Stormy

 Thursday May 5

As predicted, we rose to heavy rain showers and fog. We still went out, first call Baleshare to check on the Dotterel. No sign of any, the field had been muck spread. The brisk southerly had brought out four kite surfers. The speed of their progress across the impressive surf was electrifying, at times, both board and rider leaving the water, making giant leaps into the air.  If I were younger....

Looking out for Lapwing chicks on the way back, Pam saw a small flock of waders land in a distant field. We have been seeing daily flocks of Whimbrel pausing on their travels, we assumed that these were. No, it was twenty of the first Golden Plover we've seen this trip. 

The campsite Cabin had re stocked their unsmoked bacon. Armed with bacon sandwiches, we drove to Aird an Runair beach for breakfast/lunch with a view. Little Terns, an Arcric Tern, Great Northern Diver, Cormorant, Gannet, and Sanderling. As we were leaving the site, the jangle of a Corn Bunting brought us to a stop. No other cars to mind us stopping today. The first sighting was of a Corn Bunting about two metres from Pam's open window.

The bird flew, joining its mate, one landing in the machair. It found a tussock of dry grass which it proceeded to attack vigorously, tearing off chunks. Nest building material I assume.

Suddenly, I was aware that the strong wind had dropped almost completely, and the rain had stopped. However, the fog was thicker and more prevalent. We drove the coast road to Sollas, stopping at the memorial garden and picnic area of Grenitote. A little woodland there can be productive. Willow Warbler and Wren today. I hope to get a good view of a Wren sometime,  the islands have their own sub species. The Greylag here always seem to be of wild stock rather than the farmyard wild we see at home.

 A few hundred metres down the road back to Sollas, a Buzzard sat on a roadside post. We came to a halt immediately opposite - and to my amazement, it stayed.

 

We recently had a conversation about the odd lists that birders keep, including one  of ' birds seen whilst weeing in the wild'. That was a South American birder we knew. I thought that the bird was due to fly when it lifted its tail and wings.

Another list. Birds seen whilst they are defecating.

The day is not complete without a drive along Committee Road. Soon after entering, a male Hen Harrier appeared out of the fog, as always, speeding on its way. We saw a female this morning. As Pam said, ' I've enjoyed the day, despite the crap weather'.