedge Warbler, Blackmill Bay – c45 Pinkfeet > NW.
ISLAY: A pair of Little Terns off Bridgend, Loch Indaal today (Peter Roberts) and a Cuckoo at Foreland on Thurs 19th (Pia Roberts).
NORTH ARGYLL: At Benderloch gravel pits today – 2 pairs of Common Sandpipers and 2 Willow Warblers and a Cuckoo report nearby on Wed 18th (Robin Harvey/ Moira Scott).
20th April
COWAL: A Black-tailed Godwit was at the Holy Loch today and a Tree Pipit in Glen Massan (Alistair McGregor).
KINTYRE: Eddie Maguire has sent in photos of both nominate and Greenland type Northern Wheatears taken at Machrihanish SBO.
MULL: Carole Moore has kindly provided a photo of the first-summer male Black Redstart at Killiechronan yesterdaty taken by her husband Paul.
MID-ARGYLL: Jon Close noted at least 8 singing Grasshopper Warblers around the Moine Mhor at 6am today – also 3 calling Cuckoos. A 2CY Iceland Gull was in the middle of the Add Estuary late morning (Jim Dickson).
COLL: First report of a Corn Crake today – a male at Roundhouse (David Andrews per John Bowler).
19th April
MID-ARGYLL: First report of a Grasshopper Warbler today – in field just south of Cairnbaan hotel in the ‘meadows’, also 2 Common Sandpipers at Loch Gilp, 2 summ- plum Red-throated Divers last night off Ardrishaig and a summ- plum Black-throated Diver there last week (Colin MacFarlane). A Cuckoo at Carsaig today (Lottie Goodlet) also one at Rhudle Mill -between Lochgilphead and Kilmartin (Andy Paton) and at Cairnbaan (Jim Dickson). First report of a Sedge Warbler – in one of the reed-filled leachate ponds at Lingerton waste dump today (Andrew Tongue) – also 2 heard on Moss road, ISLAY (Gary Turnbull per Ian Brooke).
TIREE: Glossy Ibis again on its favoured roadside pool at Kilmoluaig. Big arrival of Black-tailed Godwits involved 338 birds at 3 sites around West Tiree including the first 2 colour-ringed birds of the spring. 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 4 Redwing and 1 Water Rail at Balephuil (John Bowler).
KINTYRE: At Machrihanish SBO today – a Peregrine, a Sparrowhawk, a Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Whimbrel, 15 Sandwich Tern and 32 White Wagtails. At Strath (The Laggan) an adult Whooper, 16 White-fronts and a Pink-footed Goose. At Drumlemble; 4 Whoopers (Eddie Maguire).
MULL: A 2cy male Black Redstart was showing well at Killiechronan (Carole & Paul Moore per Alan Spellman).
COWAL: Neil Hammatt reports his first Swallow at Clachaig today and eagerly awaits arrival of House Martins – usually many nests on neighbours house.
18th April
KINTYRE: At Strath (Laggan) floods – a Whooper Swan, 10 White-fronts and a Pink-foot Goose plus 88 Lesser BB Gulls. At Machrihanish SBO- a 3CY Iceland Gull >S, 5 Whimbrel >N and 6 White Wagtails on the point (Eddie Maguire). In Kintyre – 7 noisy Common Sandpipers and 6 noisy Sandwich Terns (2 at Kennacraig) also, a Little Egret and a Greenshank at Kennacraig, lots of Willow Warblers and the odd Chiffchaff here and there and 19 White-fronts still at Tayinloan (Neil Hammatt).
MULL: A drake Shoveler at Suidhe Farm, Bunessan – scarce on Mull (Tony Jefree per Alan Spellman).
MID-ARGYLL: Some recent notes for Mike Harrison in Connel – Willow Warbler – 2 on 11 Apr, plenty around on 18 Apr, Blackcap – possibly 1 on 16 Apr, definitely 1 on 17 Apr and 2 on 18 Apr, Chiffchaff 1 or 2 on 18 Apr and Cuckoo – 1 on 18 Apr.
