The islands were home to FOUR American waders today (15th Sept 2011). On Coll I found a superb juvenile White-rumped Sandpiper at Cliad feeding with Sanderlings and a few Dunlin and the regular flock of 12 Bar-tailed Godwits. I managed to get a few horrible photos by holding the camera of my mobile phone up to the scope - my DSLR is currently out of action sadly. Meanwhile, at the same time John Bowler the RSPB warden over on Tiree was watching an adult White-rumped Sandpiper and two Pectoral Sandpipers at The Reef. John also had 34 Ruff, 12 Black-tailed Godwits and a Curlew Sandpiper on Tiree today, whilst other birds of note on Coll included the first Barnacle Geese of the autumn (16 over mid-morning) and an adult Black-throated Diver off the pier for its 3rd day.
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| White-rumped Sandpiper on Coll |
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| White-rumped Sandpiper on Tiree (John Bowler) |
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| White-rumped Sandpiper on Tiree (John Bowler) |
Both islands have neen excellent for Merlin and Hen Harrier this week, possibly due to the huge numbers of Meadow Pipits passing through. Belated news came through of a Long-eared Owl at Arnabost on Monday 12th. Apparently it fell out of the sky completely drenched in the hideous rain and winds.
Congratulations Simon and good luck with your new ventures
ReplyDeleteNeil
Mellor,
Cheshire