We have two churches between us and the Lochmaddy junction. Their car parks were fuller than I would have expected them to be on the mainland. The Western Isles are - historically - Roman Catholic .I don't know which church is which. I must check next time we pass.
On the look out for both the Griffin and the Harcup cottages, Pam noticed two Golden Eagles circling into the air, shortly after the Paibles area. Nice surprise.
It was late morning before we set out for Baleshare and the Curlew Sandpiper search. Ian had already seen the birds and gave us some helpful advice as to their whereabouts. We spent some time searching the wrong field which was dotted with scurrying, feeding, squabbling, Dunlin and Ringed Plovers. One Black-tailed Godwit was a surprise.
Rounding a corner, we came across two more cars whose occupants were binning another field.
One of them was BB. the other a young man who said that he recognised the car from last year !! Bingo, the right field. After much scanning of very active 300+ small waders. I located both Curlew Sandpipers, who were either fast asleep or, preening with their backs to us. A size larger than the Dunlin, paler below, their white rump obvious when wings were preened. Still in non breeding plumage. Non breeders I guess.
Two handsome Golden Plover posed warily in their appropriate habitat.
Committee Road beckoned. Another Golden Eagle. Could be one of the pair we saw earlier. A Whatsapp message from Ian that two Corncrakes were showing well near the Balranald Visitor Centre, sent us hurrying off. No sign of the birds when we got there but we heard one call.
A fairly quick look at Aird an Runair. A few Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Sanderling on the beach to-day, a dozen Eider and, thanks to our west country burr, crutches wielding man from the boat lift yesterday, Purple Sandpipers on the rocks. Must also find out his name. I'll get Pam on the job or, better still, Sue.
Another stop at the Centre without success then, going home for a drink before sallying forth again for Committee Road.
At 6.30.the light was appalling, more like dusk than a spring evening usually is at that time. We drove Committee slowly, seeing no birds at all until the feeders at the last house at the Sollas end, which had Siskin and Goldfinch. On the return journey we met Sue and Ian and went on slowly searching the moorland all around. As we neared the west end of the road, Pam noted a raptor flying along a distant ridge. A White-tailed Eagle. We turned in order to track it. There. sitting at the side of the road was a Short-eared Owl. Waw. Where did that creep in from. A different expletive.......camera poised, a pick-up hurtled towards us and spooked the bird.
We spent the next ten minutes, in the gathering gloom, trying to photograph the owl. Stupid really but such fun - until the photos are seen. A second, paler bird joined in with the fun.
Reluctantly we drove home for a late meal.
Heavily cropped and shopped........
A few Red Deer, fed on the hillside. On what? Very slim pickings.
Heavily cropped and shopped........
BVD?
Better Views Desired. A birder's mantra taught us by a young Belgian birder who died too young.
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