17th April
MID-ARGYLL: Large numbers of Siskin 20+ and 6 Redpoll visiting garden feeders daily and male Blackcap at Carsaig House (Jon Close). A Glaucous Gull at Lingerton rubbish tip, Lochgilphead today and a Cuckoo at Loch Arail, Knapdale on 15th Apr (Andrew Tongue per David Jardine).
TIREE: An adult Iceland Gull and 2w Glaucous Gull at Traigh Bhagh, 1 Lapland Bunting, 11 Sand Martin and 3 White Wagtail at Sorobaidh Bay and 2 White Wagtail at Balephetrish Bay (John Bowler).
KINTYRE: A Whimbrel and 16 White Wagtails at Machrihanish SBO (Eddie Maguire).
16th April
COWAL: 2 Nuthatch at Benmore Gardens hide today (Andrew Mcfarlane).
TIREE: WeBs count today found: 1 Sand Martin at Sorobaidh Bay, 12 Sand Martin at Loch a’ Phuill – also 2w Glaucous Gull and 11 Black-tailed Godwits there, 2w Iceland Gull, 1 Pink-footed Goose and 8 Black-tailed Godwits at Loch Bhasapol. 1f Brambling still at Balephuil plus 1 Redwing, 1m Blackcap and 4 Goldcrest (John Bowler).
MID-ARGYLL: I watched a large forked tail raptor today up above Oakfield woods/Brackley, Lochgilphead, which I am sure was a Red Kite (Nicola Gray-Stephens).
ISLAY: The drake Green-winged Teal as seen again at RSPB Loch Gruinart (James How).
KINTYRE: 8 White Wagtails at Machrihanish SBO (Eddie Maguire).
15th April
MID-ARGYLL: A Common Sandpiper and 2 Sand Martins at the Add Estuary. Also 20 Shelduck at Loch Crinan and single Pink-footed Goose still with the local Canadas/Greylags and a fem Hen Harrier (Jim Dickson). Malcolm Chattwood has confirmed a pair of Dipper on the Add river at Bridgend today.
TIREE: 1 Siskin new at Balephuil – plus 1f Brambling, 1m + 1f Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler, 6 Goldcrest and 1m Chiffchaff (John Bowler).
14th April
COWAL: A probable Arctic rather than Common Tern off Hunter’s Quay, also 10 Sandwich Tern and a surprise of Tawny Owl near Sandbank (Alistair McGregor). A Glaucous Gull among a mixed flock of gulls at the mouth of the River Auchalick at Auchalick between Kilfinan and Potavadie, also a 2 White Wagtails and in the same area a km up river in larches about 10 /15 Crossbills, Chiffchaffs calling and a 2 Sand Martin (Allister Hamilton).
MID-ARGYLL: Around Keills – a Swallow today and adult White-tailed Eagles, also up to 3 Sandwich Terns in recent days (John Aitchison).
MULL: A day visit to the Ross of Mull/Loch na Keal included 2 drake Common Scoter, a Black-throated Diver, 5 Greenshank, several singing Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, calling Crossbills, 2 Swallows and at least 5 Goldcrests on Iona (Jim Dickson/David Jardine).
KINTYRE: A report of a Cuckoo calling from the slopes of Ben Guillion, Campbeltown on 10th April (Alec Wilson per Eddie Maguire).
TIREE: Glossy Ibis again at Kilmoluaig, 1 Sandwich Tern at Crossapol Point, 1 Little Tern at Balephetrish Bay (John Bowler).
13th April
MID-ARGYLL: A Black-throated Diver off Ardrishaig/Lochy Fyne late morning, also juv Glaucous Gull again just south of Inverneill (Jim Dickson). A male Blackcap today in Anne-Lise Dickie/Bill Allan’s garden in Scammadale Glen. A House Martin was at Lingerton, Lochgilphead today (Andrew Tongue per David Jardine).
