sparrowhawk

RINGING IN KILLELLAN WOODS JANUARY 22ND 2010

2011-01-26T11:33:00.000-08:00

JAMEY AND MOLLY AT CREEPY COTTAGE

Sunday the 22nd of January seen the first ringing session at Killellan woods since I began baiting the site 2 weeks ago with peanuts and various seed. It was obvious that there were a good number of birds around upon our arrival, Mostly BLUE and GREAT TITS and the odd COAL TIT which was only to be expected at this site. I was aware of the two RAVENS calling overhead and imagine that they will be nesting very shortly in the nearby quarry. BULLFINCH were also heard in the woods and a small party of SISKINS landed in the tree tops down by the car. A single MISTLE THRUSH was seen along with small numbers of BLACKBIRD. Was surprised when Blackbird were not caught as th

e apples I had laid down showed signs of being eaten but I now suspect that it could be the rabbits that are feeding on them.

Although a tape lure for GOLDCREST was running none were capture though I had heard them in the area on previous visits. Totals for the day were;

BLUE TIT - 36

GREAT TIT - 34

COAL TIT - 1

CHAFFINCH - 8

ROBIN - 1

DUNNOCK - 1

TOTAL FOR DAY 81 BIRDS

FIRST BIRD RINGED IN 2011

2011-01-15T15:15:00.000-08:00

Postings have been a long, long time absent from this blog, heres hoping 2011 will see me making a bit more of an effort to keep up regular posts. Just a short one to get me started, to report my first bird ringed for this year. A JACK SNIPE that was dazzled using the car head lights while driving with Jamey around the Moss road. Not only the first bird of 2011 but also the first time I have ringed this species. A very exciting catch.

WATERSIDE, SOUTHEND

2010-02-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

13Th February 2010

First ringing trip down to Waterside of 2010 and as usual we were made welcome by John and Margaret who do a wonderful job of feeding the birds and managing this fabulous bit of habitat around their home. I was immediately aware of the many birds using the feeders as they were all over the place and very vocal. Quickly Jamey and I put up a small 20' net at the rear of the garden and returned to the car to see what we would catch. Although pretty cold as demonstrated by the frozen pond it was a clear day with little wind although we are further sheltered as Waterside sits on the floor of Conieglen and is largely surrounded by mature trees. While waiting we visited the fore mentioned pond and although covered in ice we could still see the first clumps of frog spawn seen this year, a Sparrowhawk passed by but high and on the other side of the road and then Jamey and I seen two Great spotted woodpeckers crossing from the wood on the far side of the road down into Waterside. These have been reported as being females and at least one is in the habit of appearing on the feeders, so excitement was climbing with the hope of catching one of these uncommon Kintyre birds.

On Checking the net for the first time it was no surprise to find it full of the abundant Blue tits and a couple of Chaffinches but alas no woodpecker. A Yellowhammer was spotted on the ground in front of the net and it has been a number of years since I have had one of those in the hand. As the morning wore on the catch of Blue and Great Tits increase with lesser numbers of Chaffinch, did see a single Dipper fly low up burn followed shortly after by a Grey Wagtail. On walking around the woods on the opposite bank of the river I was amazed by the amount of blackbirds feeding amongst the leaf litter, counting 38 in the small area that I was standing and being aware that more were rising from other areas of the woodland. A single Woodcock was also flushed from one of the ditches near the woodland edge. The highlight of the day for me was the capture of a male Brambling, a new ringing species for me and a bird I have only seen on a few occasions.

The ringing totals for the day are as follows;

DUNNOCK - 1

ROBIN - 1

BLACKBIRD - 1

COAL TIT - 1

BLUE TIT 53 (including 3 retraps, one from 2005)

GREAT TIT - 31 (including 2 retraps)

CHAFFINCH - 12

BRAMBLING - 1

TOTAL 101 BIRDS

GARDEN RINGING

2010-01-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY 24TH JANUARY

I have been planning some garden ringing for a week or two now, the first of 2010, but was spurred into action this morning by the sight of the Chaffinch's massing over the stump when I first looked out the kitchen door. We usually have between a dozen and twenty of these birds attending our feeders but here was a far bigger flock than that, of between 60 and 80 birds. The weather was dry, overcast and still, almost perfect conditions for mist netting so I wasted no time in getting a 40' net set between the trees. As it turned out the net could have been sited better as the birds were showing a preference for being on the stump no matter where else seed was placed. I had hopes that these birds may possibly be from the many fennoscandia chaffinches that swell our local numbers in winter. However wing lengths in the majority of the birds pointed to a local population although a notable number of them were carrying good fat deposits, a possible indicator of a migrant flock. It was good to see the distinctive black foreheads of the males breeding plumage coming through, the winter plumage wearing away to reveal the more colourful summer one.

