16th March 2017

[BrianR]

There was not much moving N at Aird an Rùnair in a one hour sea-watch this morning (admittedly not that early in the morning). Apart from Gannets (75) there were only a few Fulmars and Kittiwakes passing through. An Iceland Gull was seen and a flock of 15 Snow Buntings. A walk along Tràigh lar and the area just inland later produced at least another two Iceland Gulls, a Glaucous Gull, my first Lesser Black-backed Gull of the year and another couple of Snow Buntings. Much later overlooking Loch nam Feithean from the side of the cemetery the American Coot put in an appearance (accompanied by a single Coot). Not in view for long and it is certainly more difficult to see now than when it first arrived back in November.

Also today Gwen reported that the long-staying Little Egret was right beside the main road/near the Grimsay south road end.

 

[Bruce]

On Barra today a nice arrival of whooper swans. 42 were on Loch an Duin and another 9 were on Loch Tangasdale. Little else of note around the island other than a handful of lesser black-backs.

 

[Hawkeye]

Other sightings of note today were as follows:-

Rubha Ardvule, South Uist
During a 3 hour sea watch this morning 279 Gannets, 55 Kittiwakes, 27 Fulmar and a Great Skua were seen, most of which were moving south.

Tiumpan Head, Isle of Lewis
An immature Glaucous Gull still present along with 3 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls

Port of Ness, Isle of Lewis
Tony Marr reports that a minimum of 12 Iceland Gulls still to be found on the cliffs.