KINTYRE: Another look for the reported male Cirl Bunting today was unsuccessful. Present in Alasdair Patterson’s garden at Port Righ, Carradale were 2 Yellowhammers (regular there), now 4 Brambling (2mm,2ff), a female Reed Bunting, 2 Greenfinch, 60+ Siskins, good nos of Chaffinch and Goldfinch – also 3 Whoopers over heading NE. A Cuckoo was at just north of Grogport (Jim Dickson).
ISLAY: 4 Sandwich Terns off Port Charlotte most of the day, a Glaucous Gull near Loch Gorm House, loch Indaal, 65 Golden Plover at Rockside and a Wheatear Machir Bay (Mike Peacock).
12th April
KINTYRE: Yesterday evening Alasdair Patterson cautiously identified a male Cirl Bunting at his garden feeding station at Port Righ, Carradale. It was feeding voraciously and was seen well at about 15 feet away with the black and yellow head markings and black throat seen well. No sign of it today despite a good search. Male and female Brambling, 70+ Siskin, 15 Goldfinch present – also a pair of Magpies recently. One Manx Shearwater off Skipness (Jim Dickson).
MID-ARGYLL: Two Sandwich Terns sitting out on the mud at Loch Gilp early afternoon (Jim Dickson).
MULL: Bryan Rains found 2 Lapland Buntings at Glen More yesterday evening. A Common Sandpiper, on the south shore of Loch Na Keal, opposite Eorsa (Pete and Jan Hall per Alan Spellman) and another Common Sandpiper at Pennyghael this morning (Jim & Linda Hurles per Alan Spellman).
ISLAY: A Magpie at Easter Ellister along with 5 Mistle Thrush, 4 Swallows and 1 Sand Martin (Mike Peacock).
11th April
MULL: I saw the Firecrest again this morning at 07.25 in my front garden (just along from the Argyll Hotel in Iona village street) – Carol Dougall.
COWAL: On Loch Loskin outside Dunoon this afternoon, 30 + Sand Martins and two drake and one duck Mandarin and a pair of Grey Wagtail (Alistair McGregor).
TIREE: The Glossy Ibis back at Kilmoluaig pool (also there on 10 Apr), 1f Brambling, 17+ Goldcrest, 1m Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Dunnock, 2 Linnet and 2 Chaffinch at Balephuil. Ad Iceland Gull at Loch Bhasapol. 26 Greenland White-fronts north over Balephetrish at 1200hrs, 84 Great Northern Divers off Balemartine (John Bowler). 1f Blackcap at Baugh (Bill Welstead). 300 Greenland White-fronts north over Hynish at 1145hrs (Peter Isaacson).
Male Black Redstart at Carnan Mor this evening (John Bowler).
ISLAY: A Hawfinch showing well in a garden in Port Wemyss early afternoon. We also had a 1st-summer Iceland Gull at Claddoch. Also at Gruinart, the Green-winged Teal still and two Ruff from the north hide (Val Wilson, David & Pauline Clugston). A Magpie was a rarity at Kilchoman today (Ian & Margaret Brooke).
10th April
NORTH ARGYLL: One Swallow just arrived at Rhugarbh Croft, Appin – five days earlier than last year (Mary Gregory). A Greenshank and a pair of Wigeon at Loch Tulla, also 30 Sand Martins feeding low over the loch (Roger Broad).
MID-ARGYLL: Both Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff singing at Lerigoligan, Ardfern this morning. Also, a female Brambling feeding on sunflower hearts in our garden (Ju Randall). A Magpie today at Bellanoch around 11am (Annette & Roger Anderton).
TIREE: 1 Willow Warbler and 5 Goldcrests at Balephuil, 1 Willow Warbler at Meningie, 9 Black-tailed Godwits and 1 Goldeneye at Loch a’ Phuill (John Bowler).
9th April
MULL: Another (possibly the same) Firecrest seen today in the Village on Iona, by one of my neighbours saw one in her back garden (Carol Dougall per Robertson MacCormick).