Later in the day I put on the Redwing tape lure which had 3 birds in the trees within 10 seconds but as last time they frustratingly stayed in the tops of the trees and didn't come near the net. A nice flock of 80+ Fieldfares passed over and some of them responded to the lure but again none near the net. The only other thrush activity was a female Blackbird that was caught and ringed. Other captures included a Great Tit and a retrapped Blue Tit which has been caught four times now in the garden since its original capture in the autumn, also a Dunnock and Greenfinch and to Molly's delight a Collared Dove. Notable by their absence was the House Sparrows with not one in the net or being seen - strange. But the day belonged to the Chaffinches with a total of 42 ringed along with singles of the other birds mentioned. 24 of the total Chaffinch ringed were male, 57% - again a figure that hints a local birds as migrant flocks in the UK are predominately male, with large numbers of females traveling further into Ireland.

TRIP AROUND TANGY

2010-01-10T11:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday 9Th January

A bit of a thaw at last, the first time in over three weeks that I have gone out in the car without having to clear the windows first. There was however a bit of an easterly breeze that was keeping the temperatures down and in fact making it seem colder at times, cloudy with the threat of rain but not really materialising. Jamey and I went for a drive without any real idea of where we were going but heading out of town on the west road. Again Lapwings were a feature, they are being seen in almost every field I look in, even one in front of the house this morning when I lifted the blinds. There were several in the fields towards the Craigs and also a small flock of 5 Greylag Geese opposite Kilmicheal. Taking the turn off for Tangy Jamey remarked that we hadn't been along this road for a while and he was right, the last time being on a swallow ringing trip in July, how time flies. Yet again Lapwings were evident and in larger numbers as we climbed towards Tangy farm, a quick estimate of 130 birds in the fields along with a flock of c.40 Golden Plover. A Pair of Raven were displaying here too and wont be too long until some of these birds will be on eggs. Nice views of a male Stonechat on the fence, showing signs of summer plumage as the winter one wears away. Several Starling flocks were also seen each with about 40-50 birds. Several Song Thrush were seen and it has been very noticeable over the last week that these birds are being seen in good numbers. I seen lots of Song Thrush a few days before in the Langa Quarry area and am unsure if this is due to a influx from the Continent or as was suggested by Rab, birds moving out of the conifer plantations in response to the cold weather. A good sized flock of wintering Chaffinch were seen near the semi derelict farm and these are definitely catchable and will keep an eye on them for the next couple of weeks. We climbed up to the wind farm and there found the road a bit treacherous as the fallen snow had frozen and a couple of times I thought the car was going to end up in a ditch. Very quite up here though I did get a glimpse of an female Black Redstart perched on the post of the entrance gate. By the time I got the camera out it was well gone and an extensive search of the area didn't find it again. As we were turning to head out of the wind farm a fox darted across the road in front of us and disappeared into the snow covered grass. We left Tangy by the north exit and headed up the road the Ballochuntuy before turning and heading back down to Campbeltown

On returning to the town we took a quick tour around the piers, again in the hunt for a white winged gull, and again in vain. However there were good numbers of Eider with a count of 86 of one pier, also seen a single Cormorant and the first summer plumaged Black Guillemot of the year, the longer days are on there way yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!!

TOWARD MaCRIGGANS POINT

2010-01-03T07:32:00.000-08:00

A very bright and sunny day today but also very cold, still patches of ice around and the threat of more snow in the next day or so. Jamey and I decided to take a walk beyond the ship yard (as it was) and down towards Macriggans point. The ground has been heavily disturbed during the laying of the new pipes and this was being taken advantage of by 3-4 Blackbirds feeding on the bare earth, I also spotted 2 Linnets and a party of 3 Greenfinches. About 30 yards out from the shore there was a group of Goldeneye, 3 females and a single male, numbers of these birds appear to be down this year and not seeing any around the piers.

