Flexibility is the name of the game for these Thursday (French Jeudi – no, it’s actually Jove’s Day) outings where the destination is decided on the day by the Leader based on the most recent sightings, weather and tides. So eight of us met at Inverness Retail Park with high hopes we might see a few good birds despite the conditions as, appropriately a flock of Lapwings (Avefria – “cold birds” in Spanish) flew over. Our first stop was at the old South Kessock Ferry crossing where, sadly, we were 15,008 days too late for the American Black Duck. Undismayed, our attention was caught by the wonderful sight of flocks of Long-tailed Ducks flying in from the east and sitting bobbing on the waves. This is a regular sight here in winter but 75 was a good count. Unusually, this is one of the few birds whose winter plumage is more attractive than its breeding dress but perhaps not to Mrs LT Duck!

​We then walked through the nearby woods to get out of the bitter wind and saw a variety of common woodland birds, including a couple of Treecreepers, before we emerged at the pools of Merkinch Local Nature Reserve. A sizeable flock of Redshanks were at the high tide roost here along with three frosty-looking Greenshanks – singletons of the latter are the norm here so this was a notable record. The expected Wigeons and Teals were admired here and at least eight Little Grebes played hide and seek on and under the water. Some time was spent trying to find the regular Kingfisher but it was better at children’s games than the Little Grebes and we had to admit defeat. We then had a quick look at the Caledonian Canal but considered that, with the last sighting on 5 February 2020 (1387 days ago) we were probably too late for the American Wigeon!
Our next stop was further east at Milton of Culloden where the trees offered some shelter from the wind and rain. With the tide receding there were good numbers of gulls, waders and dabbling ducks, including a fine male Pintail. Craig’s call of a Great Crested Grebe was a good one considering he found it using binoculars and it took some of us quite some time to locate it, using powerful telescopes. This is a rare bird in Highland although this individual has wintered here for several years. Alex’s promise of Tree Sparrows here was, sadly, unfulfilled and, indeed, we saw no sparrows of any kind all day.

Continuing east, we looked from Alturlie Point towards Castle Stuart where we quickly found Shelducks but a distant pair of Light-bellied Brent Geese were more difficult to spot – “They’re in line with the yellow digger.” “I can’t find them.” “The yellow digger down from the poly-tunnels” “I still can’t find them.” “Ah, there’s two yellow diggers!” It’s tricky giving directions whilst looking through a telescope with its very narrow field of view is my defence. A soaring Red Kite (now common)  and a Kestrel (now not so common) were easier to connect with and, at last, a pair of Magpies gave us joy.
Alturlie Pools are fairly dependable for producing the odd good bird and a fine, male Shoveler was today’s highlight although a couple of Goldcrests feeding on a nearby bare tree were equally appreciated. We drove slowly along the road by the Alturlie shore where one carload enjoyed good views of a Stonechat, sadly missed by the leading vehicle, probably because the bird was so close. With the light fading we didn’t bother looking for the Lesser Scaup there, last sighted 2,044 days ago. Perhaps we should have but we did enjoy a great day’s birding with a groovy total of 59 species despite poor weather. Why don’t you join us on our next outing and enjoy some sociable birding with friendly experts?

Pete Gordon

Trip to Tarbat Ness Saturday 7 October
 
Around 15 people expressed an interest in attending the trip to Tarbat Ness. As the date got closer it became obvious that the weather was against us with rain and gale force winds forecast all day so it was cancelled.
 
As an alternative, a shorter visit to the hide at Udale on the same day was offered. It was not worth some people attending who had to travel a distance but in the end a  small group of four people attended.
 
As we arrived there was a short break in the weather that we took advantage of to visit Jemimaville. There were good numbers of Scaups (325), many close inshore as well as Wigeons, Mallards and a flock of Knots.  Unfortunately, we did not see any Slavonian Grebes or divers offshore.
 
As the rain returned we retreated to the bird hide at Udale. On the rising tide we had good views of Oystercatcher, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Knot and Dunlin. The highlight was a small flock of Golden Plovers. Mallard, Wigeon and Teal were seen. On the saltmarsh there were Pied Wagtails and Starlings.
 