MID-ARGYLL: Some recent records sent through from John McInally – included an egret, probably Little Egret at the Add Estuary on 31st March, an Osprey at Loch an Add (Letterdaill) on 6th April, an Osprey at River Add (Bellanoch Bridge) on 7th April and Sand Martins at River Add near Bellanoch on 7th April. Today a Willow Warbler was between Dunadd and Drimvore and 2 prs of Grey Wagtail yesterday between Cairnbaan and Barnakill on the Crinan Canal, also 30 Siskins in Cairnbaan (Jim Dickson). 15 Whooper Swans seen flying N over Ardfern (Ju Randall).
TIREE: A Little Tern at Gott Bay, 2 Great Skuas at Ceann a’ Mhara – also 46 Greenland White-fronts north over there at 7am and 23 Black Guillemots on the early morning survey. 5,200 Golden Plover in 3 flocks today including 3,300 at the Reef (John Bowler).
8th April
KINTYRE: A Chiffchaff heard singing today in Carradale and later a Swallow at Portrigh (Alasdair Paterson). At Tayinloan 4 Sandwich Terns, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Swallow. 2 Swallows also seen at Rhunahaorine as well as 2 Velvet Scoter (David Jardine).
MID-ARGYLL: Pink-footed Goose – singles seen with Greylags at Poltalloch and Barsloisnoch, also 2+ Sand Martins this evening over the River Add at Dalvore (David Jardine). A Greenshank again at the north end of Scotnish, also a flock of around 70-80 Siskin on the road and roadside verge about 500m north of Loch Collie Bhar car park – I’ve never seen such a large flock (Doug Menzies). A Brambling in our Tayvallich garden – first seen there in 21 years! (Morag Rea). An Osprey was at the Add Estuary around mid-day (Caroline Anderson).
TIREE: 1 Siskin, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Linnet, 1 Dunnock, 1 Wheatear and 120 Redwing (many in communal sub-song) at Balephuil, 1 Jackdaw east over Loch a’ Phuill, also 1,300 Golden Plover, 3 Goldeneye and 40 Redwing there; 1 Jackdaw and 1f Wheatear at Sorobaidh Bay. 24 Great Northern Divers and 170 Manx Shearwaters feeding off Hynish (John Bowler). 6 Goldcrest seen at Caoles (Rhoda Meek).
COWAL: This afternoon at Toward point – 4 Sandwich Tern, a pair of Red-throated Diver and on Loch Loskin outside of Dunoon late this evening, one drake Mandarin Duck (Alisair McGregor).
7th April
NORTH ARGYLL: Large numbers of Redwing in north Argyll, including 280 at Barcaldine and 100+ at Ardachy. Loch Etive; many taking part in communal singing (David Jardine)
MID-ARGYLL: A Willow Warbler was singing at Taynish NNR today (Malcolm Chattwood). At least 6 Wheatears in the Ellenabeich area (Isle of Seil) with one White Wagtail (David Jardine)
COWAL: A Swallow see near Sandbank this morning , then later this afternoon at the Gantocks , Dunoon, approx. 30 Gannets, 15 Shag and 20 Cormorants mostly in dispute over what looked like a plaice (Alistair McGregor). Another Swallow today – at Strachur (Jim Nolan). A Nuthatch seen very well at Ardkinglas woodland – also a Chiffchaff singing (Birders on return from Estonia…).
KINTYRE: Our bird club had an outing to the sound of Gigha and along with the expected GN Divers, Slav Grebes, Common Scoters etc we had a couple of Swallows at the west coast salmon site (Doug Menzies/Bute birders).
MULL: A report of a Tree Pipit at Gribun (Jim & Linda Hurles).