Jamey and I also took some time in tracking down an unusual looking bird that was flitting between the rocks near to the sewerage plant, I had sneaking suspicions of a Black Redstart but it turned out to be a Robin , one of several feeding along the shore. Also 3 Carrion Crows were seen and a single Red Breasted Merganser (female) just offshore. A very pleasant walk though not much around in the way of birds. Before heading home we took a drive down the main pier with some bread in the hope of attracting in this years allusive first white winged gull, but again to no avail, some nice shots of Great Black Backed Gull though.

NEW YEARS DAY ON THE AROS MOSS

2010-01-01T13:51:00.000-08:00

Although not as cold as it has been this last week or so , ice and frost were still very evident early on January the first 2010. A few birds are rediscovering my newly filled feeders with half a dozen chaffinch's, robin and a pair each of blue and great tit and of course the usual house sparrows. Counted 63 Common Gull in the field behind the house and the Snipe that has been roosting in the back garden was still there.

Was late afternoon before I managed to travel to the Moss, where I seen a large Common Buzzard sitting on a post near the backs cottage, did a double take when I first noticed it, always amazed at the difference in the various Morphs recorded here, with this bird appearing very large and bulky. Also counted 14 Lapwing in the field by the Aros farm feeding alongside 4 Hooded Crow and 3 Redwing.

The Moss itself was as it always appears at this time of year, very barren and lifeless, although this is not the case and it doesn't take much looking to discover just how much is still going on here, even in the depths of winter. The ground was still very water logged, though the surface has frozen solid in many places including the usual pools of water that gather under the willows and by the net rides. Between net rides two and three the water has run off the road (possibly during a thaw) and then frozen again in a broad strip about 4 yards wide. The ground is soft and muddy along the edges of this area and this is where a few birds are feeding, including Blackbird, Dunnock and Wren it is also the area where the Water Rail are congregating and I counted 3 birds here by call and managed to get a fleeting glimpse of one bird as it briefly rose into the air. Two Snipe also rose from the ground. Other signs of life included lots of rabbit droppings. several fresh owl pellets which I imagine to be Long-eared owl, and several new mole hills on the roadside. There also appears to be several vole runs in the exposed grass indicating an active population.

COUNTS FOR THE AROS MOSS

Chaffinch - 7

Blue Tit - 3

Great Tit - 2

Robin - 2

Dunnock - 1

Wren - 1

Blackbird - 2

Redwing - 3

Buzzard - 1

Lapwing - 14

Water Rail - 3

Snipe - 2

Hooded Crow - 4

Raven - 1

The Laggan

2009-10-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

A day off today and luckily the torrential rain of the weekend had abated and the wind dropped leaving a very pleasant day in which to do some birding. Although I was off I had agreed to pick up Stu and Doug from the Airport so I popped into Campbeltown pier before hand to see if any winter gulls had pitched up yet, none seen but did get some interesting photos of the gulls that were there. Also seen several small flocks of Redwing passing overhead at just about every location that I was stopped at. As I stepped out of the car at the airport I was immediately aware of the Skylarks passing over in a seemingly endless stream heading South east, in just 15 minutes I counted 183 birds, and they were still moving after I had finished. Three to Four Robins also calling from the surrounding willow scrub and a single Reed Bunting was also heard calling.

After dropping the boys off in the office Molly and I headed out to the Laggan to see what was about. Again the huge numbers of Gulls were apparent with adult Herring Gulls being vastly in the majority. The heavy rain of the weekend has improved the feeding opportunities bringing worms, leather jackets etc to the surface. In the field directly behind the Strath Farm we spotted our first Whooper Swans with 3 adults but noticed a further 14 birds two fields beyond that. Also spotted 2 White-fronted Geese in the first field, the first of the year for me. We moved from here and headed to West Parkfergus and decided to check the derelict farm house here for signs of Barn owl it has been a number of years since I have checked this site and have heard recently that Barn owls had been sighted here. While walking towards the building that sits in a field of turnips a single Snipe was disturbed from amongst the plants and zig-zagged towards the base. The building is mostly filled with large circular straw bales and an ideal winter roosting site for these birds although none were seen there was fresh spray on the wooden poles to the rear of the building that would suggest a recent presence. While still walking around the building Molly was first to spot the large flock of geese in the taking to the air about 3 miles from our position. Mostly White-fronted geese and approximately 200-250 of them. While rising they also disturbed the flock of Whooper swans that we had seen earlier and these also took to the sky's. The Whooper swans flew towards us and eventually passed over us Honking loudly.

