Back in Argyll yesterday (Thursday) and today. Had a meeting to attend, so travelled up the night before and stayed with friends near Kilmartin. A dusk walk revealed two Toads, a calling Tawny Owl (? chick), plenty of bats and some House Sparrows roosting in the Clematis. Leaving this morning, saw a young Brown Hare plus common birds such as Pied Wagtail, Greenfinch (incl young) and Blackbird.
On the way to Campbeltown, once again struck by the colour in the waysides. Especially prominent were Monbretia, Honeysuckle, Rose bay Willow Herb, Purple Loostrife, Greater Knapweed, Ragwort and Meadowsweet.
Stopped at Westport beach (see photo above) for a few minutes to watch the Gannets feeding offshore. Noticed a tall water spout which I guess might have been from a Minke Whale.
After spending most of the day working in Campbeltown, took a drive down to the Mull of Kintyre. Weather not so good, with a howling South Westerly wind. However the coast of Antrim was easily visible (see photo). Plant life included Bog Asphodel (photo), Cotton Grass and Heathers. Few birds about except Gannets offshore and a scavenging Carrion Crow.
Back along the coast, stopped to have a look over to Sanda Island (photo). Spotted a couple of spiralling Buzzards abd a Wheatear, plus 3 pristine "Rock Doves" and plenty of House Sparrows and Swallows on the farmland.
Best sightings on the journey home were a Red breasted Merganser with 6 well-grown young, about 20 feeding Common Terns and 10 loafing auks (?Razorbills), all off Ardrishaig.