6th April
KINTYRE: Following a spell of poor weather at last a few migrants including the first Whimbrel and Sandwich Tern of the year. Also present, 40 Ringed Plovers, 12 Purple Sandpipers, 6 Ruddy Turnstones, 2 Greenshank and a White Wagtail. (Eddie Maguire)
NORTH ARGYLL: A Chiffchaff singing at Kilchurn Castle viewpoint was the first record this year. (David Jardine)
5th April
COWAL: 3 Sandwich Terns were seen in the Firth of Clyde off Dunoon.(Andrew Webster)
TIREE: A Cackling Goose new at Ruaig this morning with the Barnacle Geese there. Also 1 juv Glaucous Gull and a Red-throated Diver at Loch a’ Phuill. 1 Knot and 22 Great Northern Divers at Gott Bay. 5 leg-flagged Sanderling at Balephetrish Bay included a bird that had wintered in NW France. (John Bowler)
NORTH ARGYLL: A Little Egret was at Dalrannoch Bay, Loch Creran at 12.00 and was seen again at 17.00. In Glen Creran, 5 Whooper Swans were on Loch Baile Mhic Chailein, together with 5 Goldeneye, 4 Mallard and a Greenshank. A newly ploughed field at Invercreran held over 20 Meadow Pipits and 6 Pied Wagtails (Robin Harvey)
MULL: The first Willow Warbler and singing Blackcap reported from Carsaig (Alan Spellman per Dave Grant)
4th April
COWAL: A ringed Lesser Black-backed Gull has returned to his garden in Dunoon.(George Newall)
KINTYRE: A male Hen Harrier was seen at Carradale Golf Course and a Magpie in the area since 24th March was joined by another one today. Also a female Brambling at the garden feeders with around 60 Siskins including a male with unreadable metal ring on its right leg. On 2nd April a Weasel in the garden was quick enough to catch a Chaffinch! (Alasdair Paterson)
NORTH ARGYLL : The long-staying Little Egret at Loch Laich was still present this evening. (David Jardine)
2nd April
COWAL: Up to 40 Gannets fishing off Tighnabruaich pier for most of the afternoon brightened a wild and wet day. (Malcolm Chattwood)
1st April
COWAL: 34 Purple Sandpipers and 6 Turnstones today at Crazy Golf. 5 Lesser Redpolls on the niger feeders in the garden yesterday. (George Newall).
KINTYRE: Although common in parts of Cowal, a Magpie sighting in Stewarton is certainly unusual. (Eddie Maguire per Davie Reid).
30th March
TIREE: Glossy Ibis showed well again at Kilmoluaig today, a Great Tit new in the garden at Balephuil,, 1 imm Sea Eagle flew west at Baugh and 18 Whoopers north there yesterday – (Graham Todd), 2 Sea Eagles being mobbed by Peregrines east of Balephetrish – (Ann Gillies), adult Iceland Gull and 1 White Wagtail at Gott Bay (John Bowler).
Islay: A very early House Martin was seen at Carnain today and a probable Marsh Harrier was at Dubh Loch, Machrie (per Ian Brooke).
29th March
ISLAY: A couple of belated reports of early Cuckoo – the first was one calling nr Port Charlotte on Friday 23rd Mar and the other (same bird?) was one calling the next day at Octofad . Also a Pectoral Sandpiper was reported as seen from the south hide at Gruinart on Tuesday 27th Mar (per Ian Brooke).
MULL: A report of a Firecrest at Baile Mor, Iona today (Robertson MacCormick).
TIREE: A Glossy Ibis at Kilmoluaig and later more distantly at Loch Bhasapol – has apparently been present here since 25th March – per Iain and Ann Gillies. Juv Glaucous Gull, 2 Gadwall and 1 Black-tailed Godwit at Loch Bhasapol and 2w Glaucous Gull at Crossapol – with Steph Cope (John Bowler).
28th March
MID-ARGYLL: A group of 120+ White Fronted Geese at Barrahormid feeding in field opposite where swans usually are on Linne Mhuirich. Also 70+ Barnacle Geese on Island of Dana (John Close). A family of four Whooper Swans on the gravel ponds by Kilmartin quarry at 9:45 this morning. They took off, heading south down the Kilmartin glen. Pair of very active Great Spotted Woodpeckers in the woods just beyond (Ju Randall).
25th March
MID-ARGYLL: Malcolm Chattwood was unable to note any more summer migrants today but saw a Moorhen on the Crinan canal nr Crinan.
COWAL: Alistair McGregor went one better yesterday on the ringed Oystercatcher he found last week…finding one with a colour-ring at Otter Ferry but unfortunately it was too worn to read.