The Geese settled back down in a field some distance away and we set off to get a closer look. Skylarks were again very evident with many birds passing all the time, good numbers rising from the barley stumble that was left in some of the fields. 8 Reed Buntings were also seen along the rowan hedgerow ditches and several Meadow pipits were noted also, while Chaffinches were seen but perhaps not in the numbers I would have expected. 3 individual Buzzards were seen and a flock of 18 Hooded crow. As we approached the Geese I was able to confirm that they were indeed White-fronts and managed to get fairly close before they were spooked by a nearby quad which sent them deafeningly above us and off to yet another part of the Laggan.

Later on that day while out on my bike I counted a flock of 58 Barnacle Geese just by Drumlemble school and had wonderful close views of a Raven

lochorodale

2009-09-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

The weather today was pleasant and warm especially when the sun managed to break through the clouds, (which it did on a regular basis), the wind was light and with these promising conditions I set off for Lochorodale, a place I have passed countless times but never actually paid a visit to. On the road down I counted 139 Meadow pipits feeding in a field adjacent to Homeston farm, Meadow pipits were in evidence throughout day as groups of birds were moving all the time and seemed to be either visible or audible from what ever point I stopped at. The road to Lochorodale is a good quality forestry road and was lined on both sides with young Sitka spruce that were sporting huge pine cones. At the end of the road I came to a fairly large white house and could see the loch in the background, I met the Danish gentleman who owns the land and he gave me permission to look around when ever I wanted and told me the recent history of the loch. This is hill and forestry habitat along with the loch itself which is fairly small and quite new having only been allowed to reform about 20 years ago after being drained for sometime. The landowner states that the loch is pretty barren as far as birds are concerned with the occasional Mallard and a few Teal in the autumn.There is a substantial corner of the loch at the north end that is heavily reeded mostly with reed mace and bulrush. While I was here the landowners prediction seemed to be correct with only two mallard on the loch, however I did see a stunning male Common Darter and the first in what turned out to be a good day for Dragonflies. Was also amazed at the numbers of Bumblebees that were evident obviously making the most of last warm days of the year.

While heading back to the car I was aware of good numbers of Goldcrest calling from the conifers along with Coal and Great Tit. Chaffinches were also abundant particularly in the vicinity of the grain feeders that were place near the house, for wild pheasant apparently. Several Wrens were also calling and the watery song of the Robin was also heard from many song posts. Robins were also evident all day and obviously some sort of fall had taken place with this species. A pair of Ravens were also croaking overhead and as neared the far side of the loch a stunning male Hen Harrier cut through the low willow scrub in front of me. Also spotted a pair of ringtails about 25 minutes later at the otherside of the water. The landowner had reported a pair breeding this year and raising, he thought 3 chicks. On leaving Lochorodale house itself I headed back up the track then turned off onto another one which led me back on myself and running through the plantation parrallel to but higher up from the loch. Someway down the track I stopped when I noticed a Golden-ringed dragonfly taking flight, getting out to hopefully photograph it I found myself next of a small roadside pool that are common in these plantations. I did not see the golden-ringed again but did find a mature female Common Darter and also 2 Great Diving Beetles these impressive beasts could also be seen on the surface of the pond. Also seen a late but stunning Small Copper butterfly and Red Admiral. Very noisy and visible Grasshoppers were all around the roadsides and many congregating in the spagnum moss. As I was getting ready to leave I became aware of a loud whirring of wings at the pool side and seemingly from nowhere came 8 -12 Common Hawker Dragonflies their flying was manic and appeared to be made up of males being very aggressively territorial with many clashes and dog fights low over the water and the females trying to ovideposit while being harrased by sometimes more than two males. The males sometimes battering the females into the water in their desire to mate. This spectacle continued for over half an hour and they seemed completely oblivious to my presence and at one point I had seven of them on all sides of me at a distance of inches. After a summer of seeing very few it was a fantastic experience.

GARDEN NETTING

2009-09-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday 12Th September

Due to the previous days wonderful weather this morning dawn very still, misty and damp, perfect for doing some mist netting in the garden.

