3rd November
TIREE: A female Hawfinch skulking about in the garden at Balephuil this morning, also 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Brambling and 1 Goldcrest there (John Bowler).
MID-ARGYLL: A Blackcap in my garden at Kilmichael Glen and a Magpie on West Bank Road, Ardrishaig this morning (Blair Urquhart).
COWAL: The Little Egret is still at the Holy Loch today and the Kingfisher made a brief appearance at high tide (Alistair McGregor).
KINTYRE: The Little Egret is still at Kennacraig, seen around 3.30 pm (Per Val Wells).
1st November
TIREE: 7 Siskin and 1 Brambling at Balephuil. 1 Lapland Bunting and 1 Fieldfare at The Reef (John Bowler). 1m Blackcap at Barrapol, 1m Chaffinch at Balevullin (Steph Cope). 1 Little Grebe at Milton (Christian Verstraete).
COLL: A male Brambling was at Totronald today (Ben Jones per John Bowler).
30th October
KINTYRE: The Little Egret is back at the head of West Loch Tarbert this morning (Blair Urquhart). A Chiffchaff was photographed by the Twite trap at the Machrihanish SBO hide today (Eddie Maguire). A male Snow Bunting close to Port Righ bay this morning, a first for me in this area (Alasdair Paterson).
MID-ARGYLL: 2 Red Knot at Loch Gilp today (Jim Dickson).
COWAL: At Loch Eck this afternoon were 5 Mandarin Ducks – unfortunately they took off before I could get a decent picture (Tom Cameron).
TIREE: 1 ‘Siberian’ Chiffchaff at Balephuil, also 2 Brambling and 2 Goldcrest there. 5 Little Grebe together at Loch an Eilein (unusual) also 1 Pink-footed Goose with Greenland White-fronts there. 1 Snow Bunting at Balephetrish (John Bowler).
28th October
KINTYRE: At the Machrihanish SBO today: 11:00 – 16:15hrs – WNW f8 squalls: 52 Leach’s Petrels, a sub-adult Pomarine Skua and 420 Black-legged Kittiwakes all >S and the 2CY Iceland Gull (Eddie Maguire).
TIREE: 1 ‘Siberian’ Chiffchaff, 1 Woodpigeon and 1 Goldcrest at Balephuil (John Bowler).
27th October
KINTYRE: Today a striking male Long-tailed Duck amongst Common Eiders at Machrihanish SBO . (Eddie Maguire)
TIREE: A ‘Siberian’ Chiffchaff new at Balephuil this morning along with a Chiffchaff and Goldcrest. The immature Greater Scaup still at Loch a’ Phuill with 9 Goldeneye, 15 Shoveler and 42 Whooper Swans. (John Bowler).
ISLAY: A report of a Hawfinch at feeders at Octofad farm today (Tony and Irene Miller)…they also had one there last year which was well watched by Islay birders.
26th October
KINTYRE: At the Machrihanish SBO: a very quiet morning with only 10 Brent Geese and 2 Great Northern Divers >S and a Merlin. At Strath Farm (The Laggan) the Whooper Swan total has risen to 211. Also there, ca. 400 Greenland White-fronted Geese, 77 Canada Geese, 4 hybrid Canada X Barnacle Geese, 127 Wigeon, a male Shoveler, 600 Fieldfare and 900 Redwing (Eddie Maguire).
MID-ARGYLL: Little Egret still at Loch Craignish today, near Ardfern, also 6 Great Northern Divers there (Stephen Westerberg).
24th October
KINTYRE: A belated report of a flock of c. 40 Waxwings seen on Sat 21 Oct between Southend and Campbeltown (Alistair Anderson per Eddie Maguire). Today a juvenile Iceland Gull immediately north of Campbeltown (Eddie Maguire).
MID-ARGYLL: The 1w American Wigeon still at Loch Gilp this morning but no sign of the Little Egret (Jim Dickson).
ISLAY: A juv Little Gull at Ballinaby and a presumed ‘Todd’s’ Canada Goose at Rock mountain road today (Gary Turnbull). On The Oa…a Ring Ouzel today,found by my wife whilst walking the dog! Also 2 Bramblings, 1 Chiffchaff and 5 Goldcrests. Further increase in Redwing to c.3,000 birds, with a few hundred Fieldfares (David Wood).