There were many hundreds of Pink-footed Geese with the fields around Kirkmichael a mass of grey where they were densely packed. Among them were a few Greylag and Canada Geese but no other species were picked out.
 
The tides were neaps so the tide did not bring the birds as close to the hide as we had hoped. As the light started to fade we called it a day.
 
A total of 26 species were seen. Thanks to Alex, Paul and Fiona for coming.
 
Alister Clunas
 ​

Sooty Shearwater (copyright Phil Wilson)

 
This trip was planned originally for Thursday 21 September but a poor forecast and the likely disruption of the ferry service led to its postponement. Five people came on the trip on Saturday 23rd September and we arrived at the Calmac upstairs waiting room to be greeted by the “Viking” Gull in the harbour below us that appears to be resident in Ullapool. It had to be a good omen. A “Viking” Gull is a hybrid between a Herring and a Glaucous Gull. Could we count both species for the trip?

 On the outward journey highlights were:
 White-tailed Eagle
Arctic Skua 2 dark phase and 3 pale phase
Great Skua 1
Sooty Shearwater 50+
and a few Storm Petrels.

The Saturday trip meant we had longer in Stornoway to enjoy a pleasant lunch at An Lanntair, the Arts Centre in Stornoway.​

 
The return journey turned up:
Sooty Shearwater 90+
Manx Shearwater 3
Storm Petrel 1
Great Skua 4
 
It was a great trip for cetaceans with Harbour Porpoise, Common Dolphin and at least six Minke Whales.
 
Only 26 bird species were seen but it was quality not quantity.
 
Alister, Lesley, Phil, Michael and Sally.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

COn the first day of Storm Babet, Alex Joss led an intrepid band of three birders on our Thursday outing (Phil, Hugh and Sue). We met at the usual spot in Inverness and headed to the sheltered bays of Milton of Culloden, where a group of 10 or more Tree Sparrows were in the bushes along the road, and Allanfearn Sewage Works, where large flocks of Wigeons were spotted at the water’s edge. The tide was well out, but we scanned the foreshore for a while, just glad to be outdoors. Driving on to Alturlie Point, most sensible birds were sheltering elsewhere. We checked out Alturlie Pools where our ‘extra’ was a female Shoveler.
 
On to Strathpeffer and the lochs at Kinellan, heavily populated with a walking group, but few birds other than Tufted Ducks and Little Grebes and no signs of the hoped-for Brambling at Nether Kinellan. Again, all seemed to be lying low.
 
We took a circular walk up the windswept reaches of Dingwall Canal, already full of water being pushed up by the wind, even though high tide was not for another 3 hours! We checked out the more sheltered inland waters for Kingfisher, but nothing to be seen today other than a small flock of Redwing devouring the holly berries at the Park. On our return to the point, a large brown bird, together with a group of corvids, flew low overhead . . . we looked at each other in disbelief for a moment . . . ‘what was that?. It was big . . . a juvenile White-tailed Eagle’ went up the cry! Well, there was one for the list that Alex didn’t expect - it certainly made up for the lack of Ruddy Shelduck that he was hoping to see again. We continued trying to identify birds sheltering in the north-west corner of the Firth, but we were too low down and the vegetation was too tall to see anything other than the odd head sticking up. We headed back to the cars as heavy rain started to drive into our faces, and just made it in good time!
 
A delightful day out in exhilarating circumstances and weather. We managed to total 53 species with which we were all well pleased.
lick here to edit.

​On a fine sunny morning 13 members met at North Kessock whilst others joined further north.  Our first port of call was Tain Links where the tide was just going out. A single Osprey was admired catching a flatfish, followed by several more successful fishing Ospreys, 4 in total. Bar- and Black-tailed godwits joined good numbers of Oystercatchers and Redshank. Wigeon numbers are building up here, and 5 Shoveler and a flock of Pintails joined the common wildfowl and Shelducks. Pied Wagtails and Swallows were busy feeding.
We crossed the Dornoch bridge into Sutherland, and our next stop was the Embo playing fields at southern end of Coul Links. It was already hot, with a warm west wind, comfortable for everyone, but not the right conditions here for warblers and other migrants.  Migration can be pretty good in easterly winds and overnight rain! 