I decided to try tape luring Meadow pipits as have been noticing some numbers passing over the house on passage over the last week or so. These birds can often be observed moving in large numbers at this time of year carrying out a very visible diurnal migration particularly noticeable on coastal sites. Earlier movements mostly involve birds moving from the upland breeding grounds, but a good number of British Meadow pipits spend the winter on the Iberian peninsula. The garden is not ideal for this because of the fences, the high telephone wires and the trees. I had no doubt that the birds would come in but suspected that they would make use of these perches (above the nets) and laugh at me from on high

Not long after the nets were opened and the tape lure turned on, Mairi and I were sitting on the step when all the garden birds scattered, quickly followed by a large female Sparrowhawk that alighted briefly on one of the fence posts then off over the field and into the mist. As I suspected the tape luring was a partial success in that it attracted the meadow pipits and at one pointed I counted 43 birds on the telephone wires, but as I also thought they mostly stayed there and the total capture for the day was 9. However there were lots of other birds around and I caught the first Goldfinches in the garden and I am constantly amazed by the unringed Greenfinches that keep turning up am assuming that the original Greenfinches that were ringed earlier on were breeding near by (Greenfinches can be semi-colonial) and have since dispersed and the new ones are in the process of dispersal. Two Robins were caught and have noticed a definite movement of these birds, their winter tone to their song is now evident. The nice surprise for the day was the Lesser Redpoll that turned up in the net at the end of the day.

In total 105 birds were caught for the day with only 9 retraps they were:

House Sparrow - 46

Chaffinch - 23

Greenfinch - 13

Goldfinch - 6

Lesser Redpoll - 1

Meadow Pipit - 9

Robin - 2

Blue Tit - 2

Great Tit - 2

Starling - 1

AUTUMN IS HERE

2009-09-06T10:11:00.000-07:00

Still not getting out that much and the weather is still appalling, 40 days of rain on Skye apparently, can't be much short of that here. However still lots of birds around; a flock of around 40-50 Linnet is hanging around the fields behind the house and seem to be feeding on the seeds found within dandelion flowers. I Put a tape lure on in the garden yesterday and some birds were definitely responding to it, however the hurricane that was blowing at the time made the net very visible and full of blown, fallen leaves. I Have to say that it wasn't all bad as during the short time the net was open yesterday I caught my second Chiffchaff of the year. The Swallows in the end shed have fledged their chicks however they haven't yet left the shed, but any day now. The back field has Swallows feeding everyday in numbers up to around 60 birds, all feeding on the insects thrown up by the grazing cattle. Also counted 21 Pied Wagtails in the field yesterday, taking advantage of the same insects.

Jamey, Molly and I drove around Campbeltown Loch this afternoon, the pouring rain discouraging us from going anywhere on foot, but there were a lot of birds to be seen in the Loch. Jamey was first to see the Gannets diving, small flocks at various parts of the loch and as we drove from the Stinky hole I noticed the amount of Shags in the water and on the berthing platforms (dolphins) of the NATO jetty, a count of 328 in this area alone, but there were birds all over the South side of the loch and I took a final count (rough) of 516. The majority of these birds appeared to be feeding on the same fish the gannets were diving for. There were 11 Herons roosting at the NATO jetty and I saw the first Little Grebe of the winter also here. A quick run out to Chisken discovered a flock of 100-150 Chaffinches feeding in the recently harvested barley fields, worth keeping an eye on for possible future ringing. Also found a nice flock of 39 Meadow pipits on the doctors road. Hopefully get the right weather to be catching some of these birds soon.

A Walk Down the Pier

2009-08-29T13:48:00.000-07:00

Again the weather is showery (heavy at times) and a constant blustery wind which is leaving me feeling very house bound. However decided to break that today by taking a walk down Campbeltown pier with the camera to hone my dire photography skills. Not a lot about apart from the usual gulls and it being Saturday and no fish being landed there were not many of those. Things did get interesting though when out of nowhere a flock of about 25 Gannets turned up and were diving not too far from the head of the pier, obviously a shoal of some sort of fish as they were soon joined on the surface by 19 Shags, all of them busy fishing. The fish must have been deep as the gulls were not even attempting to catch anything although 3 Sandwich Terns did also appear to get in on the action, as did a pair of Grey Seals. Then after about 20 minutes of feeding they all seemed to disappear just as quickly as they had arrived.