24th March
KINTYRE: Highlights on the ABC trip to the Sound of Gigha today included – a Little Egret, a Sandwich Tern, 3 Long-tailed Ducks, 20+ Common Scoter, 8 Slavonian Grebes, 4 Purple Sandpipers, a Wheatear, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits – a total of 66 species. Also a Greenshank nr Kennacraig (Jim Dickson).
At Carradale – Alasdair Paterson reports – a Magpie robbing Collared Dove’s nest in our neighbour’s garden this morning, three groups of Whooper Swans totaling 44 birds flying NE and 37 Goldfinch plus 50+ Siskins 50+ nyger seed feeders in the garden.
MID-ARGYLL: David Jardine reports that the Loch Feorlin Pied-billed Grebe is back.
22nd March
MID-ARGYLL: A flock of 21 Whoopers Swans heading north high over Lochgilphead at mid-day (Jim Dickson).
TIREE: A male Brambling new at Balephuil this afternoon in the rain – a rarity here in spring, 10+ Manx Shearwaters off Sorobaidh Bay, 2w Glaucous Gull at Hynish, 20+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Heylipol (John Bowler).
KINTYRE: A male White Wagtail at Machrihanish SBO today (Eddie Maguire).
NORTH ARGYLL: The Little Egret is still at Loch Laich (David Jardine).
COWAL: An adult Little Gull, with Black-headed Gulls seen today off the Dunoon promenade (Stuart Gibson).
21st March
COWAL: George Newall has noticed a significant drop in numbers of Oystercatchers at the Holy Loch this winter – perhaps weather related and or a reflection of national decline? Alistair McGegor photographed a ringed bird in Dunoon yesterday, however too worn to read – colour rings of course are easier!
TIREE: A Juv Iceland Gull at Balephetrish (John Bowler).
20th March
TIREE: 1 Snow Bunting at Sandaig, Ad Iceland Gull at Loch Earblaig, juv Glaucous Gull at Loch Bhasapol, 2 Gadwall, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Scaup at Loch a’ Phuill. Island totals of 125 Whooper Swans and 21 Pied Wagtails. (John Bowler).
MID-ARGYLL: Our first report of a Willow Warbler – one in song yesterday in Minard – also a single Wheatear at Keills on the 18th (John McInally). Today – a Nuthatch back again in the garden today – nr Barsloisnoch farm (James lehmann). A Greenshank was at the head of Loch Feochan this morning (Jim Dickson).
MID / NORTH ARGYLL: Highlights of my belated WeBS count on Loch Etive were a second winter Iceland Gull at Ardchattan Priory and a Grey Heron at Bonawe Quarry having its fishing interrupted by a female Otter with two cubs. The Norwegian-ringed Blackbird (see 17 January) is still visiting my garden in Connel most days but the change to westerly weather may encourage him to move on soon (Mike Harrison).
19th March
MID-ARGYLL: Around the Moine Mhor today – good numbers (small flocks) of Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Redwings and Fieldfares dotted about. At Loch Leathan – 4 Whooper Swans, 4 Goosander, 5 Goldeneye and 2 Tufted Duck. Also a Pipistrelle out flying around Ford late morning in sunny 6C conditions (Jim Dickson). A male Crossbill in our garden at Scammadale this morning -our first there in 10 years! (Anne-Lise Dickie).
TIREE: A male Wheatear at Balephetrish Hill, 1 ad and 1 2w Iceland Gull at Loch Caol, 2w Iceland Gull at Ruaig sliabh, 2 x 2w Glaucous Gulls west of Ruaig, 1 juv Glaucous Gull at Salum, 1 very confiding Woodcock at Balephuil and imm Moorhens at Baugh and Cornaig Crossroads (John Bowler).
18th March
MID-ARGYLL: In fields around East Lodge, Poltalloch this morning many more Song Thrush than of recent with 29 birds in one field, also a flock of 33 Redwings and 4 Mistle Thrush (Jim Dickson).
TIREE: A Black-tailed Godwit at Loch a’ Phuill today (John Bowler).
