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!
Watching Hen Harrier displaying and a food pass (Carol Miller)
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.
(L to R) Mary putting her hat to use by rescuing a gosling, Heading towards Laig, Rum from Laig Bay (Maia from Eigg, Carol Miller, Carol Miller).
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
A total species count of 66 birds, including the boat trips.
Carol Miller
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