After an early morning hike around some habitat near Strontian (finding Crossbill, Whinchat, Redstart, Wood Warbler, Tree Pipit, Grasshopper Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher etc), today we split forces with Eleanor staying on the Ardnamurchan with the dogs while I took a day boat trip to the Treshnish Isles. It was a cool and strong north-westerly but the sun shone all day. Eleanor notched up five Golden Eagles including two very low juveniles playing over Sanna Beach for quite some time.
On the boat we located an active pod of Common Dolphins which performed as only dolphins can! A Minke Whale was sighted briefly and some Harbour Porpoises were seen on the way back. Grey and Common Seals showed well on rocks. Common sea-birds included the fabulous Puffin plus Great Skua and Manx Shearwater. We landed on Lunga (one of the Treshnish Isles) which is where many of these sea-birds were breeding, and it was possible to watch the birds from very close range. Breeding passerines here included Twite, Wheatear and Rock Pipit.
Further efforts at finding rare mammals late in the evening didn't yield the hoped-for animals, but meant that we were out very late again!
Regards
Neil M
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| Common Dolphin |
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| Puffin |
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| Fulmar |
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| Razorbill |
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