​

​But, not one to knock beautiful sunshine we moved to the pier at Embo, after hearing Blackcap, Chiffchaff and enjoying brief views of Sedge Warbler.
Embo was very busy with folk. Some good birds were showing well, including a flock of 30+ Knots on the rocks (with some beautifully marked juveniles), Turnstones, Ringed Plovers and Redshanks. Eiders, Guillemots and Razorbills were joined by Shags, Gannets and Cormorants, and a nice looking 1st-winter Black Guillemot. Flying by were 3 Red-throated Divers, Common Scoters, a Sandwich Tern and Swallows. Not bad for a quiet day, and poor sea watching conditions. Everyone enjoyed the relaxed pace, warm t-shirt conditions and great views of all the seabirds. 

We moved to Loch Fleet for lunch and it was already 2pm!
​
The sandbars were full of Grey Seals, and Greenshanks were accompanied by a big gathering of Sandwich Terns, c200 present. They attracted a pale phase Arctic Skua, and later, a juvenile Pomarine Skua landed on the sandbar giving great views. Flocks of Grey geese, Mergansers and Goosander were present and more Bar-tailed Godwits.
We were all reluctant to make a move from this beautiful spot after enjoying lunch, but time was moving on so round to The Mound, nothing much happening here, but Raven, House Martin, Kestrel, Buzzard and Red Kite were seen. Returning south we called in again at Embo, for much the same cast. Although we missed out on a few birds, like the juvenile Little gull, Ruff,or shearwaters due to calm sunny conditions it was a good day , and I am very grateful for everyone who made the effort to turn up, and pleased that everyone enjoyed the day and company.
AlanMcAskill

 
Five of us (including Alex our leader) managed to awake early and join forces at Maryburgh at 0500 on a dry, calm, albeit overcast day for our annual Dawn Chorus.    Our stops began with exploring the scrubby and woodland area near the mouth of the river Conon.  Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler were picked up in the scrub as was a brief song of a Garden Warbler which competed with several Blackcaps.  For anyone who is uncertain of, or wishes to, improve bird song identification – a suggestion is to download the free app MERLIN by Cornell University on to your smartphone.  About 98% accurate, it will identify birds in song at your location, can be saved and listened to again. 

The woodland was full of song and it was more a case of listening whilst some managed to spot birds in the leafy canopy.  Usual woodland birds were added to the list.   A Common Sandpiper flew down the river on our return walk, whilst a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were spotted.   We then stopped at Brahan estate, a wonderful area of mature trees and a small pond.  The faint call of a Spotted Flycatcher was heard as we parked the cars but it was elusive.   The pond had Tufted Ducks, Little Grebe, Moorhen, a pair of Reed Buntings whilst the woodland area gave us Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker, tits, Treecreeper, Blackbird and Song Thrush and on our way out we heard and saw the display flight of Tree Pipit.  On to Easter Moy, over the rickety bridge into the area where the Sedge and Garden Warblers were in full song.  One Garden Warbler kindly sat near the top of a tree, in full song, in the sunshine – Dave Barnett managed to get a good photo.   There was also a ‘maybe’ Whinchat but not confirmed.   Time was marching on – so off to Achilty oakwoods.   All was fairly quiet but we walked up the track listening for Wood Warbler.  These are delightful birds whose enthusiasm when singing is wonderful -  the bird almost falls off the branch with its trilling!  Eventually a distant one was heard, which came closer but could not be spotted. As we returned to the cars one began its song fairly close by but still wouldn’t show itself.   The morning ended with bacon rolls at Tarvie Filling Station.
Many thanks for Alex for leading us. 
Total 50 species.

