We expected the islands to be quieter to-day. It's the main changeover day for visitors and the only boat from Uig, bringing another influx, does not arrive until late afternoon. We're down to four friends, as Mike and Pat have left.
The moth trap was the best yet overnight. Eleven species of Ma
cro including one new for us, Grey Scalloped Bar. Seven species were new Uist moths for the list.
A pretty dismal looking morning, low grey overcast and poor light. After moth-ing, we set off for Loch Mhor and the chance to see Phalaropes. We got there to find Sue and Ian. already ensconced in THE lay-by. What's more, both male and female Red-necked Phalaropes were in view. Ian immediately located them for us, thank you. Rather closer than usual but well hidden in the long grasses around the edge, frequently disappearing from sight. We were patient, waiting until a final appearance found them both swimming into the comparatively open water, although further away.
The next surprise was the male taking flight, circling, before returning to land on the ready and willing, colourful, female's back. Copulation continued for several minutes before the male descended, they separated and went on feedng, pecking at surface insects in a swirl of water as they close circled their lunch.
We left for a short look at Stinky Bay where the tide was still well out, no waders to be seen.
A need for the toilet (my excuse) took us to the Hebridean Jewellery shop, where Pam and I had a toasted cheese sandwich lunch. No new bird earrings for me but Pam bought a lovely silver bangle, exactly what she wanted.
The red flag was flying at The Range which meant no entry for us. There's an exercise going on which involves shooting missiles with boats waiting offshore to practice intercepting them. Sounds like Dads Army.
We parked on the grass verge to enjoy the many dozens of Dunlin, Sanderling, Ringed Plover and Turnstone feeding on the seaweed strewn beach. About thirty Bar-tailed Godwits flew in to feed along the water's edge. All were disturbed by a boat's arrival, a tractor and trailer meeting it, the boat driven onto the trailer and all driving to the road. The beach and sky looked as though it was re-populated by a cloud of large midges.
Time to drive home. The papers are not in until 5.30 on a Saturday and the shop closes at 6 sharp. We drove Committee Road in the increasing gloom and light drizzle to fill in the time. Apart from one Short-eared Owl which I saw, one Stonechat and, two Ravens. no birds at all. I tend to ignore the Meadow Pipits - known as plankton for the raptors by Arthur Brown.
Pam joined the 15 cars waiting in the shop car park for their owners' Saturday newsprint fix before we drove home for the evening chores.
The latter included identifying to-day's grey moths. Too dark to photo them, another to-morrow job.
Here's one of yesteray's splendid female Fox moth, who had laid a heap of eggs in the tube overnight.
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