Whiteout

The severe weather of December on Islay delayed the flowering of the Snowdrops but this worked to my benefit as they were at their best during our last week there. After I had taken the still photo of the Snowdrops the scene was made even better when I was using my video camera as a Roebuck walked through them only twenty foot in front of me.

During our stay we have had the worst weather we have ever had during February on Islay with only one good day. Even in poor conditions we have watched Peregrine, Kestrel, Sea Eagle, Sparrowhawk, male Hen Harriers and a pair of Golden Eagles.

Although many of the small birds have left the island the highlights have been the sheer numbers of Crossbills. Many family parties were feeding on the cones and some of the males were scarlet in colour.