It was a truly glorious day on the west coast as 16 SOC members set out from Arisaig on the Sheerwater, a passenger ferry to the Small Isles. The crossing was quite calm and we had good views of Black Guillemot and Great Northern Divers in summer plumage. 1 distant Manx Shearwater was seen and 1 equally distant Gannet. Apart from seals, cetaceans were disappointingly hard to find, although a porpoise was spotted by some.
As we approached Eigg, Common/Arctic Terns were seen as well as both Cormorant and Shag and 2 Great Skuas. After only an hour, 15 disembarked onto the pier at Eigg, 1 person continuing onto Muck for a few quiet hours walking and birdwatching. We were met at the pier by Norah Barnes, SWT Ranger on Eigg and John ‘Bird’ Chester, previous ranger and long term resident on the island. Charlie the bus transported us up the road towards Laig where we stopped and walked into a planted wooded area which is being transformed by clearing exotics, encouraging native trees to regenerate and also planting native species. The party split here, some taking a footpath down towards Laig whilst others returned to the minibus to continue their journey to Laig by bus.
We hadn’t walked far when a ragged White-tailed Eagle flew above us chased by an intrepid Sparrowhawk. The raptor bonanza had only just begun! Also in the air was a Golden Eagle, at least 3 Sparrowhawks and an unidentified falcon, probably Kestrel. We were then treated to a wonderfully prolonged display by a pair of Hen Harriers, including an aerial food pass by the male bird. What a joyous sight!

Dragging ourselves away, we continued on to the wee lochan where we had lovely views of Little Grebe parents with chicks and the views across the Sound of Rum to Rum were exceptional. We joined the rest of our party for lunch above the beach at Laig using Norah’s scope to view some Red-throated Divers in the sound. Orca had been spotted from here a few days ago, but not today.

Reluctantly, time was against us, and we had to head off on the return journey. Nice views of Sand Martin and a Sedge warbler, but the Grasshopper Warbler seen earlier by the bus group did not reappear. We walked back along the road to Galmisdale picking up species on the way. Back at the pier in time for the return ferry to Arisaig, we had all experienced a magical 5 hours on the Isle of Eigg, and our sincere thanks go to Norah and John for sharing their island so generously with us, and for answering our endless questions about the wildlife and about life on the island. The day just whetted our appetites for more, and many are already planning a return visit!
A total species count of 66 birds, including the boat trips.
Carol Miller
 

Overlooking Insh Marshes with Thijs Claes, Curlew Life Project Leader
 

This blog is as much about the information imparted to us as about the birds seen and heard.
 
A group of 4 met at RSPB Inshes Car Park on a rather dreich day where Pete Moore, recently retired warden, introduced us to the reserve. He had also kindly arranged for Thijs Claes, Curlew Life Project Officer, to introduce the work that he and his team are undertaking.
 
Thijs had set up his scope on a Curlew nest that was being observed with a camera and  showed us the equipment he uses to weigh and measure the eggs.  He explained that the area is one of the best sites for breeding Curlew in Scotland. Curlew Life is hoping to increase the population by providing suitable habitats for Curlew to nest and rear their chicks by making the marsh more diverse. There are five priority landscapes for Curlew Life with Insh Marshes being the only one in Scotland, the aim being to create a ‘centre of excellence for curlew conservation’. It is a 4 year project being managed by the RSPB with support from the EU LIFE programme. 
 
Insh Marshes is an area of 1000 hectares of wetland which is one of the least modified in Europe. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation supporting breeding waders including Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank and Snipe. All these species were initially observed from the marshes looking towards Ruthven Barracks, along with Oystercatcher.
 
From the car park we observed Robin, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Pheasant, Sparrowhawk and Jackdaw
 
We then walked to the Gordonhall Hide to allow for closer views of the marsh which allowed for excellent views of a male Hen Harrier quartering the area directly in front of us and flushing other birds.
 
Other wildfowl observed were a resplendent male Shoveler, Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, Greylag and Canada Geese
 
Pete suggested walking along one of the nature trails from the Lookout hide with an aspen woodland. Discussion was had about how aspen trees propagate and we were fortunate to see aspen flowering, possibly due to the hot summer last year. Aspen trees are important for the insects they support, such as the aspen hoverfly and the dark bordered beauty moth. We saw nesting Starlings using the deadwood cavities. The older trees may be covered in lichen which can give the trunk a black appearance and have lenticels attached
 
Then we wandered some of the Lynachlaggan Trail until we reached a clearing overlooking the marsh with a picnic table and stopped for a brew and another scan of the area. Whilst there we saw Mute Swan, Buzzard, Lesser Redpoll, Coal, Blue and Great Tits along with Wren, Song and Mistle Thrushes. Sand Martins and Swallow were hawking over the reeds. We were fortunate to have another excellent view of the male Hen Harrier. We also saw Konik ponies, borrowed from Strathbeg, and used to keep the marsh in good condition as they can graze where it is too wet for livestock.
 