17th March
MID-ARGYLL: A Wheatear flew across the road at Ballymeanoch (N of Lochgilphead) this afternoon. Fewer birds today on the Add/Loch Crinan WeBS count however still 118 Wigeons, also a single Whooper Swan (Jim Dickson).
A Wheatear was at Gorstan, Isle of Luing today (David Jardine).
16th March
COWAL: At the Holy Loch today – ca 70 Whooper Swans in two groups (Alistair McGregor).
KINTYRE: A total of 61 Lesser Black-backed Gulls >N / 4hrs from 11:30hrs; passage commenced after rain stopped (largest loose groups were 19, 14 and 12). (Eddie Maguire).
ISLAY: A Sandwich Tern reported at Machir Bay today (per BirdGuides).
15th March
ISLAY: A report of a Common Sandpiper nr Loch Gorm yesterday (Louise Muir per Ian Brooke).
MID-ARGYLL: Many small groups (2 -14) of Lesser BB Gulls now being seen inland N of Lochgilphead. Around the Moine Mhor – 18 Pied Wagtails in a loose group nr Poltalloch also 1 Lapwing, 160 Common Gulls and 80 Rooks there. 25 Fieldfares and 44 Skylarks at Ballymeanoch, 34 Teal, 76 Jackdaws at Ri Cruin and a single Woodcock on the Moine Mhor moss road (Jim Dickson).
MULL: Another sighting of the Red-necked Grebe off Pennyghael today – closer but poor light (Steve Hiscock).
14th March
COWAL: Off Dunoon crazy golf today – 26 Purple Sandpipers and 11 Turnstones (George Newall).
MID-ARGYLL: Two Nuthatches visiting my bird table in Inveraray on a daily basis. Also a Sparrowhawk reducing the Collared Dove population! (Joan Thomson).
MULL: A Wheatear was at Calgary by the churchyard today. Also, the Red-necked Grebe is still present off Pennyghael, Loch Scridain (IanHartley per Alan Spellman).
ISLAY: A Wheatear was at Ardnave on Mon 12th (per Andy Robinson RSPB).
12th March
KINTYRE: At Bleachfield a female Hen Harrier appeared mid-afternoon. Also, 2 displaying Lapwing there (Eddie Maguire).
MID-ARGYLL: From my boat at the mouth of Loch Craignish today – 2 Great Northern Divers flying down the sound, also close views of Black Guillemots (James Lehmann). Off Inverneill this morning 4 Great Northern Divers flying up towards Ardrishaig. Also, now 6 Song Thrush territories in/around Cairnbaan – all in good voice today (Jim Dickson). Yesterday – an uncommon sight at Loch Gilp with a pair of Lapwing at the Clock Tower (Colin Macfarlane). A Red-throated Diver close in by the life boat station in Oban Bay (Mike Anderson). Three Crossbills at the top of Dunadry Hill, Cairnbaan (John McInally). On Sat 10th we flushed a solitary male Black Grouse while mountain biking in Raera forest (John Sedgwick).
COWAL: Two, m+f Brambling in my garden in Dunoon today plus other finches including 2 Lesser Redpoll (George Newall).
9th March
MID-ARGYLL: A juvenile Glaucous Gull just south of Inverneill early afternoon (Jim Dickson).
KINTYRE: A Greenshank at Kennacraig. At Kilmichael floods, N of Campbeltown – a w/p Black-tailed Godwit, 208 Golden Plover, 25 Lapwings and a pr of Shoveler. A female Hen Harrier and a Grey Wagtail at East Chiscan (Jim Dickson).
COWAL: A male Brambling was today’s highlight in George Newall’s garden in Bishop’s Glen, Dunoon.
8th March
KINTYRE: Strath Farm, The Laggan; 600+ Greenland White-fronted Geese, 344 Greylag Geese and a Carrion Crow (no wigeon present). Campbeltown Harbour -adult Iceland Gull asleep on pontoon (Eddie Maguire).
MULL: Another Red-necked Grebe sighting off Pennyghael today (Steve Hiscock).
NORTH ARGYLL: A Little Egret at Loch Laich and 120 Skylarks at Ardtur (David Jardine).
