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.
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.
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.
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