11th May
MID-ARGYLL: A Great Crested Grebe was seen in Loch Gilp today – between Ardrishaig and Lochgilphead (Alan Dykes). 2 Common Swifts were circling overhead in Kilmichael Glassary today at ~ 2.45pm, banging a nest box and one entered the nest box (Annette Anderton).
TIREE: The female Hawfinch was seen again at Balephuil (John Bowler).
10th May
COLONSAY: A Lesser Whitethroat was seen in scrub north of Scalasaig in the evening (Darren).
ISLAY: Now 2 Curlew Sandpipers from the north hide at RSPB Gruinart late on Wed 9 May – a summer male and a female or 2CY male – also big increase in Dunlin numbers (James Butcher).
MID-ARGYLL: At least 6 ‘Greenland’ Wheatears around the Moine Mhor and Loch Crinan today (Jim Dickson).
TIREE: A female Hawfinch new in the garden at Balephuil today (John Bowler).
9th May
MID-ARGYLL: At Loch Crinan this afternoon – 38 Dunlin and 18 Ringed Plover. Also a male Whitethroat and a pr of Tree pipits at Duntrune (Jim Dickson). It now seems most likely that the Common Rosefinch reported at Cladich, Loch Awe recently was a nice bright male Lesser Redpoll.
ISLAY: Ian Brooke has just phoned mid-afternoon to say there are 4 Tree Sparrows in his garden at Kilchoman…a new species for there!
TIREE: A male Whinchat at Meningie – first of season here (John Bowler).
8th May
KINTYRE: 4 Common Swift over Campbeltown at 19:40hrs (Eddie Maguire).
MID-ARGYLL: More Dunlin around now – 32 at Loch Crinan this morning. Also 4 Whinchats and 2 ‘Greenland’ Wheatears along the road crossing the Moine Mhor (Jim Dickson).
7th May
COLONSAY: A male Green-winged Teal at East Loch Fada this evening (Alan Davis et al)…perhaps same as birds from 28 Apr on Oronsay?
ISLAY: A red Curlew Sandpiper was in front of the north hide at Gruinart today – also masses of Dunlin arriving (James Butcher). A report of a Ring-necked Duck with Tufteds’ at Loch Finlaggan last Fri 4 May (per Gary Turnbull).
MID-ARGYLL: A second hand report of an adult Common Rosefinch at Cladich, Loch Awe (seen and photographed) however more details not forthcoming a this stage (per Bob Grove).
MULL: A female Common Redstart was at Loch Ba (Stuart Gibson per Alan Spellman).
TIREE: 1m Whitethroat singing at Carnan Mor but no sign of yesterday’s Wood Warbler. 1 Common Tern with the Arctic Terns at Loch a’ Phuill – first of season here – (John Bowler).
6th May
COLONSAY: A male Green-winged Teal at Ardskenish (per Alan Davis)…perhaps same as birds from 28 Apr on Oronsay?
KINTYRE: very quiet here at Machrihanish SBO; a Whimbrel, 6 Sandwich Tern, a ‘Greenland’ Wheatear and 2 Linnets with no White Wagtails for 6 days now (Eddie Maguire).
MID-ARGYLL: A Moorhen again today on the marshes beyond Ulva Lagoons; an Osprey over Loch na Cille; 42 Dunlin with 14 Ringed Plover, a Skylark and a Whitethroat at Danna. On Fri 4th May we saw a Golden Eagle early in the morning in our garden at Tayvallich presumably after a dead deer in the wilder part of the garden. Quite a surprise! (Morag & Norman Rea). 50+ Siskins coming to feeders at Carsaig House on 3 May and 20+ Lesser Redpolls at the Moine Mhor conifer woods on 6 May (Jon Close).
TIREE: 1 Wood Warbler at Carnan Mor. 1 House Martin at Loch a’ Phuill (first of season) in with 35 Sand Martin – also 340 Ringed Plover on the machair there (John Bowler).
Notable sightings roundup 29 April to 5 May
COLONSAY: An Iceland Gull and 2 Great Skuas from Balnahard on 30 Apr (David Hatfield).
COWAL: First report of a Spotted Flycatcher was at St Catherines on 30 Apr (Graham Thomas). A Little Egret was at the head of Loch Riddon on 2 May (Allister Hamilton).
ISLAY: A Common Whitethroat and a Whinchat were at RSPB Gruinart (James How) also a count of 119 Common Scoter in outer Loch Indaal on 30 Apr (Mike Peacock). A Grey Plover was in fields at Ballinaby with 43 Golden Plovers and 81 Linnets there on 1 May (Jim Dickson). 22 Sandwich Terns were in the Bruichladdich area of Loch Indaal with several courting and mating pairs, also from there 16 Red-throated Divers on the loch. 12 Wigeon (pr mating), 9 Black-tailed Godwits, male Pintail, a pair of Ruff, 10 Barnacle and 1 Greenland White-fronted Geese at Gruinart, 61 Pale-bellied Brents at Bridgend and 2 Greenland White fronts at Ballinaby all on 2 May (Jim Dickson) also a late Fieldfare was near Feolin, Jura same day (per Ian Brooke). On 3 May: 2 Velvet with 100+ Common Scoters in outer Loch Indaal and an Arctic Skua there. A minimum of 162 Whimbrels around the north of the island (most being 67 at Ardnave), 23 Red Knot, 2 Sanderling, 160 Dunlin and 52 Bar-tailed Godwits at Loch Indaal, also 4 Iceland Gulls (3x 2CY and a 3CY) and 2 x 2CY Glaucous Gulls between Loch Indaal/Gruinart/Rockside and Coull Farm (Jim Dickson) also an Osprey seen fishing at Loch Finlaggan (Richard Belter/Gary Turnbull). A Pectoral Sandpiper was found with Dunlins at Ardnave Point on 4 May (James Butcher).
