• When here in the Outer Hebrides and looking at a bird, have you ever wondered how rare it is? The status of all species can vary enormously from island to island. How rare is Shoveler on Barra, has Stock Dove been seen on Harris, does Dotterel occur on Benbecula in the autumn, and how common is Blue Tit on North Uist? Well, fret no longer! The Status and Distribution of birds here on the Outer Hebrides has been completely updated and summarised for every species and each of the main islands and outliers. Available as an online resource at https://status.outerhebrides-birdreports.org/ or via our shop

    New - now available as an ebook

Local Rarity 12th October 2017

Hawkeye

Eyes and Ears Everywhere
Loch Grogary, North Uist
The drake *American Wigeon* was still on the loch today

Ruhba Ardvule, South Uist
A 2.5 hour seawatch this morning produced 1 Eider (S), 1 Red-breasted Merganser (S), 16 Great Northern Divers (S), 51 Gannets (46S 5N), 79 Snipe (S - on off the sea), 1 Arctic Tern (N), 2 Razorbills (S), 1 auk sp (S), and a Snow Bunting (N). A Swallow was also in the area.

Ness Area
News from Tony Marr
Wednesday 11 October

Butt of Lewis
Snow Bunting – 3 near lighthouse
Loch Stiapavat
Ruff – 5
Black-tailed Godwit – 1
Port of Ness
Arctic Tern – adult off the harbour
Blackcap – male in gardens

Thursday 12 October
Barnacle Geese - a total of 1,300 in numerous flocks (max. 100) arrived from the sea from E between (08.00) and (1720). They continued either by crossing E-W over Loch Stiapavat, or by flying up to the Butt and flying round it, and then heading on down the west coast of the island. In the morning conditions were unfavourable, with a SW F. 5-6 wind, regular heavy showers, and poor visibility.
Loch Stiapavat
Whooper Swans – 4 (am only) Ruff – one, Black-tailed Godwit – one still
Redwing – 9 at the Butt and 11 in Port of Ness
 
Top