• 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

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Hawkeye

Eyes and Ears Everywhere
Western Isles / Outer Hebrides bird sightings for today, 26th May 2019. Updated throughout the day

Bolnabadoch, Barra
The **Purple Heron** was again at Loch an Ali

Loch Branahuie, Isle of Lewis
4 Long-tailed Ducks were on the loch this morning

Aird an Runair, North Uist
Circa 65 Long-tailed and 2 Pomarine Skuas flew north mid morning while 220 Long-tailed Skuas and 5 Pomarine Skuas were reported flying north between 10:20-13:30. 40 Long-tailed Skuas over early afternoon

Druim Dubh, North Uist
A Grasshopper Warbler was seen there today

Eoligarry, Barra
A Spotted Flycatcher was in the church grounds this morning

Ruhba Ardvule, South Uist
Counting period: 06:45 - 10:05 & 15:50 - 17:50
Weather: Wind WSW F5 gust F6. Misty at times, drizzly spells. Temp 12C.

A 3+ hour seawatch this morning and 2 hours in the afternoon produced 2 Red-throated Divers (N), 2 Great Northern Divers (1S 1N), 129 Fulmars (29S 100N), 47 Manx Shearwaters (36S 11N), 433 Gannets (211S 212N), 1 Knot (N), 23 Kittwakes (14S 9N), 2 Great Skua (S), 4 Arctic Skuas (2S 2N), 6 Long-tailed Skuas (N), 2 Guillemots (N), 21 Razorbills (N), 7 Puffins (N) and 187 auk sp (17S 170N).
Also present in the area were Shoveler [male] 1, Tufted Duck 10, Arctic Tern 18, Sand Martin 8 and Wheatear 1


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Purple Heron & Spotted Flycatcher (C) and courtesy of John Hansford
 
Last edited:

BrianR

Senior Member
Only low numbers of skuas have passed during May off Aird an Runair, North Uist as the weather conditions have not been suitable to bring large numbers close inshore. This changed, however, following a dismal Saturday weather-wise when the wind backed to the W today and with moderate visibility at times. The following flew N at Aird an Runair during a seawatch between 08.25 and 15.25 hours: 120 Fulmars; 71 Manx Shearwaters; 566 Gannets; 56 Kittiwakes; 5 Arctic Skuas; a Pomarine Skua; 7 Great Skuas; and 250 Long-tailed Skuas (only 27 between 08.25 and 10.10, with all others between 10.40 and 13.30). Most passed well out but one group came over the headland.

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