COWAL: A Whimbrel between Ardentinny and the Holy Loch today and 10 Red-legged Partridge nr Baillemore (Loch Striven) and a probable Golden Eagle (Stu Ingledew)
22nd October
KINTYRE: MSBO: seawatch 09:00-14:00hrs / f8 with occasional light squalls. Birds >S included 2 Barnacle Geese, 18 Eurasian Wigeon, 2 Common Scoter, 13 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Red-throated Diver, 11 Great Northern Diver, 9 adult Northern Gannet, 1 Sanderling, 300 Black-legged Kittiwake (mainly on horizon) and a Black Guillemot. 4 Brent Geese and 2 Purple Sandpipers were on the shore (Eddie Maguire/Jim Dickson) 170 Whooper Swans are still at Strath Farm (The Laggan) (Eddie Maguire). Single Kestrels at Putechan, at Mausdale and at Ballure. Also a Greenshank and a 1w Long-tailed Duck at Kennacraig – no sign of the Little Egret there (Jim Dickson).
MID-ARGYLL: 103 swans at Ulva Lagoons – 65 Whooper (including 12 Cygnets) and 38 Mute (including 9 Cygnets) (Morag Rea). The Little Egret is still at the head of Loch Gilp (Jim Dickson/Colin McFarlane).
ISLAY: A juv Little Gull on the road at Claddach (Portnahaven) this morning (Mary Redman per Ian Brooke)…also good numbers of Redwing on the island and several Brambling.
21st October
NORTH ARGYLL: Lots of thrushes being seen this morning and a flock of 100 mainly Redwings at Barcaldine Castle (Robin Harvey).
MID-ARGYLL: Thrushes moving through all morning with- at Cairnbaan (08:30- 09:30) Redwing flocks of 100, 70, 150, 85 mainly going NW to SE; at the Moine Mhor (East Lodge/Poltalloch areas) (09:40-10:30 with Redwing flocks of 50, 120, 70, 250, 300+, 60, 25 & 30 and over Lochgilphead (11:00-11:30) Redwings with 50, 35 and Fieldfares of 25, 30 & 80. Also the Little Egret is still at the head of Loch Gilp and good numbers of Blackbirds, Song Thrush and Goldcrests around the Moine Mhor area (Jim Dickson). At Kilmichael Glassary this morning 20 Redwings stripping berries off Hawthorn trees in Malcolm Chattwood’s garden.
20th October
MID-ARGYLL: The Little Egret is still at the head of Loch Gilp – also 1 Pale-bellied Brent still there, several small groups of mixed Fieldfares and Redwings over Lochgilphead and a party of 15 Long-tailed Tits. At Loch Crinan this afternoon 2 Black-throated Divers (Jim Dickson).
KINTYRE: At the Machrihanish SBO birds >S included 17 Whooper Swans, 3 Barnacle Geese, 2 Brent Geese, 10 Purple Sandpipers and 2 adult Sandwich Terns. A Dunnock has arrived and seems quite happy away from usual habitat. Nearby at Strath Farm; 70 Whooper Swans and the 2CY Iceland Gull that arrived last month was showing well (Eddie Maguire).
TIREE: At Balephuil/Carnan Mor today; 1 Lapland Bunting, 400 Redwings, 10 Fieldfares, 6 Brambling, 8 Common Redpolls, 2f Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrests, 40 Goldfinch, 1 Wheatear and 2 Dunnock. 2 Fieldfares and 1 Chiffchaff (singing) at the Manse. 3 Pale-b Brents and 1 Wheatear at Gott Bay (John Bowler).
19th October
MID-ARGYLL: A male Brambling was amongst the Chaffinches in my garden in Connel this morning and a male Yellowhammer this afternoon (Mike Harrison). At Loch Gilp this morning – the Little Egret still present, 2 Pale-b Brents and 6 Shelducks were new in. At Cairnbaan 18 Fieldfares and 4 Redwings flew over. At the Add Estuary 3 Gadwall (2mm, 1 f) so different from the group at Loch Gilp on 17 Oct (Jim Dickson). Another Brambling today…this time at Glenfyne Park, Ardrishaig in a small Chaffinch flock (Colin McFarlane).