Our final stop was at Loch Insh to view the Osprey on its nest and where we also saw Goldeneye.
 
An excellent, informative outing which finished at 2.30pm with 43 species seen.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Eleven members met at Slackbuie on a balmy April morning – no Culloden weather today with hailstones stinging our faces, thankfully sunshine!  After organisation of cars and parking (sorry folks) we set off up the Essich Brae and turned on to the Bunachton road that leads to Dunlichity through the western part of Leys estate, moorland, bogs, heathland and Caledonian forest, the remains of the Clack Fold of Leys.  Curlew, Red Kite, a Red Grouse, Stonechat and Meadow Pipits were showing and an Osprey was mobbed by a Buzzard and then flew over towards Loch Bunachton, where Song Thrush, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler showed.
After a quick stop at Dunlichity kirk, picking up Treecreepers, Mistle Thrushes and Kestrel, it was on to Brin rock where Raven and Peregrine tiercel obliged, and Carol got the falcon perched on a crag for everyone to enjoy, lit up in her scope.  Round to Loch Ruthven, past local Greylag Geese, there were Black-headed and Common Gulls, and Anne pointed out 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls in the field.  At the bay area by Ray’s seat, Red-throated Divers were showing in summer plumage as were Slavonian Grebes.
At one point I was looking at two Red-throated Divers and 3 grebes when a Common Sandpiper flew in front of the scope.   It pitched into the bottle sedge where Pied Wagtails, Teal and Dabchick were feeding. It became elusive but Craig and Sue saw it bobbing about.  Craig also picked up several drake Red-breasted Mergansers displaying on the loch.  No Osprey materialized, but a whole day can be spent in the hide here, and patience can be rewarded by Osprey fishing and Slavonian Grebes displaying in front of the hide, flyby Hen Harrier or Black Grouse on the hillside.  I have also seen Grasshopper Warbler in the bog myrtle, and a few years back a summer plumage Bonaparte’s Gull was frequenting the bay.

Anyway, time was pressing and - to cut to the chase – we went over to Strathdearn whilst the sun was out, for raptors and hoped-for Ring Ouzel.
Leaving Loch Ruthven and driving to Loch Farr through Drumlea we picked up common birds – Blackbirds, Blue and Great Tit and Yellowhammers. Heading up from Gaick to Kyllachy with David skilfully driving, spotting Red Grouse (male and female together), showing you can’t buy experience! I called several pairs of Wheatears that everyone thankfully saw well, and at 2066ft around Carnglac an Eich a surprise wee group of wagtails flying into the gorge, one obligingly perched on crash barrier – a migrating White Wagtail.
At the old stone bridge where the Kyllachy burn enters the Findhorn river, my good friend and companion birder, Blair Whyte was waiting for us at the pull-in and birding picked up a pace, despite clouding over and rain threatening.   The fields were full of waders, displaying Lapwings, Redshanks, Oystercatchers, Golden Plover, drumming Snipe and Curlews. Overhead, Sand Martins, Kestrel, Buzzards, Sparrowhawks were enjoyed whilst the group had lunch.  A nice mix of folk, young Josh Allan reminding me of YOC days, and how the years fly by!
Looking towards Carn Phris Mhoir I picked up a distant White-tailed Eagle that unfortunately disappeared behind the carn, but Blair also got it in the scope and we agreed a juvenile, no white showing.  More raptors and Ravens came over, Red-legged Partridge showed, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was in the Scots pines with Greenfinch and Siskins, then the sun came back out!
Heading up the strath to the bridge at Glen Mazeran, a Swallow was perched on a wire after its long flight.  We searched in vain for Dipper, but Grey Wagtail, Peregrine, Red Kites, female Sparrowhawk put on a show and Dave called a pair of Goosander moving up the river.  Carol and I got on to a small raptor and a little further upriver it reappeared hunting the heather scree slopes at Carn Caol.  Merlin!    At the top carpark it was pleasantly warm for a change.  Buzzard, number 30+, appeared and Ravens flew into their nest, feeding fully grown chicks.
We decided to walk up towards Coignascallan and check out the southern facing moss and scree slopes and boulders, so much favoured by Ring Ouzel, but none showed.  Previous success I’ve had here included a pair with 3 juveniles in late July, and adult male feeding on the lawns at the stalker’s cottage!  To be honest, you can spend a day just searching these hillsides for mountain blackbirds.  And for many years I have done … but gone are the days in the 70s and 80s when they were all about Inverness straths at Brin, Dunlichity, Duntelchaig and Farr with SOC trips led by Roy Dennis.
Walking back to the carpark a pair of Peregrine Falcons put on a show, then a distant Goldie over the plateau at Carn Caol got closer and did skydancing with golden ball dives, putting on a brilliant show for everyone.  As it came even closer, the underwing and tail showing white, the golden head visible, we concluded that it was probably a 2/3 calendar year bird, as is often the case in this range.  Excellent finish – the cherry on the cake – we said our goodbyes and heading home via Garbole road to Inverarnie, a Grey Heron flew over the Nairn river.  Back through the Leys moor (3200 acres) and grateful thanks to all, Dave dropped me at Balvonie of Leys, where in the evening twilight I felt joy to have shared a wonderful spring day with fellow birders;  and as I watched a Kestrel hovering over the old byre, a badger sauntered into the garden for his oatmeal,  long-eared and pipistrele bats hawking the hedges, I felt privileged to live in one of the best areas in the UK.
C65+ species including 9 raptors and 8 spring migrants.  Also seen - common frog, common toad, red deer, brown hare and mountain hare.
Alan Macaskill et al
 

