WHAT A WONDERFUL HOBBY !

I know a bit lame on the title, but hey it's true. And with the warmer weather arriving it was a definite run out to try and capture these beautiful birds of prey as they hawked the skies for dragonflies and other flying insects.

 

A catch and eat in flight.

I certainly think that the Hobby is by far our most beautiful bird of prey arriving in the summer months, normally in time for the emergence of their main prey, the also beautiful Dragonfly.

Til next time I hope.
Paul

Western Isles Mull and Iona final part.

At last, during the last few days the Sun was rising early and keeping the light good and not too hot as to cause much heat haze. So out it was and lets see what was eventually found around the lochs. The Swallows and Sand Martins were still chasing flies as they emerged from the exposed weed, So it seemed rude not to do them again. 

The View over Loch Stridian

Sand Martin

Bridled Guillemot

Gannet

One of the species not expected to be seen was this Mink , along the coast near one of the smaller islands.

Mink.

Ringtail

Ringtail.

The Harriers were absolutely miles away, well! not exactly but might as well have been.

Short-eared Owl

Short-eared Owl

Great Skua (Bonxie)

Great Skua (Bonxie)

White-tailed Sea Eagle and Buzzard chasing!!! (record shot only)

Black-throated Diver

It did not take long for the week to go and it was then ferry across and the long overnight drive back to Shropshire, The place certainly leaves an indelible mark and calls to those that have sampled the delights to be had there. So will I go back? to darn right.

See you later I hope..
Paul

Western Isles of Mull and Iona III

After several very unsettled days, weather wise, the sun shone and the wildlife came out to play' and what wildlife there was as well. some nice and close others way off in the distance, with White-tailed sea Eagles over head to Corncrakes thirty feet away, in the open!, I know! can you believe it? and not to forget the Otters along the coast brilliant.

I know you're there.

What you up to?

Whats that?

 And not the old Dog Otter, this one was found at Loch Stridian in the south, at ease hunting but very wary

And the final thing I wanted to do was to visit Iona for a day for these little skulking blighters.

                                                              Corncrakes.

 A wonderful place to visit and see some fantastic wildlife, but one week was definitely not enough to do the place justice so recce done next year going to get booked, nice to meet another Shropshire birder whilst there .

A few more to do, Shorties and others. so see you later.

Paul