TIREE: 4 Swallows and 1 Chiffchaff at Vaul. Also 2 Pink-feet and 2 Wheatears seen today (Toby Green).
17th October
TIREE: Very busy sea-watch off Aird in NW7-8 with squalls 0755-0855 hrs: 1 juv Long-tailed Skua, 3 juv Sabine’s Gulls, 1 Pomarine Skua, 2 Lesser BB Gulls, 7 Arctic Skua (3 light-phase), 3 Manx Shearwaters, 15 Great Skuas, 3 Red-t Divers, 48 GN Divers, 3 Black Guillemot, 48 Eider, 154 Gannets, 1550 Kittiwakes and 4390 large auks. 30 Whooper Swans at Loch an Eilein and scattered groups of Redwing around the island, also a Brambling at Balephuil (John Bowler).
MID-ARGYLL: At Loch Gilp today – the 1w American Wigeon still there, also 3 Gadwall (m + 2ff), a Little Egret, 9 Barnacle Geese over and 3 1w Lesser BB Gulls. At the Add Estuary – a f/imm Goldeneye (first of autumn there), 4 Goosander, an adult Lesser BB Gull and 3 Jays (Jim Dickson).
KINTYRE: A Sea-watch at MSBO 08:00-15:00hrs (7hrs). F8 / light squalls >S in gale included 7 Whooper Swans, 2 Barnacle Geese, 7 Gadwall, a Long tailed Duck, 9 Red-throated Divers, 21 Great Northern Divers, a Leach’s Petrel, 27 adult / 4 juvenile Northern Gannets, 2 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Grey Plovers, 35 Ringed Plovers, 170 Sanderlings, 6 Great Skuas, 3 juvenile Pomarine Skuas, 2 juvenile Arctic Skuas, 240 Black-legged Kittiwakes, a 2cy Glaucous Gull and 7 Arctic Terns (Eddie Maguire).
16th October
TIREE: Obvious arrival overnight with easterly winds: 200+ Redwings, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Brambling, 2m Blackcap, 12+ Common Redpolls, 10 Goldfinch, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Goldcrest at Balephuil plus 45 Greenland White-fronts and 15 Whooper Swans heading south there. 123 Whoopers and 52 Tufted Ducks at Loch a’ Phuill plus 12 Barnacle Geese over SE also 20 Redwings at Meningie, 50 Redwings at Balinoe and 1 Wheatear at the Reef (John Bowler).
15th October
Islay/Kintyre: A late Storm Petrel from the ferry S off Jura this afternoon followed by another NE off Gigha (Clive McKay).
TIREE: Flocks of 22, 6, 60 and 4 Whooper Swans, 90+ Barnacle Geese in flocks of up to 32, and 12 and 4 Greenland White-fronts all heading over south. 60+ Redwing, 1 Woodcock, 5 Goldfinch and 1 Common Redpoll at Carnan Mor. 2 ad and 1 juv Moorhen at Sandaig. 2 Chiffchaff, 1m Blackcap, 1 Dunnock, 2 Goldcrest and 4 Common Redpoll at Balephuil (John Bowler).
ORONSAY: 1 Snow Bunting, groups of 18, 9, & 42 Whooper Swans and 2, 21 Greenland White-fronts all heading south. Also 3 P-b Brents, 1 Common Tern, 1 Jackdaw (rare here), and a chatter of 15 Chough (Morgan Vaughan).
14th October
MID-ARGYLL: The 1w American Wigeon still at Loch Gilp today (David Jardine/Jim Dickson). A pair of Mandarin at Loch a’ Chroiag, Ford and a single Long-tailed Duck at Loch Ederline (David Jardine).
KINTYRE: The Little Egret was seen again this morning at Kennacraig (Val Wells).
13th October
MID-ARGYLL: A wonderful sighting of a Barn Owl at Loch Dun Caltuinn (Whooper Loch to me!) near Carsaig (Lottie Goodlet). A productive walk up the hill south of Cairnbaan to Dail Loch included – 12 Redwings, 28 Lesser Redpolls, 18 + 40 Goldfinch, 4 Siskins, 60+ Chaffinch, 2 + 4 Bullfinch, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Jay, also the House Martin is still about.. (Jim Dickson).
