Islay Magic

With only two hours of rain in the last fortnight Islay has certainly made up for the dreadful weather that prevailed in February. Packed with newly arrived migrants and good sunshine I have had the best photography in Spring for many years.

The passage of Whimbrel continued to increase and on the 4th of May a flock of 126 was counted which must be close to the Islay record. Wheatears were everywhere and presented good photo opportunities along the roadside walls. The first Whinchats had just arrived as had the Grasshopper Warblers. Resident Stonechats had their first brood of young and looked magnificent on the gorse bushes.

Of the larger birds Ravens had young while Buzzards were just starting incubation. On one day we encountered five different hunting male Hen Harriers so hopefully  they each had females incubating eggs.

It is not just birds on Islay that attract the wildlife watcher it is the abundance of Hares, Deer, Goats, Seals and Otters that provide the spectacle. Click here for this weeks gallery.

Next week’s entry will feature Otters in abundance.