One Fine Day

 Saturday May 14

Ssh, it stayed dry all day.  Undecided as to what to do, we drove north towards Sollas. Before reaching the Lochmaddy turnoff, a Short-eared Owl appeared, landing on the ground before I could try for another decent flying shot. Those eyes.

  

Pam decided to take the pretty way to Sollas. That is via the coast road, eschewing Committee Road, exploring all side tracks. The Loch where we had several good birds last year, including Red-throated Divers, had only Greylag and a pair of Mallard. The highlight was two Arctic Skuas flying inland in front of us. A few miles later another flew out to sea, such elegant flyers. A roadside lochan had a Common Sandpiper, only the second we have seen here.

We then spent some time parked at the Sollas Memorial garden, where a small wood often proves worthwhile. Eventually, we grew tired of the incessant Chaffinch and Willow Warbler song, driving on to the Co-op for milk and an ice-cream. I favour a Solero, a mango suffused icecream on a stick, Pam had a Double Gold Caramel Millionaire - a Magnum. 

Home via Committee Road, to pick up some egg boxes and pots. Ian is putting out our portable actinic tonight, beside their caravan in the camp site. There's machair all around, it will be interesting to see what - if anything - is in the trap in the morning. After waiting with half a dozen other carloads, outside Bayhead Stores, for the daily papers to arrive, we took the trap to the campsite. 

Such a beautiful evening, blue sky wirh very little wind. As we drove home, the roads were empty, we only had to pull in to a passing place three times during the whole journey. High tide too, we were surrounded by Caribbean blue sea. Lovely place,

 Our Emperor Moth caterpillars are thriving. Provided with fresh Sallow morning and evening, they have doubled in size. With plenty of room, they all cluster together in a small area.


 

 

 

 

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