KINTYRE: Driving to Skipness we were treated to a spectacular hunting display by the Hen Harrier. We also saw a Black Grouse (Val Wells).
COWAL: A Whimbrel was at the head of the Holy Loch, Dunoon today (Alistair McGregor).
11th October
MID-ARGYLL: A Red Kite today on Seil island (Wendy Raine).
KINTYRE: A female Hen Harrier again nr Spion Kop/ B8001 (Val Wells). Sea-watching at the Machrihanish SBO quiet with only 2 juv Northern Gannets >S. Also the 2CY Iceland Gull turned up again, a Grey Heron got very close to the Observatory and 6 Grey Wagtails and 12 Twite were present (Eddie Maguire).
TIREE: 2 Pink-footed Geese new at Balephetrish, also 126 Barnacle Geese there. First Goldeneye of the autumn at Loch a’ Phuill plus 1 juv/f Scaup there.1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch and 1 Dunnock at Balephuil. Flock of 320 Linnet at the Reef. 1 Redwing at Balinoe (John Bowler).
9th October
MID-ARGYLL: The Little Egret first seen a few months back at the Loch Craignish lagoon, Ardfern has been coming and going and seen again on Sat 7 Oct during a WeBS count. Also today saw first flock of Redwings and Fieldfares. (Ju Randall). The 1w male American Wigeon again on Loch Gilp this morning (Jim Dickson). At least 5 Redwings were flocking with about 20 Mistle Thrushes near Connel this morning (Mike Harrison).
COWAL: A group of 9 Redwings in a garden at Bischop’s Glen, Dunoon today….also a few Goldfinches still about in juvenile plumage (George Newall).
TIREE: At Loch a’ Phuill today on WeBS count – 1 juv Scaup, 33 Greenland White-fronts, 31 Whoopers and 1 Coot at Loch a’ Phuill – also 2 Gadwall, 3 Pintail, 32 Tufted Duck and 14 Shoveler there. Highlights elsewhere included – 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 4 Goldfinch, 5 Common Redpoll at Balephuil, 5 Swallow, 5 Redwing, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2m Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest and 3 Dunnock at the Glebe,15 Greenland White-fronts at the Reef and 38 Barnacle Geese at Balephetrish (John Bowler).
NORTH ARGYLL: A Greenshank at Dalrannoch, Loch Crearan on WeBS count today (Robin Harvey).
6th October
MID-ARGYLL: A Magpie was in a Lochgilphead garden today (Carol Allan)….always a good find away from the Cowal area…
TIREE: A Lesser Whitethroat new at Kenovay with a Willow Warbler (Jim Dickson). 1 juv Little Stint briefly at Balephetrish Bay, 1w male Ring-necked Duck still at Loch a’ Phuill am with 25 Whooper Swans but not found pm (John Bowler), also 1 juv Greater Scaup, 6 Pintail, 12 Shovelers and 3 Black-tailed Godwits there pm (Jim Dickson). 1 Lapland Bunting flew south over Barrapol, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 1m Blackcap, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch and 5 Common Redpoll at Balephuil / Carnan Mor. 1m Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest and 2 Chaffinch at An Airidh, Cornaigmore (John Bowler). 4 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 124 Kittiwake, 1 GN Diver, 2 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Wigeon and 1 Barnacle Goose passed off Hough Bay 08:50- 9:20 (Jim Dickson).
5th October
TIREE: Sea-watch from Aird 0730-0830 in NW6-7 (all heading W): 1 Pomarine Skua, 8 Arctic Skua, 3 Great Skuas, 3 Manx Shearwaters, 4 Great Northern Divers, 6 Scaup, 1 Tystie, 64 Kittiwake, 269 Gannet and 365 large auk (John Bowler/Jim Dickson). 1 Yellow-browed Warbler still at the Glebe with a Redwing, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest plus a Greenshank over there. 3 Ruff at Scarinish. 4 juv Whooper Swans at Loch Bhasapol (Jim Dickson). 1 Jack Snipe at Baugh (Steph Cope).