Good company (12 including three from the west), good birds (64 in total), good weather (4 seasons in the day).
We met at the rather unsalubrious recycling area of Lochcarron.  But whilst the parking left much to be desired, the birding from the shore exceeded our expectations despite a very high tide.  The west coast contingent (Bob McMillan our leader, Neil Bennett and Mick Watts) were delighted to see Sanderling (unusual in this area), and we all notched up shore birds, passerines, ducks, and a distant Golden Eagle.  As we returned to our cars, a keen eyed participant spotted a Sea Eagle sitting further down the loch.   So parking in the village we all had great views of a pair resting close together on an islet.  (Later on our return journey the WTs had gone, but the islet now held about 20 Common Gulls.)   Loch Kishorn was ‘scoped – since the clean up for the fish farms this is, sadly, no longer a hot spot for rare gulls.  However, species were added to the list.

Searching hard.

​Stopping half way up the Bealach na Ba in the cold east wind and rain (season 2) we listened for an early Ring Ouzel  but none were forthcoming.  The mist began to creep down the hillside and as we reached the top and pulled in opposite the track to the mast, the rains began in earnest.  Fortunately it was coffee time and after a short interlude, the mist cleared slightly and the rains eased somewhat.  Most of us decided to attempt the climb despite the icy wind and were rewarded by seeing a pair of Ptarmigan sheltering in the rocky scree – these were called to our attention by our newest member, Paul.  One was mainly white (female), the other more mottled (male) and distant photos were taken by Neil Bennett.  We returned to the cars where Golden Plover had been heard earlier.  By now it was season 3  – the skies were clearing and we were afforded distant views of Skye emerging from the mist. 

Ptarmigan (Neil Bennett)

Parking in the village of Applecross we scanned the loch.  3 types of divers, eiders, a lone Black Guillemot, Goldeneye, 3 LBBgulls but again no white-winged gulls.   Another shore and still no Greenshank but a Golden Eagle was spotted over the distant hillside.  The sun came out, and it was quite warm (season 4). The three from the west decided they were ready to return home, so the rest of us went to park at the Walled Garden and had a productive hour walking a circle through woodland (usual woodland species all in spring song), by the river (no Dipper or Grey Wagtail) and down to the shore.   Once more we had long views of a Golden Eagle drifting in the blue sky and sunshine whilst a Treecreeper fed up and down a nearby tree.  Redwings were feeding on the wet fields with Mistle Thrushes and our first and only Carrion Crow.  A flock of Meadow Pipits took flight.
Time marched on and we departed homewards – some around to Sheildaig and Torridon (a Gannet was seen), others to return via Lochcarron.   An excellent day and extra good to meet up with members from Balmacara and Skye. Our thanks especially to Bob who suggested and led the trip.