28/08/24 - 01/09/24
Theo and Ewan have been planning a trip/recce to the outer isles in particular the
Uists for its fantastic birding and scenery, and we finally found time to make it
happen...
Ruff
28/08
Departing Mull that morning via Fishnish-Lochaline we ventured up to Mallaig for the
3.5hr ferry across the southern Minch, Sadly in the rain.. But this settled the sea and
not long into the trip we had our first of 3 pods of Common Dolphins and a few
Harbour Porpoises around the small Isles with a few Storm Petrels darting around.
By the time South Uist came into view we’d added Puffin and the common Auks,
Manx Shearwaters, Arctic and Great Skuas and other common seabirds to the ferry
list. On arrival into Lochboisdale Ewan quickly picked up a White-tailed Eagle (WTE),
which started being mobbed by a Peregrine! It then went and joined another WTE
high above the hill.
Checking a few sites in South Uist along the way, we headed up to our
accommodation at Carinish, N Uist.
29/08
Sadly, the weather decided not to clear. So we ventured to the west side of
Benbecula finding lots of common waders feeding on the beach, in particular the
pungent rotting seaweed! At the aptly named Stinky Bay, there was a large gull flock
feeding in the surf, and Theo quickly spotted a juvenile Sabine’s Gull feeding in the
flock, a first for Ewan! It showed well in the choppy seas allowing for some extended
views and photos. A couple of Red-throated Divers were offshore and c90
Black-tailed Godwits flew over.
We then checked a few of the flooded fields and lochs, finding a few duck species
inc Shoveler, Gadwall and Teal and our 1st 2 Ruff of the trip and several more flyovers
WTE’s.
Onto North Uist where an Imm Peregrine briefly terrorised the large wader flock in
Ardivachar bay.
Moving inland, we scoured some Moorland areas and east coast Otter habitat. The
tide was well on its way in and the hills were shrouded, sadly for our large raptors, but
as the light started to fade and rain lifted, our first Male Hen Harrier of the trip coasted
by quickly followed by a Short-eared Owl (SEO)!
30/09
We awakened to a far better day, sunny and windless, That's more like it!
We headed North for a day round North Uist with the first spot at Baleshare yielding
a few Golden Plover flocks, Kestrel and an SEO.
We next checked some east coast Otter habitat and were well rewarded with 3
Otters along a 2km stretch feeding in the calm waters!
We stopped at Langais wood for a few common passerine species before heading to
the West Coast at Loch Sandaray and Loch Paible. Here we found a family of
Whooper Swans, a scarce Hebridean breeder, and a few more common waders and
gulls.
Next was up to Balranald RSPB in the glorious sunshine. Much to Ewans delight, the
wildflowers were still in bloom, the knapweed in particular. A Juvenile Hen Harrier
was quartering the grassland.
Heading further up the West Coast in the midday sun, our thoughts turned more to
scenic spots so we headed for Bernerary and the magnificent 5km of white sands at
West Beach, which we had all to ourselves! To our surprise, 2 Porpoises were
foraging in the surf tight inshore, an unusual behaviour. Travelling around the island
we found 2 hunting SEO’s.
We headed to Lochmaddy for a bite to eat before heading up to the Committee road
in the evening light. Before we could get there, Theo spotted a male Merlin from the
van, sat on a post just away from the roadside, our first of the trip. Heading on and
as light fell we found 2 WTE, Kestrels, 2 Merlin and at least 5 SEO along the
moorland road before heading for home.
31/09
Another sunny but breezier day began with the coastal bays of Benbecula once
again quickly spotting our first Hen Harrier of the day and increase in common
waders, with a large arrival of Sanderling evident.
Heading round the freshwaters lochs of the island. Theo spotted a male Hen Harrier
before the ducks lifted, scanning the skies above he spotted a Marsh Harrier
coasting over, a scarce bird in the outer Hebrides which then started being mobbed
by a Peregrine!
Onto South Uist - Ardivachar and Aird a Mhachair were covered in waders, in
particular Bar-tailed Godwits, Sanderling and Ringed Plovers.
Passing Loch Bi and the huge Mute Swan flock there, we headed for The Range.
The island MOD site, having been closed for military activities, we hadn't been able to
visit as yet. Lots of Lapwing and Golden Plovers were feeding on the grassland and
there was a Pale-bellied Brent goose on the beach and a Great-northern Diver
offshore. Heading back, we found a large flood which held 65 pristine Black-tailed
Godwits and 4 Ruff.
A flock of Golden Plover were feeding close-ish to the road, so we pulled over to
have a look and at first glance Theo picked out a moulting Adult American Golden
Plover! Another 1st for Ewan and the first record in Scotland this autumn! It gave
great views, allowing for photos of this tricky to identify species before flying to more
distant fields.
Heading south down South Uist, we spotted 2 more Hen Harriers before heading
over the causeway and onto Eriskay to see the stunning scenery and wildflower
meadows.
On our way back north we turned our attention to Golden Eagle as we’d not checked
much habitat for this magnificent species. Our first spot at Locheynort looking over
the peaks yielded a WTE. Onto Lochsgioport, Theo was scanning the hill ground
before spotting, a large shape sat on a rocky ledge.. A distant but at last a Golden
Eagle!
Heading for home, we packed up ready for the morning ferry.
01/09
A windy day for our ferry crossing. On leaving Lochboisdale a WTE flew by to say
goodbye. Not 2km offshore the seabirds started appearing with Lots of Fulmars and
a few Manx Shearwater. 3 Sooty Shearwaters then coasted by the boat and several
Storm Petrels flashed through the waves. What was looking to be a cetacean-less
crossing changed as the water calmed on reaching the Small isles, spotting a few
Harbour Porpoises, a few pods of breaching Common Dolphins and in a fine way to
end the trip, Ewan spotted a Minke Whale surfacing a few times before heading into
Mallaig.
Sooty Shearwaters
Managing 87sp in our short break including 10 species of raptor, it was a very
successful Outer Hebridean Adventure and one we’ll be sure to revisit, hopefully with
some of you next time... watch this space.
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