KINTYRE: Sea-watch at Machrihanish SBO 09:00-15:00hrs WNW 5 with squalls: Grey Phalarope >S at 12:20 just after a squall, also a Pale-bellied Brent, 8 Barnacle Geese and 9 Red-throated Diver A Northern Wheatear was present and 29 Twite were trapped including 24 new birds colour-ringed and 5 retraps (Eddie Maguire).
ISLAY: Sea-watch Frenchman’s rocks 10:-12:00 NW 6: 2 Great Skua, 325 Kittiwake, 135 Auk sp, 4 Great Northern Diver, 2 Diver sp.,3 Common Scoter, 3 Long-tailed Duck, 137 Barnacle Goose (Mike Peacock).
4th October
TIREE: Sea-watch from Aird 0800-0900 in W7 produced (all heading W): 1 Leach’s Petrel, 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 5 Great Skuas, 14 Manx Shearwaters, 4 GN Divers, 10 Kittiwake, 183 Gannets and 398 large auks. 9 Redwings, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Goldcrest at Balephuil (John Bowler). 1 Yellow-browed Warbler again at The Glebe, also 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Goldfinch there, plus 1 Common Redpoll over. Flocks of 110, 60 and 24 Barnacle Geese and 7 Whooper Swans south over the island. 1f Blackcap at Whitehouse, 2 Goldcrests at Vaul (Jim Dickson).
ISLAY: 6,550 Barnacle Geese arrived at Loch Gruinart (James How).
3rd October
COWAL: 3 Purple Sandpipers at Dunoon Crazy Golf today (George Newall).
TIREE: A 1 hr seawatch at Aird 7:30- 8:30 produced – 1 Leach’s Petrel, 2 Great Skuas, 17 Manx Shearwaters, 1 G N Diver, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 590 large auks, 135 Gannets and only 3 Kittiwakes. 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldfinch and 1 Goldcrest at The Glebe. 1w male Ring-necked Duck still at Loch a’ Phuill. 2 juv Black-tailed Godwits and 1 juv Knot at Sandaig (Jim Dickson).
ISLAY: Sea-watch at Frenchman’s rocks 0800 – 1200 NW 5-6: Red-throated Diver 3, Great Northern Diver 17, Diver sp. 12, Great Skua 1, Common Scoter 5, Whooper Swan 7, Barnacle geese 181. Merlin on the walk back and fem Hen Harrier over the crofts at Portnahaven (Mike Peacock). Geese arriving at Loch Gruinart today: Barnacles 1440, Pink-footed 14, PB Brents 26 (James How).
2nd October
TIREE: A busy sea-watch from Aird this am in WNW 7-8 with squalls, totals in 2 hrs from 07:15hrs (all heading W) 2 Leach’s Petrel, 1 Grey Phalarope, 1 Pomarine Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, 18 GN Diver, 2 RT Diver, 33 Great Skuas, 69 Manx Shearwater, 139 Kittiwake, 4 Fulmar, 1380 Gannet, 3320 large auk, 1 PB Brents and 1 Long-tailed Duck (John Bowler with Jim Dickson later on). 1 Yellow-browed Warbler and 1 Willow Warbler at the Glebe ( Jim Dickson).
4 PB Brent at Sorobaidh Bay and 3 at Salum Bay. 1 juv Knot at Gott Bay. 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 5 Common Redpoll and 1 Goldcrest at Balephuil (John Bowler).
KINTYRE: Seawatch 07:30 – 15:30hrs / NW 6 > 8 with frequent squalls. Noteworthy gale species were 12 Leach’s Petrels, 2 Grey Phalaropes and 8 Great Skuas. A supporting cast included 22 Pb Brent Geese, 4 Northern Pintail, 10 Greater Scaup, 26 Red-throated Divers, 17 juvenile Northern Gannets, 8 Bar-tailed Godwits and 2 juvenile Arctic Terns (Eddie Maguire).
1st October
TIREE: 1 Coal Tit still at Carnan Mor also 2 Blackcap and 2 Goldcrest there. 15 Ruff with 750 Golden Plover at Crossapol. 1 Willow Warbler, 1m Blackcap, 1f Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch at Balephuil (John Bowler). 1 juv Knot at Greenhill and 2 juv Grey Plover at Loch a’ Phuill , 13 PB Brents at Salum Bay (Jim Dickson).