Also seen 3 immature Black Guillemots between the piers and a single Rock Pipit on the net stores. A single Pied Wagtail was seen down at the ferry terminal and a flock of 9 Turnstones were also here following the tide out.

Langa Quarry

2009-08-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

A nice evenings birding after the first sunny(ish) day for quite a while, although by the time we left for Langa it was already starting to look stormy and the wind was picking up fairly quickly. On driving past Barrs farm on the way to the quarry there was a flock of 40-50 Twite at the entrance to the golf course and over the road in the kale field, with a smaller flock of about 15 birds in the quarry itself. On arrival at the quarry noticed several Sand martins still flying around and found at least two nests that were occupied by large chicks, at one point when the birds had gathered above me I was able to count 33 sand martins still on site. A flock of 18 Curlew were being very vocal and I also heard a single Lapwing though I couldn't locate it visually. Several Meadow pipits were in the central field with 22 the closest count I could get, though several more than this were present. Also counted 4 Pied wagtails amongst them. Single Song thrush seen at the back of the office portacabin. To Molly's delight a small field mouse was found under the rubber matting. Stopped at the Aros Moss on the way home and watched 30-40 Swallows coming in to roost in the reed mace by the roadside opposite Lochside. 3-4 Willow warblers also heard in the moss. On returning home we checked the swallow nest in Roley's shed wondering if she was going to lay only to be totally surprised to find not only had eggs been laid but they had hatched today, just shows a nest should be fully checked and not just assumed to be empty

Thursday 20th August 2009

2009-08-22T03:54:00.000-07:00

Today yet another wonderful example of our barbecue summer was found this morning in our back garden that was almost completely covered by water after a night of absolutely torrential rain

However the amount of water lying around seem to attract the birds and tempted me to put up the net for an hour between downpours to see what was around. I had already seen a female Grey Wagtail on the fence and also heard a number of Linnets calling from the field. A total of 14 birds were caught in a short space of time but this included a juvenile Whitethroat, a Willow Warbler and the first Robin of the year but will imagine a good few more will pass through. Oystercatchers (11) were also seen in the back field

Wednesday 19th August 2009

2009-08-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

NOT A LOT TO REPORT.......
Rain rain rain with the prospect of more rain to come, also in recovery period of a nasty flu type bug (swine?) that has had me house bound and bed ridden for a few days.
Early hours of yesterday morning just as it was getting light a flock of 25-30 swallows were feeding high above the house, not that unusual but these certainly had the air of purpose about them that point to passage birds. Also pair of calling ravens passed overhead. Molly noticed a Song thrush feeding in front of her window and there are still 2-3 Willow warblers passing through the garden. Nice flock of up to 35 Goldfinches on the wires of the field next to the house, hoping they might yet turn up in the garden.

15th August 2009

2009-08-15T01:29:00.000-07:00

Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou to Mairi and Molly for a wonderful and very happy birthday. Plunko thanks you too

I love you

xxxxx

13th and 14th of August 2009

2009-08-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

On the evening of the 13Th it was decided that with the given weather conditions and the impending poor forecast (and the not inconsiderable pressure from Molly) that tonight was the night to attempt some tape luring for Storm Petrels. The adventure began with Molly and I heading to the Second waters at about 8.30 in the evening to erect a mist net on the shore. The journey down was made pleasant by the sight of several Brown Hare's on the road, including a couple that were obviously very young. Unfortunately for this part of the evening the pleasantness ended on arrival as we were greeted by what appeared to be Scotland's entire population of midges. They were THICK, the type of thickness that meant you were breathing them in with every breath and this made putting up the net an endurance test, one that was completed in record time finishing with us running for the car, I wish I had left it with the engine running.

We left the house later in the evening at about 11.30 and we were both delighted by Mairi's decision to join us. Conditions were not looking ideal it was still pretty light outside and would likely remain so as the cloud wasn't really covering the light of the moon. Again on the road down we saw Common Toad, several Voles and Hares also a Tawny Owl on the wire just by Auchinhoan Farm. On Arrival at the Second waters we quickly opened the net and turned on the tape then headed back to the car for a coffee. Surprisingly (and thankfully) there appeared to be very few midges around.

