MID-AUGUST ON THE MACHAIR

The weather has been very odd this last few days with periods of glorious sunshine interspersed with torrential rain and strong wind. Despite the weather, wildlife watching has as ever been of great interest. The west end Hen Harriers have been seen daily, with both adults and all three fledged youngsters (1m, 2f) showing really well as they hunt the machair and the soon to be cut meadows. In fact, I really cannot remember the last day that I didn't see Hen Harrier - probably way back in late May at the start of the breeding season.

Eriskay Pony in sunlight

Cropped machair - Triticale

Red-shanked Carder

I've spent a lot of time bee-watching over the last day or two now that the red clover and knapweed are in full bloom. There has only been one sighting of Great Yellow Bumblebee but the machair has been absolutely alive with many hundreds of Red-shanked Carders. Despite its very restricted UK range it is undoubtedly the most abundant bumblebee on Coll. Approximately 20% of the individuals just now are males.

male Red-shanked Carder

Moss Carder

Northern White-tailed

Accompanying the numerous ruderarius have been many Moss Carders, and smaller numbers of Northern White-tailed, Heath and Barbut's Cuckoo Bee.




The machair still looks stunning with numerous wildflowers including swathes of clover and knapweed, as well as banks of Harebells and the dainty Grass of Parnassus.

Grass of Parnassus

Harebell



Red Clover and Moss Carder Bee