30th September
TIREE: 1 Coal Tit new at Carnan Mor and 1 Coal Tit at Meningie. 1w male Ring-necked Duck at Loch a’ Phuill, also 3 Pintail, 2 Grey Plover and 3 PB Brent (John Bowler).1 Eurasian Coot new at Loch Bhasapol, 9 PB Brent at Gott Bay plus 1 juv Knot. 14 Ruff at Baugh (Jim Dickson). 11 PB Brent at Traigh nan Gilean (Steph Cope).
29th September
ISLAY: Highlights at RSBP Loch Gruinart included – 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 14 Ruff, 12 Black-tailed Godwits, 125 Pale-bellied Brents and 21 Barnacle Geese (James How) and 200 Pale-bellied Brents seen there later (Bob McMillan). A highlight of 217 Pale-bellied Brents past Frenchman’s rocks late morning (Mike Peacock).
MID-ARGYLL: The 1w male American Wigeon still at the head of Loch Gilp with Eurasian Wigeons (Jim Dickson). A scold of 14 Jays today over the Walled Garden at the Maltlands, Inveraray (Glyn Toplis).
28th September
TIREE: A Juvenile American Golden Plover on its own in the NW corner of Loch a’ Phuill this afternoon, also a 1w male Ring-necked Duck in with the Tufted Ducks there plus 16 Shovelers, 1 Pintail and 8 juvenile Ruff on nearby floods. A flock of 22 juvenile Ruff at Baugh. Now 8+ Blackcaps and 8+ Goldcrests at Carnan Mor (John Bowler).
MID-ARGYLL: A Kingfisher was at the Ormsary fish farm….a first record in this area (Errol/Stu Crutchfield).
27th September
COMMON GUILLEMOT DEATHS – Over the last week or so dead and dying Common Guillemots have been noted in the West of Scotland and in Argyll at the head of some sea lochs e.g. Loch Fyne, Long & Gilp. In order to monitor the scale of this we would welcome your reports of any dead and dying auks (numbers/location/any abnormalities etc).
A Common Guillemot in Loch Awe (North end) – obviously unwell (and in the wrong environment!). Alan Dykes
TIREE: 1 Osprey fishing at Loch Bhasapol this morning (Chris Aller).
26th September
MID-ARGYLL: A juvenile Ruff was at Loch Gilp late morning (Jim Dickson).
KINTYRE: The Little Egret is still at Kennacraig today (Bob McMillan).
TIREE: Group of 8 juv Ruff at Balinoe, also a Norwegian leg-flagged Bar-tailed Godwit there (John Bowler).
25th September
MID-ARGYLL: At Loch Gilp today…more Common Guillemots apparently disorientated in the fog today with around 20 birds heading up the loch (Heather Cameron). A Merlin was seen near Dunadd today (James Lehmann).
KINTRYE: Now 2 2CY Iceland Gulls in a field near the Machrihanish SBO today (Eddie Maguire).
TIREE: 1 Lesser Whitethroat at the Manse. 1 Chiffchaff new at Balephuil with 4 Blackcaps, 6 Common Redpolls and 2 Goldfinch. 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Balephetrish Bay (John Bowler).
24th September
MID-ARGYLL: A fem/imm American Wigeon was in with the Wigeon flock at Loch Gilp late morning. Also several dead and dying Common Guillemots around the loch and good numbers of Goldcrests in any suitable habitat (Jim Dickson).
KINTYRE: At the Machrihanish SBO the 2CY Iceland Gull is starting to look a bit smarter as it gets through the moult (Eddie Maguire).
TIREE: 1 Yellow-browed Warbler at Carnan Mor with a Lapland Bunting heading S over there (John Bowler).
23rd September
TIREE: 1 Yellow-browed Warbler again in the garden at Balephuil with 3 Goldcrests and 3 Blackcaps. 1hr sea-watch off Hynish in SE7-8 from 2pm produced highlights of: 1 juv Sabine’s Gull and 1 Grey Phalarope (John Bowler).
COWAL: Kingfisher showing well still from the Sandbank hide, also 70+ Turnstones and 3 Guillemots at Kirn (Alistair McGregor & George Newall).