My prediction concerning the conditions turned out to be correct and although we had the tape on for 2 hours we only caught and ringed 3 Storm Petrels, however it didn't dampen the enjoyment of the experience or the sense of adventure particularly for Molly. I loved sitting on the shore with them, below the net, with the occasional glimpse of a bat like Storm petrel as it passed overhead to have a look. It was a very still and warm evening and the fresh smell of the shore and the bracken was wonderful. On the way home we had very close views of a buck Roe Deer and when we reached home we had a quick look around the garden for Jaggy our illusive garden Hedge hog. (I'll get you next time Jaggy) We all got to bed at around 3am very happy with our efforts.

Wednesday 12th August 2009

2009-08-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

Looking out of my back door this morning I was surprised to see a Grey Heron looking back at me from just beyond the fence, we stood staring at each other for a few seconds before he slowly flapped off presumably in the direction of the backs river. I was then further very surprised to note a Lesser Whitethroat hopping from the small privet hedge onto the fence and work its way along it. Excellent views of this warbler and a very exciting first for me. Later in the day Molly and I took a walk around the Gouldrons and the shore at Machrihanish village. We Watched a Common Buzzard hanging motionless for some time in the stiff wind until it was chased by a Kestrel shouting as it swooped on the buzzard. An adult female Wheatear was also seen today and 3 Twite. As we walked onto the shore we were immediately mobbed by 15 -20 Arctic and Common Terns some carrying sand eels letting us know that they still had unfledged or dependant chicks on the colony at Big Scone, only one chick seen but appeared to be others on other side of the rock. A mixed flock of Dunlin (18) and Ringed Plover (13) was on the shore. The dunlin were amazingly tame as they busily fed on rag worm, allowing me to approach to within 5 feet of them. 2 Redshank also on the shore, along with 30-40 Common Gull and 6-9 Goldfinches were feeding on the thistle heads growing at the bus turning point.

Tuesday 11th August - Garden ringing

2009-08-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago we moved from Campbeltown itself to a cottage not far from the edge of town, nice house, nice big garden, surrounded by fields - its idyllic. Since moving in i have been attracting birds to the garden with a few feeders and other types of wildlife simply by leaving a corner of the garden untouched. The bird population is growing and there is a vast array of insects, butterfly's, bats, mice, shrews and even damselfly's that have taken up residence around our home.

This morning despite looking a bit gloomy i decided (along with molly) to open up a mist net in the garden and see what we could catch. As it turned out we only had the net open for just short of an hour before the rain came on but in this time we managed to ring 43 new birds;

3 Great tit

1 Blue tit

21 Chaffinch

1 Willow warbler

13 Greenfinch

4 House sparrow

Also this morning there were a family party of Goldfinches in the garden and i watched an adult feeding a recently fledged chick that was persistently begging on the back path, goldfinch seen on one of the feeders for the first time as well. An adult dunnock was at the back of the garden feeding under one of the small hedges, 2 Collared dove were below the feeders.

9th August 2009 - High Park and Skeroblin

2009-08-11T04:45:00.000-07:00

Today Jamey, Molly and I headed out to check on the Barn owls nest on land near the edge of town that has had a bird on four eggs since the end of April. Unfortunately this is the only active Barn owl nest that i am monitoring this year due to other commitments but hoping to remedy that for next year.

The habitat up here is mostly rough grazing and hill scrub/heather and is relatively undisturbed and is home to a rich diversity of wildlife. One of the most obvious is the herd of Sika deer which today numbered 173 in three separate herds. The stags, young and old are sticking together but the rutting season starts next month so this will change. Noted at least 7 fawns amongst the lower herd.

On reaching the Barn owl breeding site was delighted to find two chicks in the nest, the chicks were 6-7 weeks old with primary feathers showing well through the white down. Both chicks were healthy and were both ringed. There was no sign of the other eggs and its possible that these too hatched but subsequently perished or were cannibalised by parents or siblings. No signs of stored prey items.

After this we headed to Skeroblin loch which was very still and fully edged with reed mace and waterlilies. Obviously a fresh emergence of Meadow Brown butterfly taking place as many of the striking males were seen on arrival although they seem to have the knack of quickly disappearing into the lower grass levels. Very still and peaceful up here particularly at this time of the evening. Reed Buntings and Meadow pipits were calling as was a pair of Raven. 11 Mallard were on the loch - all appeared to be juvenile. Good numbers of Blue-tailed Damselfly were also seen

Jamey and molly at Skerablin