Islay Day 2

Today started with a singing Collared Dove in Bowmore. After work, headed for Machir Bay and a walk south in the direction of Kilchiaran. Parked at Machir Bay and walked round to Kilchoman Church. Heard a Corncrake rasping in the Iris bed next to the car park access road and saw a Buzzard next to the church. Birds in (or over) the dunes behind Machir Bay included Wheatear, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Starling, Swallow, Sand Martin, Lapwing, Hooded Crow, up to two pairs of Ravens and a single Chough. Birds in the bay included a single Red breasted Merganser and two Ringed Plovers. Back at the car park the calling Corncrake had been joined by two others and a female Pheasant was shepherding a single chick. A tour of the roads around Loch Gorm produced a Stonechat, two Linnet and another Buzzard. Meanwhile, Gruinart reserve held another rasping Corncrake, a calling Cuckoo and a really good selection of wetland birds (waders and ducks). Highlights were probably a female Pintail and a Snipe. Heading back to Bowmore, a third Buzzard and a flying Cuckoo were near Lagstoban. The day ended as it began, with the Collared Doves in Bowmore Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android