22nd September
TIREE: 1 Yellow-browed Warbler was new in the garden at Balephuil today, with 4 Goldcrests and 3 Blackcaps. A 1 hr sea-watch at lunchtime off Hynish produced highlights; 4 Leach’s Petrels, 1 Storm Petrel, 3 Great Skuas and 1 Balearic Shearwater (John Bowler).
COWAL: An imm/sub-adult White-tailed Eagle this morning on the shore at Strachur Bay (Iain Wilkie).
21st September
TIREE: The imm Pied Flycatcher is still at Carnan Mor/ Balephil today (John Bowler).
MID-ARGYLL: 2 Slavoinan Grebes were off the tip off Taynish/ Linne Mhuirich today and a Jay and Blackcap nearby. Also 1 Greenshank, 60 + Wigeon, 20 + Teal and a m Peregrine at the Add Estuary (Colin MacFarlane). A sub-adult White-tailed Eagle was being chased by a single raven along the Meadows towards Cairnbaan this morning at 0830hrs (Blair Urquhart).
MULL: A Wryneck was spotted at the Balmeanach farm turn off, Gribun this afternoon (Mark Appleton & Terry Tiller per Alan Spellman).
20th September
TIREE: A small fall at Balephuil this morning after last night’s rain included: 1 imm Pied Flycatcher, 1 imm male Common Redstart, 1 showy Grasshopper Warbler, 6 Common Redpolls and 1m Blackcap (John Bowler).
19th September
TIREE: 1 Lapland Bunting on The Reef, also a Snow Bunting heading S overhead there (John Bowler).
COWAL: George Newall heard a Chiffchaff in his Dunoon garden today and also managed a photo of the Kingfisher from the Sandbank hide, Holy Loch.
MULL: A Red Kite was at Gribun Mull (Pete Hall per Alan Spellman).
17th September
COWAL: Kingfisher again at the Kilmun hide Holy Loch (Alistair McGregor).
TIREE: A Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler and 3 Dunnock at the Manse, Scarinish. 2 m Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Willow Warbler and 2 Sedge Warbler at Balephuil (John Bowler). 1 Goldcrest at Hynish and 2 Redpoll sp at Cornaigmore and 1 Ruff at Loch Bhasapoll (Argyll Bird Club group). 1 Ruff at Vaul (Mark Mallalieu).
16th September
TIREE: A Buff-breasted Sandpiper west of Loch Bhasapol this afternoon in with Golden Plovers – found by the visiting Argyll Bird Club group – they also reported an adult Long-tailed Skua from the ferry between Mull and Coll. Also 1 Greenland Redpoll on roadside at east end of Traigh Bhi (John Bowler).
COWAL: A Kingfisher again from the Kilmun hide at the Holy Loch, also a Little Grebe from there and a Chiffchaff was heard (Alistair McGregor).
15th September
KINTYRE: A Little Egret is still at Kennacraig (Jim Dickson). At the Machrihanish SBO (15:00hrs) a flock ca. 120 Pink-footed Geese in off sea (Eddie Maguire).
MULL: A Turtle Dove at Treshnish NW Mull today (Anand Prasad).
14th September
TIREE: A sea-watch from Aird in NW7 from Aird (0700-0800) produced the following (all heading west): 1 juv Sabine’s Gull, 1 Leach’s Petrel, 2 Storm Petrel, 2 RT Diver, 1 Great Skua, 2 Fulmar, 2 Arctic Skua, 25 Kittiwake, 82 large auk, 97 Manx Shearwater and 151 Gannets. Also 1 juv Ruff, 9 Black-tailed Godwits and 1 juv Shelduck at Middleton (John Bowler).
ISLAY: Highlights today included – a Great Skua off Portnahaven, at Loch Indaal – 6 Arctic Terns, 1 Greenshank, 31 Common Scoters, 52 Wigeon, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Greater Scaup and a juv Black-throated Diver. At Craigens – a juv Whinchat and at Loch Gruinart – 2 Peregrines, an imm White-tailed Eagle, 2 ad Whooper Swans and a single Barnacle Goose (Jim Dickson).
COWAL: At Ardyne this morning – 4 Sandwich Terns and a single ‘Greenland’ Wheatear (George Newall).