KINTYRE: 20 Whimbrels were on the beach at Bellochantuy on 2 May (Tom Lowe). 18 Sandwich Terns were at the entrance to West Loch Tarbert on 4 May (Jim Dickson). 30 Whimbrels past Machrihanish SBO on 4 May and 43 past there on 5 May (Eddie Maguire).
MID-ARGYLL: The male Pied-billed Grebe was still present Loch Feorlin this week. 2 juv Glaucous Gulls south of Ardrishaig at the fish farm at Stronachullin on 2 May (Tom Lowe). 500 Kittiwakes were counted flying out of Loch Gilp on 3 May and a Garden Warbler was at Strath Brenfield on 4 May (Andrew Tongue). An adult Little Gull was at Loch Gilp on 5 May (David Jardine).
MULL: First Sedge Warblers appearing from 1 May (per Alan Spellman). 11 Black-tailed Godwits at Treshnish House on 4 May (Anand Prasad) and a pair of Shoveler at Lochdon on 4 May (per Alan Spellman). A Wood Warbler was at Aros Wood on 5 May (P &A Brown).
NORTH ARGYLL: No notable reports received.
TIREE: A male Pied Flycatcher was at Scarinish on 30 Apr (Simon Young) also the first arrivals of Common Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler today (John Bowler). 1 Fieldfare at Balephuil on 3 May – the latest-ever record there (John Bowler). 1 Snow Bunting and 6 Whimbrels at Traigh Bhagh on 4 May and a 3CY Glaucous Gull at the Green on 3-4 May (John Bowler). 3 adult Pomarine Skuas off Gunna Sound from the Tiree ferry (Andy Robinson) and 5 adult Pomarine Skuas and 1 Arctic Skua off Hynish (John Bowler) all on 4 May.
28th April
MID-ARGYLL: Around the Moine Mhor area early am included – 5 Cuckoos, 2 m Whinchats, 3 Sedge Warblers, 1 Common Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps, 5 Grasshopper Warblers, 2 Wood Warblers, 2 Crossbills and 2 Jays (Jim Dickson). At Taynish NNR – Jon Close reported 7 Wood Warbler territories.
COLONSAY – Oronsay: A report of a Green-winged Teal there this morning (David Jardine).
KINTYRE: Alasdair Paterson had 3 Tree Sparrows visit his garden today.
27th April
MID-ARGYLL: Whimbrels heard going high over Lochgilphead this morning – also 2 House Martins there (Jim Dickson). A Sedge Warbler and 6 House Martins at Brenfield, Ardrishaig today (Andrew Tongue).
KINTYRE: More Whimbrels (22) and White Wagtails (14) at Machrihanish SBO today (Eddie Maguire).
ISLAY: A report of 5 Tree Sparrows at Caol Ila yesterday (Gary Turnbull per Ian Brooke).
26th April
MID-ARGYLL: A Wood Warbler in song on N side of Crinan wood this morning – also 2 Blackcap in song there (Jim Dickson). My first Sedge Warbler of the year on the Moine Mhor moss. Cuckoo calling well, Grasshopper Warbler reeling, a pair of Raven out near Crinan ferry and a male Hen Harrier foraging for meadow pipits in the same location. Lots of Common Sandpipers (least 6) at Bellanoch Bridge (Colin MacFarlane).
KINTYRE: A Great Skua >S came very close to Machrihanish SBO just before a squall arrived arrived (Eddie Maguire).
TIREE: A pair of Garganey on a pool near Heylipol Church this morning, 22 White Wagtails, 8 Little Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 12 Whimbrel, 1 Chiffchaff and 4 Swallow at the Green, 11 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Whimbrel at Loch an Eilein, 16 Black-tailed Godwits at Loch Bhasapol, at least 4m Corncrakes on the island and 5+ Chiffchaff at Balephuil (John Bowler).
25th April
MID-ARGYLL: In the Loch Barnluasgan area this morning – 3 singing Wood Warbler, 4 Blackcaps and 2 Tree Pipits. Nearby at the Moine Mhor – a male Whinchat and four areas with Stonechats and another 2 singing Wood Warblers a mile W of Cairnbaan. Also 4 Whimbrel at Loch Gilp (Jim Dickson). 3 Sandwich Tern off Ardrishaig today (Andrew Tongue).
MULL: A report of a Hawfinch photographed at feeders in Fionnphort on 23 – 25 Apr (Carol Marshall per Alan Spellman).
KINTYRE: 10 Whimbrel, 3 White Wagtail and 2 Greenland Wheatear (Eddie Maguire).
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).
COWAL: We probably had up to 20 Siskins here at Innellan today along with the two Redpolls (Alan Forsyth).
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).