The day started bright as 14 SOC Highland members gathered on Decks 5 and 6 of the Ullapool to Stornoway ferry. The tail end of Hurricane Erin was only felt in blustery eastern winds. South-west winds for shearwaters or north west winds for petrels are more favourable sea-watching conditions in the Minch, but at least it was dry with good visibility. We started with the long-staying Viking (Glaucous x Herring) Gull in Ullapool harbour. Sailing through Loch Broom, a pair of White-tailed Eagles were perched up on hilly crags, and the first Great Skuas were showing off the Summer Isles. It was noticed that the auk numbers had mostly dispersed from July/August, but Gannets were putting on a show, along with Kittiwake as we scanned unsuccessfully for Sabine’s Gull. Fulmars were present as were the first Storm Petrels and a fine Leach’s Petrel was picked up in my scope. Arctic Skuas were chasing Kittiwakes as more petrels showed and I hoped that folk were getting onto them – it’s quite tricky to pick them up and then keep them in sight. The scope is a great asset in picking up the wee petrels at 30x magnification around 200 metres out. Some Manx Shearwaters flew 150m north and again the scope came in handy when I picked out a Great Shearwater cruising over the waves showing classic features such as pale cheeks, dark bonnet and pointed tail with white then black tip. Wings are notably long, and more pointed than Manx. I was delighted that at least Ruairidh got onto it as it moved north west. In fact, Josh and Ruairidh (our young members) were constantly scanning - young and enthusiastic; and were rewarded for their efforts in life-ticking Great Shearwater, Storm and Leach’s Petrel! Some of the group remained onboard for lunch on the top of Deck 6 and enjoyed seeing Red- and Black-throated Divers flying to and fro. By the time we returned to Ullapool we had clocked up some great birds and a total of 28 petrels (3 being Leach’s ). Grateful thanks to everyone who came and to Alister and Alex who assisted. Also to Sue and Hugh for helping me back to my vehicle. Well done Josh and Ruairidh for constantly trying - a great day out with the Highland SOC.
Thanks from your leader – Alan Macaskill
Thanks from your leader – Alan Macaskill
Josh, Ruaridh and Alan (Mary Galloway)
RSS Feed
